Access to Higher Education Programmes for adults
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 4th July 2025
Find out more about how to get involved with SWAP (Scottish Wider Access Programmes)
Are you an adult who left school with little or no qualifications? Would you like to study an HNC or go to university and study a degree but don’t have the entry requirements? Then we might be able to help.
What is SWAPWEST
SWAP (Scottish Wider Access Programme) is a partnership of colleges and universities, established in 1987, who offer dedicated progression routes onto HNC and degree level study in the west of Scotland. Since our inception we have supported over 37,000 students across Scotland.
Our programmes are designed for adults who do not currently have qualifications for entry to higher education and have been out of education for some time.
SWAP programmes are based in local colleges and designed specifically for adults who lack the entry qualifications to get into higher education.
The purpose of SWAP
The purpose of SWAP is to encourage adults to return to education and progress to higher education. The partnership is best known for our range of approved access programmes designed specifically for adult returners across a range of disciplines:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and Life sciences
- Nursing and Allied Health Professions
- Humanities
- Social work
- Teaching, Primary Education, and Childhood Practice
- Law
- Business and Finance
- Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy.
If you’ve always wanted to study for an HNC/D or degree, but haven’t found a way to get the qualifications you need, we can help you. Visit the SWAP website at www.ScottishWiderAccess.org or get in touch with the SWAP team directly at swapwest@scottishwideraccess.org to start your learning journey.
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