SWAP Access to Nursing

Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP) give opportunities to adults returning to study after a period away from education. These courses are specifically designed for adult returners who do not have the necessary qualifications to gain a place on an HN or a degree course at university.

Successful completion of this programme will give you an opportunity to apply for Nursing at several Universities in Scotland. Adults with few or no qualifications will be considered. 

This course has varied content with an emphasis on preparing students to transition on University or HNC.

  • Communications
  • Numeracy and ICT
  • Health Care units and Human Biology 

  • Employment opportunties with Health Care and Social Care settings 

Undergraduate degree programmes in Adult Nursing; Mental Health Nursing; Child Nursing; Learning Disabilities Nursing. As well as Paramedic Sciences. These are with partner Universities, for more information please access SWAP | Higher Education for Mature Students | East (scottishwideraccess.org

Progression can also include: HNC Social Services or HNC Health Care Practice

Adult returners with few or no formal qualifications will be considered. Applicants must have been out of f/time education for at least 3 years (for those whose highest qualification is level 5) or 5 years (for those who have Highers or other level 6 qualifications). Recent level 5 study may not preclude you from being eligible. Click here for full information on SWAP eligibility criteria. Is SWAP for me? You can also contact the SWAP office for advice if you are unsure of your eligibility swap.east@ed.ac.uk

Applications should include a stong personal statement which focus's on why the applicant wants to complete this course and their proposed career goals. The selection process will be by individual applicant interview 

For more information on SWAP and progression opportunities

SWAP’s website

SWAP East’s degree search

Further advice for full-time applicants:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 6

Apply for this course
Location

Stirling Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 6

Apply for this course