Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP)

The SWAP Access Course can offer a way forward and an entry point back into studying for adult learners from widening participation backgrounds. The programmes are specifically designed for adults who are returning to education after a gap, and who have the motivation and ability to go on to study at university or for a higher level qualification at college.  Since SWAP began in 1989, thousands of people have successfully returned to education via our access programmes. For many, SWAP is the first step in a life-changing and life-enhancing educational journey. 

SWAP provides a full-time, one year access programmes across a range of subject areas. This includes programmes relating to science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, education, languages, business, law, social work, nursing, allied health professions, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Programmes are run in and by partner colleges across Scotland.  Successful completion of a SWAP access programme enables students to progress to a range of degrees at SWAP partner universities.   

For adult learners with few or no formal qualifications from a widening participation background, that have been out of full-time education for some years. SWAP is a partnership between colleges and universities in Scotland that work together to support access to higher education for adult learners. Made up of two regional hubs: SWAP East covers arrangements between colleges and universities in Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, while SWAP West covers those in Glasgow and the west of Scotland. The University of Edinburgh is a founding member of SWAP since the programme launched in 1989.