Humanities - Geography: Access

Smiling lecturer interacts closely with two students during a class at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Qualification

Access

Study Mode

Full Time

Duration

1 Year - 3.5 Days p/w

Start date

Aug 2026

Campus

Springburn, Easterhouse

Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Rediscover learning and open the door to new university and career opportunities through studying people, places and the environment.

This SWAP Access to Humanities (Geography) course is designed for adults seeking to return to study and progress to university, but without the formal qualifications. It offers a supportive, structured route back into education — helping you rebuild academic confidence, strengthen analytical skills, and explore how the world around us is shaped by natural, social and economic forces.

You’ll engage with themes of environment, globalisation, place-making, society and change, while developing the study, research and communication skills necessary for higher education.

As part of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), this course provides recognised progression routes to universities and degree-level study.

Successful completion of this course provides recognised entry routes to partner universities, including:

University of Glasgow
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
University of the West of Scotland (UWS)
University of Stirling

This course is ideal for you if:

You have been out of full-time education for at least three years.
You want to progress to university study in Humanities or Social Sciences.
You are motivated to develop academic confidence and independent learning skills.
You’re interested in subjects such as teaching, psychology, social work, law, history, or politics.

What you will learn

You’ll study a range of engaging and thought-provoking subjects, including:

Psychology – understanding human thought and behaviour.
Sociology and Politics – exploring society, power, and how change happens.
History and Philosophy – learning from the past and thinking critically about ideas.
Communications and Literature (Higher level) – improving written and verbal skills for university.
Mathematics (National 5 Applications) – strengthening numeracy and problem-solving skills.
Preparation for Higher Education – developing ICT, academic writing, and research skills.

Assessment is continuous throughout the year, using essays, reports, class discussions, and presentations instead of final exams.

Nicole Campbell shares how the Access to Humanities course helped her move from an unfulfilling job to studying primary education.

Listen to our former students (Sofia, Nicole, and Thomas) talk about their experiences on the SWAP Access to Humanities programme.

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ No formal qualifications are required.

✅ You must have been out of full-time education for at least three years.

✅ You should have good communication skills, which may be assessed during the application process.

When applying, please include in your personal statement:

Your future goal (career or university subject).
Your skills and personal qualities that will help you succeed.
Any challenges you might face returning to study and how you’ll manage them.
The title of a recent book you’ve read and what you learned from it.

If shortlisted, you’ll complete a short written task and be invited for an informal on-campus discussion.

🚫 Please note: This course is not open to recent school leavers (those in full-time education within the last three years). If unsure, you can contact SWAPWest directly via www.scottishwideraccess.org or email Amy Angus at aangus@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This course provides an excellent foundation for university and beyond. Graduates often progress to roles such as:

🌍 Environmental or Sustainability Assistant

📊 Data or GIS Technician

💡 Urban or Regional Planning Support Officer

🌱 Community or Environmental Development Worker

🧭 Tourism or Heritage Field Assistant

Future prospects

Successful completion of this SWAP Access to Humanities (Geography) course can lead to university study in:

Geography, Environmental Science, or Earth Science
Urban Studies, Regional Planning or Sustainability Studies
Social Sciences or Humanities degrees with a spatial or global focus
Business, Policy or Management courses which include environmental and geographical contexts

Graduates embark on diverse pathways into university and beyond — with destinations in research, planning, environment, education, policy and consultancy.

🎧 Thinking About Returning to Education?

Meet Thomas, Megan, and Kaitlyn — three inspiring adult learners who took the leap back into education through the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP).

In this episode, they chat with Kerry from SWAP West about their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and how SWAP supported them in moving from college to university.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change direction, this podcast is for you. Discover how SWAP helps adults gain confidence, build new skills, and open doors to fresh opportunities.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to take your next step!