Advanced Biochemical Sciences: Access
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Course overview
The SWAPWest Access to Medical Studies, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Science programme provides an entrance qualification to the University of Glasgow to study degrees in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine. In addition the programme provides progression routes to Pharmacy at Strathclyde University, Biomedicine and Oral Health at Glasgow Caledonian University and a wide range of science degrees with the University partners mentioned as well as University of the West of Scotland, Stirling University and SRUC (the Agricultural College).
It is a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) that provides positive destination routes not otherwise achievable without the normal required formal academic certification.
Candidates MUST have obtained experience in their related field of study.
Prior study of Maths, Chemistry and Biology is required due to the intense nature of the study on this SWAP programme. Applicants should detail their experience on their application form; a relevant reference detailing experience will be required prior to interview. Entry on to the programme is decided after interview(s) in partnership with the Scottish Wider Access Programme.
Prospective students must have a clear idea about the degree route or they wish to progress to when they complete the course.
Successful applicants progressing to university in health related areas will need to satisfy criteria outlined by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) Act 2007.
The programme is a lot work in terms of academic study and time however the rewards are invaluable in helping you progress in your career. It is a science based programme and will give you a strong fundamental knowledge base to start your studies at university.
The course is intensive and requires a full time commitment. It is not possible, due to the nature of the programme, to complete it on a part time basis. You must be able to commit to full time study and be aware that classes can be timetabled any time between 9-5, Monday through Friday. You should thoroughly consider if you are able to commit to a full time course in terms of finances, childcare, etc. Further information about SWAP Access courses can be found on the SWAP website
What you will learn
A wide variety of units will be covered.
Core subjects include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
Core skills including:
- Maths
- Communications
I love my college, all the staff are welcoming and super helpful. The lecturers are very professional and they try to help everyone as much as they can. The college provides funding to those who need childcare support or have financial difficulties.
I think Access Medicine is the most challenging course out of all the other Access courses and it’s heavily based on Biology, Chemistry and Maths. We also get to learn about common diseases and treatments options which is so fascinating. I would say it is a very thorough, solid course that prepares everyone for commencing a medicine degree.
Entry requirements
All candidates on the programme should have been out of education for 5 years. You should not have a HNC or degree.
This Access programme is NOT intended for recent school leavers. If you are a recent school leaver you are very welcome to apply for our NQ Steps to Science programmes.
Please note places are restricted and early application is strongly advised.
Entry to the course will be based upon a competitive review of the applications.
Appropriate work experience is very essential and should be clearly explained in your personal statement.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant career progression and be in a responsible position.
Applicants should also have recent and relevant study experience of Chemistry, Biology and Maths preferably at Higher level.
For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent)
- 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.
This Access programme is NOT intended for graduates who should contact medical schools to consider graduate entry programmes.
When you start the course we will review your academic understanding and skills to ensure you are placed on the correct programme. If you need support in particular area/s we may move you to an alternative pathway to allow you the best possible chance of success.
Career Opportunities
Careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, physiotherapy or any other life science based employment.
Future prospects
BDS Dentistry, MBChB Medicine, BVMS Veterinary Medicine all at the University of Glasgow, M.Pharm Pharmacy at the University of Strathclyde, BSc Clinical Physics at the University of the West of Scotland or Biomedicine and Oral Health at Glasgow Caledonian University. Medical degrees at Edinburgh and Aberdeen university are now accessible through this SWAP course as well.
Can also lead to any Degree, HND or HNC courses in Biological, Environmental Health and Life Sciences in Colleges and Universities in the West of Scotland.
Learners have progressed to HNC and HND programmes in these areas within Glasgow Kelvin College. If you have successfully completed your Access course you would be very welcome on our HN programme and as an internal candidate would be prioritized. Completing these courses opens the door to a huge choice of degree courses or Science based jobs both locally and in every corner of the world. All learners who successfully complete our HN courses progress either to university or obtain well paid jobs in industry.
