Nursing and Aesthetics: Access

A student in a white lab coat and blue gloves adjusts a microscope in a bright science lab, with colourful anatomical models and science equipment on the bench, ready for some hands-on discovery.

Qualification

Access

Study Mode

Full Time, Part Time

Duration

1 Academic Year - 2-3 Days p/w

Start date

Aug 2026

Campus

Springburn

Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Start your journey towards a rewarding future in Nursing, Healthcare, or the growing field of Aesthetics.

This Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course is designed for adults returning to education who want to study Nursing or Aesthetics at university or progress to HNC Healthcare Practice at Glasgow Kelvin College. Further information about SWAP Access courses can be found on the SWAP website.

You’ll build a strong foundation in Biology, Social Science, and Core Skills to prepare for higher-level study and a career caring for others or working within the medical aesthetics industry. Whether you see yourself supporting patients in hospitals or assisting in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, this course gives you the academic confidence and practical grounding to move forward.

It’s a full-time, intensive programme running between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, so you’ll need to be ready to balance study with other commitments. The effort is significant — but so are the rewards.

At the end of the year, candidates progressing to university will complete a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check and medical assessment, organised by the receiving universities.

This course is ideal for:

Adults who’ve been out of education for at least 3 years and are ready to return.
Learners aiming for Nursing, Healthcare, or Aesthetics-related degrees.
Those who want a SWAP route to university or HNC Healthcare Practice.
People with a genuine interest in caring professions, health, wellbeing, and appearance sciences.

ℹ️ This Access programme is not suitable for recent school leavers — please consider our NQ Steps to Science courses instead

What you will learn

You’ll study key scientific and social subjects that provide an excellent foundation for nursing or aesthetic practice:

Biology – anatomy, physiology, and health sciences that explain how the human body works.
Social Science – psychology and sociology that help you understand behaviour, communication, and care in society.
Mathematics – practical numeracy for healthcare calculations and scientific accuracy.
Communication Skills – writing, presenting, and researching effectively in academic and professional settings.

You’ll also develop essential transferrable skills such as teamwork, empathy, record-keeping, and critical thinking — vital for anyone entering health or aesthetic roles.

Entry requirements

✅ You have been out of education for three years or more (Nat 5 quals) and 5 years (for Highers)

✅ You want to follow the progression routes listed in the progression opportunities section below

✅ You do not already hold a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or degree

✅ You are looking for a SWAP route into university or higher-level science study

✅ Applications are also welcomed from Care experienced student, or students that have experienced exceptional circumstances and educational disadvantage. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the SWAP west office.

ℹ️ Entry is competitive and based on your application and personal statement.

Your personal statement should include:

What interests you about Nursing, Healthcare, or Aesthetics
Any life, work, or volunteering experience that shows your suitability
Examples of skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, or responsibility
Applications that do not include this information are unlikely to progress to interview.

Additional information:

Your academic strengths will be reviewed when you start the course to make sure you’re on the right pathway.
If you need extra support, you may be offered an alternative route to help you succeed.

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 prepares you for university-level study and future careers such as:

🩺 Registered Nurse

💆‍♀️ Aesthetic or Cosmetic Practitioner

🏥 Healthcare Support Worker

💉 Clinical Assistant in Reconstructive or Cosmetic Procedures

💡 Health & Wellbeing Adviser

Future prospects

Successful completion allows progression to:

Degree programmes in Nursing or Healthcare at universities across Scotland
HNC Healthcare Practice or HNC Applied Science at Glasgow Kelvin College (internal candidates prioritised)

Graduates from these routes often go on to work in hospitals, clinics, aesthetic practices, or community health settings, or continue into specialist degree study within nursing and allied health professions.