Podiatry: Access

A colourful DNA model stands tall in the middle of a bright science lab bench, surrounded by equipment and science gadgets—ready for some creative experiments and discovery

Qualification

Access

Study Mode

Full Time, Part Time

Duration

1 Year - 2-3 Days per week

Start date

Aug 2026

Campus

Springburn

Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Take your first confident step towards a degree in Podiatry and a rewarding career in health and wellbeing.

This Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course is designed for adults returning to education who aspire to become a registered Podiatrist or progress to life science-based higher education such as HNC/D or degree-level study. Further information about SWAP Access courses can be found on the SWAP website.

You’ll build a strong foundation in Biology, Chemistry, and Core Skills, developing the academic confidence and practical understanding needed to succeed at university. The course also introduces the scientific principles that underpin podiatric practice, such as anatomy, physiology, and patient care.

It’s a full-time, intensive course, with classes running between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. You’ll need to plan for the time commitment and consider factors such as work, finances, and childcare before applying — but the rewards are invaluable if you’re passionate about healthcare.

This course is for:

Adult learners returning to education
Learners aiming for degree-level study in podiatry or life sciences.
Those looking for a SWAP route into a related university course or HNC Applied Science.
People who enjoy problem-solving, experimentation, and exploring how science shapes our world.

ℹ️ This Access programme is not suitable for recent school leavers or graduates. School leavers should consider the NQ Steps to Science programme 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:

Why you want to study Podiatry or Life Sciences.
Any relevant work, volunteering, or care experience you’ve gained.
The skills and qualities you’ll bring to the course (empathy, organisation, attention to detail, etc.).

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 is an excellent starting point for future roles such as:

🦶 Podiatrist (via degree route)

💊 Clinical or Health Science Assistant

🧪 Laboratory or Biomedical Support Technician

🌿 Health and Wellbeing Adviser

🏥 Community Healthcare Worker

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.