Radiography: Access

A bright red liquid fills a glass flask on a blue lab bench, with a row of test tubes in soft pinks and purples in front and a pipette resting in the background—science in action and full of colour.

Qualification

Access

Study Mode

Full Time

Duration

1 Year - 3 Days per week

Start date

Aug 2026

Campus

Springburn

Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Take your first step towards a degree in Diagnostic Imaging or Radiotherapy and Oncology — and an inspiring career in healthcare science.

This Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course is designed for adults returning to education who want to study Therapeutic or Diagnostic Radiography at university. You’ll gain the academic skills, scientific understanding, and confidence needed for degree-level study in health and medical imaging. Further information about SWAP Access courses can be found on the SWAP website

Delivered in partnership with SWAP West, the course provides a supportive route into higher education for those without formal qualifications. You’ll explore Biology, Physics, and Mathematics, alongside Communication and IT skills, to prepare for radiography degrees or HNC/D science pathways.

Learners must be ready to commit fully — this is an intensive full-time course with classes between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. You should have a clear idea of your future study or professional route before applying, and be enthusiastic about working in the health and science sectors.

Applicants progressing to university will also need to satisfy PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) requirements for health-related study.

This course is ideal for:

Adults who’ve been out of education for several years and are ready to return to study.
Learners aiming for Diagnostic Imaging or Radiotherapy and Oncology degrees.
Those who have an interest in healthcare technology, patient care, and applied science.
People who want a SWAP pathway into university or HNC/HND science programmes.

ℹ️ Not suitable for recent school leavers — please consider our NQ Science or Engineering courses instead.

What you will learn

You’ll study the key science and academic subjects required for degree-level health and imaging programmes, including:

Biology – anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
Physics – radiation principles, imaging science, and the safe use of technology.
Mathematics – problem-solving, measurement, and data handling.
Communication Skills – written and verbal communication for healthcare settings.
Information Technology – using digital tools effectively for study and research.
Preparation for Higher Education – academic writing, referencing, and study skills.

You’ll also build teamwork, confidence, and independent learning abilities through practical and classroom-based activities.

Entry requirements

✅ You must have been out of formal education for at least 3 years (if you last studied at National 5 level) or 5 years (if you last studied at Higher level).

✅ You must not already hold an HNC, HND, or degree qualification.

✅ Entry is competitive, based on your application, reference, and (if shortlisted) interview.

Personal Statement Guidance

Your personal statement should:

Explain why you’re interested in Radiography and which pathway (Diagnostic or Therapeutic) inspires you most.
Describe any relevant experience — paid or voluntary — that demonstrates commitment to healthcare or science.
Highlight the skills that make you a good candidate, such as attention to detail, teamwork, and empathy.
Show your understanding of the time commitment and study demands of the course.

Applications that do not clearly include this information are unlikely to progress to an offer or interview.

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 the starting point for careers such as:

🩻 Diagnostic Radiographer

🌈 Therapeutic Radiographer

🔬 Healthcare Scientist

🏥 Medical Imaging Technician

💡 Radiation Protection or Oncology Support Roles

Future prospects

Successful completion can lead to:

Degree programmes in Diagnostic Imaging or Radiotherapy and Oncology Science at universities such as Glasgow Caledonian University.
HNC or HND Applied Science programmes at Glasgow Kelvin College (internal candidates are prioritised).

Graduates often move on to university study or rewarding NHS and private-sector roles, using science and technology to improve patient care and outcomes.