Advanced Biochemical Sciences: Access
Read more
Course overview
Would you like to take the first step to university in a friendly environment? Would you like to work in Vision Sciences?
This Access to Vision Sciences programme is designed to enable adults with no formal qualifications to prepare, in one year, for entry into for entry into a degree course in vision science, including optometry and orthoptics. It is run by the college in conjunction with the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP).
Prospective students must have good idea about the degree route or higher national route 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 course is intensive and requires commitment and enthusiasm for a career in vision science. 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 including:
- Physics - including Optics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Maths
- Communications
Entry requirements
All candidates on the programme should have been out of education for 3 years if you studied at National 5 level and 5 years if you studied Highers.
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 Science or Engineering programmes.
Entry to the course will be based upon a review of the applications.
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.
Applicants should now provide detailed information on relevant life, education, and employment experience within their personal statement, in addition to demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject.
Tell us what experience you have in the subject already? What about the subject interests you? What skills do you have that will make you a good candidate for the course? Please provide examples.
Short listed candidates may receive a formal interview either in person or on line.
Career Opportunities
Completing these courses opens the door to a huge choice of degree courses or of Science 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.
Future prospects
This Access to Vision science is designed to enable adults with no formal qualifications to prepare, in one year, for entry into a degree course in Optometry or Orthoptics. Mainly with Glasgow Caledonian University. Other degree options in maths and sciences are available through the SWAP West progression routes.
Other learners have also progressed to HNC and HND programmes in Science 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
