Access to Science (incorporating SWAP) SCQF Level 6

What is special about this course?

The course covers core areas of science, including biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics, with a strong emphasis on sustainability woven throughout the units. 

Practical laboratory work is a key component of the program, providing you with hands-on experience and developing your technical skills. You will follow good laboratory practices and standard operating procedures, ensuring a thorough understanding of safety and precision in scientific experimentation.

This programme is designed to recognise and develop your achievements in science literacy. It demonstrates your ability to critically engage with scientific concepts, processes, and knowledge, enabling you to make informed decisions and act responsibly.

Entry requirements

SWAP access programmes have been specifically developed for adults who have no or few qualifications and who have been out of education for some time. 

You may have to complete entry diagnostic tests for mathematical skills and attend an in-person interview. 

You should demonstrate in your personal statement experience and commitment to pursuing a science related career through continued HE studies.

If you don’t meet this criterion, you can still apply to study science at SCQF Level 6 through our L6 Applied Science program.

We also offer a pre-access course at SCQF Level 5, called L5 Applied Science. This program is designed to help develop the foundational skills needed for success in the SWAP Access to Science course and our other L6 applied science pathways.

This course covers:-

• Lab practice
• Literacy in Science and Mathematics
• Core scientific fields 
• Sustainable development

Units may include:

• Science communication with Communication and ICT
• Lab practice
• Maths: Maths for science 2, 3 and Statistics for Science
• Biology: Sustainability & Interdependence DNA and the Genome Metabolism and Survival
• Environmental science: Sustainability Earth's Resources
• Physics: Introductory Physics; Researching Physics; Physics 1; Our Dynamic Universe
• Chemistry: Nature's Chemistry; Chemical Changes and Structure; Chemistry in Society

Equipment

You will be required to purchase textbooks as part of this course.  If you are a full-time student and are eligible for a bursary these costs will be covered. 

Fees

If you have been living in the UK for at least 3 years, are ordinary resident in Scotland before the course start date it is likely that you will not have to pay fees for your full time course.  Please check our Fee Waiver Policy.

Full time students will automatically receive the fee waiver if they are eligible. We will use the information provided on your course application form to determine whether you are eligible. 

Scottish students

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

 Fees are payable on enrolment each academic year.

Please contact credit.control.ic@uhi.ac.uk if you have any further questions on fees.