The Scottish Wider Access Programme (commonly known as SWAP) is a partnership between Scottish colleges and universities. Together we work to help adult learners access higher education. Since SWAP began in 1988, tens of thousands of adults in Scotland have returned to education through our access programmes. For lots of them, SWAP is the first step in a life-changing educational journey. I was accepted into Aberdeen University to study a MA in Primary Education and I'm loving every minute so far. Finally, my dreams are coming true and I hope to become a fully qualified and registered primary teacher. Thank you, SWAP. Without it, I would still be working 12-hour shifts in a job I was no longer enjoying. If you are wondering whether to apply, my advice would be to bite the bullet - you are never too old, and you never know where it might lead! Sharlyn Podlesney SWAP East, NESCol & University of Aberdeen student SWAP Access Programmes When you apply to university, universities want to see evidence of recent study. This usually means qualifications from the past two or three years.For adults who didn't gain any qualifications at school, or who have been out of education for an extended period, this can cause a problem because any qualifications you do have could be years or even decades ‘out of date’. Our SWAP programmes are full-time courses run by our partner colleges across Scotland and are designed to get you ready to enter higher education in just one year. You don't usually need to have any formal qualifications to be accepted onto a SWAP programme.We cover a wide range of subjects, including science, engineering, humanities, nursing, medicine and more. What SWAP programmes can I do? Going to University with SWAP After successfully completing a SWAP programme, you can move onto a degree course at our partner universities or to a HNC or HND course at college. What can I study at university? SWAP East & SWAP West SWAP is made up of two regional hubs: SWAP East and SWAP West. SWAP East works with colleges and universities in Edinburgh and the east of Scotland. SWAP West works with colleges and universities in Glasgow and the west of Scotland. This is SWAP East's website. If you are based in the West of Scotland and would like to go to the SWAP West website, click the link below. Go to SWAP West's website Get in touch If you aren't sure about your plans yet and need some advice, get in touch and we can talk through your options. Contact SWAP East This article was published on 2025-06-06
