SWAP Access to Languages with Business

Course description

The SWAP Access to Languages with Business course is a unique course designed to allow you to progress to a wide range of university courses or HNC/HND programmes. It is a full-time course (up to 18 hours a week) running from the end of August to the middle of June. It is delivered partly on campus (2 days a week) and partly through Microsoft Teams online tutorials (2 days a week).

As a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course, it is designed for people with few or no formal qualifications which have been out of full-time education for at least three years ( or five years were obtained when studying full-time). 

SWAP courses provide you with an alternative route into higher education by giving you intensive academic preparation as well as the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence you need for entry into higher education. Despite its specific focus on Languages and Business, this course allows you to apply for a wide range of degrees (e.g. English, Law, Finance, Social Sciences etc...) through recognised progression routes to colleges or universities in Scotland. For more information on SWAP courses, please go to the SWAP East website.

This course is open to those with previous experience in either French, Spanish, German or Italian but also those who want to study French or Spanish with no prior language learning experience.  Language study (French or Spanish) may be combined in different ways depending on your language profile. 

All units are internally assessed unless external assessments are required to satisfy particular progression routes. In addition to the units taught, as part of your preparation for higher education, you will also be given the opportunity to attend open days and study skills events held by universities and colleges.

What you will learn

• Literature
• Communication
• Presentation Skills
• Core Mathematics 3 (level 4)
• Optional Core Mathematics 4 (level 5)
• Combination of different language units
• Business Management
• Business Decision Areas: Finance
• Business Decision Areas: Marketing and Operations
• Investigating Europe research unit
• Reflective learning and study skills development
• Preparation for Higher Education and help with UCAS application

Learning outcome

Access a wide range of degrees at: 

• University of Edinburgh 
• Heriot-Watt University 
• Edinburgh Napier University 
• Queen Margaret University 
• University of Stirling 
• University of St Andrews 
• The University of Abertay 
• University of Dundee 

Progress to HNC/D programmes in a further education college. Study other qualifications in modern languages or business. 

With further study you gain employment in the following: 

• Tourism officer 
• Teacher 
• Interpreter 
• International relations 
• International business