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Course overview

Dreaming of a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy but missing the qualifications to get started? This Access to Medical Sciences (An Introduction) course is your gateway to success. Designed for adults with experience in healthcare/dentistry/vet medicine returning to education, it provides a strong academic foundation in key science subjects, Biology, Chemistry and Maths, at Levels 5 and 6. You’ll gain the essential knowledge and study skills needed to progress confidently to our full Access to Medical Sciences programme. With expert guidance and a supportive learning environment, we’ll help you rebuild your confidence, sharpen your skills, and prepare for the next step toward your chosen career.

Course description

During the Access to Medical Sciences (Introduction) course, you'll study:

  • Biology (National 5 and Higher units) 
  • Chemistry (National 5 and Higher units) 
  • Maths (National 5 units) 
  • Physics (National 5 unit) 
  • Communications (Higher level) 

Entry requirements

  • This course is not aimed at recent school leavers.  You must have a gap in your education of three years if you have previously studied at National 5, or equivalent level, or five years if you have previously studied at Higher/HNC level. If you have not studied at National 5/Standard grade level previously, you should look into our NQ Applied Science Level 5 or Introduction to Science course (Level 4). 
  • Due to the academic nature of the progression routes from this course, grades from any recent part time courses you have undertaken will be taken into account when deciding on entry to the programme.
  • Entry to the programme is subject to interview and satisfactory performance in a core skills test covering basic numeracy, literacy and problem solving skills.  
  • You must have gained experience relevant to your chosen career path before applying for the course, for example employment as a healthcare support worker, shadowing etc
  • Your personal statement forms an important part of the selection process.  Please outline in the personal statement section of the application form your  progression route (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy), relevant experience you already have, transferrable skills from your current employment, any exceptional circumstances that impacted on your education so far, back up courses you have considered and why you think you are suitable for the course.  
  • If English is not your first language you should have Higher ESOL at grade A/B. 
  • A reference will not be required as standard but may be requested as part of the application process. 

For further information about the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), please visit the SWAP website. 

Course options

Course Type: Full-time
Details
Date: 24/08/2026 Cost: Get in touch with the course provider or visit their website for more information
Venue details

Cardonald Campus

690 Mosspark Drive

Glasgow

Course provider

Glasgow Clyde College