Access to Medical Sciences (SWAP)

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 level, or equivalent, of 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 high level of Chemistry and Biology you will be expected to have some appropriate recent qualifications in these subjects and at least Maths at National 5, or equivalent. Grades from any recent part time courses you have undertaken will be taken into account when deciding on entry to the programme.
• You must also have gained experience relevant to your chosen career path before applying for the course, for example employment as a healthcare support worker, shadowing etc
• Entry to the programme is subject to interview and satisfactory performance in an entrance test covering basic Biology, Chemistry and Maths knowledge at National 5 / Higher level
• 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 or 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 
• If you have relevant experience and a good understanding of your chosen career path, but lack recent relevant qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, you should apply for the Access to Medical Sciences (An Introduction) course instead.   
• If you hold a degree already you are usually not eligible to join a SWAP course.  Please get in touch using the enquiry button to discuss.  
• This course is not available to international students and you must be living in Scotland for at least three years prior to starting the course.  Please contact our Student Advice team if you have any queries around residency.  

Additional Information

A range of criteria will be used to decide who will join the programme. The interview will provide an opportunity for the potential student to discuss the programme with a representative of the College.

You should be aware of the work experience required for the progression routes and be able to discuss the relevance of your experience. Details are specified on the university websites. As an adult returning to education there is an expectation that you will be able to draw on both vocational and life experience.

UCAT

Applicants to the University of Glasgow Medicine and Dentistry degrees are required to undertake a UCAT aptitude test. As the aptitude test process begins prior to the medical studies programme commencing, it is the responsibility of the student to complete the UCAT application. We recommend students leave sitting it as late as possible to allow time for practice. You must make sure to book it in time.

Further information on UCAT will be provided at the information session.

The following additional resources can be consulted in preparation for your interview:

Your Med Future - NHSScotland Careers

Study Dentistry: How to Become a Dentist - Dentistry Course 

Introduction to Studying Veterinary Medicine

Find out more about UCAT here

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

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (SCQF) Framework can help you to check if you're choosing the right level of study. Take a look at the SCQF Interactive Framework here. 

If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.