Access to Social Sciences and Criminology (SWAP)
- Location
- Anniesland Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 Year (August to June)
If you’re interested in criminology, criminal justice, and community work, this one-year access course is a great opportunity to prepare for Higher Education. Designed for adults returning to education after a gap of three years or more, it equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to progress to University. Run in partnership with the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), the course explores the causes and impacts of crime in society, covers broader social science subjects such as psychology and sociology, and introduces the fundamental principles of community work. It also helps build confidence and develop key skills like Numeracy and Communication, ensuring you are fully prepared for the next step in your academic journey.
What will I learn?
The SWAP Access to Social Sciences and Criminology course offers the potential to progress either to Community Learning and Development, Community Education, Criminal Justice, Youth Justice, Youth Work and Social Sciences.
Course subjects include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Politics
- ICT
- Working with communities
- Communication and literature (equivalent to higher English at C Pass)
- Numeracy
The course also includes a class in 'Preparation for higher education' which, combined with guidance, aims to help you reach your full potential. The classes on offer are assessed by continuous assessment throughout the year.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- You must meet SWAP (Scottish Wider Access Programme) criteria - view more information on the SWAP website
- As there are no formal entry requirements, selection will be based on application form, interview (including written task), and evidence of academic potential
- If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate English language skills equivalent to IELTS 5, or have ESOL at Intermediate 2/National 5 level, grade B or above.
Employer and industry links
We work in partnership with the Scottish Wider Access Programme and this course provides access to higher education degrees. These degrees enhance employment prospects in a wide range of areas including education, social work and local community and government.
Jobs and further study
If you pass the Access course and secure a good reference from Glasgow Clyde College you have a wide range of progression routes at one of the following universities:
- University of the West of Scotland
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Stirling
- Open University
- HNC/HND courses at Glasgow Clyde College or other further education colleges.
Take a look at the course progression map for social science courses.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You'll receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you will either be:
- Invited to book a group information session. At the session, you will be given a presentation giving you more information and detail about the Access course and the College. At this session you will be asked to do a short written task. Followed by a one-to-one interview with a member of the Social Sciences team
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited for an interview, you will be informed of the outcome this by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you will not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.