- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 Year (August to June)
Access to Nursing with ESOL is run in partnership with Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP). It is designed to prepare adults returning to education where English is not their first language with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to allow progression to degree programmes in nursing or health-related fields, for example a paramedic degree, or to progress to further studies in related HNC programmes.
The course is accepted by partner universities in lieu of other entry qualifications. It also includes intensive guidance to develop confidence, core skills and aims to maximise the chance of successful progression to higher education.
This course is not available to study on a part time basis.
What will I learn?
The Access to Nursing with ESOL course may include the following subjects:
- Foundations for care practice
- The human body
- Numeracy
- Introduction to mental health
- ESOL Level 6
- Report and essay writing skills
- Preparing for higher education
- Other nursing / health / science related units
Assessment will be continuous with a a mix of practical and theoretical assessments.
You will sit the Higher ESOL exam in May.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- This course is suitable for those who have English as a second language, and who hold ESOL National 5 at A, or equivalent.
- You should have been out of compulsory education for at least three years, although exceptional circumstances will be considered, and your highest qualification should be a non-related HNC.
- When you complete the application form you should complete the 'Personal Statement' showing an interest and understanding of nursing and your reasons for applying for the course. You should also include the relevance of any work experience that you have, and demonstrate that you are highly motivated, conscientious and show academic potential.
- You should provide one suitable reference
- If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in a similar subject area.
For further information about the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), please visit the SWAP website.
Employer and industry links
This course is delivered in partnership with Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP).
SWAPWest is a partnership between colleges and universities in the West of Scotland which aims to support access to higher education for adults.
Jobs and further study
Progression routes are subject to successful performance at college, and a relevant university/college interview.
If successful, you can progress to undergraduate nursing programmes and relevant HNC courses at Glasgow Clyde College. This includes:
- SWAP partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University, University of the West of Scotland, and Stirling University
- HNC Healthcare Practice
- HNC Occupational Therapy Support
- HNC Social Services
- HNC Additional Support Needs
This course may also help individuals to find employment within the care sector.
Take a look at the course progression map for health care 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
When you apply
You will 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 attend an information session and interview. The information session will cover the course requirements / content / delivery, progression routes and funding. These information sessions will take place from February to August. You will also be asked to take an ESOL literacy assessment and take part in an interview. Please note: A scoring system will be used for your initial application, the ESOL literacy assessment and individual interview.
Due to the high number of applications for this course, an interview is not guaranteed and only the highest scoring candidates will be offered places.
- 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 to interview, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview 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. This will normally be sent out in June / July.