Access to Law, Criminal Justice and Social Sciences (SWAP)
- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- 26 Aug 2024
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 Year (August to June)
This Access course will introduce you to a range of law, criminology and social science subjects and is designed for adults returning to study after at least five years out of full-time education who wish to progress to university-level study.
A range of topics will be covered, including Scots Law and Contract Law. You will also be introduced to crime statistics in your local area as well as the different sanctions that can be imposed on those who engage in criminal behaviour.
Studying this course will enable you to apply to University. Degrees that you can apply to include Law, Criminology and Policing, Social Sciences, Social Policy and History.
What will I learn?
You will have the opportunity to study a range of SQA units at SCQF levels 5 and 6, alongside units in Communication, Mathematics and Information Technology.
Course subjects include:
- Law
- Criminology
- History
- Sociology
- Communication
- Numeracy
- IT
Entry requirements (minimum)
- There are no formal entry requirements, but you should have had a break from full time education for 5 years
- Selection will be based on application form, interview (including written task), and evidence of academic potential
- You must meet SWAP (Scottish Wider Access Programme) criteria - view more information on the SWAP website
- If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate English language skills equivalent to IELTS 5, or have ESOL at National 5, or equivalent, at 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 law, teaching and local 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 to apply to:
Law, Criminology and Social Sciences degrees at one of the following universities:
- University of the West of Scotland
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
- Stirling University
- Open University
You can also apply to HNC/HND courses at Glasgow Clyde College or other further education colleges.
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 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:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session. Selection for interview will depend on if you have met the entry criteria, but also the quality of the personal statement you provide in your application - the form should be fully completed and detailed. It will give information about qualifications, interests and personal attributes, and explains reasons why you are interested in the course. At the interview, you will be asked to complete a short written task.
- 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.