SWAPWest InductionSWAP and your year ahead

• SWAP provides college-based Access Programmes with progression to HN and degree courses.

• For adults with no, few or out of date qualifications.

• SWAP are a national organisation; we are SWAPWest

• Over 32,000 adults have returned to education through SWAP.

• SWAPWest is a partnership of the colleges and universities in the West of Scotland.

• Programmes include: Humanities, Primary Education, Social Work, Nursing, Allied Health, Medical Studies, Science, Engineering, Maths and Computing.

What is SWAP?

Content of SWAP Programme

• Your year at college has emphasis on equipping you with the skills you will need for HE study.

• You will study 18 SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority) units.

• The units are at the level of Intermediate 2 and Highers.

• Some are beyond this level (STEM and Medical Studies)

• Continuous assessment for most units.

• SWAP Preparation for Higher Education must be completed.

• You must pass all units to complete the programme.

Class work

• Work through the sections of the PHE materials, which can be found on the SWAPWest website or your own college VLE.

Preparation for Higher Education

University visits

• Visit universities – open days, applicant visit days.

• SWAP ‘Study Skills Days’ at universities run January to May.

PHE is an essential part of a SWAP Programme and is comprised of class work and university visits

Preparation for Higher Education Contents

1. Introduction2. Taking Stock Part One3. Study Diary4. Taking Stock Part Two5. UCAS Guide6. Personal Statement7. Interview Skills8. Presentation Skills9. Study Skills10. Finance11. Taking Stock Part Three12. What Happens Next: Information from

Universities13. NEW: extended referencing guide

Download from the SWAPWest website in the ‘For Current Students’ section

Student Profile

• At the end of your SWAP year, your tutor will complete your student profile, which will be sent to your chosen university.

• Includes a list of units studied and how many achieved.

• Tutors comment on your performance.

• You will also be awarded three grades* (A-D) for the following:

1. Overall performance

2. Ability to handle text

3. Communication skills

• Some courses require you to achieve specific grades; e.g. ABB or BBB. See ‘progression routes’.

Progression Routes

• Please contact SWAP if you are applying outwith the progression routes, outside of the West of Scotland.

• Let us know if you have any questions.

• Progression Routes list the university courses you may apply for using your SWAP qualification

• They will be available in late October.

• They state the requirements for entry – read carefully.

• Some places are limited & entry is competitive.

• Some places are subject to selection and/or interview.

• Summer school (Strathclyde maths/physical sciences only).

Apply through SWAP - not your college! • SWAP is considered a UCAS ‘School’ so use ‘SWAP’ instead of your

college name when asked to identify your school• Use SWAP buzzword to register: swapwest2014• Use all 5 of your choices!

Deadline• Apply by 15th of January 2014

Cost• 1 choice = £12, more than 1 choice = £23

Personal Statement• University Academic Selectors make decisions based on your

statement so make sure it is excellent!• Download PHE UCAS and Personal Statement guides, and use the

excellent help and guidance on the UCAS website.

Applying to University through UCAS

http://www.ucas.ac.uk/

Contact Us

SWAPWestc/o Stow College 43 Shamrock StreetGlasgowG4 9LD

Tel: 0141 564 7206Email: swapwest@scottishwideraccess.org

Web: www.scottishwideraccess.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/swapwest

Director – Kenny AndersonDevelopment Officers – Dr Lisa Marsili, Amy AngusAdmin – Karen Cunningham and Erica O’Neill