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Access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (SWAP)

  • Qualifications National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 6
  • Study mode August 2026 Courses
  • Campus Kilmarnock
  • Start date August 2026
  • Duration 36 weeks
More information

Attendance/Duration

Full-time

Overview

Access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) is part of the Scottish Widening Access Programme (SWAP). It's for anyone who wants to develop their academic and employability skills, including adult returners who may have been out of education for a while. It offers direct access to a range of college and university courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics after one year of study.

While on the course, you may develop your knowledge of various STEM subjects and increase your confidence too. Ayrshire College is an ideal choice for studying STEM: We have STEM Assured Status which means we have been recognised for the quality of our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses. We're an educational partner of Glasgow Science Centre. We won Training Partner of the Year at the prestigious SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance) Skills Awards in 2017. We've invested in our equipment, so you'll be learning using the latest industry standard technology. 

Entry Requirements

To be considered for a place on this course you should:

  • Have a willingness to learn and grow
  • Have an interview with us

This course is ideal for people who have been out of education for a while and will be coming to college with life experience.

Course Content

Immerse yourself in a dynamic curriculum, where you may:

  • Develop a strong foundation in Higher Chemistry, Physics, and Maths.
  • Focus on practical, hands-on experience in the lab.
  • Enhance skills in ICT and communication.
  • Explore Chemistry, covering Chemical Changes and Structure, Nature’s Chemistry, and Chemistry in Society.
  • Dive into Physics, exploring Electricity, Our Dynamic Universe, Particles and Waves, and Researching Physics.
  • Develop Mathematical reasoning skills in areas such as Expressions & Formulae, Relationships & Calculus and Applications of Higher Mathematical thinking.
  • Build essential transferable skills in communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Careers and Further Study

Once you've finished this course, you may have the opportunity to:

  • Apply for the HNC Mechanical Engineering or HNC Applied Science routes.
  • pursue to one of around 100 university BEng or BSc courses such as Aero-Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Environmental Science.
  • Get a jump start on university study with either the Engineering Academy at the University of Strathclyde or with our HNC Mechanical Glasgow Progression route.
  • Explore teaching options, including BA Education (Primary) and Education (Secondary) in various subjects.

Connect with us for more details or start your application today!