How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
Why take this course?
This programme is for adult learners who have been out of education for some time and would like to study an undergraduate degree in the arts, social sciences or education at university.
It is an excellent opportunity for those with few or no formal qualifications to progress to higher education. This course is suited to you if you are considering a career change, particularly if you are interested in pursuing primary teaching.
SWAP Access Courses
Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) courses are primarily intended for adults aiming to enter higher education for the first time, or returning to education after a significant gap.
Find out more about SWAP courses at NESCol
What you will experience
Those wishing to progress to undergraduate studies in primary teaching will be entered for the Higher English and National 5 external exams.
Units covered include:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Higher English
- National 5 Maths
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Preparation for Higher Education – helps support those returning to education and prepare you for the transition to university
- Volunteering Experience
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place towards the end of 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.
Entry requirements
You do not require any formal qualifications however:
- You must be able to prove you can study at this level.
- If your last course of study was up to SCQF Level 6, then you must have been out of full-time education for at least three years.
- You will be interviewed by a member of the NESCol Care team to assess your suitability.
This course is not suitable for candidates applying straight from school or those who already hold a university degree.
What you will get
SQA Highers and SQA Units
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place towards the end of 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.
Entry requirements
You do not require any formal qualifications however:
- You must be able to prove you can study at this level.
- If your last course of study was up to SCQF Level 6, then you must have been out of full-time education for at least three years.
- You will be interviewed by a member of the NESCol Care team to assess your suitability.
This course is not suitable for candidates applying straight from school or those who already hold a university degree.
What you will get
SQA Highers and SQA Units
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
University
Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply for a wide range of degree programmes at a number of partner universities — visit the SWAP website for more information.
Subject to meeting conditions, these include:
- University of Aberdeen - MA Primary Education
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Business and Management - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Business with Human Resource Management - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Business with Marketing - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Digital Marketing - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Events Management - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Fashion Management - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Film & Media - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) International Business Management - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) International Tourism Management - Year 1
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Social Work - Year 1
Student Stories
Jackie Thompson
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I met a lot of lovely people on the course, some were adult returners like me, but I also got on well with a lot of the younger students and we had some excellent discussions and debates. “
Read more about Jackie's story
Aiden Barney
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I really came out of my shell throughout my years of studying and have made many memories!”
Read more about Aiden's story
Charlie Third
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’d advocate the brilliant experience that is North East Scotland College to anyone thinking about returning to learning. “
Read more about Charlie's story
Zoe Frieslick
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol gave me the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, the self-belief to continue my studies at university.”
Read more about Zoe's story
Robyn Blacklaw
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I absolutely loved my time at NESCol. It was a much better fit for me than school and a great environment to learn in.
Read more about Robyn's story
Kirsten Koss
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’m so glad that I came to NESCol because it really has been a life changing experience. I think Social Sciences is a great place to be if you’re curious about the world or if there’s something that really frustrates you about the system and you’d really like to see it change. Studying an HND in Social Sciences really helped me to see the world in a better light. The department has such down to earth, friendly, normal staff and I would jump at the chance to finish my studies at the college if I could. Choose College – it really is a wonderful place!”
Read more about Kirsten's story
Hollie Dunn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“My time at college helped me see that I actually wanted to study psychology at university rather than a more broad-based social sciences course. If I hadn’t gone to college first, I wouldn’t have had the chance to discover that so I’m really glad I had the opportunity to properly explore the subject area before making a final decision.”
Read more about Hollie's story
Dean McGlynn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I found my time at college to be the perfect link between leaving school and starting university. The course was interesting, the assessments were rigorous and gave me the skills to work alone, as well as part of a group, which served me well at university. The lecturers were engaging and treated students as adults which created a good atmosphere for learning.”
Read more about Dean's story
Edward Flinn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol really prepared me for the step up to university. I would definitely recommend college if you don’t feel ready to go straight to university when you leave school.”
Read more about Edward's story
Shaun Hale
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I achieved things at NESCol both academically and personally that I didn’t think possible but with the help of lecturers and friends I made on the course, I feel I have grown as a person.”
Read more about Shaun's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
-
Duration 1 year
-
Course Code C00090
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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