SWAPWest Induction SWAP and your year ahead

1. SWAPWest InductionSWAP and your year ahead

2. What is SWAP? • 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 • For adults with no, few or out of date qualifications.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.

3. 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.

4. 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 PHE is an essential part of a SWAP Programme and is comprised of class work and university visits • University visits • Visit universities – open days, applicant visit days. • SWAP ‘Study Skills Days’ at universities run January to May.

5. Preparation for Higher Education Contents • Introduction • Taking Stock Part One • Study Diary • Taking Stock Part Two • UCAS Guide • Personal Statement • Interview Skills • Presentation Skills • Study Skills • Finance • Taking Stock Part Three • What Happens Next: Information from Universities • NEW: extended referencing guide Download from the SWAPWest website in the ‘For Current Students’ section

6. 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’.

7. Progression Routes • 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). • 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.

8. Applying to University through UCAS 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. http://www.ucas.ac.uk/

9. Contact Us SWAPWest c/o Stow College 43 Shamrock Street Glasgow G4 9LD Tel: 0141 564 7206 Email: swapwest@scottishwideraccess.org Web: www.scottishwideraccess.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/swapwest Director – Kenny Anderson Development Officers – Dr Lisa Marsili, Amy Angus Admin – Karen Cunningham and Erica O’Neill