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Social Services Level 7

SWAP ACCESS TO HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 6
  • Course Type:   Full-time

SWAP ACCESS TO HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

This one-year course is designed to support adults to return to formal education after a significant gap in learning and prepare them for higher level study.

Please note: Applications for all Full-Time, Part-Time and Schools courses for August 2026 entry are now closed.
If you are interested in studying with us, applications for our January 2027 Full-Time Short Courses will open on 13th October 2026.

Applications for August 2027 entry will open in mid-January 2027. These courses will be showcased at our December Showcase Event, with full details available closer to the time.

Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) still have spaces available, and applications are accepted throughout the year. For information on our available Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) and how to apply, please visit our Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) page.

Please check our website regularly for updates, course information and future application dates.

 

Start date – August 2026

End date –  June 2027

SCQF Level - 6

Mode –  Full time

Days – Monday to Friday (not Friday PM)

The course is for anyone who has been out of formal education for three years if they have higher-level or equivalent qualifications.

Find out more about the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP)

  • HNC Digital Creative Media

    What the course includes

    By the time students have completed their SWAP year they will have gained the skills, abilities, knowledge and understanding necessary for higher level study.

    The course includes a wide range of interesting subjects including: 

    • Social sciences:  Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Social Anthropology, Criminology, RMPS 
    • National 5 Maths with the possibility of sitting an external exam; Level 6 Communication and Literature 1 (equivalent of Higher English) 
    • Extracurricular content, such as West Lothian College Justice Conference, Livingston Sheriff Court visit, online conferences

Why choose this course

You will have the chance to gain knowledge and understanding which will help you progress on to more advanced courses. 

There is a specific focus on academic skills development, such as reading textbooks, conducting research, independent learning and study skills to support progression to more advanced courses. 

Our SWAP courses help prepare you for university with the majority of the students progressing to university after successful completion of the course. 

Learners will have the opportunity to participate in our flagship Justice Conference and gain essential research skills for studying Social Sciences.

Entry requirements

The recommended requirements are: 

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course

  • Where it leads

    Education: HNC social sciences or other suitable HNC courses

    SWAP students can progress to a university degree-level course in Humanities, Social Sciences, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, History, Landscape Architecture, English Literature, Politics, Philosophy, Journalism, Anthropology. Our previous students have progressed onto courses at The University of Edinburgh, The University of Stirling and Edinburgh Napier University. 

Selection Process

Learn more about the Selection Process for Social Science at West Lothian College – click here for full details and next steps.

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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