Access Courses

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Your pathway back into education - build confidence and progress to college or university. content

Your pathway back into education - build confidence and progress to college or university.

Our Access courses are designed for adults returning to learning or those without formal qualifications. Gain essential skills, prepare for higher education, and open new career opportunities.

Who it’s for

  • Adults returning to education
  • Learners without Highers or formal qualifications
  • Anyone aiming for college or university entry

What you’ll learn

  • Study skills and academic confidence
  • Core subjects relevant to your progression route
  • Communication and digital skills
  • Guidance on next steps and applications

Progression opportunities

  • HNC/D courses in your chosen subject
  • Degree-level study across UHI network
  • Careers in health, social care, business, and more
Access to College content Student sat in Library reading books and working

Access to College

Looking for a fresh start? Access to College helps you build confidence and essential study skills in a supportive, relaxed environment. Whether you’re leaving school or returning after a break, this course prepares you for future qualifications and opens the door to new opportunities.

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Access to Nursing (SWAP) content Photo of young male nurse

Access to Nursing (SWAP)

Dreaming of a career in healthcare? This course gives you the foundation for nursing and health-related degrees. Learn about care practice, health topics, and academic skills—perfect preparation for progressing to university and starting your journey in the caring professions.
Access to Nursing is part of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) and is specifically for people who have been out of formal education for at least 3 years.

Access to Care (Health & Early Years) NQ Level 5 content Toddler playing with colourful blocks

Access to Care (Health & Early Years) NQ Level 5

This course offers foundational knowledge in Childcare and Health & Social Care, leading to careers in Nursing, Care Practitioner, Social Work or Teaching, among others. Suitable for school leavers or those seeking a career change.

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Construction Skills NQ Level 5 content Someone drilling a screw into wood

Construction Skills NQ Level 5

This course is a blend of practical exercises and activities work where you will gain a range of practical hand skills through Carpentry and Joinery, Brickwork, Painting and Decorating. Craft skills will be completed and assessed within a workshop environment. You will research job roles and responsibilities within the construction sector, as well as other professions such as architects, project managers, building engineers and surveyors.

You will learn to plan and manage your workload, produce a plan and generate a range of evidence which will be assessed on an ongoing basis as you work towards completing a project.