Topic outline

  • General

  • This topic

    How to complete the Prep for HE unit:

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    The Prep for HE unit is designed to support you. If you want good advice and information that comes straight from your future university (and from former SWAP students), you will find it in Prep for HE. 

    Engaging sincerely and keeping up with your Prep for HE work this year is a great way to demonstrate that you have the self-discipline and motivation to succeed in independent study next year.

    Completion of this unit is compulsory, but it can also be an excellent way for you to achieve good grades on your final student profile. Complete each module in good time, regularly, all year long (not all at once at the end of the year) to be eligible for progression. 

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    Time commitment: 

    • There are 22 modules to be completed over the next c. 36 academic weeks.
    • We recommend that you set aside 2-3 hours per week for this work. 
    • All modules must be completed by the end of term (June 2025). 
    • See PHE02 for a suggested schedule of completion and a downloadable checklist.

    When to get started: 

    Start on the first module (PHE01: General induction for all SWAPWest students) in late August, after you have completed college enrolment and spoken with your class tutor.

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    To access each module:

    Click a link below and then click [ENTER] on the next page. The module will open in a new window (or  tab). Please ensure that your browser allows pop-ups for this site.
     If you need to pause:  
    You are not required to complete PHE modules all in one sitting. There's plenty to think about in every lesson, and you may need some time to mull over the ideas and gather your thoughts. Use the [EXIT COURSE] link in the upper right-hand corner of each open module to mark your place so you can return later to pick up where you left off.

    If you have any difficulties accessing Prep for HE or receiving your completed reflections, please contact us for help. 

  • 01 - SWAP Induction

    What you will learn: This module will provide you with essential background information on the SWAP programme, so you will understand its purpose and design, and how it can help you reach your goals. You will learn about the programme structure and progression, including how you will be graded, and what you can do to get ready for the year ahead. Finally, you will be asked to register with SWAP and then complete your first piece of reflective writing, which will provide evidence to SWAP that you've completed the unit.

    When to complete: any time from enrolment to early September, whenever your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 45 minutes + written reflection time + discussion time

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    Regarding the supplements: Some additional information is included in the supplements for three specific programmes linked below the general induction. You must complete the 'supplement' to the induction only if you are enrolled on one of those programmes (e.g. Medical Studies, Nursing or Primary Education). If there's no supplement for your programme linked below, then you need only complete the General Induction for all SWAPWest Students. 

  • 02 - Introduction to Prep for HE

    What you will learn: The PHE unit is unllke your other SQA units, in that you may not have an actual class period devoted to it, so much of the work will be done independently by you, in your own time; however, the topics covered are highly relevant to your studies and are arranged to provide you with support to help you succeed in your other subjects. This module explains the unit and provides you with the information you need to take charge of completing it this year, including a downloadable checklist to help you keep track. 

    When to complete: late August - early September (or whenever your tutor assigns it)

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 03 - MINDSET for success

    What you will learn: This module provides an opportunity to practise the essential academic skill of critical self-reflection. We'll take a look at the personal qualities of adaptability and resilience, and how developing a growth mindset can help you cope well with the substantial changes that come along with a return to formal education. 

    When to complete: late August/early September or whenever your tutor assigns it

    Estimated time to complete: 90 minutes + written reflection + discussion time 

  • 04 - Intro to research and working with sources

    What you will learn: In academic work, it’s not enough to simply give our opinions on topics we study. Instead, we rely on credible academic sources of information to support the points we want to make, whether in a discussion or in a written piece of work. This module will help you begin to develop the essential skills of academic research. 

    When to complete: September/October (or whenever your tutor assigns it) 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 05 - BALANCE for success

    What you will learn: This module asks you to take a look at your work-life-study balance and reflect on what’s working well (and what may need to change) in order to keep you feeling reasonably calm and happy in your studies. 

    When to complete: late September-early October (or whenever your tutor assigns it)

    Estimated time to complete: 90 minutes + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 06 - Introduction to Referencing

    What you will learn: Referencing is easy. (No, really it is!) But of course you have to learn how to do it first. This module will introduce you to the basics, and you can practise all year long. By June, you will have a good idea of how to reference in the Harvard style, and you'll have seen a few other types that may be in use at your college or university next year, such as AP 7th Edition referencing. 

    When to complete: late September / early October or whenever your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete:  2 hours + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 07 - REFLECTION for success

    What you will learn: You’ve already been practising the skill of reflection, but this module will delve a little deeper into the topic and ask you think critically about your study environments and your approaches to learning. 

    When to complete: early October (or whenever your tutor assigns it)

    Estimated time to complete: 90 minutes + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 08 - Intro to Academic Writing (Part 1)

    What you will learn: In addition to reading lots of academic texts next year, you’ll be asked to produce high quality pieces of written work of your own e.g. essays, reports, presentations. This module will help you learn a bit more about what makes a piece of writing “academic”. 

    When to complete: October (or whenever your tutor assigns it)

    Estimated time to complete: 2 hours + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 09 - Prepare to be successful: SUPPORT

    What you will learn: In this module, we ask you to reflect on the essential skill of knowing when you need support and where to turn to find it. 

    When to complete: late October - early November (or whenever your tutor assigns it)

    Estimated time to complete: 90 minutes + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 10 - Applying to university: UCAS and Personal Statement

    FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THIS MODULE. 

    What you will learn: This module provides everything you need to know before you begin preparing your application to university via UCAS. Read the module and follow the instructions very carefully to ensure you make good choices in your UCAS application and write a good personal statement. Your class tutor will give you specific deadlines to meet. Make sure you meet them!

    When to complete: 

    Access to Medical Studies only: ASAP before October 15th, as directed by your tutor

    All other students: late October - early December, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 18+ hours, over six weeks, to research your selected universities and course choices, and write an excellent personal statement. The actual application form should only take around an hour to fill in. Your tutor will give you a deadline. Make sure you meet it. 

    NB: You need to complete PHE10b Interview Skills only if you are hoping to be offered an interview for one of the more competitive professional courses that traditionally interview students before making offers e.g. medicine, nursing, paramedics, primary education, PE teaching. The vast majority of standard courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, STEM and life sciences will not require an interview. Consult the details in the SWAP Progression Routes for more info. 

    FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THIS MODULE. 

  • 11 - Intro to Critical Thinking

    What you will learn: You are already a critical thinker, but this unit will help you develop those skills a bit more and focus them on academic work. 

    When to complete: mid-late January, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 12 - Developing Skills: Academic Writing (Part 2)

    What you will learn: Writing is essentially your stock-in-trade, as a student, even if your subject is a highly practical one (like nursing or childcare), or centred on maths, science and/or engineering. Every student has to write reports and essays, and the marks you get for them will determine your progress, so it makes sense to devote a substantial amount of time this year to developing this crucial skill. This is the second of three modules on the topic. 

    When to complete: late January - early February, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 13 - Listening Skills and Lectures

    What you will learn: Looking ahead to next year (especially if you plan to progress to university), your ability to listen and take notes during lectures will be very important. This module offers a preview and some tips and practice in effective note-taking.

    When to complete: mid-late February, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 14 - UCAS Responses (Choose only one module)

    What you will learn: If you’ve applied to university, you’ll be keen to secure your place, but it’s a decision that should never be rushed. This module will provide some guidance on how and when to make your selections. 

    When to complete: February - March, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

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    NB: Do not rush to choose 'Firm and Insurance' choices until you've completed this module and checked your choices with your class tutor. Read this module carefully and follow instructions to avoid difficulties with your progression. 

  • 15 - Enhancing Skills: Academic Writing (Part 3)

    What you will learn: This is the third and final module on academic writing, which is designed to help ensure your skills are up to the level required for your next level of study. Learn how to take your writing to the next level by engaging in more critical analysis and less description, to improve the overall quality of your work (and therefore your marks or grades).  

    When to complete: mid-March, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 16 - SAAS & STUDENT FINANCES

    What you will learn: Whether you’re progressing to HN or uni degree course, you will need to apply for funding via SAAS. Read this module to learn specifics about the process and get ready to meet the deadline (c. end of June) 

    When to complete: March - April, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 17 - Developing Skills: Research and working with sources

    What you will learn: The second module on this topic digs a little deeper into the selection of credible sources, as well as developing effective strategies for reading and understanding lots of information in a short period of time. 

    When to complete: mid-late April, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 18 - Developing Skills: Critical Thinking

    What you will learn: This follow-up to the introductory module you completed a few months ago offers a practical exercise, as well as downloadable tools, to help you with this essential skill for Higher Education. 

    When to complete: late April - early May or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 19 - Developing Skills: Referencing

    What you will learn: This relatively brief module brings to your attention a few more facts about referencing in Higher Education, and will introduce you to some alternative referencing methods, as well. 

    When to complete: early May, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 30 minutes + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 20 - Using Feedback and Preparing for Exams

    What you will learn: If you’re moving on to HE next year, you’ll want to find out what exams are like at that level, and how best to respond to critical feedback on your work. 

    When to complete: mid-late May, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 21 - TRANSITION for Success

    What you will learn: You’re in the home stretch now, with most of your college work soon to be behind you. Use the information in this module to begin preparing to make a successful transition to Higher Education. 

    When to complete: late May - early June, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time

  • 22 - CELEBRATE Success

    What you will learn: Your final reflection asks you to look back over the whole year, not only to identify what worked best for you and what you’d like to improve, but to celebrate the huge success of completing your SWAP programme. Consider what you've learned about yourself that you can take forward in your education journey. Provide feedback to SWAP on the programme and how it worked for you.  

    When to complete: early-mid June, or when your tutor assigns it 

    Estimated time to complete: 1 hour + written reflection time + discussion time