West College Scotland Clydebank welcomed its first cohort of students to its new Access to Medical Studies programme.

The two-year course, devised in collaboration with the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), aims to provide students with a solid grounding in subjects such as biology, chemistry, maths, and communications.

It targets adult learners who are currently not in education.

Beyond academic development, the course aims to instill essential personal skills and qualities necessary for success in higher education.

It also provides experience in academic skills like critical thinking and fosters commitment to the medical sector, while aiding in the development of transferable skills across various medical disciplines.

Upon successful completion, students will have multiple career paths in the medical and science sectors open to them, including eligibility for the MBChB Medicine at the University of Glasgow.

Other degree options, such as pharmacy, biomedicine, and life sciences, are also possible with partners at other universities. 

Gordon Murray, curriculum quality leader for science and social science at West College Scotland, said: "Our Access to Medical Studies students have settled in extremely well on the first year of this exciting and innovative course.

"They have particularly enjoyed developing their academic knowledge of chemistry and biology as well as learning new skills that will provide them with the best possible opportunity for success in their future careers."

Kenny Anderson, director of SWAPWest, added: "We were delighted to work with college staff in developing the new two-year programme and warmly welcome our new students for their two-year journey.

"We are looking forward to working with the college and the students as they enhance their skills."

The programme marks a significant step in preparing students for successful entry into medicine, pharmacy, health, and biomedical science degrees.