Realising Opportunities

Newcastle University is the lead institution for Realising Opportunities - a unique collaboration of 12 research intensive universities working together to promote fair access and social mobility of students from under-represented groups.

The Realising Opportunities programme aims to build on lessons learned from the last 10 years of the universities work to widen participation.

The aim of the programme is to enable students to:

  • receive additional consideration for their application if they apply through UCAS to any of the partner universities, for the majority of courses
  • potentially receive an alternative offer through UCAS from partner universities, where completion of Realising Opportunities is worth up to 40 UCAS tariff points or two A Level grades
  • demonstrate their potential and ability to progress to a research intensive university
  • make informed decisions about their future
  • feel prepared to make an application to universities of their choice
  • understand the benefits a research intensive university can offer its students
  • gain an awareness of the career options available to them in some of the country’s top professions

The Programme

Students undertake the programme in years 12 and 13 following a range of interventions and opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge to ensure they are better equipped to succeed at a research intensive university:

  • Extended Project Qualification or Academic Assignment
  • online study skills module
  • Ementoring programme
  • events and activities at partner universities
  • National Student Conference

Teachers are also provided with a wide range of resources to support the students taking part in Realising Opportunities.

To date, ten of our Partner institutions have agreed to give an alternative offer of up to 40 UCAS points for students successfully completing the programme and meeting course requirements.

Participating students are supported by an undergraduate mentor from one of the partner universities who encourage and support their progression throughout the programme. The ementoring takes place on the Realising Opportunities secure website which also contains a range of activities and resources which will support students study skills throughout the programme. The website can be accessed on www.realisingopportunities.ac.uk

Partners involved in the Realising Opportunities project are:

  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Essex
  • University of Exeter
  • King's College London
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Leicester
  • University of Liverpool
  • University of Manchester
  • Newcastle University
  • University of Warwick
  • University of York