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Contextual Lower Offer

Through the PARTNERS Programme you could receive a contextual offer to study at Newcastle University, which is up to three grades lower than the typical offer.

A contextual PARTNERS offer from the University will be up to three A level grades lower than the typical entry requirements from the University. As part of the offer, you have to successfully complete the PARTNERS Academic Summer School (PASS).

As a general guide, the entry requirements via PARTNERS may look like the below.

Type of OfferExample Entry Requirements
Typical University offer AAA at A level (or equivalent)
PARTNERS offer BBB at A level (or equivalent), plus successful completion of the PARTNERS Academic Summer School

PARTNERS is available to any Newcastle University undergraduate course. Here are some examples of the difference between the PARTNERS entry requirements and the typical entry requirements:

CourseTypical RequirementsPARTNERS Requirements
Architecture (K100) AAA BBB
Chemical Engineering (H810) ABB BCC
Computing Science (G400) AAB BBC
English Language (Q302) ABB BCC
Law (M101) AAA BBB
Medicine (A100) AAA BBB
Sociology (L300) ABB BCC

The above examples show some of the examples if you're applying with A levels. If you're applying with different qualifications (eg BTECs or Scottish Highers), see below for more information. 

Checking the PARTNERS offer for your course

The PARTNERS offer varies according to the course that you're applying to.

To check the PARTNERS offer for A levels, BTEC, and Scottish qualifications:

  1. Use the search bar below to find the course that you're interested in.
  2. Click the link for 'Entry Requirements'.
  3. From the dropdown menu labeled 'Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications', select the qualification that you're studying. Examples of these are:
    • 'A levels with PARTNERS'
    • 'Scottish Qualifications with PARTNERS'
    • 'BTEC Nationals/Cambridge Technicals with PARTNERS'

Additional Selection Processes

Acceptance to the PARTNERS Programme does not guarantee an offer of study. If the course you apply for has any additional selection processes, these are not affected by PARTNERS.

For example, to receive an offer of study, applicants to Medicine would still need to submit a UCAT score above the relevant threshold and be successful at interview.

The lowered grades are a really good offer and you getter a better insight in to your course

PASS 2023 attendee (from anonymised feedback survey)

Applying with BTECs or a combination of qualifications

If you're applying with BTEC qualifications or a combination of BTEC qualifications and another qualification (such as A levels), the lower PARTNERS offer will typically be equal to the equivalent A level reduced offer where possible. However, the grade reduction may vary depending upon your individual circumstances.

These circumstances may include:

  • The level of BTEC that you're studying (for example BTEC Extended Certificate, BTEC Diploma or BTEC Extended Diploma)
  • The undergraduate course that you're applying to.
  • The combination of qualifications that you're studying.

If you'd like to check what the PARTNERS Offer is given your circumstances, please get in touch.