Alternative Offers at Newcastle University
As part of Newcastle University’s long-standing commitment to widening participation and regional progression, we offer a range of programmes that allow eligible applicants to receive support with their application and lower entry requirements.
Newcastle University offers a range of alternative entry routes and contextual admissions schemes to support eligible students from underrepresented backgrounds. Depending on the scheme, students may receive additional support with their application and/or a reduced offer.
| Programme | Suitable for | Alternative offer |
|---|---|---|
| Regional guaranteed offer |
Any student who lives or studies in a defined North East postcode |
Guaranteed offer of study for eligible courses |
| PARTNERS |
Eligible year 13 students from underrepresented backgrounds |
Up to 3 grades lower than the typical entry requirements |
| Pathways to Newcastle |
Year 13 students applying to an eligible STEM-related course |
Up to 2 grades lower than the typical entry requirements |
| Contextual Offer |
Students whose circumstances may have affected educational attainment |
Up to 2 grades lower than the typical entry requirements |
| High Performance Athlete |
Students competing at regional, national or international level |
Up to 2 grades lower than the typical entry requirements |
| Realising Opportunities |
Students participating through a Realising Opportunities partner school |
Up to 2 grades lower than the typical entry requirements |
Regional guaranteed offer
Alternative offer: guaranteed offer of study for eligible courses.
Designed to support students who study within the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NEMSA) region and Tees Valley.
Students must:
- study within a defined list of North East postcodes
- apply to an eligible course that does not have restricted numbers or require an interview
- meet any subject requirements
- be predicted CCC or above at A level (or equivalent)
PARTNERS Programme supported entry route
Alternative offer: successful students may receive an offer up to three grades below the standard entry requirements.
Our flagship widening participation programme supports eligible Year 13 students applying to any undergraduate degree at Newcastle University.
Students must:
- complete the PARTNERS Academic Summer School
- meet the essential eligibility criteria
- make Newcastle University their firm UCAS choice
Pathways to Newcastle
Alternative offer: successful students may receive an offer up to two grades below the standard entry requirements.
Designed to support students in year 13/final year college into key economic subject areas where skills gaps have been identified.
Students must:
- apply to a participating degree programme at Newcastle University
- complete an online skills module
- meet essential eligibility criteria
- make Newcastle University their firm UCAS choice
Contextual Offer
Alternative offer: successful students may receive an offer up to two grades below the standard entry requirements.
We use contextual information provided through UCAS to understand circumstances that may have affected a student's educational attainment.
Students may be eligible if they are:
- care experienced
- estranged from their family
- eligible for free school meals
- a recognised young carer
- living in an area with historically low progression to higher education
- studying at a state school in North East England
Students do not need to apply separately. Relevant information should be declared on applicants' UCAS application.
High Performance Athletes
Alternative offer: eligible students may receive an offer up to two grades below the standard entry requirements.
As one of the top universities for sport in the country, we nurture the talent of the elite athletes who come to study with us. In recognition of this, we support promising athletes at the application stage.
Students must:
- compete at regional, national or international level in one our key sports
- provide evidence of your previous and current sporting achievements in your UCAS application
- have a commitment to continue improving in that sport and representing the University
Realising Opportunities Programme
Alternative offer: successful students may receive an offer up to two grades below the standard entry requirements.
Realising Opportunities (RO) is a collaboration between nine research intensive universities to support students from underrepresented backgrounds on their journey to higher education.
Students must:
- already be taking actively taking part in the programme
- attend an RO partner school. Students can check this with a teacher/advisor from their school/college
- meet essential eligibility criteria
- complete an online skills module
- attend the on-campus Academic Skills Module
- complete a reflective piece of work