Contextual Offer

Contextual offers are available across all undergraduate degree programmes and recognise circumstances that may have affected a student's educational attainment. 

You may be eligible if you meet one or more of the criteria below.

Living in a neighbourhood with low rates of progression to higher education

You may be eligible for a contextual offer if you live in a neighbourhood that has a low progression rate to higher education.

We use national data to identify neighbourhoods where progression to higher education is historically low. You may be eligible if your home postcode falls within POLAR4 Quintile 1 or 2.

Check your home postcode

To find out if you are eligible, enter your home or school postcode below. If the checker confirms that your POLAR4 value is Quintile 1 or 2, you are eligible for the lower offer.

Care experienced students

You may be eligible for a contextual offer if you have experienced any time in care during your life.

Estranged students

You may be eligible if you are estranged from your family and no longer have support due to a breakdown in that relationship.

This may include biological, adoptive or step-parents, or other family members who previously provided support.

Free school meals

You may be eligible for a contextual offer if you are eligible for free school meals. 

• Find out why you should consider declaring your eligibility for free school meals on your UCAS form. 

If you attend an independent school but would have been eligible for Free School Meals in the state sector, you may also be eligible for a contextual offer. This will be verified using data supplied by UCAS.

Recognised carers

You are eligible for a contextual offer if you have sole or shared responsibility for the care of a relative because they are ill, have a disability, are experiencing mental distress, or are affected by substance abuse.

Studying at a state school in North East England

You may be eligible if you attend a state school in North East England.

How to apply for a Contextual Offer

You don’t need to apply separately for a contextual offer.

Where applicable, make sure relevant information is included in the 'Applicant Context' section of your UCAS application.

Submit your UCAS form by the relevant UCAS deadlines for your course(s) and we will take your circumstances into account when considering your application.

• Make sure you’re aware of the key dates and deadlines provided by UCAS

Contextual information forms part of the University's holistic approach to fair admissions. Eligibility for a contextual offer does not guarantee that an offer will be made.