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Undergraduate study

Contextual offers

We consider a wide range of qualifications and experience when assessing your application. Whether you're coming from school, college, work or another route entirely, we'll help you find your way into higher education.

What is a contextual offer?

A contextual offer is a reduced entry requirement for eligible applicants. If you meet our criteria, you could receive an offer 8 UCAS points lower than the lowest advertised tariff for your course. This approach is part of our commitment to widening participation and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.


Who is eligible?

We use key indicators provided through your UCAS application to determine eligibility. You may qualify if one or more of the following apply:

  • Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD): your home postcode falls within Quintile 1 (lowest 20%)
  • POLAR4: your postcode is in Quintile 1, indicating low participation in higher education
  • Free school meals: you were eligible for free school meals at Key Stage 4
  • Personal circumstances:
    care-experienced
    estranged from family
    young carer.

Note: the criterion for contextual offers is not the same as for Care Leaver Bursary allocations.


How does it work?

Eligibility is assessed when we receive your UCAS application. If you qualify, we’ll make you a contextual offer that is 8 points lower than the advertised entry requirement for your chosen course.

Please note: contextual offers do not apply to some courses with Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements.

These courses are excluded from contextual offers:

  • BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene
  • BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
  • BSc (Hons) Midwifery
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult)
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Child)
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities)
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Mental Health)
  • BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
  • BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Studies
  • MOptom Optometry
  • BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice
  • MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy
  • BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Check your eligibility

Want to know if your postcode qualifies under POLAR4 or IMD? Use the official Office for Students postcode checker and Local Deprivation Explorer.


Supporting your journey

If you don’t meet the requirements for a contextual offer, we have a range of support options, including foundation years and outreach programmes. Come along to an open day or campus visit day to find out more

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