Here, you will find a combination of virtual and in-person opportunities from the University and College Sectors. We ask students and their parents to research fully any opportunities advertised on the noticeboard to ensure they are happy with the organisation they are linking with and its value for money if there is a cost.
Notices & Key Dates
- UCAS Key Dates Timeline for 2025 and 2026 Applications.
- Find an Open Day – Open days are an important way to learn about how a subject is taught and what you will study, from course tutors. Our advice is to prioritise course talks over general talks. If time/money are a constraint you can learn a lot from visiting local universities. If you are on the Sixth Form bursary, you can request that school helps with the costs, please talk to Mr Brown or Lucy.
- Student Finance Applications We recommend that students make their student finance application as early as possible. They should avoid waiting until they get their exam results. Students should apply for student finance based on their first-choice (Firm). They can easily change this before their studies start. The most important thing is to get the application in!
Oxbridge Focus
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge Website
University of Cambridge Events Page
22nd October 2025 – My Cambridge Application Deadline
Complete timeline of dates and deadlines for Cambridge applicants
Think Cambridge Webinar Series
Think Cambridge 2026 is a week-long series of webinars aimed at inspiring Year 11 and 12 students to think about applying to Cambridge. We also welcome teachers and supporters, and parents and advisors to join webinars, which will give you all the tools you will need to support a Year 11 or 12 future applicant.
The series runs from the end of January 2026. Each session is hosted virtually and consists of a presentation, comment from our student ambassadors and additional visual elements. Sessions will be recorded and these will be sent to registered guests up to 48 hours after the session has concluded. This will allow students to watch the session that they are unable to attend at a later date.
For the full list of webinars, and the booking form, please see the Think Cambridge webpage.
Y12 Access and Application Support Programme 2026 – Widening Participation
Our Y12 programme is returning again for 2026, and we are delighted to announce that this year we have partnered with Tutorbility again to provide tutoring for participants, in addition to a series of online sessions and an overnight stay in Cambridge. This programme is aimed at Y12 students who are considering applying to a competitive university, and is designed to support them with making informed decisions and building competitive applications, as well as getting a taste of university life.
To be eligible, students must be:
- A current Year 12 student interested in studying at a competitive university
- Predicted/On track for grades of AAB or higher at A Level (or equivalent at IB)
- A student at a state school within our link area in North East of England, specifically Northumberland, County Durham, Hartlepool, Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, York, Hull, and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
More information and the application form can be found on our website here.
Applications Open November 2025
University of Oxford
University of Oxford website
Step by Step guide to applying to Oxford Read More
The Aim for Oxford Scheme, Aim for Oxford is a free-of-charge programme for Year 12 students attending state schools in the North East of England. Widening Participation, Read More & Apply
Oxford for North East contains useful information for students from the North East who might be considering Oxford University. Here you will find information about residential schemes as well as regional and online workshops Read More
The Oxford University Outreach, page can help guide you to the events being run by the University/Departments Read More
Featured New Courses
This one-of-a-kind programme is taught in English from the heart of Paris.
Our BA in International Politics, with or without a French option, focuses on the practical aspects of international politics in contemporary society while giving you a unique chance to live and study in the French capital, allowing you to gain invaluable international experience and graduate with a renowned University of London degree.
Join us in powering the next generation of space innovation.
Our new BEng Aerospace Satellite Engineering course has been developed by world-leading academics and industry partners to equip graduates with the key skills required to work and thrive within the rapidly growing space sector.
Students will have the opportunity to build comprehensive technical and transferable skills, utilising our state-of-the-art labs. You will also become part of our North East Skills and Technology Centre (NESST), a £50 million investment with partners including the UK Space Agency and industry prime Lockheed Martin UK Space.
Undergraduate Study – Duration 4 Years
Drawing on the expertise of leading academics and researchers in the field, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of societal conflicts about power, participation, and resources.
Undergraduate Study – Duration 3 Years
Special and Inclusive Education prepares you to be a forward-thinking professional, with expertise in creating equitable learning pathways and opportunities for diverse learning profiles, including special and additional educational needs.
Combined Honors in Social Sciences – allows you to create your own bespoke programme suited to your individual interests, strengths and career plans. You can choose up to 4 subjects within Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.
Latest Opportunities
Various Subjects
In Person residentials
Yr 11 & 12
April Residentials – Apply by 5:00pm, 27th February 2026
For more information about the residentials on offer and to apply see the poster below.
Various Subjects
Offer Holder Day
Yr 12
Offer Holder Day: Saturday 14th March, 9:30am-3:00pm
This is an important event that gives the students the chance to take part in engaging sessions linked to the subject they’ve applied for, helping them to decide where they want to study. Students and guests have the opportunity to speak to our expert support services and learn about what comes after their degree, as well as meet their peers and future lecturers. Booking is essential due to popularity.
Where: City Campus / St Peter’s campus (depending on the subject applied for)
Audience: Students who have an offer with us to start in September 2026*
Booking link: Offer Holder Day | The University of Sunderland
*Please note – some Creative Industries subjects may be able to sign up if they are yet to receive an offer – students will have received an invite email.
You can read about the event and sign up here – Offer Holder Day | The University of Sunderland
Computer Science
In Person Workshop
Yr 12
ByteBuilders: Your Future in Computer Science – Wednesday 4 February 2026 & Wednesday 11 March 2026, 9:45am – 2:30pm – St Peter’s Campus
Students can take part in interactive hands-on workshops, and also learn about the exciting careers opportunities available in the field of computer science.
Join our expert academic staff who will guide your students through a series of hands-on workshops including:
Zumo Wars
In this fun-packed workshop your students will learn to programme an Arduino-controlled mini-robot to take part in a sumo-style battle. Students will:
- Experiment with changing values to alter motor speeds and turning durations to customize the robots’ fighting style.
- Learn basic microcontroller programming and see how the robot uses its sensors to detect the edge of the fighting arena.
- Analyse the impact the changes have on the behaviour of the Zumo robot and ultimately how it performs in the competitive arena.
- Face each other in a battle to see if they can fight their way through multiple rounds all the way to the Grand Final of the tournament to become the Ultimate Zumo Wars Champion
Hack the Web
Have you ever wondered how secure websites really are? This session will introduce you to different website vulnerabilities such as directory issues, authentication and injection attacks. You’ll then be given the chance to force your way into a series of websites, with each one being more secure as you progress through the challenges!
Psychology
Webinar
16+
Psychopathology – Sleep as a Target for Improving Mental Health – Monday 2nd March, 2:15pm – 3pm
Sleep problems are remarkably common, with difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting enough quality sleep. There is now good evidence that poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired – it can affect your mood, increase stress, make it harder to concentrate, and contribute to more serious mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and psychosis.
This talk will explore current research in this exciting field, looking at how we sleep, why sleep matters so much for mental health, and the innovative ways scientists and clinicians are using sleep interventions to help us thrive.
Education
On Campus Event
Y12 & 13
Exploring Education, Childhood and learning – Wednesday 4 March 2026 – 9:30am – 3pm
Join us for an interactive on-campus event for students interested in studying Primary Education, SEND, Education Studies or Childhood Studies at undergraduate level.
Built around the theme of World Book Day, the event offers a taste of university study through a range of engaging, hands-on workshops led by academic staff. Students will explore how stories, literature and debate shape learning, childhood and education, all in a fun, creative and thought-provoking environment.
Where – University of Sunderland – St Peter’s Campus
Students wishing to attend should get permission to be absent from lessons from Sixth Form office.
English
on Campus Event
Y12 & 13
Lets Start a Novel – Wednesday 4 March 2026 – 12:30pm – 3pm
Ever wondered how to start writing a novel?
Beginning a novel can feel daunting, no matter the genre. Most writers start with a clear structure and plan before putting pen to paper. They need to think about the main storyline, compelling characters, and even those surprising plot twists that keep readers hooked. Where will the story be set? Will some of the side characters have their own arcs?
Where – University of Sunderland – St Peter’s Campus
Students wishing to attend should get permission to be absent from lessons from Sixth Form office.
Accounting/Business
Online Course
Age 16+
Detecting Accounting Fraud – Last enrolment 4th March, 11:10am – 11:55am
In this Accounting/Business session, Dr Denis Lima e Alves, Lecturer in Accounting in the Norwich Business School at University of East Anglia, will lead an interactive talk on Detecting Accounting Fraud.
Accounting fraud is where mathematics, economics, and real-world decision-making meet. In this session, you will see how financial numbers can be manipulated, why firms sometimes take extreme risks to hide poor performance, and how analysts, auditors, and regulators uncover the truth.
Paramedic Science
Online Course
Age 16+
Responding to a Medical Emergency – Navigating Clinical & Psychosocial Dilemmas – Wednesday 4th March, 4:15pm – 5pm
In this interactive workshop, you will assess and respond to an emergency medical situation, navigating a variety of intricate clinical and psychosocial dilemmas.
The scenario will introduce the challenging and complex circumstances a paramedic regularly finds themselves in, demonstrating the clinical, observational, investigative and interpersonal skills that are central to offering immediate and effective care at the front line.
Help shape the outcome of the scenario or simply observe, with an opportunity at the end to ask any questions you have about Paramedic Science and practice.
Biology/Health
Webinar
16+
The Role Of The Ear In Vision & What Happens When This Goes Wrong – Thursday 5th March, 2:15pm – 3pm
You will know that ears are important for hearing and balance, but you may not know that they are important for seeing too.
In this session, we are joined by Dr Daniel Rowan, Lecturer in Audiology at University of Southampton, based in the Institute of Sound & Vibration Research. Daniel will to explore how your ears stabilise your vision (and balance) during head movement via an amazingly fast and accurate neurological reflex, as well as the most common cause, and associate effects, of that going wrong (rotating eye syndrome).
We’ll cover the recent developments in medical and DIY treatment and discuss why some patients continue to have symptoms of dizziness even when the cause seems to have been cured.
This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in Biology, Medicine, Audiology, Psychology and Physics to develop your knowledge about the ear, its components and functions, whilst connecting with the latest research and advances in medical treatment.
Summer School
Yrs 12 & 13
Applications for Sutton Trust Summer School – Closing Date Thursday 5th March
The Sutton Trust is a Widening Access charity that aims to support university entry for young people who face additional challenges in their education. This excellent opportunity is open to current Year 12 and 13 students.
The Summer schools offer you the chance to experience what university life is like,
Medicine
Webinar
Yrs 9-11
Future Doctor: Should I Become a Doctor? – Friday 6th March, 6:30pm – 8pm
This presentation, run by medical students, is designed to help Year 9 to 11 students decide whether medicine or becoming a doctor is for them.
Exploring Law
Online Course
Yrs 12 & 13
Exploring Law: Studying Law at University – Study in your own time. Last enrolment 9th March.
This online course has been developed by the University’s Faculty of Law to help students decide whether law is the right course for them. The course is hosted on the FutureLearn platform.
Learn the basics of law, explore fascinating issues in depth, develop key skills, and hear first-hand from university law students and inspirational figures from the world of law. Free enrolment gives access to the course for six weeks.
There are six weekly modules, and to get the most out of the course, students should aim to spend around 4 hours on each module.
Geography, Humanities and Science
Webinar
Yrs 12 & 13
Sustainability: Shaping a Greener Future – Wednesday 11th March, 4 – 4:45pm
Discover sustainability brings together economic, environmental and social perspectives to tackle global challenges in a truly integrated way.
Explore Leeds’s interdisciplinary sustainability degrees, where modules span politics, business, economics, policy and law to reflect the real-world complexity of climate and societal issues.
Understand why sustainability is now central to business, organisations and communities, and how this growing demand is shaping future study and career opportunities.
Find out about the wide range of career pathways, from environmental consultancy and renewable energy to sustainable business strategy, NGOs and government roles driving the net zero transition.
Film/Media/Ethics
Webinar
Yrs 12 & 13
Film/Media: Ethics in Documentary – Wednesday 11th March, 3:45pm – 4:45pm
In this Film/Media session, Vincent Du, Lecturer in Media Production in the School of Media, Language and Communication Studies at University of East Anglia, will run an interactive talk for students on Ethics in Documentary – Working with Real People in the Real World.
Documentaries deal with real people, real experiences and real consequences, making ethics central to every decision a filmmaker makes. This session will explore the responsibilities involved in telling true stories, such as building trust, navigating power dynamics and representing others fairly. Through thought-provoking examples, students will consider questions such as: Who has the right to tell a story? Can a documentary cause harm? What happens when reality changes during filming? This session is ideal for students interested in film, media, journalism or social issues, and encourages critical thinking about storytelling in the real world.
LAW
Webinar
Yrs 12 & 13
Law: Skills & Insight – Legal Reasoning – Wednesday 11th March, 2:15pm – 3:00pm
In this interactive session, Dr Gemma Mitchell from the University of East Anglia will examine how UK discrimination law has responded to gender critical belief (those who do not believe in transgenderism). She will explain the leading legislative and case law authorities on protected beliefs, at all stages getting students to use their legal reasoning skills to think about whether or not gender critical beliefs should fall within the relevant legal definitions. Much of the session will be spent examining the leading case of Forstater v CGD Europe and others, which determined whether those with these beliefs should be protected from discrimination. Students will be encouraged to engage with the court’s reasoning, asking whether they find it convincing, or if a different decision should have been reached.
Gemma will address the following areas:
- Statutory and case law authorities on how beliefs are protected within the UK.
- The legal reasoning used by courts to determine if gender critical beliefs should fall within this protection.
- The implications of this for future cases.
Finance
Webinar
16+
HE Guidance: How Do You Pay For University & Manage Your Money Once You’re There? – Thursday 12th March, 4:30pm – 5:15pm
Student Finance, Scholarships & Budgeting Tips – Figuring out what finances could be available to you when going to university can be confusing. This webinar will give you an easy step-by-step guide to understanding your finances.
Criminology
on Campus Event
Y12 & 13
Where can a Criminology Degree take you? – Wednesday 18 March 2026 – 1pm – 3:30pm
Are you interested in crime, justice, and how society responds to offending? Curious about where a Criminology degree could lead you after university?
This event is designed for anyone who is considering studying Criminology at undergraduate level and wants to explore the exciting range of careers and opportunities the subject can offer.
You’ll gain an insider’s view of what it’s really like to study the subject, from the topics you’ll explore to the skills you’ll develop and how these can shape your future career. Whether you’re interested in working in criminal justice, policy, research, charities, or beyond, this event will help you understand how a Criminology degree can open doors.
Where – University of Sunderland – St Peter’s Campus
Students wishing to attend should get permission to be absent from lessons from Sixth Form office.
Finance
Webinar
16+
HE Guidance: Applying For Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) – Tuesday 24th March, 4:30pm – 5:15pm
Applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance can be daunting, and many students don’t realise they are eligible for funding. Join this webinar to get an understanding of what you might be entitled to and how to apply.
Agriculture
Experience Day
16+
Agriculture Experience Day – Tuesday 24th March, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Whether you’ve been raised on a farm or want to break into the sector, careers in agriculture are many and varied and here at Harper Adams University, we’ve been educating future agricultural leaders for almost 125 years!
Join us on 24 March 2026 to experience first-hand what it’s like to study an agricultural degree at Harper Adams, and discover the methods behind us delivering so much fresh talent to advance the food production industry.
Selected Subject Areas
Summer School
Y12
Bitesize Uni – Summer School – Applications now open and close on 27th March 2026
This free Year 12 Summer School gives students the opportunity to stay on campus, try out a degree subject they’re interested in and take part in the fun social activities.
Areas on offer:
- Medical Sciences
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Science
- Agriculture
- Engineering
Biosciences
Summer School
Y12
Biosciences Summer School – Thursday 25th – Friday 26th June
Are you interested in exploring the different areas of biosciences and where they can lead? Join this free two day residential summer school staying in university student accommodation. As well as lab activities and a taster lecture, you will meet student support staff who will answer all your questions to help you prepare for life as an undergraduate student.
Closing Date Tuesday 7th April
Scholarships
Opportunities
Y12
St Chad’s College Scholarships – Deadline for applications is Sunday 26th April
St Chad’s is the smallest college in Durham, and we are fortunate, thanks to the generous support of alumni, to have been able to put together a range of named scholarships which carry a value of £3,000 per year.
There are five named scholarships available
- Dr Joe Cassidy Memorial Bursary (St Chad’s Website)
- Shattock Family Scholarship (St Chad’s Website)
- Jim Tyrrell Memorial Scholarship (St Chad’s Website)
- Jim Tyrrell North East Scholarship (St Chad’s Website)
- Sandi Russell Undergraduate Scholarship (St Chad’s Website)
Deadline for applications is Sunday 26th April.
All Subjects
Online Information Sessions
Yr 12
Edinburgh University – Various dates
We run a range of online events that you can access wherever you are in the world.
Our regular ‘Introduction to the University of Edinburgh’ sessions provide an overview of what it’s like to study with us, and the opportunity to ask questions. View the event details and book a session below.
As well as our regular sessions, from time to time we will run online events which are specific to a particular subject area. We will update those on our mailing list when booking opens for relevant events.
Medicine & Dentistry
Advice on Preparing for applications
Yr 12
Medical Schools Council – Preparing to apply
The Medical Schools Council recommend that students start preparing now for dentistry and medicine applications so that they have everything in place for this time next year.
Writing a personal statement for Medical School & Dental School
Competitions
English
Competition
Yrs 12 & 13
Edward Thomas Fellowship Essay Competition
Our Year 12-13 essay competition is an excellent opportunity for students to critically analyse a single poem in a short essay, deepen their understanding of early twentieth century poetry as well as enrich their UCAS application. There is a £100 cash prize for the winning submission and £50 each for the two runners up, amongst other prizes.
Useful Resources/Opportunities
All Subjects
On Demand Webinars
Yrs 12 & 13
UniTasterDays
These impartial videos have one key aim. To support students who are considering university to make informed future subject decisions. They feature guest speakers from a range of different universities, who are always experts in the subject being explored.
Dentistry
Online Resource
Yrs 12 & 13
University of Sheffield
This resource provided from the University of Sheffield gives an insight into the world of dentistry. Resource provided via the Futurelearn portal.
Medical Sciences
Online Lectures
Yrs 12 & 13
UCL
UCL have an online medical sciences lecture series which is free and open to everyone to get inspired.
Natural Sciences
Spotlight
Yrs 12 & 13
Durham University
At Durham, we actively provide our students with opportunities to develop attributes we hope they have by the time they graduate. One way in which we do this is through our excellent multi-subject degree programmes.
Explore our Natural Sciences webpages to discover whether Natural Sciences at Durham could be a good match for your students.