Access to Sheffield (Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences)

Throughout the programme, you'll get a feel for what studying these subjects at the University is really like, gain an insight into future career and study options, and learn about university life from our current undergraduates. 

Not only will you explore subjects to see which degree is right for you, you’ll hear from careers, participate in revision and academic study skills workshops to help you with the transition to university and visit cultural destinations such as museums and theatres.

If you are a creative thinker, interested in what makes us tick and fascinated by people and society, then Access to Sheffield (Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences) is for you.

Subjects and departments included in Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences:

• Architecture
• Applied and Quantitative Social Science
• East Asian Studies
• Economics
• Education
• English
• Geography
• History
• Journalism, Media and Communication
• Landscape
• Languages
• Management
• Music
• Politics
• Philosophy and Religion
• Sociological Studies
• Urban Studies & Planning

Please note: Psychology is not included on this programme as it is included in Access to Sheffield (STEM). 

Programme structure

Year 12

• Welcome event - This is the chance for you and your parents and supporters to find out more about the programme and upcoming event dates.
• Intro day - You’ll get to know students on the programme, discover the range of degrees you can study in Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences, explore the campus, meet our ambassadors and find out about academic and student life.
• Things you can't study in school or college - Explore Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines that you can study at uni but may not be an option at school/college through a series of subject workshops.
• Things you can study in school or college - experience some of those familiar subjects by exploring them in lectures, seminars and workshops, and find out more about what learning and teaching is all about at university.
• Summer School - Experience a three day residential summer school giving you a taste of life as a Sheffield student. Staying in student accommodation, you’ll take part in academic sessions, sports and social activities.

Year 13

• During Y13 you’ll be enrolled onto our Access to Sheffield (Y13 to Uni) programme. You’ll be able to access support with academic attainment and your university journey.
• UCAS guidance and Personal Statement support - We can help you prepare a strong UCAS application, with a focus on your personal statement.
• Day in the life of a uni student - Spend the day on campus focusing on one or two subjects of your choice. Start the day in a cafe with a drink of your choosing and then spend your time with an ambassador visiting lectures, seminars and other course related activities.
• Celebration evening - You and your parents/supporters will be invited to a celebration evening, where you'll receive certificates of achievement for successfully completing both phases of Access to Sheffield (Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences) and celebrate your success with other Access to Sheffield students across all the programmes.

Contextual offer

Students who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a contextual offer from the University of Sheffield, subject to conditions, including passing an interview (where required).

If you wanted to take a one year break before applying to the University of Sheffield, or need to resit A Levels to achieve a higher grade, the contextual offer would be made available in the following year only.

Read our access admissions policies for more information.

Eligibility requirements

Access to Sheffield (Arts & Humanities and Social Science) is for students from target groups who are currently underrepresented in Higher Education.

Participants are expected to attend events on campus so must be living within commutable distance of the university, for a 9am arrival. 

Students must expect to be a home fee paying student unless identified as a forced migrant.

GCSE requirements

Achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-6, plus a minimum of grade 4 in English (if not already included).

A Level requirements 

You need to be studying at least 3 A Level or equivalent qualifications - at least two should be on the University’s acceptable subject list.

Students must meet one or more of the following criteria in addition to the academic requirements detailed above.

Category 1

Priority will be given to students who:

• are eligible for free school meals
• live in an area of disadvantage, measured by IMD

Category 2

Further consideration will be given to those who are: 

• care experienced
• a care leaver
• young carers
• experiencing estrangement
• a forced migrant

Please note: Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. As this is a programme for 16-18 year olds we can only accept students starting Y12 in September who are no older than 17 years old as of 1 September in this application cycle.

How to apply

Talk to the head of your sixth form or your course leader to find out more. They'll tell you if you are eligible based upon the criteria and information we have provided for them. You and your parents/carers will then need to complete the online application form, via your registered school/college coordinator.

Taking part in Access to Sheffield shows commitment and could enhance your university application. However, it does not guarantee you a place at university. Places are subject to availability and you can only be registered on one sustained Widening Access pathway at the University of Sheffield at any one time.

Contact us

ahss.accesstosheffield@sheffield.ac.uk

0114 222 1027