Access to Sheffield (STEM)

The programme will explore the different Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) degree options through practical workshops and taster sessions, spending time working in laboratories at the University. 

Within these workshops you will have the opportunity to work with current undergraduate STEM students - gaining a real experience of what it is like to be a student at the University.

Overall you will be exposed to subject areas that you may not have studied previously, as well as an insight into the practical nature of a STEM degree. 

Subjects and departments included in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Automatic Control & Systems Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Biosciences
• Chemical & Biological Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil & Structural Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electronic & Electrical Engineering
• General Engineering
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics and Astronomy
• Psychology

Programme structure

Year 12

• Welcome Session - This is the chance to meet the other Access to Sheffield (STEM) students and find out more about the programme.
• Discover STEM Activity Days - Our Discover STEM Activity Days allow you to experience life as a first year student and try out some of the amazing facilities on offer at the University. The days include first year lectures, practical lab sessions in areas of your choosing, and the opportunity to speak to our current undergraduate student ambassadors about university life.
• Residential Summer School - This three day residential summer school will give you a taste of life as a University of Sheffield student. During the week you'll take part in a range of interactive sessions (practical labs, workshops and lectures) and social activities, including a social evening with other access to Sheffield students and activities such as extreme Frisbee and salsa dancing. You'll get to stay in our award winning student accommodation with your own en-suite room.

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.
• Discover STEM activity days - Our Discover STEM activity days include first year lectures, practical lab sessions in areas of your choosing, as well as the opportunity to speak to our current undergraduate student ambassadors about university life.
• UCAS guidance and Personal Statement support - We help equip you with skills to prepare a strong UCAS application, including focused work on your personal statement.
• Celebration evening - If you successfully complete both phases of Access to Sheffield (STEM) you'll be invited to a celebration evening, along with your parents and supporters, to celebrate your involvement and success with other Access to Sheffield students from across all five programmes. There will also be tailored sessions for the parents/supporters to engage with.

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 (STEM) 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, including Maths and Science. Plus a minimum of grade 4 in English (if not already included).

A Level requirements 

You should be studying at least 3 A Levels which must include Maths and a Science subject OR two science subjects. 

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

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 will tell you if you're 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

stem.accesstosheffield@sheffield.ac.uk

0114 222 1027