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 Event (virtual) - This is a chance for you and your parents and supporters to find out more about the Access to Sheffield programme and what we have planned for the next 18 months . You will also hear from previous programme participants who are now students at the UoS.
• Intro Day -  You’ll get to know students on the programme, take part in academic activities aligned with your chosen pathway, explore the campus, meet our ambassadors and find out about student life.
• Residential Summer School - This three day residential summer school will give you a taste of life as a University of Sheffield student. You’ll be staying in our student accommodation at our Endcliffe Student Village, with your own en-suite room with other Y12 students.  You will take part in a range of subject specific  sessions including practical & academic activities. In the evenings you will get involved in social activities, with a trip to Sheffield City centre for bowling, lasertag and crazy golf on one evening, and a DJ, disco, and karaoke on the second night.
• Access to Sheffield STEM Activity Days (on campus) - Our ATS 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, science and engineering practical lab sessions in areas of your choosing, and the opportunity to speak to our current undergraduate student ambassadors about university life.

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 Statements - We'll help you prepare a strong UCAS application, including focused work on personal statements. You can also get 1-2-1 personal statement help from our current students.
• Celebration Evening - If you successfully complete both phases of Access to Sheffield you'll be invited to a celebration evening, along with your parents and supporters, to celebrate your involvement and success with other students from across all six programmes. There will be a meal, a DJ/disco, a photo booth, and much more.  There will also be tailored sessions for the parents/supporters to engage with.
• Access to Sheffield STEM activity days - Access to Sheffield STEM activity days include first year lectures, practical science and engineering lab sessions in areas of your choosing, as well as the opportunity to speak to our current undergraduate student ambassadors about university life.

Benefits of taking part in an Access programme 

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).

Access to Sheffield scholarship

If you choose to study with us, and meet our eligibility criteria, you will be guaranteed a bursary and an Access to Sheffield Scholarship worth £3,600. 

How to apply for the scholarship 

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. 

If taking the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering it must be accompanied by A Level Maths.

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

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

Applications open in September and close in early November. 

Please note you can only apply for the programme at the start of Year 12. We then work with the same students until the end of  Year 13.  Students cannot apply in Year 13. 

Talk to your head of sixth form or your course leader to find out more.  They will tell you if you are eligible based upon the criteria and information we have provided for them.  You 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

Email: stem.accesstosheffield@sheffield.ac.uk

Phone: +44 114 222 1027