At the University of Southampton, we take a lifecycle approach to Widening Participation and Social Mobility. Our flagship programme Ignite Southampton allows us to offer sustained and sequential support to students from groups under-represented in higher education.
Ignite your Journey, our strand for Year 12/13 students, is designed to support your university application, help develop the skills you'll need for study at a research led university and support your transition to higher education (HE).
Applications are now open for the programme for 2025 entry to university and will close on 10 July 2024.
Participants will take part in a number of activities between August 2024 and April 2025 to develop skills and knowledge around university level study, and help with the transition to HE.
As well as getting the chance develop skills and understanding of the transition to university, those who complete the programme in full will be eligible to receive:
*For Medicine, those who complete the Ignite your Journey programme must also meet another of the University's contextual admissions policy criteria in order to receive additional admissions consideration.
Please note that Ignite your Journey does not guarantee an offer from the University, and that neither your acceptance onto the programme nor your participation in the activities confers eligibility for admission to our undergraduate programmes. Admissions decisions are made on a combination of your predicted and achieved grades, content of your UCAS personal statement, UCAS reference, interview and/or admissions test (for some courses). You must complete any standard admissions process in addition to the Ignite your Journey activities which may include, but is not limited to; interviews, visit days and additional skills tests.
“The e-mentoring part of Ignite your Journey has been one of the most inspiring and encouraging experiences I have had throughout the university application process.” Jess, Year 13 participant, BM5 Medicine offer holder
“To say that participating was super helpful going into my first year would be a huge understatement – I’ve been able to adjust, grow and develop into uni life so much faster than I thought I would, and the opportunities I’ve received since, and the experiences I’ve gained, would not have been possible without the programme.” Andrei, BSc Computer Science, Third Year
“Taking part in a pre-entry programme before I came to university helped me understand the expectations of degree level study – it made me feel more confident.” Charlotte, MSci Oceanography 2021
To be eligible for Ignite your Journey you must be in Year 12, attend a state school and meet at least one of the following widening participation criteria:
You can check your postcode for the POALR4, TUNDRA and IMD measures here. If your home postcode is in Wales you can check the Welsh IMD here.
Please note that BM6 Medicine, Creative Computing, Liberal Arts and our Foundation Year programmes are not currently available through Ignite your Journey.
Complete the online application form found by clicking on the apply now button. Please ensure you read the Guidance for Applicants information below. Applications must be supported by a reference from a member of staff from your school or college, which you must request they submit to us directly. Our Reference Pro Forma is found below.
The deadline for applications and references is 10 July 2024.
If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility criteria or if have any questions about Ignite your Journey, please contact us at talk2us@soton.ac.uk.