Ignite your Journey
Our flagship Ignite Southampton programme provides sustained support to students from groups underrepresented in higher education.
Ignite your Journey is designed for Year 12 and 13 students. It helps you:
- prepare your university application
- build skills for studying at a research-led university
- transition into higher education (HE)
Applications for the 2027 programme are now closed. We will update this page with details for 2028 entry in spring 2027.
The information on this page is for reference only.
Eligibility
You must:
- be a home UK student
- be in Year 12 (or equivalent)
- live permanently in the UK
You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- receive a 16 to 19 Bursary, similar grant, or previously received free school meals (after age 14)
- have been in UK local authority care for 3 months or more, or are estranged from your family
- be a young carer
- live in an area with low progression to higher education (POLAR4 or TUNDRA MSOA Quintile 1)
- live in an area within the lowest 20% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
You can check your postcode:
- POLAR4, TUNDRA and IMD
- Welsh IMD (if you live in Wales)
Courses not included
The following courses are not available through Ignite your Journey:
- BM6 Medicine
- BA Economics
- Creative Computing
- Illustration
- Liberal Arts
- Microbiology
- Product Design
- Foundation Year programmes
What to expect
Ignite your Journey
Watch our video to hear Jess and other former students talk about the programme and how it supported them (1 minute 1 second).
If you join the programme, you’ll take part in a number of activities which will help you develop skills and confidence for university study.
We'll update this page with details for 2028 entry in spring 2027.
You will take part in:
- an online learning module to help prepare for university and build key study skills
- monthly virtual Q&A sessions covering topics about applying to university
- E-mentoring with a current University of Southampton student who will share their experiences and answer your questions
- personal development opportunities to build transferable skills and explore your future career and development
- a Transition and Skills event on campus in April of Year 13 to help you consolidate your online learning
We provide travel bursaries of up to £100 to attend an Autumn Open Day or Applicant Visit Day (where appropriate).
What you could receive
If you complete the programme, you may be eligible for:
- additional admissions consideration when applying to Southampton
- £1,000 scholarship in your first year
- support to apply for Ignite your Success, an alumni funded programme offering financial, academic and career support
If you are applying for BM5 Medicine, you must also meet another contextual admissions criterion. BM6 Medicine is not available through this programme.
Important information
Taking part in the programme does not guarantee a university offer.
You must still complete the standard admissions process, which may include:
- achieving required grades
- submitting a UCAS application
- interviews or admissions tests (for some courses)
Admissions decisions are based on your full application, including your grades, personal statement, reference and any assessments.
How to apply
Applications for the 2027 programme are now closed. We will update this page with details for 2028 entry in spring 2027.
Hear from our students
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, previous participant (Medicine)
I learned about budgeting, societies and where to get support on campus. It made the transition to university much easier.
Elizabeth, MSci Biomedical Science