UNIQ 2021 – Applications now open for Oxford’s access programme for S5 students
As a completely free of charge access programme, UNIQ aims to encourage and support more students from backgrounds that are underrepresented at university. UNIQ is carefully designed to break down the barriers that can discourage some students from applying to Oxford– such as a lack of confidence or encouragement, absence of role models, understanding of financial support, outdated perceptions of Oxford and its students, or myths around our interview process. We have strong evidence that UNIQ works. Every year about a third of UNIQ students who apply to Oxford get offered a place. Last year all UNIQ courses were delivered 100% online and 231 of our online UNIQ students have now received offers from Oxford.
Key things to know:
Applications open 10 February and close 15 March 2021 for 2,500 places
- The programme is completely free of charge.
- The programmes will support all students from April through to December, and for students who receive an offer support will continue until they arrive.
- Students will explore course choices and subject sessions with the support of academics and current undergraduates.
- Students will get to explore life at university – accommodation, finance, societies, and support services.
- Students will be provided with the support and knowledge to navigate the UCAS and Oxford Admissions process for applying to university.
Quotes From Students
We know from last year’s feedback that students really enjoyed our online programmes – especially the opportunities to interact live with other students and Oxford undergraduates and academic tutors – I include some quotes from students so you can see for yourself.
“I think it’s given me a more realistic view of medicine. It’s allowed me to be more confident to apply to Oxford and about my A levels. I think my favourite part of the week was either going over the BMAT or the pictionary. Thank you so much for your help and for answering our questions.”
“Before this week I had actually made the decision to not apply to Oxbridge as I didn’t know If I would be good enough. But after all the sessions and finding out Oxford take many things into account when they offer you a place I have now changed my mind and I think I will apply as I have nothing to lose!”
Who is the programme for?
The programme is for S5 state-school students. We particularly welcome applications from students who have the potential to do well academically but may lack the confidence to apply to Oxford.
Places on UNIQ are prioritised for students who live in areas where relatively few people progress to higher education (using POLAR postcode classification) and who come from low socio-economic backgrounds (using ACORN postcode classification). We also consider whether students have ever been in care or received free school meals.
If you would like any further information, please visit www.uniq.ox.ac.uk. Please note that during the pandemic, we are not able to answer telephone calls, so please contact us at uniq@admin.ox.ac.uk.
Yours faithfully,
Samina Khan
Director, Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach, University of Oxford
