2026/7 Contextual Offer Scheme
What is a Contextual Offer?
A contextual offer means we look
at you as a whole person—not just your grades. When you apply, our
admissions team considers not only your academic achievements but also your
background and personal circumstances.
We understand in some cases, that
factors like social or financial challenges can affect your grades or prevent
you from accessing work experience and joining extracurricular activities. By
using a contextual approach, we look at the full picture of who you are and
what you've achieved, then make an offer that reflects your potential.
What does a contextual offer look like?
If you are eligible for a contextual offer, you will be made a reduced UCAS tariff point offer which is 16 points less than our standard entry criteria. This typically equates to a two grade drop at A level or other common qualifications. You will receive an offer as below:
- 120-point course > 104-point offer
- 112-point course > 96-point offer
- 72 - point course > 56-point course
Eligibility
The information we require is automatically provided on your application form in most cases
Our contextual offers are open to applicants studying Level 3 qualifications that attract UCAS tariff points, if you meet one of the below criteria:
You live in an area with low
progression rates to University: You live in
an area that has a low rate of progression to higher education according to
POLAR4 or IMD data at the point of application. You will be eligible for a reduced
offer if your postcode is identified as being in POLAR4 Quintile 1 or 2 or IMD Decile 1-4. We
will use your home address on your UCAS application form to identify this, and
you can check if your post code will qualify on the Office for Students (OFS) Website for POLAR4 eligibility or for IMD by using English indices of deprivation - GOV.UK to assess if you are eligible.
You have spent time in care: You must complete the care questions in your UCAS form. If this is not also identified in your reference, we may ask you to provide evidence from your local authority, school or college or another relevant organisation.
Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic Origin: As an underrepresented group here at Northumbria, applicants from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic origin will be eligible for a contextual offer.
As we do not receive this information from UCAS until
later in the admissions cycle you will need to complete our Contextual Offer Enquiry short form to let us know you qualify for a reduced offer.
Free School Meals: If you're eligible for free school meals.
Adult Learners: If you are over 21 years of age at the start of your programme.
Unpaid Caring Responsibilities: You have listed on your UCAS form that you have unpaid caring responsibilities (not including parenting); we may ask you to provide evidence.
Estranged from Parents: You are not in contact with or supported by parents
Physical and/or mental health condition, long term illness or learning difference
If you have not received a
reduced offer and you believe you are eligible, please complete our Contextual Offer Enquiry short form to let us know and
we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Student Parent or Parenting Responsibilities: You are a parent or have parental responsibilities for a child under 17
Served in the Armed Forces: You have or are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces
Parent or Carer in the Armed Forces: You have a parent or guardian serving or who has served in the UK Armed Forces
First Generation: You do not have a parent who holds a Higher Education Qualification
You have been awarded Refugee status or humanitarian status or are currently in the process of claiming asylum. Please note additional evidence will be required if you are eligible under this status
HAF+ Participant: Applicants who have participated in the HAF+ Programme
We do not receive this information from UCAS so please complete our Contextual Offer Enquiry short form to let us know and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
