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DESTINATION NORTHUMBRIA

Destination Northumbria is a programme designed to provide valuable resources, guidance and a strong support network to help develop the skills and knowledge to prepare for undergraduate study.

By participating in Destination Northumbria, you will receive information and advice supporting your transition to university, alongside the opportunity to enjoy a range of social activities and networking events, to experience a taste of student life.   

If you meet any of the eligibility criteria in Group 1, you will receive 8 Destination Northumbria points upon completion of the programme (equal to 8 UCAS tariff points when applying to Northumbria University).

If you meet any criteria in Group 2, you are eligible for a contextual offer. Please note, Destination Northumbria points cannot be used in conjunction with any contextual offer, reduced offer or non-tariff bearing qualifications, however you are still encouraged to take part in the programme.

You are only required to meet 1 criteria in either Group 1 or Group 2.

Eligibility Criteria - Group 1

Criteria Table  

Criterion Description
First generation to go to university First generation to go to university means that neither of your parents have been to university and got a degree. You count as being first generation to go to university even if the following people have gone to university: your foster parents, your care workers, your brother or sister, your biological parents (if you're adopted), or a parent with whom you’ve had no contact with during your secondary and post-16 education.
Refugee Your claim for asylum has been recognised and you have been granted official refugee status.
Asylum Seeker or someone who has been granted limited leave to remain or discretionary leave to remain You are in the process of seeking asylum, or the decision is still pending, or you have been given permission to stay temporarily in the UK.
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen or Boater This term encompasses a wide range of individuals who may be defined in relation to their ethnicity, heritage, way of life and how they self-identify. This includes: English or Welsh Romany Gypsies, European Roma, Irish Travellers, Scottish Gypsy Travellers, Showpeople (such as people linked with fairground or circus professions), people living on barges or other boats, people living in settled (bricks and mortar) accommodation or New Age Travellers.
LGBTQ+ A student who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or other non-heterosexual orientations/identities and students who identify as transgender (trans), non-binary and other gender diverse identities.
Service child A person whose parent or carer serves in the Regular Armed Forces, or as a Reservist, or has done at any point during the first 25 years of that person’s life.

Eligibility Criteria - Group 2

Criteria Table  

Criterion Description
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 organization.
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*.
*Please visit our contextual offer web page for more information.
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
Live in a neighbourhood with a low progression rate to Higher Education  Check your neighbourhood progression rate by using the postcode checker. If your POLAR4 young participation quintile is identified as 1 or 2, you will be eligible.

You can find the postcode checker on the Office for Students (OfS) Website by clicking here

Note: Applicants who are eligible for a contextual offer are encouraged to take part in the programme. Please note, Destination Northumbria points cannot be used in conjunction with any contextual or reduced offer. Our contextual offers are open to applicants studying Level 3 qualifications that attract UCAS tariff points, if they meet one of the above criteria.

Opportunities on the Programme

  • Get involved in social events to experience a taste of student life.

  • Connect with other Destination Northumbria students via an online group to build your community before you enrol.

  • Engage in mentoring with current Northumbria students who may have experienced a similar journey to university.

  • Attend on campus events to familiarise yourself with the campus and useful services (transport costs may be covered)

  • Meet our student support teams who can support your journey from application through to Graduation.

  • Attend a series of webinars providing information and guidance during each step of your journey.

  • Guaranteed interview for paid part time roles upon completion of the programme.

Joining the Programme

All Northumbria University offer holders will receive an invite via email to join the programme, you are not required to register your interest at this stage. If you would like to join the programme, simply follow the steps below:

1. Apply to Northumbria University 

2. If you receive an offer, watch out for the Destination Northumbria email to follow

3. Follow the link on the Destination Northumbria email to check your eligibility and apply to the programme

4. The team will be in touch to confirm your place, if you are eligible 

5. You will then receive an invite to the Destination Northumbria Welcome Event which will be held on campus in February 2025 

In order to successfully complete the Destination Northumbria programme, all compulsory tasks must be completed by 13th June 2025. There will be other activities available to participate in voluntarily after this date.

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