Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Access+

How do I apply for Access+? Is there a separate application form?

No, there isn’t a separate application form for Access+. Just make sure you answer the widening participation questions on the UCAS application and submit it via UCAS as normal.  We will assess your eligibility automatically or we will be in touch once your application has been received if we require further information.

You can check if you may be eligible via our Access+ Eligibility Checker. 

Does Access+ lower GCSE grades?

No, any GCSE pre-requisites still need to be met. Access+ contextual offers only apply to A Levels or equivalent.

Does Access+ lower UCAT scores for Medicine and Dentistry?

No, any UCAT scores still need to be met. Access+ contextual offers only apply to A Levels or equivalent.

I am resitting my A Levels, will this have an impact on my Access+ eligibility?

No, if you are eligible for Access+, this will still apply for subsequent years if you are resitting your A Levels.

I am taking a gap year, will this have an impact on my Access+ eligibility?

No, if you are eligible for Access+, this will still apply for subsequent years if you are taking a gap year.

I meet more than 1 of the criteria for Access+, will my contextual offer be lowered for each criteria I meet?

No, the Access+ offer is set by the department and is up to 2 grades below the standard entry requirements. You can find out the Access+ grade for your course on the course webpage under entry requirements and clicking the Access Sheffield tab.

I am eligible for Access+, will my offer be 1 or 2 grades below the entry requirements for my chosen course?

Access+ is a contextual offer of up to 2 grades below the entry requirements depending on your chosen course and combination of qualifications you are taking. In order to find out what the Access+ contextual offer will be for your chosen course, you can take a look at the course webpage under Entry Requirements and then by clicking the Access Sheffield tab.

I qualify for Access+ but have taken a BTEC, what will my offer be?

BTECs are assessed slightly differently and can sometimes cover 2 grade boundaries. If your BTEC and/or combination of BTEC and A Levels cover 2 grade boundaries, your offer may not look any different to the standard offer due to the way these are assessed. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact access@sheffield.ac.uk and we can look into this for you.

I am applying through Clearing, will I get a contextual offer?

Our clearing courses are assessed differently to our main cycle applications, therefore we do not apply a contextual offer for applications received in Clearing. If you provide us with as much information as you can in your Clearing application, we may be able to give additional consideration to your application, however we will not be able to provide a contextual offer.

I’ve checked my postcode on the checkers and it’s saying it’s not recognised.

We use the IMD data, or the Index of Multiple Deprivation, to check your postcode to see if it is Quintile 1 or 2. If your postcode is not recognised we are not able to consider you for Access+.