Access to Sheffield (Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences)

Throughout the programme, you'll get a feel for what studying these subjects at degree level is really like, gain an insight into future career and study options, and learn about university life from our current undergraduates. 

If you are a creative thinker, interested in what makes us tick and fascinated by people and society, then Access to Sheffield (Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences) is for you.

Subjects and departments included in Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences:

• Architecture and Landscape
• Accounting and Financial Management
• Business Management
• East Asian Studies
• Economics
• Education and Psychology
• English
• Geography
• History
• Journalism
• Languages
• Music
• Politics and International Relations
• Philosophy and Religion
• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Urban Planning

Psychology is not included on this programme as it is included in Access to Sheffield (STEM). 

Programme structure

Year 12

Welcome event (virtual)

This is a chance for you and your parents and supporters to find out more about the Access to Sheffield programme and what we have planned for the next 18 months . You will also hear from previous programme participants who are now students at the University of Sheffield.

Intro day

You’ll get to know other students on the programme, take part in academic activities aligned with your chosen pathway, explore the campus, meet our ambassadors and find out about student life.

Taster sessions

Take part in interactive workshops in a variety of subjects that are run by academic tutors. These taster sessions will allow you to explore different subjects and experience degree level teaching. 

Residential summer school

This three day residential summer school will give you a taste of life as a University of Sheffield student. You’ll be staying in your own en-suite room at Endcliffe Student Village, which is one of our University of Sheffield student accommodation sites. Throughout the summer school you’ll take part in a range of subject specific sessions including practical & academic activities as well as social evenings such as bowling and disco night. 

Year 13

During Y13 you’ll be enrolled onto our Access to Sheffield (Y13 to Uni) programme. This programme is designed to support you in your journey to university through a range of virtual information and guidance sessions, mentoring and more.

UCAS guidance and personal statements

We'll help you prepare a strong UCAS application, including focused work on personal statements. You can also get 1-2-1 personal statement help from our current students.

Day in the Life

Spend the day on campus focusing on one or two subjects of your choice. Start the day in a cafe with a drink of your choosing and then spend your time with an ambassador visiting lectures, seminars and other course related activities.

Celebration evening

Once you’ve completed the Access to Sheffield (Law) programme you'll be invited to a celebration evening, along with your parents and supporters, to celebrate your involvement and success with other students from all six Access to Sheffield programmes. There will be a meal, a DJ/disco, a photo booth, and much more. There will also be tailored sessions for your parents/supporters to engage with.

Benefits of taking part in an Access programme 

Contextual offer

Students who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a contextual offer from the University of Sheffield, subject to conditions, including passing an interview (where required).

Access to Sheffield scholarship

If you choose to study with us, and meet our eligibility criteria, you will be guaranteed a bursary and an Access to Sheffield Scholarship worth £3,600. 

How to apply for the scholarship 

If you wanted to take a one year break before applying to the University of Sheffield, or need to resit A Levels to achieve a higher grade, the contextual offer would be made available in the following year only.

Read our access admissions policies for more information. 

Eligibility requirements

Access to Sheffield (Arts & Humanities and Social Science) is for students from target groups who are currently underrepresented in Higher Education.

Participants are expected to attend events on campus so must be living within commutable distance of the university, for a 9am arrival. 

Students must expect to be a home fee paying student unless identified as a forced migrant.

GCSE requirements

Achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-6, plus a minimum of grade 4 in English (if not already included).

A Level requirements 

You need to be studying at least 3 A Level or equivalent qualifications - at least two should be on the University’s acceptable subject list.

Students must meet one or more of the following criteria in addition to the academic requirements detailed above:

• are eligible for free school meals
• live in an area of disadvantage, measured by IMD
• care experienced
• a care leaver
• young carers
• experiencing estrangement
• a forced migrant

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. As this is a programme for 16-18 year olds we can only accept students starting Y12 in September who are no older than 17 years old as of 1 September in this application cycle.

How to apply

Applications open in September and close in early November. 

Please note you can only apply for the programme at the start of Year 12. We then work with the same students until the end of  Year 13.  Students cannot apply in Year 13. 

Talk to your head of sixth form or your course leader to find out more.  They will tell you if you are eligible based upon the criteria and information we have provided for them.  You will then need to complete the online application form, via your registered school/college coordinator.

Taking part in Access to Sheffield shows commitment and could enhance your university application. However, it does not guarantee you a place at university. Places are subject to availability and you can only be registered on one sustained Widening Access pathway at the University of Sheffield at any one time.

Contact us

Email: ahss.accesstosheffield@sheffield.ac.uk

Phone: +44 114 222 1027