Access to Sheffield (Health Professions)

Learn which healthcare profession is right for you by getting involved in a range of activities during the programme. You’ll take part in Adult Nursing, Orthoptics, Speech and Language Therapy, and Pharmacy taster sessions as well as other experiences to strengthen your future applications. You’ll also gain genuine insight into what studying a health-related degree at Sheffield is really like by working with current undergraduate students throughout the programme.

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 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.

Subject taster days

Students will have the opportunity to attend subject taster sessions in all four disciplines: Speech and Language Therapy, Adult Nursing, Orthoptics, and Pharmacy. Through a range of hands-on and practical activities, they will gain a deeper understanding of what studying each degree involves and the skills required for a career in these healthcare professions.  Students will also spend time with our Health Ambassadors and academic staff, giving them the chance to hear about their experiences, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into university life and the different career pathways available within healthcare. This experience will help students explore their interests and make more informed decisions about their future study and career options.

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 our student accommodation at our Endcliffe Student Village, with your own ensuite room with other Y12 students.  You will take part in a range of subject specific  sessions including practical & academic activities. In the evenings you will get involved in social activities, with a trip to Sheffield City centre for bowling, laser tag and crazy golf on one evening, and a DJ, disco, and karaoke on the second night.

Year 13

During Y13 you’ll be enrolled onto our Access to Sheffield (Y13 to Uni) programme. You’ll be able to access support with academic attainment and your university journey.

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.

Mock interviews

Building on the mock interview session offered at the summer school, students will have another opportunity to practise their interview skills.  They will work through a range of commonly asked interview questions, helping them develop their confidence and prepare for the interview process. Students will also receive constructive feedback to help them identify areas for improvement, with plenty of time to ask questions and gain further advice on how to prepare for their health interviews. 

Mock interview workshop

Students will have the opportunity to spend time with current health students, and access support and advice in preparation for their real dental school interview.  

Subject taster days

Students will continue exploring the four subjects covered on the programme: Speech and Language Therapy, Adult Nursing, Orthoptics, and Pharmacy. Through further taster sessions and practical activities, they will deepen their understanding of each degree, gain additional insight into the teaching and learning experience, and continue discovering the wide range of career opportunities available across these healthcare professions. 

Celebration evening

If you successfully complete both phases of Access to Sheffield you'll be invited to a celebration evening, along with your parents and supporters, to celebrate your involvement and success with other students from across all six programmes. There will be a meal, a DJ/disco, a photo booth, and much more.  There will also be tailored sessions for the 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

Access to Sheffield (Health Professions) 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

You must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-6, plus a minimum of grade 4 in English, Maths and Science subjects (if not already included). 

A Level requirements

You must be taking 1 x science subject at A Level (please note if you are interested in applying for Pharmacy, you must be taking Chemistry and one other science). 

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 

If other qualifications are being studied, refer to the programme contact to discuss. 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: health.accesstosheffield@sheffield.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 114 22 21027