Access to Queen Mary

Queen Mary is the most inclusive university of its kind. Through Access to Queen Mary, we nurture students typically under-represented at Russell Group universities, through an 18 month programme of activities, events and interventions.

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Access to Queen Mary supports the entrance of students under-represented at Russell Group universities to study at Queen Mary, the most inclusive university of its kind!

Through an 18-month programme of activities, we aim to help students become more prepared for and successful in, higher education. Students who successfully complete the programme will not only have benefited from tailored academic and pastoral support but will benefit from consideration for a contextual offer to Queen Mary*.

Please note, this programme specifically aims to work with students outside of Greater London, and priority will be given to those students in targeted areas of low-participation. Before applying, please ensure you read the eligibility criteria and that you understand the expectations of the programme. If you have any questions, please email us.

Applications are now closed and will reopen in September 2025.

Students will receive advice and guidance on how to prepare a UCAS application and personal statement.
Students will benefit from additional support to prepare them for the different teaching styles at university.
Students will receive tailored academic support in a key subject of their choice, relating to their Level 3 study.
Students who successfully complete the programme and enroll on a Queen Mary undergraduate degree within two years will be offered supported entry onto our Student Ambassador scheme
Students who successfully complete the programme and enroll on a Queen Mary undergraduate degree within two years will be receipt of a £500 bursary in return for 20 volunteer hours
Students who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a contextual offer of up to three A-Level grades below the standard entry offer*.

Step one:

In order to be eligible to apply, students must meet all of the criteria outlined in step one.

Attend a state-funded school or college.

Are currently studying in Year 12 (or equivalent)

Have achieved at least five A*-B or 5-9 GCSE grades, with at least a 5 in English and Maths.

Be a Home registered student or expect to be by the time they apply for higher education,

Reside in an area outside of London but commutable to campus. Specifically, this programme targets students in Kent, Medway and Essex but applications will be considered from other commutable towns*.

Step two:

Students must meet two points from the below widening participation eligibility criteria. Where a programme is oversubscribed, students who meet the highest point score will be offered a place on the programme.

Are currently, or have previously lived in local authority care, or is permanently estranged from both parents	2
Has a disability defined under the ‘Equality Act 2010’. A physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.	2
Be living in an area of high deprivation (IMD Quintile 1 or 2) or be living in an area of socio-economic disadvantage (ACORN group M, N, P, Q, R, S or U).	1
Are a young carer (you look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem).	1
Were previously entitled to Free School Meals during Key Stage 4, or are currently in receipt of the 16-19 bursary.	1
Are living in an area of low-participation to higher education (TUNDRA Quintile 1 or 2).	1
Neither parent or carer has attended higher education in the UK or abroad	1
Are a refugee or asylum seeker.	1
Are from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller background, inclusive of Showmen and Boater communities	1

*We welcome applications from students in London and Greater London who meet the criteria for care experience, are estranged from parents, or who have a disability defined under the Equality Act 2010.

Ensure you have checked that you meet the eligibility criteria outlined above
Submit your application, using the online form.
Ensure that your parent or carer, and your designated teacher or school contact, have also completed their section of the application, where required.

Students who are successful in gaining a place on the Access to Queen Mary programme will be expected to attend a minimum of two events, complete the Study Skills element, and attend and complete the residential academic summer school.

Our student says...

Find out what current Dentistry student Manav had to say about his time in the Access to Queen Mary programme in his Unibuddy blog post.

The programme made my transition to university from A-levels seamless. I found it useful when there were various sessions on how to revise during university and how lectures are different compared to school classes – this is still helping me during my time studying at university.
— Manav, currently studying Dentistry