Benefits, Eligibilty and Applying for the Programme:

• What are the benefits of studying on the Pathway Opportunity Programme?

  There are a number of benefits of taking part on the Pathway Programme.  As a participant, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive a guaranteed conditional offer to Queen’s on a course within your Pathway subject (students applying to study Medicine or Dentistry receive a guaranteed interview in place of a guaranteed offer).
  • A potential reduction of one or two A-level grades in your offer, which will be based on your performance in the programme and the course you apply for. (Students studying Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy will receive a maximum one grade reduction).
  • Receive a £1000 Kilwaughter Minerals Bursary to start you off on your studies at Queen’s University Belfast that is awarded during your first semester.
  • Experience university level coursework in your chosen subject area.
  • Get to know some of the lecturers and staff that you’ll be working with when you arrive at Queen’s.
  • Meet other students from across Northern Ireland and take part in workshops designed to support you.
  • Take part in a Summer School designed to introduce university and student life.
  • Develop key skills that will help you to adapt and thrive in a university environment.
  • Receive ongoing support with university applications and the transition to Higher Education.
• Am I eligible for the programme?

  If you think that the programme is something you are interested in, it’s important to consider the eligibility criteria.  You must meet all of the following criteria: 

  Section A

  • Be ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland and be in full-time attendance at a school or college in Northern Ireland.
  • Currently be in year 1 of an acceptable (to the University) two-year Level 3 qualification such as A-Levels, BTEC etc. This means that the subjects you are currently studying meet the specific requirements for the course(s) in the Pathway you are applying to.  It is also important to note that for Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy courses Level 3 BTEC, OCR and other non A-Level qualifications are not acceptable.
  • Ensure that neither of your parents have attended university nor obtained an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in the UK, Ireland or abroad. However if a parent is currently studying for their first degree or has graduated within the last 5 years your application will still be considered for the programme.
  • Have at least: 7 GCSEs (or equivalent acceptable to the University, such as BTEC) at grades A*-C, including English Language, of which 5 of your GCSE grades must be at grade B or above. Again, GCSE grades need to satisfy any requirements for the course(s) on your Pathway (for example, a grade B in Maths at GCSE to study Business courses). (Please note that the 5 GCSE B's requirement can be met by BBBBB but also met by ABBBC or AABCC when we use "averaging" of an A and a C.)

   

  In addition to the above, you must also meet at least one of the below criteria:

  Section B

  • Be eligible for or are currently receiving free school meals (FSM) and/or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
  • Be the main carer for a family member or dependant.
  • Have a permanent residence postcode that is classified as being in a "disadvantaged neighbourhood” by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 
  • You can check the eligibility of your postcode online using the postcode checker. 
  • Be a Newcomer, a Refugee or an Asylum Seeker.
  • If you are care experienced or currently in the care of a Health and Social Care Trust, you are automatically offered a place on the programme provided you meet the requirements of Section A: Northern Ireland resident, 1st year of a 2 year Level 3 programme and GCSE (or equivalent) grades.

   

  Students applying with Asylum Seeker status may be limited to the courses for which they can apply and the benefits they receive from the programme. Queen's University welcomes applications from students with a disability or long term condition.

   

  Before finalising your Pathway choice, it is advised that you research the courses you are most interested in on the website at www.qub.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate in order to ensure that you meet all of the required criteria, such as A-Level subjects and GCSE requirements. 

   

  It is also important to check the Key Dates section to make sure you are available throughout the course - especially during our Summer Schools.

• What do I need to do to apply for the Pathway Opportunity Programme?

  Applications for the 2021 Programme are now closed. 

  It is an online application that cannot be saved - so make sure you have all of your information with you in order to complete it at once.

  Here are a few tips to help you:

  • Type your list of qualifications and statements on a document before starting to fill in the online form - that way if there are any issues with your internet connection, you won't lose all your hard work.
  • Make sure you check that all of your subject titles and grades are accurate.
  • Remember that the application cannot be saved, so give yourself enough time to work through it in one go.
  • Make sure you give lots of detail in the two statements, especially about yourself, your circumstances, and why you think Pathway is a good choice for you.  This is a great opportunity for the team to see why you want to be a part of the programme, so keep that in mind when you're writing about why you've chosen to apply.
  • Ensure all of your contact details are up-to-date and double check you’ve entered them correctly.
  • You should remember to contact your reference so that they will be expecting to receive the 'Teachers Reference Form' which in turn will make the process much quicker.
  • Lastly, proof read over your application - make sure important details are correct, that you've said all that you want to say and that you've answered all areas of the form.

  Good luck!

• When do I need to be available for the Programme?

  Make sure you check our Key Dates section of the website to make sure you are available throughout the programme.