Pathways to Higher Education
Unlocking potential beyond grades - where every student's journey matters and opportunities are created for those who need them most.
Contextual offers are adjusted university entry requirements that recognise the unique challenges and circumstances students may have faced throughout their educational journey. These offers acknowledge that academic grades alone don't tell the complete story of a student's true potential and capability.
At »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â, we understand that not all students have equal access to educational opportunities. Our contextual offers create a fairer admissions process by considering the broader context of each applicant's achievements, ensuring deserving students aren't overlooked due to circumstances beyond their control.
We look at your journey, not just your destination. Your resilience and determination matter as much as your academic results.
Creating equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds, ensuring talent isn't overlooked due to circumstance.
Recognising that academic ability can shine through despite educational or social barriers.
»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â's contextual offers provide tangible grade reductions that make higher education more accessible while maintaining our academic standards and quality.
Minimum reduction in entry requirements for eligible students
Example of entry requirements for many »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â courses
Reduced requirement example, making courses more accessible
"This grade reduction helps level the playing field while maintaining our commitment to academic excellence and ensuring all students can succeed in their chosen field of study." Elliot Newstead, Associate Director, Future Students
»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â's contextual offer eligibility is based on specific, measurable criteria that identify students who may have faced educational disadvantages. These criteria are automatically assessed using official data sources and applied to applications for eligible courses.
Students who have received Free School Meals during their secondary education, indicating economic disadvantage that may have impacted educational opportunities.
Young people who have been in local authority care, recognizing the unique challenges and disruptions they may have experienced in their education.
Applicants living in areas with historically low higher education participation, identified through POLAR or IMD Quintiles 1 and 2 data mapping.
Young people who have a parent or carer currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, or who have previously served, and who may have experienced disruption to their education due to mobility, deployment, or related circumstances.
Students who are permanently separated and have no communicative relationship or financial support from their parents, carers, or guardians.
Students who have been granted refugee status, humanitarian protection, or limited leave to remain, as well as those currently seeking asylum in the UK.
Young people who are the primary carers of their own child/children while in education.
Students who have engaged fully with and completed the »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Aspire Progression Programme, designed to support progression into higher education.
Have taken part in a qualifying course delivered by IntoUniversity.
Find this programme in the 'Add an activity' section on a UCAS form so they can be automatically used for a contextual offer.
»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â's admissions team carefully reviews contextual information submitted through your UCAS application to identify eligible candidates. This system ensures no qualifying student is missed.
There's no separate application process required - if you meet the eligibility criteria, your contextual offer is automatically applied to your application.
Your standard UCAS application contains all the data we need
Our Admissions Team identifies eligible students using official data sources
Reduced entry requirements are automatically included in your offer
Have you got additional circumstances not captured in your UCAS form? Contact admissions@dmu.ac.uk to share relevant information that could help us better understand your educational journey.
»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â is fundamentally committed to helping every student discover their people, purpose, and place in the world. We believe that talent exists everywhere, but opportunities don't always reach everyone equally.
By considering more than just grades, we ensure equal opportunities for those who have overcome significant educational or social barriers, creating a truly diverse learning environment.
This approach perfectly aligns with »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â's core mission to create an inclusive community where all students can thrive, regardless of their starting point.
We recognise that students who've faced challenges often develop remarkable resilience and determination that makes them exceptional learners and leaders.
»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â commits to talented students who might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring that circumstances beyond their control don't limit their future potential. Find out how we can further your potential.
These offers significantly increase diversity and inclusion within »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â's student body, creating richer learning experiences for everyone through varied perspectives. Discover student life at »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â.
Many students who received contextual offers have gone on to achieve remarkable academic and professional success, validating our approach to fair admissions.
Research shows that students admitted through contextual offers perform just as well academically as their peers, often demonstrating exceptional resilience and motivation.
Your future at »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â starts with a simple UCAS application. If you qualify for a contextual offer, it will be automatically considered - no extra steps required.
Apply through UCAS and your contextual offer will be automatically considered during the admissions process.
Visit our application guidance pages or contact our admissions team for tailored advice and support.
Join »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â and discover a university that believes in you, your journey, and your bright future ahead.
Contact admissions@dmu.ac.uk for questions about your application status, eligibility criteria, or to provide additional contextual information.
Care experienced or estranged students can reach out to »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â's dedicated Transitions Team for personalised support and guidance.
Information on this page applies to September 2026 entry.
Some of our courses may have requirements that are unaffected by a contextual offer, please see the course page for GCSE or subject specific grade requirements.
Some of our courses are not eligible for contextual offers: