Space to Explore Potential (STEP)

For Schools and Colleges

Space to Explore Potential (STEP)

Two students participating in bioscience lab work.

Students undertaking lab work as part of a biosciences academic taster session.

A student in an academic session smiling.

A student enjoying the psychology academic taster session.

Five students playing spike ball, one is celebrating wile the others are laughing.

Students playing spikeball as part of our lawn games optional activity.

The STEP cohort at a formal dinner listening to the keynote speaker.

Students listening to our keynote speaker Dr Dwain Neil as part of our 'formal' night.

This opportunity is for Year 12 students from Black-heritage backgrounds.

STEP is part of Durham's summer school programmes to support students who are typically underrepresented in higher education, particularly at Durham. The programme will give students the opportunity to come to events and activities during Year 12 and 13 and an insight into what it is like to study with us! We aim to give these students the chance to show their potential in a different way. By passing the assessed summer school project, students can work towards a guaranteed, alternative offer from us as well as develop academic skills.

Key benefits of joining includes (and is not limited to):

a guaranteed, alternative offer (typically two grades below);
development of personal and academic skills;
receive key information, advice and guidance about the university application process;
experience student life during at costs free residentials.

Why should I apply?

Applying to universities can be a little daunting but it doesn't have to be!

We'll help you to find your way around UCAS and student finance, as well as give you support with your personal statement. We hope that STEP will help you build the knowledge, confidence, and resilience to join us at Durham.

Who can apply for STEP?

To check whether you are eligible for STEP view our eligibility criteria below.

Durham University's STEP programme aims to support students who are typically underrepresented in Higher Education and particularly at Durham. As places are limited and highly sought after, we use our eligibility and selection criteria to help us identify those applicants who we feel will benefit the most from the programme.

Choosing your STEP subject

For some STEP subjects, you will need to meet certain subject requirements such as having certain A-levels or equivalent when you are applying for these subjects in UCAS in Year 13. We will take these into consideration when allocating strands.

You can find out about these entry requirements below. We also advise you to check the 'entry requirements' sections for your preferred course on the Durham website.

Applications open 28 January 2025 and close 3 April 2025.

We aim to communicate the outcome of your application by the end of April.

To be notified when STEP applications open for 2025, sign up to our Mailing List!

Find out more about the 2025 programme, please click below to view it.