Discover Bristol is a virtual outreach programme for Year 13 students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, delivered by the University of Bristol. The programme offers up to six online after-school sessions that include academic tasters, UCAS and personal statement guidance, student funding and financial literacy, study skills, careers and employability support, and information on student support services.

Sessions are delivered in collaboration with current students, student societies, central student services and the Widening Participation team. Successful completers may be eligible for a guaranteed contextual offer (typically two A-Level grades below standard entry requirements) or a guaranteed interview for courses that require interviews, provided course-specific requirements and admissions test thresholds (e.

g. , UCAT, LNAT, SAQ) are met. Participants will also be supported to attend the University of Bristol Autumn Open Day on Saturday 1 November 2025 to explore campus and meet staff and students.

Applications for the 2025-26 cohort have now closed. Applications are due to reopen in Summer 2026; interested students can complete the expression of interest form to be notified when applications open.

Reasonable adjustments are available for participants who need additional support.

Qualification Outcome

Guaranteed contextual offer or guaranteed interview (subject to course-specific entry requirements and any required admissions tests).

General / All Sectors

Applications OpenCOMING SOON

01 Jun 2026

1

2025-26 cohort

Duration: October through to late January; up to six online after-school sessions plus additional sessions for parents and carers.

Location

Remote

Bristol, United Kingdom

University of Bristol (virtual sessions; includes campus Open Day in Bristol)

Home fee status (UK/Home fee student)
Currently attend a state school or college
Be in your final year of A-level study (or equivalent)
Have the academic ability to study at the University of Bristol, including meeting relevant GCSE entry requirements and any required Level 3 subjects
Have applied or will apply for an undergraduate course at the University of Bristol via UCAS (participants may be withdrawn if they do not apply)
Be eligible to receive Free School Meals OR live in an IMD quintile 1 or 2 postcode area
Not have already taken part in a University of Bristol Widening Participation programme (Access to Bristol, Bristol Scholars, Insight into Bristol, Next Step Bristol or the Virtual Summer School)

Discover Bristol

What You'll Do

When & Where

Location

Who Can Apply

Additional Details

Comments