Opportunities in and near Ripon

Undergraduate applicants can get admissions-team feedback on their personal statements, then explore campus, meet academics at drop-ins and hear from support teams. The visit finishes with a walking tour to York’s Christmas markets.

Trace the Derwent Valley Light Railway from its 1899 concept through closure and revival as a heritage railway, with Tony Simons. Explore engineering projects completed, under way and still to come, alongside the volunteer work keeping it running.

Writer Courttia Newland explores how science fiction draws on heritage and belief, and reimagines the genre through underrepresented perspectives. Hear how authors research, develop their craft across works and respond to critique at this free in-person talk, with wheelchair access and a hearing loop.

Explore why we haven’t detected alien civilisations as author Adam Roberts uses science fiction to examine the Fermi Paradox, creation and life beyond Earth. Join a public lecture connecting scientific ideas with questions of belief, imagination and humanity’s place in the universe.

Examine charters, coins and chronicles to reassess how Offa expanded Mercian power and reshaped early medieval England. Hear Rory Naismith challenge the criticism that built around Offa after his death. Join in person or online, with a wine reception beforehand.

Hear contemporary British silversmith Brett Payne explain how he designs silver objects for everyday use, balancing practical, sustainable design with beauty. Explore how traditional craft meets contemporary ideas at an in-person lecture in Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, York.

Join an interactive panel exploring how fairness can be defined, measured and advanced in Britain. Hear different perspectives, then share your thoughts in small-group discussion.

Hear writer and psychoanalyst Adam Phillips, whose work spans psychoanalysis, literature and cultural criticism, deliver an in-person public lecture. It’s part of a three-lecture series; admission is free, but booking is required.

Hear three 30-minute talks spanning philosophy of art, perception and ancient Egypt, with questions and discussion after each. Hosted by Natasha Knight, this cabaret-style evening includes intervals to grab a drink and browse books from a local bookseller.

Trace how physics takes disruptive technology from novelty to necessity, using mobile phones, music streaming and sat nav as examples. Mark Wrigley explores how a physics degree can help you think about a world not yet invented. Free biscuits and cake are available from 16:00.

Current students lead this support programme for Black sixth-form and college students, sharing honest insights into university life. Join online and in-person events, get tailored mentorship and ask what studying and living at York is really like.

Tour creative studios and spaces at an on-campus open day, then join a lecturer-led breakout in your chosen study area. See example projects, ask current students and staff about life there, and get straightforward information on support, finance and applying.

Spend a week seeing how museum teams work, from helping with visitor reception and galleries to observing school or family workshops. You may also get involved in exhibition-related tasks with the Collections team.

Dr Louise Earnshaw’s public lecture uses diaries, memoirs and autobiographical writing to trace fear, shame and resentment in Austria-Hungary during the First World War. See how gender and cultural expectations shaped what people could describe as violence - and what stayed unspoken.

Take on reading, public speaking, Just a Minute or After Dinner Speaking in individual and team contests. Compete through your Club or District, with top teams progressing to represent Yorkshire at the Northern Area Weekend.

Compete in badminton doubles, mixed junior rounders, ladies’ netball or men’s 5-a-side football, with age-band categories to help you find your event. Place in the top three and your team could represent Yorkshire at the Northern Area Weekend; bring your team colours and protective kit.

Explore the campuses and facilities in person, then speak with staff and current students about undergraduate courses, campus life and accommodation. Get a feel for what studying there could be like and compare your options with other universities.

Work hands-on with composer Stef Connor and Young Composers Award alumnus Jacob Jordan to experiment with composition ideas at an in-person workshop in York. Explore music-industry pathways and bring an instrument if you want to create and learn.

Spend a day in Leeds exploring Donald Trump’s political legacy through expert-led sessions on election campaigns, the Supreme Court, American democracy and trade policy, connecting political theory with real-world case studies.

Experience life at the university and explore degree courses as you consider undergraduate study. Find out what university life could look like, then book your place through its website.