Ignite your Journey is a widening participation programme designed to support your university application, help develop the skills you'll need for study at a research led university and support your transition to higher education (HE).
Ignite your Journey is comprised of a number of activities between late August 2025 and April 2026 to help you acquire skills and knowledge around university level study and help with the transition to Higher Education, and includes:
- Online learning module: You will complete an online learning module to prepare you for university and help develop some of the key skills needed for higher education.
- Virtual Q&A sessions: We will host monthly live Q&As to connect you with experts on topics related to your journey to university.
- E-mentoring: You will be matched with a current University of Southampton student who will be able to share their experience of university life and answer your questions.
- Personal development opportunities: We will offer a range of opportunities which will focus on transferable skills to get you thinking about your employability and personal development.
- On campus activities: We will offer you travel bursaries of up to £100 to enable Ignite your Journey students to attend one of the University's Autumn Open Days and/or an Applicant visit day, where appropriate. All participants will also attend a Transition and Skills event in April of Year 13 which will consolidate your online learning.
As well as getting the chance develop skills and understanding of the transition to university, those who complete the programme in full will be eligible to receive:
Additional admissions consideration when you apply to Southampton*.
A £1000 scholarship in your first year of study.
Support to apply to Ignite your Success , an Alumni funded programme that supports undergraduates with a blend of financial, career, academic and other opportunities.
Applications to the programme for 2026 entry are now open to Home UK Year 12 (or equivalent) students who meet at least one of the following widening participation criteria:
- In receipt of a 16 to 19 bursary or similar grant OR received Free School Meals after the age of 14.
- Been in local authority care or looked after for three months or more OR are estranged from your family.
- Are a Young Carer.
- Current home post code shows that you live in an area with low levels of progression to Higher Education. (Postcodes within the lowest 2 POLAR4 or TUNDRA quintiles: Q1 or Q2).
- Current home post code shows that you live in area that falls within the lowest 20 per cent of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). (Postcodes in the lowest IMD quintile, Q1).
For more information please visit our website http://www.southampton.ac.uk/igniteyourjourney
Applications close at mid-day on 9 July 2025.