Ignite Your Journey, our multi-intervention widening participation transition programme, supports students to gain insight into university life and develop the skills needed for study at a Russell Group institution.
Ignite Your Journey takes place between late August 2026 and April 2027, and participants complete an online learning module, attend live Q&As, are supported by a current University of Southampton student mentor, and have access to a number of on campus activities to support their university decision making and transition.
What are the benefits?
Students who complete the programme in full are eligible to receive additional admissions consideration when they apply to Southampton, a £1000 scholarship in their first year of study and support to apply to Ignite Your Success, an Alumni funded programme that supports undergraduates with a blend of financial, career, academic and other opportunities.
Who is eligible to take part?
To be eligible for Ignite Your Journey students must be currently in Year 12 (or equivalent), be planning to apply to university for 2027 entry and meet at least one of the following widening participation criteria:
- In receipt of a 16-19 bursary or similar grant OR received Free School Meals after the age of 14.
- Been in UK local authority care or looked after for three months or more OR are estranged from their family.
- Be a Young Carer.
- Current home post code shows that they live in an area with low levels of progression to Higher Education. (Postcodes within the lowest POLAR4 or TUNDRA quintile, Q1)
- Current home post code shows that they 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).
How do I apply?
Visit our website to find or more and complete the online application form. A reference from a member of staff from school or college will be required to help us assess applicants' suitability for a place on the programme. The deadline for applications and references is mid-day on 8 July 2026.