Contextual offers
Learn about contextual offers at UWE Bristol — what they are, who's eligible, and the support you'll receive.
What is a contextual offer?
We understand that personal circumstances can impact your education. That’s why we offer contextual offers based on the information you submit as part of your UCAS application. It's our way of recognising your individual journey and the challenges you may have faced.
If you are eligible, we'll lower the UCAS tariff points needed by:
- 16 points for undergraduate degrees
- 8 points for foundation year courses
You’ll also get access to additional support through our Access to UWE Bristol programme.
You can check the typical entry requirements on our course pages.
How to apply
You don’t need to do anything extra — just apply through UCAS as normal.
The More about you section of the UCAS application form helps us understand your circumstances so please complete this section fully. Your answers won’t affect your application negatively — they simply help us make sure everyone gets a fair chance to succeed.
Who is eligible for a contextual offer?
Contextual offers are available to UK (Home) applicants only.
We use the Multiple Equality Measure (MEM) to assess eligibility. Learn more about the MEM on the UCAS website.
We also use the questions in the More about you section of the UCAS application form to consider:
- Caring and parental responsibilities
- Armed forces connection
- Health conditions, learning differences or disabilities
- Refugee status
- Estrangement from parents.
Extra support for contextual offer holders
If you receive a contextual offer, we'll invite you to join our Access to UWE Bristol support programme. It’s designed to help you feel confident and supported to make the move from school or college to university life.
Access to UWE Bristol includes:
- Prepare for higher education talks – delivered by our friendly Widening Access team at offer holder events to help you get ready for university
- Webinars – hear from current students and alumni about settling in and enjoying university life
- Helpful email series – tips, reminders and resources delivered straight to your inbox
- Wallscourt Scholarship – £2,000 over three years available to 15 contextual offer holders.
- Summer School – a three-day event on our Frenchay Campus, where you'll get a taste of student life before your course starts.
What's Summer School like?
Summer School is a fun and practical way to get ready for university.
- Take part in group activities — from campus scavenger hunts and climbing to sessions on money, support and using the library
- Meet other new students with contextual offers and make connections before term starts.
- Stay in our student accommodation and experience what it's like to live and study at UWE Bristol
- Build confidence in managing your studies, finances and wellbeing through tailored sessions with our experienced support staff.
Got questions?
We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’ve got questions or want to find out more, just email our Admissions team.
Email: admissions@uwe.ac.uk
"When I applied to UWE Bristol, they contacted me to say they wanted to offer me a contextual offer. UWE Bristol gave me a chance when I didn’t think university was an option for me."
"I was worried about falling behind in my studies but the Summer School really helped my anxiety with this. After the Summer School, the transition to university was easier than I thought it would be."
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