Supported Entry at Newcastle University

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Pathways to Newcastle

Through our academic-led online programme, you could receive lower entry requirements to Newcastle University and develop the skills you need for success at university and beyond.

A lower offer of entry and developing your skills

Applying to a degree course in our Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) Faculty? You could receive an offer of up to two grades lower through our Pathways to Newcastle programme!

In response to the national skills shortages identified by the Government, we have opened up this additional entry route in the following key economic subject areas:

  • Engineering
  • Maths
  • Physics
  • Natural and Environmental Sciences
  • Computing

 

Through Pathways to Newcastle, we aim to increase applications to these subjects areas, both regionally and nationally, and contribute to supporting the national skills agenda and economic growth.

 

 

What is Pathways to Newcastle?

Pathways to Newcastle is an online programme designed to support students into degree programmes where national skills gap have been identified. All Home applicants who are resident in the UK will be able to apply through the Pathways to Newcastle route and will be eligible for a reduced offer of up to two grades lower upon successful completion of an online module in the related subject area.

 

Subject-specific skills development

Applicants will complete a subject-specific module created by Newcastle University academics in their chosen subject area. Each module is designed to start equipping applicants with the skills needed to become a successful student whilst at Newcastle University and beyond into the workforce.

As well as subject-specific content, you will also have access to an HE Study Skills module, designed to introduce you to various aspects of university study that is applicable across all of the subject areas.

 

An early introduction to our virtual learning platform

The module will take place online via a browser-based platform called Canvas. Canvas is the platform used to deliver online learning during undergraduate study at Newcastle University. This makes Pathways to Newcastle a fantastic introduction to the digital facilities used by Newcastle University students.

 

Part of your journey to Newcastle University

Please note: completion of the Pathways to Newcastle module is compulsory in order to meet the terms of the lower offer. We will not be able to make any special arrangements for students who are unable to access the module so please consider this before making summer plans.

 

Who is Pathways to Newcastle for?

Pathways to Newcastle takes place in year 13/year 14 (NI)/final year of college. The programme is open to applicants to certain degree courses at Newcastle University.

To take part in Pathways to Newcastle you must meet some essential criteria. You must:

  • have applied to study one of the participating degree programmes at Newcastle University via UCAS no later than 6pm on 14th January 2026 (click link below to access full list of available course)
  • be resident in the United Kingdom
  • be classified as ‘Home’ for tuition fee purposes
  • not hold a higher education qualification already (e.g. a degree or higher degree)

In addition, you must meet any of the academic requirements for the course you are applying to.

 

Pathways to Newcastle

 

How can I access the programme?

If you meet the essential criteria and the academic requirements for Pathways to Newcastle, you may be made a dual offer in UCAS. You could be made a standard offer to study (as per entry requirements on university course webpages), AND a reduced offer, which is up to two A level grades lower.

You will be invited to submit a separate Pathways to Newcastle application form and you will have until Friday 5 June 2026 to submit an application. Please note, without a completed Pathways to Newcastle application form you will not be able to take advantage of the lower offer.

 

 

Pathways to Newcastle is only available to applicants to Science, Agriculture & Engineering degree programmes at Newcastle.

Further information is available here: Pathways to Newcastle

Complete the application form only once you have submitted a UCAS application.

 

Essential eligibility criteria apply:

– You must have ‘Home UK’ fee status & be resident in the UK

– You must not already have a higher education qualification (eg. a degree or higher degree)

– You must be applying to Newcastle University this year for 2026 entry or for 2027 deferred entry

– You must be applying for an undergraduate degree programme in one or more of the following disciplines:

 

Once you have received decisions from all University choices, you must make one of these Pathways eligible degree programmes your firm choice in order to take advantage of the lower offer.
You do not have to make this firm choice decision until the UCAS deadline of 3rd June. Feel free to still apply to Pathways to Newcastle if you are undecided.

 

How will I complete the programme?

In July 2026, you will be sent details by email explaining how to access and complete the online Pathways to Newcastle module. You must complete this module by Friday 31st July 2026 in order to receive the reduced Pathways offer.