At UEL we believe people who have the potential to succeed at university should be given the opportunity to do so. New Beginnings is our intensive access course, designed to provide exactly this opportunity for non-traditional learners looking for a ‘second chance’ to study at university.

The course will:

• cultivate your existing skills, knowledge and experience
• develop academic reading, writing and thinking skills for undergraduate study
• provide an opportunity to use UEL’s extensive learning facilities
• increase networking opportunities and transform your employability and career options
• help you make informed choices about undergraduate study.

Students completing New Beginnings and progressing to a full-time UEL undergraduate programme may be eligible for a package of financial support called the National Scholarship Programme (NSP).* The financial package totals £3,000 (£1,000 cash and £2,000 worth of UEL goods, services and additional support).

* Not available to students progressing to NHS funded programmes.

You could be eligible for the NSP award to help you with finances in your first year of undergraduate study if you meet the following criteria:

• you are a home student (home fee status) with a family income that is under £25,000
• you successfully complete New Beginnings
• you progress directly to a full-time UEL undergraduate programme.

As a New Beginnings student you will be offered an individual guidance interview to help you decide which programme for is right for you, and an appointment with our Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) for advice on fees and funding. In addition all New Beginnings students have access to the following support throughout the programme:

• Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services
• workshops on key topics such as UCAS, writing personal statements, using UEL learning technologies, full and part-time student finance and study skills
• personal tutors and programme leaders for academic development
• Students’ Union and student services for volunteering opportunities, clubs and societies, health and wellbeing, and general advice and guidance.

The course costs £200 and runs for a 12-week period commencing in September and February. If you are receiving a means-tested benefit you may be eligible for concessions. Please speak to an IAG member of staff at UEL.

Application is via an interview with one of our advisors and a written assessment. You can apply and take the test at one of our three Information Advice and Guidance centres.

Email advisors@uel.ac.uk for an appointment or contact one of our centres to find out more.