Levelling Up: Physics and Engineering
About Levelling Up: Physics and Engineering
Levelling Up: Physics and Engineering is a hybrid programme with online and in-person tutoring and mentoring that takes place in the spring and summer terms of year 12.
This hybrid programme consists of:
- An online launch event for students and parent/carers/guardians
- Two full in person days on the University of York campus
- Six online tutorials
- Three online university information sessions
- An in-person celebratory event, at which you will be presented with your certificate.
It is designed for anyone interested in studying either physics or engineering at university.
Tutoring
Tutoring sessions will be delivered in small groups, either in person as part of the on-campus days or online via Zoom. Across these sessions, you will cover topics from mathematics and physics (if applicable) to help support your learning. Sessions will be tailored to suit your subject choices.
Tutorials will be one hour long, and you will be guided through topics by a University of York undergraduate. At the start of the tutorial, you will be introduced to the subject for the week, discuss its key concepts and demystify any misconceptions. You will then complete questions alongside your fellow students, and with your tutor. In the online sessions you will be able to see everything your tutor writes, and contribute yourself, using Zoom’s ‘whiteboard’ function, which will also be shared with you after each session so you can review any helpful notes.
Then, there will be some follow-up questions of a similar style assigned to you on Isaac Science. Have a go at these at home, and if you have any questions, ask them on our question forum.
Mentoring
The Levelling Up programme is designed to support your academic progress, and also to help you feel confident in applying for university. There will also be lots of opportunities to speak to current undergraduate students, and in-person events will also allow you to explore the University of York campus.
Three webinars will support your journey into higher education. Your parents/ carers/ guardians are very welcome to join for these, and all sessions will be recorded for you to be able to watch again later.
We will focus on:
- University applications - How to select your university and course, and how to complete your UCAS application.
- Ask and Undergrad - Find out about the reality of life as a university student, from managing your studies to making friends and socialising.
- Budgeting and finance - Information about tuition fees and student loans, as well as advice on how to manage your finances.
What are the benefits of Levelling Up: Physics and Engineering
Levelling Up will help you feel more confident and prepared for starting university in a physics or engineering discipline. You’ll get lots of support with your maths and, if applicable, physics to help, not just with your current studies, but also to make the transition to university-level work smoother.
By taking part in Levelling Up, you'll also have the opportunity to:
- Make friends with other students who are interested in physics and/or engineering
- Become familiar with the university campus
- Get tips and advice from current students
- Find out what studying at university is really like
- Learn about the support available at York.
In addition, if you choose to apply to a physics or engineering course at York, you will be eligible for a reduced offer upon completion of this course.
Key dates:
|
Wednesday 3 February, 6.30pm - 7.30pm |
Launch webinar |
| Wednesday 10 February, 10am - 4pm | In-person day |
| Wednesday 17 February, 6.30pm - 7.30pm | Online tutorial |
| Wednesday 24 February, 6.30pm - 7.30pm | Webinar: University applications |
| Wednesday 3 March, 6.30pm - 7.30pm | Online tutorial |
| Wednesday 10 March, 6.30pm - 7.30pm | Online tutorial |
| Wednesday 17 March, 6.30pm - 7.30pm | Webinar: Ask an undergrad |
| Monday 22 March, 10am - 4pm | In-person day |
| Wednesday 7 April, 6.30pm - 7.30pm | Online tutorial |
| Wednesday 14 April, 6.30pm - 7.30pm |
Online tutorial |
| Wednesday 21 April, 6.30pm - 7.30pm |
Online tutorial |
| Wednesday 28 April, 6.30pm - 7.30pm |
Webinar: Budgeting and finance |
| Wednesday 5 May, 7pm - 8.30pm |
In-person celebratory event |
Who can apply?
The programme is open to students who:
- are in year 12 in academic year 2026/27
- attend a state school/college in York or North Yorkshire, or live within a one-hour travel time from the University of York.
-
are studying A level maths. (If you are studying a different qualification, please contact pet-outreach@york.ac.uk for further guidance)
Please note that students who attend fee-paying schools are not eligible for this programme.
Places will be offered preferentially to students meeting any of the widening access criteria below, or to female applicants until an even gender split is achieved. The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place on the programme.
Widening access criteria
- From a Black background, such as Black African, Black Caribbean, including Black heritage, or other Black background
- From a South Asian background such as Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or other South Asian heritage
- From a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen or Boater background
- Have experience of local authority care
- Are estranged from their family members
- Are seeking asylum in the UK or granted refugee status
- Entitled to, or were in receipt of, free school meals or discretionary payments at school/college
- Have a disability or long term health condition
- From a military or service family
- Parent/carer/guardian(s) didn’t go to university or went as a mature student during your secondary education
- Are a young carer (Students who care, unpaid, for a family member or friend with an illness or disability, mental health condition or an addiction (UCAS/Carer Trust)
- Live in a priority neighbourhood (determined by a postcode checker)
Further information
Can I focus on the subject that interests me more between physics and engineering?
When you apply, you will be asked for your preference - physics, engineering or undecided - and your tutorial group will be decided accordingly. We will also take account of the subjects you are studying.
Do I need to have particular predicted grades to take part in this programme?
There are no required grades to be eligible to take part in Levelling Up: Physics and Engineering. We will ask for your predicted grades on the application form, but this is to ensure that you can be best supported in the tutorial sessions.
What technology do I need to participate in the course?
As the majority of the programme will be delivered via Zoom, participants will require a free Zoom account, and access to Zoom meetings via a PC, laptop, tablet, or phone. If you do not have access to one of the listed devices, try speaking to your school or local library.
We recommend having a notepad and pen to hand, and a scientific calculator. If you don’t have one, you could use Google’s version here.
Can I use the Levelling Up Programme for my UCAS form?
Yes. After completing the programme, you will receive a certificate of recognition from the University of York. You can refer to this, and what you have learned from the programme, on your UCAS form.
In addition, if you choose to apply to a physics or engineering course at York, you will be eligible for a reduced offer upon completion of this course.
How do I get to York for the in-person events?
Throughout the programme, there are three in-person events on the University of York Campus.
The city of York is well connected by train and bus. Once in York, you can reach our campus via a regular bus service from the city centre.
Find out more about getting to the campus.
A small number of travel bursaries may be available to eligible students. These will be awarded on a case-by-case basis and will be offered if you are awarded a place on the Levelling Up Programme.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact pet-outreach@york.ac.uk or phone 01904 32 2408.