Realising Opportunities

The programme starts with a launch event, introducing students to the programme and providing an insight into what they can expect. It's also a great opportunity to find out more about their host university and meet staff and students.

Staff from all participating universities attend the online conference enabling students to find out more about all partners, and the opportunities available to them. Students can use the fair to make informed decisions on courses and universities and plan their next steps into higher education.

This element of the programme consists of an academic activity day where students will learn vital higher education skills such as analysis, research, critical thinking, referencing and evaluation.

Our Academic Skills Module usually takes place at the University of York, giving students an opportunity to visit our campus, experience a taste of university teaching and meet other students on the programme.

This activity day will be followed by an online module which aims to increase students' ability to self reflect.

This study skills module prepares students for the academic element of the programme, as well as supporting their study and transition from school/college to university.

As an RO student you’ll have access to events, information and sessions which are run by the partners universities and the Realising Opportunities Central Team. You’ll be able to access a network of support from across the partnership.

Participants who successfully complete Realising Opportunities and receive an offer through UCAS to study from any partner university, could receive an alternative RO offer which is typically two grades lower than the standard offer. It's important to note that recognition can vary across the RO partner universities and there are some course exemptions, please contact each partner university for details.

RO students applying to York may be eligible for an alternative offer up to three grades below our standard offer, see our Access & Outreach alternative offer page.

If you're applying to study at the Hull York Medical School, see the alternative offers section on their entry requirements page.

RO participants will be able to access a range of online support from across the RO partnership, each university partner has a team ready to help you. Realising Opportunities also run online events and information sessions throughout the year to help you make informed decisions about higher education and research-intensive universities.

As an RO participant, you’ll also get access to join a range of events from each university partner.

At RO, we’re committed to equipping you with the tools and skills to thrive at research-intensive universities. We’ll focus on academic skills like referencing, note taking, evaluation, and independent research. We’ll also give you opportunities to network with other participants and get to know the RO partners.