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For Schools and Colleges
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Space to Explore Potential (STEP)

STEP is a residential programme that supports Black heritage students from across England who are to apply to Durham University.

STEP offers the opportunity for Year 12 Black heritage students to visit our campus and experience what its like to study at Durham. During the summer school, students will stay in one of our colleges, take part in social and academic sessions and complete an assessed project in their chosen subject area, working towards a guaranteed alternative offer from us while developing academic skills. Applications open on Wednesday 28 January 2026 and close on Friday 3 April 2026.

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Why should you apply for STEP?

Key benefits of joining include, but are not limited to:

  • A guaranteed, alternative offer at Durham University (subject-specific eligibility criteria apply).
  • Development of personal and academic skills.
  • Receive key information, advice and guidance about the University's application process.
  • Experience university-level academic subject sessions.
  • Explore our supportive college communities.
  • Experience student life at Durham.
  • Receive peer support from our Durham Student Ambassadors.

If you have any questions, please email step@durham.ac.uk.

For more information, check back for our STEP Brochure 2026 

  

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Check your eligibility

As places on STEP are limited and highly sought after, we use our eligibility and selection criteria to help us identify those applicants who we feel will most benefit from the programme. To be considered, apply by Friday 3 April 2026.

Check our eligibility criteria
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Choose your subject

For some subjects, you will need to meet specific requirements, such as A-levels or equivalent in your subject area, which also applies when applying for university through UCAS in Year 13. We will consider these when allocating subject strands.

Find out more about subject requirements

Your next steps

More information