Space to Explore Potential (STEP)

What is STEP?

STEP offers a dedicated space for young Black-heritage students, to explore not only their own potential but all that Durham has to offer as a potential university destination. We welcome applications from Year 12 Black-heritage students, who attend UK State Schools. 

Applications for STEP 2024 have now closed. 

To be notified when STEP applications open for 2025, sign up to our Mailing List. 

STEP consists of a summer residential, along with online information and guidance through Year 12 and 13. If you successfully gain a place on STEP, you will have the opportunity to:

• meet current Durham University students and quiz them on their experiences;
• get the chance to visit Durham and live in one of our 17 colleges;
• have taster sessions with at least two of our academic departments;
• network with likeminded people from across the country;
• access key information, advice and guidance about the UCAS application process;
• receive a guaranteed, alternative offer (typically two grades below) for a programme of study at Durham.

You can find out more about STEP at one of our 2024 Information Events.

Who can apply for STEP?

To check whether you are eligible for STEP view our 2024 STEP Eligibility and Selection Criteria. 

Durham University's STEP programme aims to support students who are typically underrepresented in Higher Education and particularly at Durham. As places are limited and highly sought after, we use our eligibility and selection criteria to help us identify those applicants who we feel will benefit the most from the programme.

Choosing your STEP subject

For some STEP subjects, you will need to meet certain subject requirements such as having certain A-levels or equivalent when you are applying for these subjects in UCAS in Year 13. We will take these into consideration when allocating strands.

You can find out about these entry requirements in STEP Subject Requirements and the "entry requirements" section of each course on the Durham website.