This year, eight A Level students will participate in Exeter University’s scholarship programme aimed at giving participants the opportunity to develop their knowledge about university and experience what it is like to study at university level. Along with the opportunity to gain an insight into university life, students can expect to develop their communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills, meet other like-minded students, expand their networks and develop their confidence.

Students choose a subject of interest through participating in a ‘subject activity strand’. The strand sessions are led by university academics who are experts in their field and provide students with access to explore world-leading research.

A Level tutor Karen Crowley commented,

All the students involved in the programme are in their first year of A Levels and recently sat their first set of mock exams. All attained high grades in these, which highlights that they have settled into life at BTC very well and great candidates for Exeter Scholars.

Courtney Chick who is currently studying Sociology, Psychology and English Literature said,

I can’t wait to start the English & Creative Writing subject activity strand. I’m excited to see what English is like at a higher level, the difficulty, complexity and areas they study, and how English can be useful for future career paths.

Alongside developing their decision-making and transferable skills, students also gain tangible benefits if they complete the programme. These include a reduced offer to study any undergraduate course at the University of Exeter, consideration for bespoke scholarship awards, careers advice, and a ‘transition to student life’ financial support package for students who go on to study at Exeter.

Isobel Keith is studying Religious Studies, Sociology and Psychology at BTC and commented,

I’m focussing on philosophy, theology, religion and ethics to gain a deeper understanding of A Level Religious Studies and explore the more advanced concepts. I’m looking forward to taking part in the course and meeting other people who enjoy the subject.

For many pupils, progression to A Levels is the natural next step towards university. At BTC’s Bridgwater campus, students study a range of exciting subjects they may not have had chance to study before, such as Criminology, Law, Geology and Economics. Click here to find out more about BTC’s A Level programme.