Black Access
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/schools-and-colleges/post-16/black-access/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/careers/
Black Access is a student-led initiative that supports the success of Black students currently studying at UK sixth forms or colleges. Black Access gives you the chance to discover more about living and learning at university, and in particular, how to thrive at the University of York in a safe and celebrated way.
Current University of York students have designed the Black Access programme to showcase their experiences as Black students in an honest and informative way. You will have lots of opportunities to ask questions and hear about their time at York.
We recognise that Black students are currently underrepresented at the University of York and we are making it our top priority to change this. By putting our current students front and centre, Black Access is embracing its mantra of “For Black Students, By Black Students”. The Student Team wants to recognise your uniqueness and support your development and journey over the coming years.
What's involved?
Joining the Black Access programme gives you the opportunity to join a community of other students from a Black background, and to:
- attend online and in person events and activities developed with current Black students, designed to give an honest, authentic experience of uni life
- develop skills and knowledge to support you in your current studies and when you transition to university
- get tailored support and mentorship during your further education studies
- ask current Black students about their experiences of studying and living at the University of York
Benefits of completing Black Access
Guaranteed interview or offer
Participants who successfully complete the Black Access programme could be considered for a guaranteed interview or offer to study at York.
Alternative offer
If you receive an offer to study at the University of York, you will receive two offers: the standard offer and the alternative Widening Participation [alternative offer](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/entry/contextual-offers/) which is up to three grades below the standard offer published in our prospectus.
If you're applying to study at Hull York Medical School, see the alternative offers section on their entry requirements page.
Transition to York support
The alternative Widening Participation offer is conditional on the completion of our YorJourney module, which comes with a whole host of additional benefits that will support your transition to university life.
How to apply
Black Access aims to support progression to university with a particular focus on supporting applicants to find a place at the University of York. Check out our undergraduate course pages to explore the courses that we offer.
Applications are closed and will reopen in Autumn 2026.
Eligibility
You should meet all the essential criteria:
- From a Black background, such as Black African, Black Caribbean, Mixed or multiple ethnic groups (including Black heritage), or other Black background
- You have the potential to achieve BCC or above at A Level, DMM or above in BTEC Extended Diploma or the equivalent in a Level 3 qualification e.g T Level*\
- You are currently studying at an English state (non-fee paying) school, sixth form or college and in your first year of further education (such as Year 12 or Level 3 Year 1). We will consider applications on a case by case basis where you are attending an Independent Special School fully funded by your local authority
- Attended a State (non-fee paying) school from Year 7 to Year 11. We will consider applications on a case by case basis where you attended an Independent Special School fully funded by your local authority
- You have been a resident in the UK for at least the last three years**
*If you are interested in applying to the Hull York Medical School please ensure that you read the entry requirements which includes additional information regarding subject requirements.\
** We will consider applications on a case by case basis where you hold “refugee” or “humanitarian protection” or are seeking asylum in the UK
We encourage applications from any students who meet the essential criteria as outlined above and hope to be able to welcome you on to the Black Access programme.
In the event that places on the programme were limited, priority will be given to students who meet one or more of the following criteria. The more of the below criteria you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place on the programme:
- Have experience of local authority care
- You are estranged from your family members
- You 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
- You 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)
- You live in a priority neighbourhood (see postcode checker)
Postcode checker
You can check if you live in a priority neighbourhood by entering your full home postcode below.
Please insert a full, home postcode in the box below.
Check postcode
Invalid postcode
Sorry, we don’t recognise that as a UK postcode. Please enter a valid UK postcode.
Unrecognised postcode
Sorry, we don’t have that postcode on record. If you're sure you've entered it correctly, please email outreach@york.ac.uk for help.
You don't meet this eligibility criteria
Based on the postcode you've provided, you do not live in a neighbourhood with a low progression rate to higher education.
You meet this eligibility criteria
Based on the postcode you've provided, you live in a neighbourhood with a low progression rate to higher education.
There was a problem with the postcode checker
Please email outreach@york.ac.uk for help.
Contact us
If you have questions about Black Access, feel free to get in touch.