Levelling Up: Mathematics for Engineering

About the Programme:  

Levelling Up is an academic support programme for Year 12 students planning to pursue a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) subject at university.  

Through online or in person academic tutorials, the programme helps you bridge the gap between school and university-level mathematics, ensuring you're fully prepared for the next step in your educational journey.  

What to Expect: 

You will attend 11 sessions; the first session will take place at our Clifton Campus where you will meet your mentor and other participants. 

The following 10 sessions you will choose to study either: 

• Online  
•  In-person at the Merchant Venturers Building, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1UB.

Session activities will include:  

• Engaging Maths Problems and Puzzles: Work in small groups to tackle challenging Maths problems, designed to expand your understanding and push your critical thinking. 
• Mentorship: Gain valuable insights into university life, ask questions, and receive tailored support.

Dates of the programme are:

Session	Date	Location
Session 1	Wednesday 26 February 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person Welcome Session
Session 2	Wednesday 5 March 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 3	Wednesday 12 March 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 4	Wednesday 19 March 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 5	Wednesday 26 March 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 6	Wednesday 2 April 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 7	Wednesday 23 April 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 8	Wednesday 30 April 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 9	Wednesday 7 May 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 10	Wednesday 14 May 4 pm to 5:30 pm	In-person/online*
Session 11	June	TBC

* Sessions will take place online or at our Clifton campus. 

You are signing up to attend 11 sessions (unless you are ill/have unforeseen circumstances).

How to Apply: 

• Applications for the programme have now closed
• Confirmation: If you are successful in securing a place, you will be notified by Tuesday 17 December. 

As part of your application, you will need to submit a personal statement that should be no longer than one A4 page.  

In this statement, please explain why you are interested in joining the programme. You might want to include the following: 

• What inspires you to apply for Levelling Up: Maths for Engineering? 
• What do you hope to gain from participating in this programme? 

Additionally, please provide contact details for a parent/carer and a teacher who can confirm certain details from your application. 

Academic requirements 

To be considered for this programme, you must: 

• Be studying A-level Mathematics (compulsory), with aspirations of achieving A/A*; 
• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five at grades 7-9, including maths and sciences;
• Have achieved a minimum of a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics;  
• Have achieved a minimum of a grade 5 in GCSE English Language;
• Expect to study a STEM subject at university. 

Eligibility 

The programme is for anyone interested in studying a STEM subject at university that meets the following criteria. 

You are; 

• a Year 12 student at a UK state school or college;
• a  mature student.

If you identify as female, non-binary, or belong to a marginalised gender, and have an interest in engineering or computing, we strongly encourage you to participate. Many of the world’s top mathematicians, engineers, and technologists are women, and the University of Bristol is committed to supporting and advancing greater gender diversity in engineering, both within the university and beyond. 

If the programme is oversubscribed, we will prioritise students who meet the following criteria (please note, this list is in no particular order):  

• are or have been eligible for free school meals; 
• live in an IMD quintile 1 area as defined by your home postcode; 
• be considered a mature student (over 21 years old when you will begin your degree); 
• are from a Black or Asian background or of a mixed background featuring one of these groups*; 
• have spent three or more months in local authority care; 
• are currently an estranged student; 
• are from Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater (GTRSB) communities; 
• attend an aspiring state school or college; 
• are from any other minority ethnic background; 
• are part of the first generation in their family to go to university; 
• have caring responsibilities; 
• have refugee status; 
• have a disability;

*With additional priority assigned to the following underrepresented ethnic groups at the University of Bristol: Asian Pakistani; Asian Bangladeshi; Black Caribbean; Black African; or of a mixed backgrounds featuring one of these groups. 

Upon successful placement, you will be allocated: 

• A group mentor, who is a current engineering or computer science student at university, to guide you through the programme. 
• A small tutor group (approx. five other students) to collaborate and learn with. 
• Opportunities to visit the campus and explore our facilities. 
• Speak with our staff and undergraduate students about life at university.