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First Choice

Our First Choice Progression Scheme aims to support your Year 12 students in their journey towards Higher Education by equipping them with the key skills they’ll need for a successful university experience. Find out more about what we can offer and get in touch to sign up.

Two students sitting on the sculpture at St Peters Campus looking at a text book together

Who is First Choice suitable for?

The First Choice Scheme has been designed to help students who want to continue their education after sixth form or college and are interested in studying at the University of Sunderland. To be eligible for the Scheme, students must:

Have an interest in progressing into Higher Education
Be interested in a subject area we have available at the University
Be expected to achieve a minimum of 96 UCAS points from level 3 qualifications.

Students laughing at the First Choice Summer School

What are the benefits of First Choice for students?

Some of the benefits for your students taking part in our First Choice Scheme include:

Earning 16 tariff points to complement their offer for eligible undergraduate courses starting in September 2026 at either of our Sunderland campuses*
Getting a guaranteed interview for eligible undergraduate courses starting in September 2026 at either of our Sunderland campuses*
Receiving a guaranteed conditional offer (excluding courses that require an interview)
Attending a dedicated Summer School to experience what university life is really like
Developing the vital skills that are needed for Higher Education
Receiving ongoing support throughout the application process
Meeting other students from across the region who are also interested in studying at Sunderland.

Please note, to be eligible for the tariff points, guaranteed interview, and guaranteed conditional offer, students must successfully complete the Scheme and make us their firm choice via UCAS before the deadline in May 2026.

A lecturer standing in front of a whiteboard, presenting a session to students

What are the benefits of First Choice for schools and colleges?

Your school or college can benefit from taking part in our First Choice Scheme by:

Booking sessions around your availability
Getting priority booking for our on-campus events
Having opportunities to use our facilities free of charge.

First Choice Summer School

Year 12 students who are fully registered participants on the First Choice Scheme will be required to take part in our Summer School where they’ll get to experience university life first-hand and explore what Sunderland has to offer.

Learn more about Summer School

*The 16 tariff points and guaranteed interview can be used against most of our courses, except for BSc (Hons) Midwifery Practice and MBChB Medicine.

In some cases, new courses at the University may also not be eligible for tariff points or a guaranteed interview.

Get in touch

Please contact us to find out more about our First Choice Scheme.

Email: first.choice@sunderland.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 515 3294

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