Who is First Choice suitable for?
We've designed the First Choice Scheme to help students who want to continue their education after sixth form or college and have an interest in studying at the University. To be eligible for the Scheme, students must:
- Have an interest in progressing into Higher Education
- Be interested in a course or subject area available at the University
- Be expected to achieve a minimum of 96 UCAS points(opens in new tab) from their level 3 qualifications
What are the benefits of First Choice?
For students
- Earning 16 UCAS tariff points towards their offer for eligible undergraduate courses starting in September 2026
- Getting a guaranteed interview for eligible undergraduate courses starting in September 2026
- Receiving a guaranteed conditional offer (excluding courses that require an interview)
- Attending a dedicated Summer School to experience what university life is like
- Developing the vital skills that 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 UCAS 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. The benefits can apply to most of our courses, but some are not eligible (for example, MBChB Medicine). Please contact us for further information.
For schools and colleges
- Booking events and activities to suit your availability
- Getting priority booking for our on-campus events
- Having opportunities to use our facilities free of charge
First Choice Summer School
We require students registered on the First Choice Progression Scheme to take part in our Summer School. This event provides them with an opportunity to visit campus, experience university life, and explore what Sunderland has to offer.
What does Summer School involve?
Students will receive a personalised timetable upon arrival. This includes sessions based around their subjects of interest and a programme of social activities.
Subject sessions will require a minimum number of participants to run. If the required minimum of participants isn’t met, we may ask students may to attend another subject session. We'll look to accommodate everybody where possible.
What are the benefits of Summer School?
- Experiencing university early
- Learning more about their chosen subject
- Interacting with current University students
- Games, competitions, prizes, and freebies
How do students sign up for Summer School?
To be eligible to attend the First Choice Summer School, a student's school or college must be signed up to the scheme and the student a registered member.
Students will receive an invite to Summer School via email once they've completed a skills session. They can complete this at their school or college, or online. This email will include relevant Summer School information. Students must register their attendance by filling out the online form included in the invite. The form will require information from the student and appropriate consent from both the student and their parent/supporter.
If students think they’re eligible but haven’t received any information, or if they have any questions, contact us.