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Contextual offers

Learn how contextual offers work, who’s eligible, and how we use UCAS data to support applicants.

What are contextual offers?

Contextual offers are adjusted entry requirements that take into account the challenges and circumstances you may have faced during your education. They recognise that grades alone don’t always reflect your true ability or potential to succeed at university.

You’ll see on our course pages that we also make contextual offers to eligible applicants. At NTU, we’re committed to doing the right thing for our applicants and supporting everyone who has the potential to succeed.

How do contextual offers work?

Contextual offers are typically up to two grades lower than our standard entry criteria. For courses that require a portfolio or interview, your offer may even be made an unconditional offer if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Why do NTU make contextual offers?

  • More than grades: Your journey matters. We value your resilience and ambition – not just your final results.
  • Fair access for all: We’re committed to creating equal opportunities for students from every background, so talent and potential can shine through.
  • Recognising potential: Academic ability can thrive despite barriers. We’re here to make sure it’s recognised and supported.

Am I eligible for a contextual offer?

You are guaranteed a contextual offer if you meet any of the following criteria:

Studying at a key feeder School or College

Applicants who are progressing to a full-time foundation, integrated foundation, or undergraduate degree at NTU and are currently studying at Nottingham College, Vision West Notts College, Bilborough College, Confetti, on an NTU college course, or at one of the following key feeder schools or colleges:

  • Aston University Engineering Academy
  • Aylesbury UTC
  • Birmingham Metropolitan College
  • BMAT STEM Academy
  • Bristol Technology & Engineering Academy
  • Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology
  • Crewe Engineering & Design UTC
  • Daventry UTC
  • Derby Manufacturing UTC
  • Doncaster UTC
  • Elstree UTC
  • Elutec
  • Energy Coast UTC
  • Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire
  • Esher College
  • Gateway 6 Form College (Leicester)
  • Greater Peterborough UTC
  • Lincoln College
  • Lincoln UTC
  • London Design and Engineering UTC
  • Mulberry UTC
  • North East Futures UTC
  • Northampton College
  • Notre Dame Catholic 6 Form College (Leeds)
  • Ron Dearing UTC
  • Scarborough UTC
  • SGS Berkeley Green UTC
  • Sheffield College
  • Shireland Biomedical UTC
  • Silverstone UTC
  • Solihull Six Form College
  • South Devon UTC
  • The Global Academy
  • The JCB Academy
  • The Leigh UTC
  • Thomas Telford UTC
  • University Collegiate School
  • University Technical College Norfolk
  • UTC Derby Pride Park
  • UTC Leeds
  • UTC Plymouth
  • UTC Portsmouth
  • UTC Reading
  • UTC Sheffield City Centre
  • UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park
  • UTC South Durham
  • UTC Swindon
  • UTC Warrington
  • UTC@MediaCityUK
  • West Herts College
  • WMG Academy for Young Engineers (Coventry)
  • WMG Academy for Young Engineers (Solihull

East Midlands postcode

Applicants whose home postcode is within the East Midlands devolved authority covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.

Low participation areas

Applicants from an area of low participation in higher education, according to the Office for Students' Participation of Local Areas data (POLAR 4, quintile 1 or 2).

Care experienced

Applicants who have spent time in local authority care, foster care, or any formal care setting, which may have impacted their educational opportunities.

Free School Meals

Applicants who may have received Free School Meals during their secondary education, reflecting financial hardship that may have influenced access to learning.

Estranged from parents

Applicants who are estranged from their parents, meaning they have no contact or support from their family, which may have affected their educational journey.

Elite athletes

Nottingham Trent University is proud of its strong academic reputation and vibrant sporting culture. We are committed to helping talented athletes thrive during their time at NTU. To support this, we offer contextual offers to applicants who demonstrate exceptional sporting potential.

How contextual offers work when applying through UCAS

We receive this information directly from UCAS, so you don’t need to do anything extra to be considered for a contextual offer. If you’re eligible, it will be applied automatically.

However, it’s essential that you declare all relevant circumstances accurately on your UCAS application, as this ensures we have the correct information to support you.

If you have any queries regarding contextual offers, please use our enquiry form to contact our Applicant Services team.