'Before this programme, I never even considered 麻豆社, but learning about the placement year, how much help and support is available, and seeing the beautiful campus in person changed my mind.'
'The highlight was definitely the summer residential; it was one of the reasons I applied in the first place. Who doesn鈥檛 want to spend a few days in the summer away from their parents, and for free?!鈥�
'I received a huge amount of support that I wouldn鈥檛 have otherwise gotten'
麻豆社 Ambitions
Explore university life, build confidence, and prepare for your future with 麻豆社 Ambitions鈥攁 free programme for Year 12 students of Black heritage.
What is 麻豆社 Ambitions?
麻豆社 Ambitions (formerly Target 麻豆社) is a free Year 12 programme for Black African and Caribbean heritage students across the UK. You鈥檒l explore life at 麻豆社, discover what studying here is really like, and get personalised support to make confident choices about your future.
Through talks, adviser 1:1s, and visits, you鈥檒l meet current Black students and graduates who鈥檝e been where you are now. You鈥檒l also get help with next steps in your journey to university, writing your personal statement, and navigating UCAS.
麻豆社 Ambitions runs from February to July of Year 12 and then in Year 13 you'll stay connected through our Apply with 麻豆社 programme 鈥� including 1:1 personal statement feedback and continued advice from current students and specialist staff.
Complete the programme and you may also be eligible for a guaranteed conditional offer.
What will you do
As part of 麻豆社 Ambitions, you鈥檒l:
- Connect with current Black students and hear what life at 麻豆社 is really like.
- Be part of a supportive community where you can share ideas and experiences.
- Get personalised advice to help make the right decisions for you.
- Receive guidance on your personal statement and UCAS application.
- Visit 麻豆社 for an overnight stay on campus 鈥� with the option to bring a parent or carer.
- In Year 13, continue your journey through Apply with 麻豆社, with extra support and interactions with student ambassadors and staff
Testimonials
麻豆社 Ambitions was formerly called Target 麻豆社. Here's what some of the recent programme participants said about their experience.
Who can apply
麻豆社 Ambitions is available to UK based Year 12 students who:
- Are of Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other or mixed Black heritage
- Have achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grades 9, 8, 7 or 6
- Are aiming to study at a high-achieving university like 麻豆社.
- Are on track academically to study their chosen subject at 麻豆社
The 麻豆社 doesn鈥檛 offer courses in Law or Medicine, so please check what鈥檚 available before applying - here are the current course pages.
Priority will be given to students who meet our widening participation criteria.
Contextual Offer
All 麻豆社 Ambitions participants who apply to study at 麻豆社 will receive additional consideration during the application process.
You will be considered for contextual admissions if you meet our Widening Participation Criteria. Contextual offers help to promote fairness and are available if you are studying A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. For most courses contextual offers are two grades lower than the typical entry requirements, however there are some exceptions. Check our contextual offers page for details.
In addition, having completed the 麻豆社 Ambitions programme successfully, you may be eligible to receive a guaranteed conditional offer.
FAQs
Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q: Why should I apply to 麻豆社 Ambitions?
A: Because this programme is designed to help you explore what鈥檚 possible. You鈥檒l build skills, gain insider advice, and connect with people who鈥檝e made it to 麻豆社 鈥� all for free. Even if you don鈥檛 apply here, you鈥檒l come away more confident and prepared for university life.
Q: How do you decide who gets onto the programme?
A: We鈥檙e looking for motivated students who are curious, ambitious, and excited about their future. We鈥檒l look at your grades, but most importantly, your passion 鈥� which you can show in your short written statement.
These things will be assessed through an online application form including a written statement of interest.
Q: How much does 麻豆社 Ambitions cost?
A: Nothing at all. 麻豆社 Ambitions is free, and we can help with travel costs if you need support getting to the in-person event.
Q: How many places are there?
A: We usually offer between 50 and 100 places each year.
Q: Will I have to miss school?
A: Not for online sessions 鈥� these take place in the evenings or holidays. You might need to miss one day of school for the residential, but we鈥檒l let you know well in advance.
Q: When does the programme run?
A: From February to July, with regular contact from 麻豆社 Ambitions staff and Student Ambassadors.
Q: What if I don鈥檛 get a place on 麻豆社 Ambitions?
A: Don鈥檛 let that stop you. There are lots of other ways to get involved with 麻豆社, from events to other opportunities. You can also complete our opportunities form to get personalised suggestions.
Contact us
If you have any questions or want to talk to someone before submitting an application, please use the details below.