How to increase your chances of being accepted as an Access student

Hello,

I was wondering what I could do to increase my chances of getting into a Russell group? I’ll be studying an humanities access course alongside an English Literature A level.

Would getting more work experience make much of a difference in my application, or is following the university’s wider reading recs more important?

I’m hoping to study English Literature at Uni of Edinburgh, so I know I’ll need top marks. I’ll be 21 for September 2025.

Reply 1

username7203900

Original post by Lauren 28119

Hello,
I was wondering what I could do to increase my chances of getting into a Russell group? I’ll be studying an humanities access course alongside an English Literature A level.
Would getting more work experience make much of a difference in my application, or is following the university’s wider reading recs more important?
I’m hoping to study English Literature at Uni of Edinburgh, so I know I’ll need top marks. I’ll be 21 for September 2025.

Hey, I’m starting Edinburgh in September and I got in through the Access Course. I also received offers from Exeter and Durham.

Universities like Access and mature students it seems, especially UCL apparently, and there was a girl in my group who even got into Cambridge.

Don’t worry too much about work experience, but really put effort into the personal statement, and sprinkle in the midst of your story what you’ve learned in these 2-3 years. That’s what will bring you to life, and you may get a very generous offer because of it.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about all this.

Reply 2

Lauren 28119

Original post by username7203900

Hey, I’m starting Edinburgh in September and I got in through the Access Course. I also received offers from Exeter and Durham.
Universities like Access and mature students it seems, especially UCL apparently, and there was a girl in my group who even got into Cambridge.
Don’t worry too much about work experience, but really put effort into the personal statement, and sprinkle in the midst of your story what you’ve learned in these 2-3 years. That’s what will bring you to life, and you may get a very generous offer because of it.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about all this.

Hey, thanks for responding! This is very helpful info. Would you mind telling me more about your personal statement? Did you mention anything in particular?

Also, did you have a 3 year consecutive break from education? It stipulates in the terms and conditions for mature student acceptance information that this is a requirement.

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Lauren 28119

Work experience isn't required for academic subjects but wider reading is. Have a look at some of the wider reading suggestions from Cambridge, which is good for all unis:

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/sites/www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions_0.pdf

There is some good advice on developing a PS on the following thread:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6666418

Reply 4

mameadjoa

Original post by username7203900

Hey, I’m starting Edinburgh in September and I got in through the Access Course. I also received offers from Exeter and Durham.
Universities like Access and mature students it seems, especially UCL apparently, and there was a girl in my group who even got into Cambridge.
Don’t worry too much about work experience, but really put effort into the personal statement, and sprinkle in the midst of your story what you’ve learned in these 2-3 years. That’s what will bring you to life, and you may get a very generous offer because of it.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about all this.

hello , how did you go about this and what exactly did you do ? i am starting an access course very soon and i would like to aim for a russell group now that i know it's possible. do you have another qualification? i just would like to know all the details and see if its worth my efforts 😭