Contextual Offers

We recognise that not everyone has the same opportunities or support to progress to higher education, and we believe in creating an academic community that is diverse and inclusive. Contextual offers allow us to remove barriers to participation in higher education and welcome students of every background.

A holistic approach to your application

All of our higher education courses have a minimum academic entry requirement (UCAS points or, for a postgraduate course, a specific degree level qualification, or, in some cases, significant prior experience and learning). They may also require auditions, interviews and portfolios, which form an essential part of our assessment of your application. Together, these requirements allow us to understand your potential and commitment to a career in the creative industries.

However, our holistic assessment of your potential cannot account for all the factors that may impact your progression into higher education. To address these factors, we use contextual offers based on established eligibility criteria. Contextual offers allow us to reduce the minimum number of UCAS points required for entry. However, you will still be required to attend an interview/audition and/or submit a portfolio.

What is a contextual offer?

A contextual offer means we may be able to make you an offer with reduced academic entry requirements if you meet our eligibility criteria.

Depending on your predicted grades and if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive an automatic contextual offer that is typically two A-level grades or one BTEC grade or equivalent lower than the published grade for the programme you are applying for.

For entry into the first year of our undergraduate degrees, our typical contextual offer is:

• BC for A-levels
• MPP for BTEC National Extended Diploma
• DMM for BTEC National Certificate

If your grades are lower than this, please contact our admissions team so we can advise on your options.

Who is eligible for the contextual offer?

You will qualify if you meet any of the following criteria:

1. You live in an area with fewer opportunities to go to university.
   We check the postcode on your UCAS form automatically to assess eligibility.
   If your postcode is in an area of high deprivation or an area with low progression to higher education, then you are eligible for a contextual offer.
2. You received free school meals at secondary school.UCAS tells us this directly from your application.
3. You have been in care (looked after for three or more months). Tick the relevant box on your UCAS application form. We will also offer extra support for care-experienced students.
4. You are estranged from your family. Estranged means you are studying without family support, often with no contact at all. Let our admissions team know when you apply.
5. You have refugee status or Humanitarian Protection. Indicate this under ‘residential category’ on your UCAS application form.
6. You are a young carer. A young carer is under 18 and helps care for a family member who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition, or misuses substances, and this may have impacted their education.Let our admissions team know in your application. You may also want to mention your caring role in your UCAS Personal Statement.

If you think you meet any of the criteria but don’t receive a contextual offer, contact our Admissions team 01273 840 346 or email admissions@metfilm.ac.uk

What if I don’t meet these criteria but have still faced challenges?

If you’ve experienced difficulties that disrupted your education, you may still be considered for a contextual offer. Examples include:

• Disability or long-term illness.
• Bereavement.
• Homelessness.
• Difficulties attending school.
• Family circumstances (e.g. travelling communities, military families).

If you think this applies to you, please contact our Admissions team 01273 840 346 or email admissions@metfilm.ac.uk

In short, if your background or circumstances have made it harder for you to get to university, you may qualify for a contextual offer.