If you need help improving your university application, or if you're unsure if university is the right choice for you, we're here to help.
The Lancashire Scholars Programme will prepare you for the future. You can explore options and gain unique experiences to help you make informed choices. All whilst securing the knowledge and skills to impress universities and employers.
How can our Lancashire Scholars Programme help you?
The programme takes part over several workshops and sessions. These will help you complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice. You'll write a 1,500 - 2,000 word essay for your project.
When does it start and what does it include?
The programme will run from February to June. The workshops are listed below.
All sessions are organised with your current workload and commitments in mind. We try our best to be as accommodating as possible. We'll make each session as informative and accessible as we can.
If you live in the North West of England, you will be required to attend a series of workshops at the University’s Preston Campus.
If you are from the Midlands, your workshops will be delivered online and you will be invited to an in-person Celebration Event at the University’s Preston Campus. The celebration event will coincide with our Open Day and you will be able to access support with travel expenses.
What will the independent research project look like?
Your independent research project involves a 1,500-2,000 word written essay. The project will build your confidence and help you decide whether university study is for you.
It’s an opportunity to discover more about a topic you are passionate about. It's also a great talking point for personal statements and university interviews.
We understand that as a Year 12 or Year 13 student you have lots to juggle, which is why you will have several months to work on your project. The project will complement your current studies and fit around your commitments. Our aim is to show you how to work at a higher level to improve your current grades as well as your future prospects.
No one subject or topic is better than another. This is about exploring an area that is of genuine interest to you so that you can practise the skills needed for university and employment.
What subject can I choose?
You can choose any subject for your project topic. It may be based on your hobbies and interests or curiosity. You could choose a competitive field to give your application an edge (such as Medicine or Veterinary Medicine). Alternatively, selecting a topic related to your current studies could enhance your grades.
You can choose whatever subject area you find interesting for your project, but we will allocate you to a subject stream to ensure you are matched with a mentor in a subject related to your area of interest. These are:
- Health
- Medicine
- Arts and Creative subjects
- Humanities
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering
- Computing
- Law
- Business
- Sport
- Languages
The Livesey Medicine Pathway
This pathway is open to students who meet the Widening Participation criteria and wish to apply for Medicine at university. You must be in Year 12 and studying A-levels including two science subjects, one of which is Chemistry.
How do I become a Scholar?
Applications are now open for our Lancashire Scholars Programme 2026.
To apply you must be a Year 12 or Year 13 student in September 2026. If you are applying to the North West cohort, you must live within travelling distance of Preston, Lancashire. North West applicants will need to attend the on-campus sessions to complete the programme. Virtual sessions will be delivered for scholars based in the Midlands, with an in-person celebration event hosted at our Preston campus.
You should complete the application with a parent or carer. This is because there will be some questions about meeting the Widening Participation criteria. You do not have to meet the criteria to take part in the programme. However, those who do will be eligible for the bursary and contextualised offer upon completion.