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Discovery Project

Discovery is a programme for autistic young people who are interested in going to university in the future. The programme consists of weekly sessions for young people in Years 9 to 11, and Year 12 onwards.

We also run a Summer School for students over 16, where participants get to stay overnight on campus and get a real taste of university life!

Find out more about the Discovery Summer School from those who attended:

Discovery Summer School Video

Participants on Discovery attend regular mentoring sessions that bring them together, either on campus or online. In addition to developing key skills to thrive at university, participants will:

  • Receive help towards their UCAS application
  • Meet current university students
  • Get student help, tips and tricks
  • Learn about university life
  • Receive support from the neurodiverse community

Applications for the Discovery Project 2025 are open now!

Closing date Friday 10 January 2025

Sign up for the 2025 Discovery Project

Quiet visit day

Our quiet visit day is for young people in school years 12 and 13 who are interested in applying to university, who are also neurodivergent or have a mental health condition that may make the traditional Open Day environment overwhelming.

The day includes:

  • Talks about applying for and being at university
  • Q&A sessions to give you an insight into university life
  • Campus tours
  • Relaunch of our Minecraft Project

Next quiet visit day: 17 December 2024

Sign up for the next quiet visit day

Supporting autistic students at Undergraduate Open Days

During Open Days, autistic students are given the opportunity to access a quiet area to plan their day, with refreshments and staff available to support them.

We can also offer:

  • A lunch voucher that can be spent at a University café on campus
  • A student ambassador to walk around with for the day or to take students on a tour of the campus

An email with more details will be sent to students who have signed up for an Open Day via the main Open Day sign up form.

Podcast: University, Autism and You

Episodes of our podcast, University, Autism and You, are available where outreach staff and current university students offer insights and advice to help autistic students prepare for university life.

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like further information about any of the above, please get in touch:

Widening participation and outreach team