Feature
A different way in: the decision that changed everything
Not every path to university is straightforward. For more than 30 years, Access Summer School has helped students find another way in. For Soraya, it changed everything.
Published on 30 April 2026
I’m Soraya, a History student at the University of Dundee and I am about to go into my final year. I can honestly say university has been the best years of my life. But truth be told, when I was first applying, I had no idea that Access Summer School even existed…
A challenge I didn't expect
I’ve always known I wanted to study History, but one of my main concerns was how I was going to get into university. At the start of 4th year, I moved from England to Scotland, which meant I had to learn a completely new education system during one of the most important years of secondary school. In 4th and 5th year, I was also impacted by the pandemic, which prevented me from having enough quality time at school to achieve the grades I needed to get into university.
When I received my conditional offer from Dundee, I was invited to attend Access Summer School, a programme designed to help students like me qualify for university. At the time, I had no idea what it would involve, and I was the only one in my year group going to Dundee. I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect.
What is Access Summer School?
Some students, like Soraya, narrowly miss the grades they need because of circumstances beyond their control. Others face complex challenges that disrupt their education and put their university ambitions at risk. Access Summer School offers these students an alternative way to qualify for university.
Taking place over five weeks in June and July, before the academic year begins in September, the free programme gives students the opportunity to meet the conditions of their offer through a blend of subject-specific modules and academic skills development.
Students complete university-level coursework and learn how university works, build confidence, and gain firsthand experience of university life before starting their degree. By helping talented students overcome barriers to higher education, Access Summer School ensures that potential - not circumstance - shapes their future.
By successfully completing the programme, students can secure their university place.
A chance I didn’t know existed
During Access Summer School, I completed a History module, which gave me a head start before coming to university. Over the five weeks, I also learned how to use the University’s software, communicate with lecturers, access academic support, and understand how the university system works. This experience helped me feel more prepared for the academic year ahead, and it also helped once the semester started.
One thing that stood out to me was how many students were part of Access Summer School. It was really encouraging to see the University supporting so many students who, like me, had faced challenges that affected their education.
Access Summer School definitely helped me feel a lot more comfortable going into first year. Understanding how the university system worked helped me prepare for my lectures and tutorials in advance. It also felt reassuring because if I needed any help or guidance, I knew where to find it.
Looking ahead
I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am to Access Summer School. If anyone is given the opportunity to qualify for university by attending Access Summer School, I couldn’t recommend it enough. While I am not entirely sure what the future holds yet, I know I’d love to work with children and help people. This future wouldn’t be possible without Access Summer School.
I would like to give a huge thank you to the incredible donors and everyone involved in keeping this programme going. You are giving students like me the chance to attend university, and I am so grateful to be at the University of Dundee.
Soraya's experience reflects the impact Access Summer School has had on thousands of students since it was established more than 30 years ago.
“For many bright, capable individuals, circumstances beyond their control can make traditional university entry requirements feel like an impossible task”, explains Katy Scott, Deputy Director of Globalisation and Future Students.
“Completing Access Summer School gives these students an alternative way to qualify for university. It’s not just about preparing students academically - it’s about giving them the chance to see themselves at university. The programme is free for students to attend, with accommodation and financial support available to eligible students. It means students can focus on their future, not the barriers in front of them”
Katy Scott, Deputy Director of Globalisation and Future Students
Soraya’s future was made possible by Access Summer School. Yet many students still risk missing out because of circumstances beyond their control. With your support, more students like Soraya can take their place at Dundee and build a brighter future.