The college's Realising Aspirations programme has officially launched for 2019. 

The flagship programme takes place every year and allows students to gain a greater understanding of university life. Any student can apply to take part in Realising Aspirations from A-Level, Mixed Study or Vocational study programmes. 

Students choose a particular subject strand that they will focus on throughout the year. Currently, there are 13 strands covering STEM, the professions, the Arts, Social Sciences and more. This years subject strands include:

• Computer Science & Maths
• Creative & Digital Industries
• Criminology & Psychology
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• History & Politics
• History of Art
• Law
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences    
• Sociology
• The Written Word
• Working with Young People

Realising Aspirations allows students to take part in in-college lectures and seminars led by leading university professors in their chosen field. They are able to meet fellow students beyond their courses who share similar interests and future career plans. Each subject strand also offers a university trip to an institution across the country. Students visit the university and their trip is tailored to the subject strand they have chosen. They have the opportunity to explore the facilities and try out university life firsthand.

The entire programme is completely free of charge to students. For those who would otherwise struggle to attend a university open day, or may not be considering universities over an hour away, the programme is an incredible opportunity to broaden their horizons.    

The college's Realising Aspirations Co-ordinator spoke to students about how the programme will work and how students can make the most of the opportunity that is available to them. A representative from a university also presented some of the basics surrounding university applications, as well as how student finance works. 

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Find out more about the programme here.