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Bitesize Uni: Y12 Summer School

Bitesize Uni (BSU) is our free Year 12 summer school. Stay on campus, try out subjects, and take part in fun social activities.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED: Applicants will receive a response during the week commencing 15 April.

If you're in year 12, sign up now to learn about BSU 2025.

Not sure if University is for you?

Boost your confidence whilst trying something new!

We have places available for BSU students from all across the UK. Join us to experience studying at Newcastle University.

You don't have to want to go to university to enjoy this experience! BSU aims to provide information and insight into university life. It's designed to help you decide if university is the right choice for you.

Take a look at Emma's experience, who attended BSU 2022.

What is BSU?

BSU is a residential event aimed at students currently in Year 12/first-year college (or equivalent).

You will join us for three days and two nights, where you will stay on campus in Newcastle, in our university accommodation.

BSU takes place twice!

There are two subject strands at BSU 2024. Each subject strand takes place on different dates. When you apply you will pick your chosen dates and subject strand from the following: 

  • Arts & Humanities: Sunday 14 July – Tuesday 16 July 2024 
  • STEM* & Life Sciences: Wednesday 17 July – Friday 19 July 2024 

* STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

What's involved?

The event is designed to support you:

  • make an informed decision about whether or not you want to go to university
  • try out subjects you might want to study
  • experience student life, live in Newcastle University accommodation
  • gain a sense of belonging and find out whether university and Newcastle are a good fit for you
  • meet new people - get to know current university students and other year 12 students from around the UK

During the summer school, you can experience a wide range of academic subject taster sessions, workshops, and talks. Our aim is to give you the motivation to achieve your goals and the confidence to apply to university.

All costs are covered by the University, including your travel to and from Newcastle upon Tyne.

BSU is a timetabled event. It's important to note that you won't have free time to shop in the city centre. All sessions are compulsory.

Who can apply?

We encourage all students in Year 12 to apply to BSU.

Places at the event are limited. We expect to host around 200 students at BSU 2024.

If the event is oversubscribed, we may use our summer school eligibility criteria when allocating places. We may also consider subject interest and availability.

Event impact

BSU is a key event that aims to support the University's commitment to widening participation. Key results from previous events include:

  • Over 50% of BSU 2022 attendees applied to study at Newcastle University.
  • On average, BSU 2023 attendees rated the event 8/10.
  • 87% of BSU 2023 attendees felt confident in their ability to be successful at university after attending the event.

Insightful and captivating. A truly unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

BSU 2023 attendee feedback

A great way to get a taste of uni life and meet other people.

BSU 2023 attendee feedback

Jam-packed experience!

BSU 2023 attendee feedback

New and fun, helped me to mature a little and lead a little project.

BSU 2023 attendee feedback

It was a unique and fun experience to show you uni life.

BSU 2023 attendee feedback

Took me out of my comfort zone, and showed me how university life might be.

BSU 2023 attendee feedback

A great opportunity to meet new friends and find out more about uni life.

BSU 2023 attendee feedback

I really enjoyed my time here and am glad I came as I got to see what Newcastle Uni and the surrounding areas are like.

BSU 2023 attendee feedback

How to apply

Applications for BSU 2024 have now closed. We will notify applicants of their outcome via email, during the week commencing 15 April.

In year 12?

If you'd like to be notified about BSU 2025 as soon as applications open, complete the following short form.