Frequently Asked Questions

Step-Up is a programme that has been designed and developed by the University of Ulster to provide pupils from secondary schools in Londonderry/Derry and Belfast with an opportunity to progress to Higher Education.

The programme helps pupils obtain the necessary A-Level qualifications to progress to university, while also providing them with direct experience of university teaching, research and assessment methods.

The programme actively involves the University, schools, industry, local hospitals and government agencies in a collaborative partnership which aims to improve pupil performance in Science subjects. The partner organisations contribute to the teaching of the twelve unit Double Award GCE Applied Science qualification (which is equivalent to two traditional GCE A-Levels). The major advantage of the Applied Science qualification, compared to traditional A-Levels, is that it allows the academic and vocational content to be delivered in a much more relevant, interesting and practical way. As a result the emphasis is on scientific exploration and experimentation.

The delivery of the Double Award Applied GCE Science qualification is achieved through a highly structured and organised programme of academic and practical activities during year 13 and year 14. Highly interactive contact sessions (lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals) are delivered by a wide range of staff from across the University of Ulster, the participating schools and other sciencerelated organisations. Step-Up pupils work closely with nationally and internationally recognised experts in many areas which include Biological Science, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Cancer and Ageing, Diabetes, Human Nutrition, Nursing, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Radiography and Sport Science.

Pupils are taught within the University, participating schools, industrial companies, government organisations and the local hospitals. In addition to scheduled sessions, Step-Up pupils are also able to make use of University facilities including access to laboratory equipment, computers and library resources.

There are four main reasons why you should study Applied A-Levels with Step-Up:

1. The curriculum is delivered through meaningful, relevant and motivating academic activities. Science lends itself to practical hands-on investigation and experimentation.

2. Pupils are able to avail of the scientific expertise of the University of Ulster, schools and other partner organisations to achieve the highest grades possible.

3. Pupils who obtain Applied Science qualifications are able to apply to a wider range of university courses compared to those who obtain qualifications in non-science subjects (96% of degree level programmes accept Science subjects).

4. Students who graduate in science-related subjects have excellent employment prospects. There is a clear skills shortage in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at both graduate and technical levels in Northern Ireland.