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Want to get a Headstart on University life?
Headstart is a short programme designed to provide you with the key skills and knowledge you’ll need for a successful transition to life at University, whether that be at UEA or somewhere else entirely.
Starting with a self-guided online course and webinars led by UEA staff and current students, and culminating in an on-campus event, you’ll be exploring the differences between your former studies and Higher Education and learning more about the support available to you throughout your studies.
Here's what students have to say about it:
“The atmosphere was nice and comfortable, allowing me to take in information without feeling especially anxious, and everyone I spoke to (staff and ambassadors) were all very helpful and considerate.” – Headstart Participant 2022
What will I learn?
You’ll start by enrolling on the ‘Preparing for University’ online course, a self-led programme split into four sections, covering the core academic skills you’ll need to thrive at University. This can be completed at your own pace, but some of the lessons will be developed more within our live webinar and on-campus sessions.
You will then be invited to the following sessions:
Event name | Date/Time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
Webinar 1: Preparing for and engaging with lectures | Thursday 31st July 2025 6:30-7:30pm | online via Microsoft Teams |
Webinar 2: Reflective Learning | Thursday 7th August 2025 6:30-7:30pm | online via Microsoft Teams |
On Campus Event: Headstart | Tuesday 9th September 2025 9:00am-3:00pm | UEA Campus |
What will happen at the event?
The full timetable will be emailed to you. You will have the chance to:
Meet other incoming UEA students, as well as current students and staff
Take part in skills-based sessions designed to demystify research and critical analysis
Chat to the many support services on offer to support your student journey
Explore the UEA campus and facilities
How do I apply?
Applications for the Headstart programme are open until the 25th July 2025. Please check your eligibility criteria (listed below) and complete the Headstart application form.
When filling out the form, please indicate if you would like to attend the webinars, the on-campus event, or both. If we receive more applications than there are spaces, then we’ll randomly select people. If you’ve not been randomly selected, we’ll place you on a waiting list and you may be offered a place if someone else drops out.
If you do not meet our eligibility criteria for the whole programme, you are still encouraged to sign up to the Preparing for University course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team at schoolsoutreach@uea.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help.