Headstart Huddersfield

Scheme requirements

• You must first check your eligibility for the scheme.
• If you are eligible for the scheme, you must complete and submit the online Headstart registration form by the specified deadline. Once we have verified your eligibility, we will email you an assignment pack.
• If you are under 21, your eligibility must be verified by a Tutor Referee. Your Tutor Referee must be a member of staff at your school or college who knows you well enough to verify your eligibility.
• Assignment outline: In 500 words* tell us about your experience at one of our Open Days or Taster Days. (Write a  500-1,000 word self-reflection based on your own personal experience of primary HE research carried out at a University of Huddersfield Open Day or Taster Day).
• Primary research must include attending an Open Day or a Taster Day.

Key dates and deadlines

Timetable 2025/26 for 2026 entry	Date
Scheme opens for student registration.	1 June 2025
Eligibility is confirmed by email and students receive the Headstart Assignment Pack.	1 June 2025 - 15 May 2026
Students participate in primary research: Open Days or Taster Days.	Up to 15 May 2026
Scheme closes for student registration.	Friday 15 May 2026
Students submit assignment by email and receive confirmation receipt.	Deadline for submission: Friday 29 May 2026
Assessment of work.*	June 2026
Students notified of results by email.	June 2026

*Students submitting assignments by the UCAS deadline of Wednesday 14th January 2026 will be notified of their results in February 2026. 

Please note: late registrations or submissions will not be accepted.

Terms and conditions

To qualify for the scheme, you must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria. If you are under 21 your eligibility must be verified by a Tutor Referee.

The scheme is not available for any student who is currently studying or who has passed the Progression Module with either the University of Huddersfield or Leeds Beckett University, as UCAS points cannot be combined from both schemes.

UCAS points will only be awarded to eligible students who complete and submit the Headstart Assignment by the specified deadline, and who are notified in writing that they have passed.

The 8 UCAS points from Headstart will be taken into account at the point of confirmation of place (on results day). 8 UCAS points are the equivalent of one grade. For example, where an applicant has a conditional offer of 120 UCAS points they can meet the conditions of the offer by achieving 112 UCAS points (3 A Levels with grades BBC or equivalent) and successful completion of Headstart (8 UCAS points) making a total of 120 UCAS points.

Successful completion of Headstart Huddersfield does not guarantee a place on a University of Huddersfield course. Where specific grades are required from specific subjects, these cannot be superseded by points from Headstart.

The University of Huddersfield will guarantee interviews, auditions or offers to all Headstart Huddersfield students who meet the published academic and non-academic entry requirements.

In order for the 8 UCAS points from Headstart to be recognised by The University of Huddersfield, it must be recorded on the UCAS application. If your UCAS application has already been submitted please contact us for details on what to do next.

Recording Headstart on UCAS applications

In the Education section, select 'Add Qualification.' Type 'other' in the search box and select 'Other (UK qualification)' from the list.

Then add the following details:

Subject title: Headstart Huddersfield

Qualification date: May [year of completion]

Awarding organisation: UOH (abbreviation of University of Huddersfield)

Result: PENDING