Queen Mary Futures
Taking place at Queen Mary's East London campuses, the Queen Mary Futures programme is an opportunity for eligible Year 12 students to gain an insight into different subjects that are studied at university, and to prepare for the challenges of university-level study.
Applications for the Queen Mary Futures Spring 2025/26 programme are now open. Use the buttons below to find the information you need about the Queen Mary Futures programme, including how to submit your application. The deadline to apply is Sunday 22 March 2026.
Activity schedule
An overview of the 4-week programme of after-school activities is below.
Location: Mile End Campus
Week 1: Wednesday 15 April, 4-6:30pm
Week 2: Wednesday 22 April, 4:30-6:30pm
Week 3: Wednesday 29 April, 4:30-6:30pm
Week 4: Wednesday 6 May, 4:30-6:30pm
Location: Mile End Campus
Week 1: Thursday 16 April, 4-6:30pm
Week 2: Thursday 23 April, 4:30-6:30pm
Week 3: Thursday 30 April, 4:30-6:30pm
Week 4: Thursday 7 May, 4:30-6:30pm
Location: Whitechapel Campus
Week 1: Thursday 16 April, 4:30-6:30pm
Week 2: Thursday 23 April, 4:30-6:30pm
Week 3: Thursday 30 April, 4:30-6:30pm
Week 4: Thursday 7 May, 4:30-6:30pm
Basic programme eligibility
To be eligible for the Queen Mary Futures programme, students must meet all the programme's essential criteria, as well as at least two Widening Participation criteria.
To understand whether you meet the programme's basic eligibility criteria, you can use our Queen Mary Futures Eligibility Checker tool. Beneath the tool, you can also expand for a detailed breakdown of our criteria.
Basic eligibility criteria (detailed breakdown)
To be eligible for the programme, students must meet all the 'Essential criteria' and at least two of the 'Widening Participation criteria' below.
Where a subject strand is oversubscribed, students who meet the highest overall point score (detailed below) will be offered a place on the programme. In the event of a tie, priority will be given to those who application reviewers agree demonstrate the most suitability for relevant subject strands in their personal statement. Guidance on personal statement content is provided in the application form.
Essential criteria:
Students must meet all of the essential criteria outlined, which are:
- In Year 12, or first year of Level 3 study, at a state-funded, non-fee paying school or college in the UK
- Be a Home registered student or expect to be by the time they apply for higher education
- Have achieved at least five 5-9 GCSE grades, with at least a 4 in both of English and Maths. For the Medicine and Dentistry subject strand, you will need need a minimum of six GCSE passes at grades 777666 including Biology, Chemistry, English Language or English Literature and Mathematics
Widening Participation criteria:
Students must meet two of the Widening Participation criteria outlined, which are:
- Are currently, or have previously lived in local authority care, or is permanently estranged from both parents. (2 points)
- Has a disability defined under the ‘Equality Act 2010’. A physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. (2 points)
- Be living in an area of high deprivation (IMD Decile 1, 2, 3 or 4) or be living in an area of socio-economic disadvantage (ACORN group M, N, P, Q, R, S or U). (1 point)
- Are a young adult carer. Read Queen Mary's definition of a young adult carer for more information about this. (1 point)
- Were previously entitled to Free School Meals during Key Stage 4, or are currently in receipt of the 16-19 bursary. (1 point)
- Neither parent or carer has attended higher education in the UK or abroad. (1 point)
- Are a refugee or asylum seeker. (1 point)
- Are from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller background, inclusive of Showmen and Boater communities. (1 point)
- Attend one of Queen Mary's sponsored academy schools: Royal Greenwich Trust School, St Paul's Way Trust School or Drapers' Academy.* (1 point)
- Attend a school whose attainment performance is below the national average.** (1 point)
*Places per school may be capped for students who qualify for the programme on the basis of attending one of Queen Mary's sponsored academy schools.
**Queen Mary uses its own definition of low school attainment, informed by government data, to determine programme eligibility.
Subject strand eligibility
For Queen Mary Futures applications to be competitive, students should currently be studying subjects and qualifications that would make them eligible to study their preferred subject at Queen Mary, as detailed in the course entry requirements.
A summary of the entry requirements for each Queen Mary Futures subject strand is below.
- A level subject requirements: Students must be studying one of A level Maths, Computer Science, or Physics
- BTEC subject requirements: Students must be studying a BTEC Extended Diploma in Computing* or Engineering*.
- GCSE requirements: Students interested in BSc Computer Science and BSc Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence must have a grade 5 in GCSE Maths
Subject strand description
The School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Queen Mary is where you can explore how technology shapes the world, from algorithms and artificial intelligence to networks and human–computer interaction. Undergraduate students are taught through hands‑on learning through labs, project‑based modules, and collaborative workshops, giving students the chance to work alongside active researchers at the forefront of computing and engineering innovation.
*BTEC requirements for programmes in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science vary by specific course, and can include the requirement to be studying an A level in Mathematics alongside a BTEC qualification.
- A level subject requirements: Students must be studying A level Biology
- BTEC subject requirements: Students must be studying the BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Subject strand description
With Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary, you'll explore how life works, from genes and cells to the brain, behaviour, and the environment. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to work alongside real researchers, and courses that connect biology and psychology to real-world challenges like disease, mental health, and climate change. It’s an inspiring place for curious minds who want to understand the science behind everyday life and help shape a healthier, more sustainable future.
With Environmental Science, you'll develop an understanding of the biological, physical, and chemical processes that drive change in the Earth’s system. From conserving biodiversity for sustainable development to tackling air pollution and flooding, you’ll be focused on finding solutions to the planet’s urgent problems.
- A level subject requirements: No specific subject requirements
- BTEC subject requirements: No specific subject requirements
- A level subject requirements: Students must be studying A level Chemistry
- BTEC subject requirements: Students must be studying the Applied Science BTEC Extended Diploma. This offers a pathway into Queen Mary's Chemical Sciences with Foundation programme.
- A level subject requirements: Students must be studying A level Mathematics
- BTEC subject requirements: Students must be studying a BTEC Extended Diploma in any subject, alongside an A Level in Mathematics
Subject strand description
The School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary is a diverse and internationally recognised academic community, offering undergraduate programmes that combine rigorous theory with real-world relevance. Our courses in Economics, Finance and related fields develop strong analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills, preparing students for a wide range of future pathways. Through initiatives like Queen Mary Futures, we are committed to widening participation and inspiring the next generation to explore how economics and finance shape the world around us.
- A level subject requirements: Students must be studying A Level Maths + a second science subject (excluding Psychology)
- BTEC subject requirements: Students must be studying the Engineering BTEC Extended Diploma alongside an A Level in Mathematics
Subject strand description
Engineering and Materials Science sits at the cutting edge of science across Biomedical, Aerospace, Robotics, Chemical, Mechanical and Design Engineering and Materials Science. At Queen Mary, our lecturers are world-leading in their fields and our students have the opportunity to study abroad, work in industry, present their research at conferences and government, compete at major competitions, run events according to their passion, and explore the rich cultural and social life that London has to offer.
- A level subject requirements: No specific subject requirements
- BTEC subject requirements: No specific subject requirements
Subject strand description
Stories are powerful, but how are they made? Across English literature, documentary film, and theatre, this strand explores storytelling as both an art and a way of thinking about the world. You’ll be introduced to literary theory, experiment with ideas through creative documentary filmmaking, and discover how verbatim theatre transforms real experiences into performance. Join us to explore how words, images, and performance can question identity, represent lived experience, and spark change.
- A level subject requirements: No specific subject requirements
- BTEC subject requirements: No specific subject requirements
Subject strand description
With History, you'll expand your knowledge as you explore different histories and perspectives from Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. Our modules cover a wide range including the Soviet Union, Muhammad to the Ottomans, Japanese film history, the theory of Totalitarianism, technology and the modern world and more!
Politics and and International Relations at Queen Mary will provide you with an opportunity to explore government, political thought, and empirical and theoretical approaches to international relations. Our regional expertise encompasses North and South America, Europe, Africa, Russia, South Asia and Southeast Asia, with academics specialising in everything from feminist, postcolonial and sociological theoretical approaches to applied topics like foreign policy.
- A level subject requirements: Students must be studying A level Maths
- BTEC subject requirements: Students must be studying the Engineering BTEC Extended Diploma. Other BTEC subjects may be accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics, or grade C in A Level Mathematics for a pathway into Queen Mary's Mathematics with Foundation programme.
Subject strand description
If you enjoy problem-solving, spotting patterns, and asking “why does this work?”, then our Mathematical and Physical Sciences subject strand could the right choice for you!
- A level subject requirements: Students must be studying Chemistry OR Biology and one other science subject (including Mathematics)
- BTEC subject requirements: BTEC qualifications are not accepted for Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary
- GCSE requirements: Students must have a minimum of six GCSE passes at grades 777666 including Biology, Chemistry, English Language or English Literature and Mathematics
Subject strand description
The Medicine and Dentistry strand will provide you with the opportunity to improve your understanding of medicine and dentistry by meeting a range of students and healthcare professionals that will give an expert insight in to Queen Mary and the professions. You will also develop skills and knowledge that can support you on your journey to higher education.
How to Apply
Applications for the Queen Mary Futures Spring 2025/26 programme are OPEN! The deadline for applications is Sunday 22nd March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Queen Mary Futures sessions take place online or in-person?
Scheduled programme sessions will run in-person at Queen Mary's Mile End campus, unless otherwise stated.
If accepted, when will I receive my timetable of activities?
The programme timetable is usually sent to successful applicants the week before the programme is due to start.
Are any Queen Mary Futures sessions recorded for online viewing?
Certain sessions will be video recorded using Queen Mary's in-built classroom recording technology, meaning students can watch certain sessions on-demand and can also watch sessions related to subject strands other than their own.
Recordings typically focus on a presenter at the front of a classroom; however, it is possible that images of students may also be captured from time-to-time. Recordings are only shared with Queen Mary Futures students and relevant members of Queen Mary staff, and will only be shared more widely with the permission of those featured in relevant recordings.
When you submit your application, you will be asked to confirm that you understand and are happy to proceed on the basis of the recording arrangements described above. However, if you would like to discuss this further with a member of the team, please email: outreach-programmes@qmul.ac.uk.
Can I claim travelling expenses for the programme?
Yes!
Students who take part in the programme can claim travel expenses to cover the cost of their return journey to Queen Mary’s campuses for each day they attend.
Most students will be able to claim travelling expenses following the conclusion of the programme. However, students who are currently, or have previously lived in local authority care, or are permanently estranged from both parents, are eligible to claim their anticipated travelling expenses in advance.
More information about how to claim travel expenses will be communicated to programme participants in a timely way. However, any questions related to claiming travelling expenses can be emailed to: outreach-programmes@qmul.ac.uk.
Note: Receipts (including screenshots) for relevant journeys must be submitted alongside travel expense claims in order for them to be considered. To facilitate this, it is advisable that students who plan to travel on Transport for London (TfL) services have set-up an online account, where they will be able to access up to 8 weeks of their linked Oyster card journeys (and up to a year of their linked contactless bank card journeys).
Will I be guaranteed a contextual offer if I take part in the programme?
Queen Mary automatically considers every UK undergraduate applicant that applies in the main UCAS cycle for a contextual offer.
Many Queen Mary Futures participants qualify for a contextual offer because the criteria for the programme and for Queen Mary's contextual offers often overlap. However, participation in the Queen Mary Futures programme on its own does not guarantee a standard or enhanced contextual offer can be made to an applicant.
Students can use Queen Mary's contextual admissions eligibility checker for an indication of whether they could qualify for a contextual offer from Queen Mary.
Can my parent/carer wait on campus until my Queen Mary Futures sessions end?
Parents/carers are welcome to wait for Queen Mary Futures participants by remaining in outdoor sections of Queen Mary's campuses (some outdoor seating is available), or in any of Queen Mary's retail outlets (e.g. Ground Café at the Mile End campus) if they are open. However, it isn't possible for parents/carers to wait for participants within their scheduled sessions, in any of Queen Mary's buildings that are designated for teaching, or in any other Queen Mary building that is not typically open to the general public.
How can I get in touch with any other questions?
If you would like to discuss anything further with a member of the Queen Mary Futures team, please email: outreach-programmes@qmul.ac.uk.
