Throughout the Pathways to Banking and Finance programme you will be supported to engage with a wide range of academic and employability activities held both online and on the University of Leicester campus, including:

  • Learn about what University life is really like and get support from current ULSB students through mentoring
  • Industry Spotlight sessions and networking opportunities with leading industry professionals in Banking and Finance
  • Attending academic sessions led by world-leading researchers and lecturers from University of Leicester’s School of Business to experience our teaching first hand
  • Access to a week’s work experience in a leading bank or financial firm, with a pre-placement event to prepare you.
  • Support with writing your CV and UCAS Personal Statement, and translating your industry work experience into content for your CV.
  • Attending the National Banking and Finance Conference organised by the Sutton Trust. This is a three day residential stay at the University of Warwick which will give you a deep insight into the world of Banking and Finance.

On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a contextual offer not only from the University of Leicester, but also our Sutton Trust partner Universities: University of Liverpool, University of Warwick and London School of Economics.

Application timeline

Step 1

Check you are eligible

You may apply to a Pathways programme if you:

  • Are studying in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent)
  • Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK

Find out more

Step 2

Applications open

It’s a very simple application form, mostly yes/no questions but it does include one longer question[s] as follows –

“Please give a brief personal statement (of no more than 300 words) explaining your suitability for the programme and why you would like to participate”

Early September

Step 3

Applications close

4th November

Step 4

Decisions announced

Dependent on each programme and university – usually November to December

November - December

Step 5

Launch of Pathways programme

Dependent on each programme and university – usually around November to December

November - December

Applications are now closed.

Register your interest for 2025/2026

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST