From Adversity to University - University of Chichester

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The Times

BBC’s Morning Live

The Big Issue

From Adversity to University

Watch our recent appearance on BBC’s Morning Live to learn more about what we do.

Our ethos

Providing opportunities for those often left behind

At the University of Chichester, we know that education and ability are not synonymous, with opportunities not always equally available to all.

The From Adversity to University initiative revolves around the Bridging Course – a non-traditional route into higher education that hopes to create equality of opportunity and to help students to reach their unrecognised potential.

Bridging Course

Get back into education, no matter your starting point

The Bridging Course is taught in small groups and is designed to develop academic knowledge and skills based on the lived experience of participants.

Sessions consist of lectures, workshops and interactive discussions. It is run one evening a week as a group.

Successful completion of the module allows students to apply for degree courses at the University of Chichester.

Apply for the Bridging Course

Bridging Course

Build your confidence

Learn from inspirational lecturers

Flexible study options

Enhance your CV

Student view

Hear what our Bridging Course students have to say

University Of Chichester Student Phil

Phil

Bridging Course graduate and current
BA (Hons) Sociology student

“It is the most fantastic opportunity. It gave me a future, it gave me hope and a chance to turn things around. To be able to achieve something is such a magical feeling.”

Bridging Course Student Lucy

Lucy

Bridging Course graduate and current
BA (Hons) Fine Art student

“The course gave me the drive and belief that I could do anything I put my mind to and hope for the future. It quite literally transformed my life.”

From Adversity to University Toolkit

How to start your own
Bridging Course

The University of Chichester has launched a toolkit designed for Higher Education Institutions who are interested in setting up their own “From Adversity to University,” project.

Download our toolkit

Our Team

Meet the team behind the project

Becky Edwards

Becky Edwards

Senior Lecturer

“It is the most fantastic opportunity. It gave me a future, it gave me hope and a chance to turn things around. To be able to achieve something is such a magical feeling.”

Sandra Lyndon

Dr Sandra Lyndon

Reader in Childhood and Social Policy

“The course gave me the drive and belief that I could do anything I put my mind to and hope for the future. It quite literally transformed my life.”

Our story

See our news articles and podcasts

Be You Podcast: S3, Ep8 – Being Given a Second Chance

Jess speaks to Senior Lecturer Becky Edwards and one of her students Darren on their experiences of the Bridging Course at the University of Chichester.

Listen now Watch now

The Squirrel News Podcast

Listen to Becky Edwards, Senior Lecturer at the University of Chichester, speak about the origins of the Adversity to University project and where it goes from here.

University helps homeless with degree course pledge

Find out more

The pioneering university project helping homeless people get degrees

Find out more

Chichester’s Pioneering Project Aiming to Inspire Universities to Create Opportunities for the Homeless

Find out more

University of Chichester’s homeless initiative gets UPP backing

Find out more

Homelessness Studies Lab

Exploring the impact and causes of homelessness

Browse our research into homelessness, meet our researchers and discover the impact we’re having on our community.

Bishop Otter Campus