Contextual and Local Talent offers
We know exam results are only part of the story and don’t always reflect your full potential. That's why we make Contextual and Local Talent offers to eligible applicants, which recognise your true potential.
Local Talent offers
At the University of Salford, we're committed to helping local people achieve their ambitions.
That's why we're introducing Local Talent offers for applicants living in Salford. If you're eligible, you could receive an offer up to 16 UCAS Tariff points, or the equivalent of two grades, below the typical entry requirements for your chosen course.
It's part of our commitment to opening doors to higher education, supporting local talent, and helping build a stronger future for Salford.
What is a Local Talent offer?
A Local Talent offer recognises the potential of our community. The scheme is designed to help create skilled graduates in our city. It’s all about building access, opportunity, and long-term impact in the region.
Who is eligible for a Local Talent offer?
To receive a Local Talent offer, you must:
- live in the UK and have a Salford postcode (listed below)
- apply for a full-time undergraduate course through UCAS
- be assessed as paying home tuition fees
- be studying three A levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma, or a combination of A levels and BTEC qualifications
Other qualifications, including T Levels, are not currently included, but we review the policy annually.
Eligible postcodes
View eligible postcodes for the Local Talent offer
- M3
- M5
- M6
- M7
- M8
- M17
- M27
- M28
- M29
- M30
- M38
- M44
- M50
- M60
Why are we offering this?
Through our Civic University Agreement with Salford City Council, we're committed to creating opportunities for local people and developing industry-ready graduates who can contribute to the city's future. Local Talent offers form part of this wider commitment to supporting people across Salford and investing in the success of our communities.
Our Local Talent offer recognises that exam results are just one measure of future success, helping more talented people from across Salford access higher education and fulfil their potential.
Contextual offers
A Contextual offer takes account of the social, economic, and educational circumstances in which you achieved your qualifications. We use information supplied through UCAS to make Contextual offers. This may include:
- information about your school or college
- information linked to your home postcode
- whether you were eligible for free school meals
- whether you have experience of being in care
- whether you're seeking asylum or have been granted refugee status by the UK government
If you're eligible, you could receive an offer up to 16 UCAS Tariff points, or the equivalent of two grades, below the typical entry requirements for your chosen course.
Who is eligible for a Contextual offer?
Contextual offers are available to eligible applicants who:
- apply for a full-time undergraduate course through UCAS
- live in the UK
- are assessed as paying home tuition fees
- are studying three A levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma, or a combination of A levels and BTEC qualifications
Other qualifications, including T Levels, are not currently included, but we review the policy annually.
How do I apply?
You do not need to apply for a Contextual or Local Talent offer separately. We’ll use the information in your UCAS application to check whether you're eligible.
However, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will receive an offer. We will assess your application in the usual way before making a decision.
If you qualify for both a Contextual offer and a Local Talent offer, the Contextual offer will take precedence.
Need help with your application or offer?
If you have questions about how your application has been assessed, what your offer means, or what you need to do next, contact the Admissions Team at: applications@salford.ac.uk