We are thrilled to announce that UCEC has officially become an approved activity provider for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE). This recognition allows us to offer students the opportunity to engage in meaningful experiences that contribute to their personal development, teamwork, and leadership skills — all while working towards achieving their DofE Awards.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is a world-renowned youth achievement award that encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones, learn new skills, and make a difference in their communities. Established in 1956 by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, this award is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 24 and is recognised internationally as a mark of dedication, resilience, and self-development.
The DofE Award consists of three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each designed to challenge participants through a variety of activities. To achieve their awards, participants must complete four sections:
- Skills: Encouraging young people to develop a new talent or expertise, from learning an instrument to coding or cooking.
- Physical: Participants take on a personal fitness challenge, whether it’s improving in a sport they already play or trying something new.
- Volunteering: This section fosters a sense of community by encouraging participants to give their time and effort to help others, such as through charity work or mentoring.
- Expedition: Perhaps the most adventurous part of the award, involves planning and undertaking a self-sufficient journey with peers, often in challenging outdoor environments. For the Gold level, there’s an additional Residential section, where participants spend time away from home working with a group on a shared project.
The DofE Award is more than just a certificate — it’s a personal journey that helps young people gain confidence, leadership skills, teamwork experience, and a sense of responsibility. Many universities and employers highly regard the award for its emphasis on holistic personal growth and the character-building qualities it fosters.
As a result, the DofE Award has become a symbol of resilience and ambition, offering young people a structured yet flexible pathway to achieve something truly meaningful while making lasting memories along the way.
What Does It Mean to Be an Approved Activity Provider?
As an approved activity provider, UCEC meets the strict standards set by the DofE in delivering safe, high-quality programmes that align with their values of challenge, perseverance, and achievement. Our Enrichment Programmes are designed to help students complete the Skill, Physical, and Volunteering sections of their DofE journey, whether they’re aiming for Bronze, Silver, or Gold awards.
Why the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
The DofE Award is widely recognised across the UK and beyond, offering young people a chance to push their boundaries and explore their potential. By completing various sections of the award, participants gain not only a sense of personal accomplishment but also valuable skills that boost their future academic and career prospects.
How UCEC Supports Students’ DofE Journeys
At UCEC, we believe in creating enriching, hands-on experiences. As part of our offering, students can choose from a range of activities, including:
- Expedition: our Oxford Insight Weeks programme, which takes place in Oxford’s academic setting and offers specialised workshops in STEM education, academic, and scientific communication. This immersive programme helps DofE Gold students complete their Expedition Residential section, as students spend time away from home (7 to 14 days) working with a group on a shared project. More details can be found at www.oxfordinsightweeks.com.
- Work Experience & Internships: UCEC and our partners work together to offer work experience placements and internships in various industries. These opportunities allow students to gain practical skills and real-world insights, making them ideal for completing the Skill or Volunteering sections of the DofE Award.
- Volunteering Opportunities: We connect students with meaningful volunteer projects, enabling them to give back to their communities while developing leadership and organisational skills for the Volunteering section of their award.
