Duke of Edinburgh Award

A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.

What is the DofE?

The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.

Students who are 24 or younger can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

Any student can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender or background. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing boundaries.

Through a DofE programme students have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.

Why do the DofE?

University is not just about lectures, assignments and exams. It’s also about making friends, trying new experiences, being active and healthy or pursuing an interest or activity. The DofE takes you into a place where you’ll push yourself and have amazing new experiences.

For the hundreds of thousands of young people who take part each year, the benefits of achieving a DofE Award at any level are endless. DofE is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future. As many of our students say, it’s life-changing.

Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for a job and in all aspects of your life. Beyond your academic achievements, employers want to see evidence of ‘soft skills’ that you have developed through extra-curricular activities, such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. Your DofE Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate and evidence these skills in practice.

You’ll also make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.

International Students

The DofE Award is popular among UK students, however students from other countries and cultures, who come to study in Britain, are mostly unaware of the DofE.

Since its inception, the DofE has progressed to become much more than simply an outdoor leadership call to action. While still retaining the sense of challenge, it now reflects a much more diverse and interconnected world.

For international students the award programme tests groups of various languages and cultures to work as a team. We believe the DofE helps international students adjust to their new surroundings in Sunderland far quicker, and gives them something truly interesting and inspiring experience of like in the North East.

To find out more contact andy.turnbull@sunderland.ac.uk