Manchester Access Programme (MAP)

One of our University goals is to recruit students who will be successful at Manchester regardless of their educational and social background. Local teachers can encourage their post-16 students to join our Manchester Access Programme, which targets and supports talented students who are from backgrounds that are currently under-represented in higher education (HE).

MAP is a structured scheme for local post-16 students who meet specific academic and background criteria. The aim of the programme is to support entry to Manchester, or to another research-intensive university, through the completion of a portfolio of work demonstrating specific knowledge and skills.

The scheme gives students the opportunity to show their potential through a varied programme of activities, including:

  • a series of personal development/skills workshops;
  • a two-day University Life Conference;
  • one-to-one UCAS application guidance interviews with University staff.

Students also complete an academic assignment under the guidance of an academic tutor at the University, which helps to develop the skills required for university study and provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the potential for success in HE.

All students who successfully complete our Manchester Access Programme also benefit from:

  • individual support through the UCAS application process;
  • up to two A-level or equivalent grade reduction towards their University of Manchester offer;
  • an Undergraduate Access Scholarship depending on their household income if they progress on to study at The University of Manchester. 

We target students using criteria related to academic potential and measures of under-representation in higher education.

Find out more about MAP

Visit our MAP pages for students and find out about our MAP talks on campus and at schools across Greater Manchester.