Applications for MAP 2026 will open mid-November 2025.
Note: the priority criteria for MAP have recently changed for the first time in many years. Please take a moment to read the information carefully so you know what’s needed before applying.
What is the Manchester Access Programme?
The Manchester Access Programme (MAP) is the University’s central widening participation scheme for local Year 12 students in Greater Manchester.
We aim to help students who meet specific criteria gain a place at The University of Manchester, or another research-intensive university, through our online and on-campus events, workshops, and an academic assignment.
Students who complete MAP are eligible for a reduced offer of up to two grades, except for Medicine or Dentistry, where you must be on the relevant strand and foundation year programmes*
Watch our video to find out more
If you are a Year 12 student and thinking about what to do after school or college, then MAP could be just for you.
We help to:
- support you in your university application;
- improve skills that will help you to succeed in your current studies and at university, including research skills, referencing academic writing, and communication skills;
- prepare you for the different types of teaching and learning at university;
- provide information about the different courses available;
- show you what it's like to be a university student.
If you successfully complete the programme, you’ll get access to three special benefits:
Lower entry requirements for undergraduate courses at Manchester
You will be eligible to receive a reduced offer of up to two A-level grades* (or equivalent, depending on the qualifications you study) taken off the standard entry requirements.
Undergraduate Access Scholarship
If you study at The University of Manchester, you’ll receive an annual scholarship currently worth £1,300 per year.
The scholarship is dependent on the year of entry and is on top of any other financial support you may be eligible for at the University.
Support with your application
We will give you advice and guidance on your UCAS application and how to write an effective personal statement.
If you decide to apply to Manchester, you’ll have the opportunity to receive an early decision on your application before you apply through UCAS.
*Subject-specific grade requirements may still apply for some courses. Only students on the Medicine strand are eligible for the reduced offer for Medicine, and only students on the Dentistry strand of MAP are eligible for the reduced offer for Dentistry. The reduced MAP offer does not apply to any foundation or pre-entry year courses. Successful completion of the programme does not guarantee entry to The University of Manchester.
Please note: the information below is accurate for MAP 2025. Content for MAP 2026 is subject to change.
There are four compulsory modules that you will do as part of the programme. They will be delivered through a mix of online and on-campus activities which are designed to help prepare you for university. Previous modules have included:
Start your Journey
Provides an overview of the programme and a tour of the Manchester campus, as well as how to find out about university courses, admissions and entry requirements.
Academic module
We will support you, along with an Academic Tutor (either a University staff member or a postgraduate researcher), to write a 1,500-word original essay on a subject of your choice. To assist in this, you will attend a Research and Referencing Skills lecture to prepare you for writing the assignment.
Your Future, Your Choice
Visit a University of Manchester Open Day to learn about student life and discover more about the subjects you’re interested in.
Make Yourself a Success
A chance for you to develop skills that will help you succeed in the university application process, your time at university, and beyond.
Please note these are our current compulsory MAP modules, but they may be subject to change. While we don’t anticipate significant changes to the Programme, full module details will be provided once it begins.
Optional activities
There is also a wide range of optional online activities and workshops that you can choose to attend, which will allow you to get even more out of MAP.
Recent examples include our Medicine and Dentistry Conference, Get to Know the Library session, Managing your Money at University, and Personal Statement one-to-ones.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Mid-November 2025 | Applications open |
| 11.59pm Sunday, 14 December 2025 | Applications close |
| January to March 2026 | Applications reviewed and places confirmed |
| April 2026 | Start your Journey event |
| May 2026 | Academic module starts |
| May 2026 | Research and Referencing Skills lecture |
| May 2026 | Meet with your academic tutor to discuss the academic assignment |
| June 2026 | Your Future, Your Choice (attend a University open day) |
| July 2026 | Make Yourself a Success event |
| July 2026 |
Second meeting with your academic tutor to discuss feedback on your first draft |
| August 2026 | Submit academic assignment |
| September to December 2026 | Decision Manchester |
| October 2026 | Completion of the programme |
We estimate that it will take around 50 hours to complete MAP, including the independent study time needed to complete the academic assignment.
The compulsory modules and proposed delivery dates given above could be subject to change. However, all compulsory activities will be scheduled to fit in with your Year 12 study and school holidays and you won't need to miss any classes to participate in the programme.
MAP is delivered in a hybrid model with a mix of on-campus and online modules, events and activities.
You'll have the opportunity to experience our world-class teaching facilities in-person and have access to online resources and modules via Canvas, our online teaching platform.
Please note, MAP is not an Access to Higher Education course and is for students in Year 12.
You will need to contact your local further education colleges for more information about Access to Higher Education courses.