
Programme overview
Discover what's in store for you on the Manchester Access Programme.
Applications are closed
All places for MAP 2023 entry have been confirmed. Applications for the 2024 intake will open in autumn this year.
Find out more
Click into each section below to find out more about the Manchester Access Programme.
Benefits of the programme
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 £1,000 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.
Programme modules
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:
Launch event
Provides an overview of the programme as well as how to find out about university courses, admissions and entry requirements.
Research and referencing skills
We will help you develop the skills you need to complete your academic assignment and prepare you for university study.
Academic assignment
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.
University life module
A chance for you to discover the fun and social side of university life and what extracurricular events and activities you can join.
Please note, these were the compulsory modules for MAP 2022. The content and structure of compulsory modules for MAP 2023 may be subject to change. Full details will be provided once the programme begins in spring 2023.
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 Medicine and Dentistry masterclasses, Open Days, Explore Science, Engineering and Technology, Discover Humanities and Personal Statement one-to-ones.
2022 to 2023 programme timeline
Date | Activity |
---|---|
November 2022 | Applications open |
December 2022 | Applications close |
January to March 2023 | Applications reviewed and place confirmed |
April 2023 | Launch event |
April to May 2023 | Research and referencing skills module |
May 2023 | Meeting with your Academic Tutor to discuss the academic assignment |
July 2023 | University life module |
August 2023 | Submit academic assignment |
September to December 2023 | Decision Manchester |
October 2023 | 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.
Learning environment
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 Blackboard, our online teaching platform.
Access to Higher Education courses
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.
If you are over 21, you may find our information for mature students helpful.