Programme overview
Discover what’s in store for students who take part in the Manchester Access Programme (MAP).
MAP 2021 applications are now closed
Thank you for your interest in the Manchester Access Programme – applications are currently closed. The University has other schemes that you may be eligible for and you can discover more at Access Manchester.
If you’re a student in Year 12 and starting to consider life after school or college, then the Manchester Access Programme could be for you.
MAP is designed to:
- support you in your application to university;
- improve certain skills which will help you succeed in your current studies and at university, including research and referencing, academic writing and communication;
- prepare you for the different types of teaching and learning at university;
- provide information about the different types of courses available and what it’s like to be a university student.
Changes to teaching due to COVID-19
Student safety is our number one priority, so we’ve decided to run all MAP activities, workshops and events online in 2021.
You’ll be able to fully participate in the programme in a safe, accessible and fun online learning environment. This starts with access to Blackboard, the University’s online teaching platform, as well as video conferencing and webinar software that’ll be used to run interactive activities and events.
If you would like to know more about MAP, please email us.
Overview of activities
MAP is made up of four activities that you’ll have to participate in and pass to complete the programme:
- Launch event – this is the official start of the programme and provides an overview of university courses, admissions and entry requirements.
- Academic assignment – you’ll be supported by an Academic Tutor (a member of university staff or postgraduate researcher) to write a 1,500 word original essay on a subject of your choice. We provide a lot of support to help you with writing your academic assignment.
- Research and Referencing Workshop – this workshop will help develop the skills you need to successfully complete your academic assignment and prepare you for study at university.
- University Life Conference – a chance for you to discover the fun, social side of university life and what extracurricular events and activities you can get involved in as a student.
There are 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, Explore Science, Engineering and Technology, Discover Humanities and Personal Statement one-to-ones.
MAP timeline 2020-21
| November 2020 | Applications open |
| December | Applications close |
| January–March 2021 | Applications reviewed and places confirmed |
| April | Launch Event |
| April | Meeting with Academic Tutor to discuss academic assignment |
| April–May | Research and referencing workshops |
| July | University Life Conferences |
| August | Submit Academic Assignment |
| September–December | Decision Manchester |
| October | MAP completed |
Benefits of MAP
After successful completion of the programme, you’ll get access to three special benefits:
- Lower entry requirements for undergraduate courses at Manchester – you’ll 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 for undergraduate courses at the University. This recognises the additional academic work you undertake to complete the programme successfully.
- Undergraduate Access Scholarship – you’ll receive a scholarship currently worth £1,000 to help towards the first year of your undergraduate degree at Manchester. If you’re from a household where the income is below £25,000 per year, you will receive the Undergraduate Access Scholarship for each year of your studies.
- Support with your university application – you’ll get advice and guidance on your UCAS application and how to write and 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 who are on the Medicine and Dentistry strands of MAP are eligible for the reduced offer for these courses. The reduced MAP offer does not apply to courses with a foundation / pre-entry year.
Access to Higher Education Courses
Please note that the Manchester Access Programme is not an Access to Higher Education course – it’s a programme aimed at students in Year 12. If you’re looking for an access to higher education course you will need to contact your local further education colleges who should be able to provide you with further information. The University of Manchester itself does not run any access to higher education courses.
If you are over 21 this information for mature students may be useful.
Information for current MAP students
If you are a current MAP student you can find resources, including presentations and workshop materials, on the MAP Blackboard site