Programme overview
Discover what's in store for you on the Manchester Access Programme.
2022 applications opening soon
Online applications will open in early November 2021.
Changes to teaching due to COVID-19
Your safety is our number one priority, so we’ve decided to run all compulsory MAP activities, workshops and events online in 2022.
We aim to host optional in-person events on campus in spring and summer 2022, in line with University guidelines on social distancing and student safety. Attendance will be optional.
How does teaching work online?
You’ll be able to fully participate in the programme in a safe, accessible and fun online learning environment.
You will have access to Blackboard, the University’s online teaching platform, and video conferencing and webinar software that we use to run interactive activities and events.
If you would like to know more about the teaching and learning environment, please email us.
Find out more
Click into each section below to find out more about the programme's modules, key dates, and benefits.
Programme modules
There are four compulsory modules that you will do as part of the programme (delivered and completed online):
Launch module
Provides an overview of 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 conference
A chance for you to discover the fun and social side of university life and what extracurricular events and activities you can join.
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, Explore Science, Engineering and Technology, Discover Humanities and Personal Statement one-to-ones.
2021 to 2022 programme timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| November 2021 | Applications open |
| December 2021 | Applications open |
| January to March 2022 | Applications reviewed and place confirmed |
| April 2022 | Launch module |
| April to May 2022 | Research and referencing skills module |
| May 2022 | Meeting with your Academic Tutor to discuss the academic assignment |
| July 2022 | University life conference |
| August 2022 | Submit academic assignment |
| September to December 2022 | Decision Manchester |
| October 2022 | Completion of the programme |
Benefits of the programme
After completing 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 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 and Dentistry strands of MAP are eligible for the reduced offer for these courses. The reduced MAP offer does not apply to the foundation or pre-entry year courses.
Access to Higher Education courses
Please note that MAP is not an Access to Higher Education course, it 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.