Programme overview

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.

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.

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 Blackboard, 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.

If you are over 21, you may find our information for mature students helpful.