The aim of the Manchester Access Programme MAP is to inspire talented, local year 12 students to realise their full potential and benefit from an excellent university education, regardless of their background. Applications for our flagship access scheme are now open.

At Manchester, we recognise the barriers for students from backgrounds underrepresented at selective universities and are passionate about empowering students to overcome them and succeed.

Central to this is the Manchester Access Programme. Applicants who meet our academic and background criteria are supported to achieve entry to The University of Manchester, or another research-intensive university, through our online and on-campus events, workshops and an academic assignment.

There are three main benefits for students who complete MAP:

• A reduced offer of up to two A-level grades (or equivalent, depending on the qualifications studied) below the standard entry requirements for undergraduate courses at the University of Manchester;
• Advice and guidance on the UCAS application process. Students can also receive an early decision from the University of Manchester on their application;
• Students will receive the Undergraduate Access Scholarship, currently £1,300 per year, if they study an undergraduate course at the University of Manchester.

Applications are open now and will close on Sunday 14 December at 11.59pm.

Staff and students at The University of Manchester can get involved in MAP as academic tutors (internal opportunity only).

The MAP Academic Tutor role is a paid opportunity for University of Manchester academic staff and PhD students which involves supporting 1- 8 MAP students during their time on the programme and overseeing their completion of the academic assignment: a 1,500 word essay on a topic of their choice.

You will need to be available through to October 2026, with a current staff contract or ongoing study at The University of Manchester.

How to apply

To apply, please complete this online application form.

• Before applying, please read the full information including person specification for the role.
• Applications close at 9am on Monday January 5 2026. Successful applicants will be contacted by the end of January.
• Email: map@manchester.ac.uk for more information.