Manchester Access Programme: Supporting college students

The Manchester Access Programme (MAP) is the University’s flagship widening participation scheme. Each year we help hundreds of local sixth form students from underrepresented backgrounds to prepare for higher education with a variety of engaging activities. Many particpants on to become University of Manchester undergraduates, as successful completion of MAP gives them access to a reduced grade offer, amongst other benefits.

The University took the decision early in the programme to continue our delivery as 100% remote for 2021 but to try and make the programme more inclusive and accessible by offering pre-recorded content throughout the programme.

“I have always been impressed with the academic ability of MAP students, however this year has been slightly different. Not only have I noticed how engaged and talented the students are, but also how incredibly resilient and adaptive they have been in dealing with the pressure of schoolwork and applying for universities during the pandemic. It’s brought me such hope to work with MAP students that have a strong passion for academic study, and an incredible commitment to their ambitions, even in the face of a global pandemic.” Rhys Archer, EPSRC Fellow in Biomedical Materials and MAP Tutor

“We wanted to provide our students with more opportunities to meet each other and build a virtual sense of community. I hosted our first social event in April where students joined breakout rooms to play a range of exciting games led by our brilliant Student Ambassadors. It was lovely to see our MAP students and ambassadors engaging and having lots of fun and discussions!” Asha Shariff, Graduate Intern, MAP Team

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for hosting and organising the social event. It has been great to get to know other MAP members and MAP ambassadors. I look forward to future social events.” MAP Student

For further information about MAP, please click here or contact map@manchester.ac.uk