Manchester Access Programme: eligibility, deadline and what it gives you
The Manchester Access Programme is the University of Manchester's central widening participation scheme for Year 12 students in Greater Manchester, with dedicated Medicine and Dentistry strands. It runs from April to October 2027 with four compulsory modules, a 1,500-word academic essay with a tutor and an open day visit, around 50 hours in all. Medicine strand completers get a guaranteed interview if they meet the reduced UCAT threshold, an ABB offer and a scholarship at Manchester.
- Closes
- 13 Dec 2026 at 11:59pm
- For
- Year 12 students, medicine and dentistry
- Where
- North West
- Gives you
- Guaranteed interview, then ABB instead of AAA
What you get
Completing Manchester Access Programme gives you a guaranteed interview and an offer of ABB instead of AAA for medicine and dentistry.
- Medicine strand: guaranteed interview, then an ABB offer
- Lower academic bar for Medicine: 6 GCSEs at grade 7 and an ABB prediction; not available for the foundation year
- £1,300 a year Undergraduate Access Scholarship if you study at Manchester, plus UKWPMED benefits at Birmingham, Brighton and Sussex, Hull York, Keele and Plymouth
- Dentistry strand: a reduced offer (amount not published) but no guaranteed interview
To get it, you must
- Meet the reduced MAP UCAT threshold for the interview
- Pass the interview to receive the ABB offer
Who can apply
You need to
- Live or study in Greater Manchester
- Be in Year 12 at a state school or college, having only ever attended non-fee-paying schools
- Have 5 GCSEs at grade 6 or above with grade 4 in English Language and Maths; Medicine and Dentistry strands need 6 GCSEs at grade 7 with English Language, Maths and two sciences at 6 or above
- Be studying three A-levels including Chemistry or Biology plus one of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology or Maths for Medicine, or Chemistry and Biology for Dentistry
Plus at least one of
- Free school meals
- First in family to university
- Care-experienced
- Estranged from parents
- Refugee or asylum seeker
- Young carer
What it involves
- Complete four compulsory modules including a 1,500-word academic essay
Dates
- Applications open
- Open now (timeline says October 2026)
- Applications close
- 13 Dec 2026 at 11:59pm
- Programme runs
- Apr to Oct 2027, with four modules and an essay submitted in August
- Apply to university
- UCAS deadline 15 October 2027 for 2028 entry
How to apply
Apply through the MAP applying and eligibility page. It is run by Manchester Widening Participation with the Medical and Dental Schools. Questions go to map@manchester.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Does Manchester Access Programme guarantee an interview?
Yes, if you complete the programme and meet its academic conditions. Medicine strand: guaranteed interview, then an ABB offer.
Who is eligible for Manchester Access Programme?
Live or study in Greater Manchester. You need to be in Year 12 at a state school or college, having only ever attended non-fee-paying schools, have 5 GCSEs at grade 6 or above with grade 4 in English Language and Maths; Medicine and Dentistry strands need 6 GCSEs at grade 7 with English Language, Maths and two sciences at 6 or above, be studying three A-levels including Chemistry or Biology plus one of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology or Maths for Medicine, or Chemistry and Biology for Dentistry, and meet at least one of its widening participation criteria, such as free school meals, first in family to university, care-experienced.
When is the Manchester Access Programme deadline?
Applications close on 13 Dec 2026 at 11:59pm. They opened open now (timeline says october 2026). The programme then runs apr to Oct 2027, with four modules and an essay submitted in August.
What offer do Manchester Access Programme students get?
Students who complete the programme are made an offer of ABB instead of AAA. Medicine strand: guaranteed interview, then an ABB offer
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