Are you a post-16 student? Get involved:
Access schemes are programmes ran by universities and other organisations for Y12-13 students who meet various eligibility criteria such as being the first generation in your family to progress to higher education. Access schemes target different students, some are local while others are national schemes.
Programmes generally consist of a series of activities and workshops which provide support and guidance around applications to higher education courses and insights into career pathways, whilst allowing students to develop your knowledge and skills.
Access Manchester
The University of Manchester
Access Manchester offers a range of access schemes aimed at talented students from backgrounds that are currently under-represented in higher education. The schemes give you a taste of the university experience and help you take the first steps towards higher education.
Find out more by chatting with our staff who work at The University of Manchester via Ask Us.
First Generation Scholarship Programme
Manchester Metropolitan University
First Generation is a programme which supports learners in Year 12 and 13 whose parents did not go to university by providing practical support and application guidance to help access and transition to university. Learners who are accepted on the programme receive a bursary of £1,000 and the opportunity to attend a fully-funded workplace residential.
mmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/first-in-your-family-to-university
Find out more by chatting with our staff who work at Manchester Metropolitan University via Ask Us.
Access schemes are programmes ran by universities and other organisations for Y12-13 students who meet various eligibility criteria such as being the first generation in your family to progress to higher education. Access schemes target different students, some are local while others are national schemes.
Programmes generally consist of a series of activities and workshops which provide support and guidance around applications to higher education courses and insights into career pathways, whilst allowing students to develop your knowledge and skills.
Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP)
Social Mobility Foundation
APP is designed to open up professions for those with the ability to join them in the future, but without the means or network to get there. Support is provided through mentoring, skills sessions and careers workshops, university application support and guidance, and internships with top employers.
Learners will be placed onto one of three strands of the APP depending on where they live: APP City, APP Residential or APP Reach.
For more information: socialmobility.org.uk/programmes/
Sutton Trust
Sutton Trust programme support learners from less advantaged backgrounds to access leading universities and careers. In partnership with universities and employers, Sutton Trust run engaging programmes that provide learners with practical advice and leave them feeling inspired and more confident about their future.
For more information: suttontrust.com/our-programmes/
When you’re considering what and where to study within higher education, open days are a great way to explore different campuses and courses for yourself. There are many universities and colleges across Greater Manchester that host open days every year.
Currently, most open days are virtual but there are some on-campus open days, although this may change going forward.
Find out more below about each university including dates and types of open day coming up and what activities will be on offer:
Manchester Metropolitan University
Not sure how to make the most out of attending open days?
Read our five top tips:
- Attend at least one or two subject talks, sample lectures, taster sessions, or department visits.
- Attend finance and application talks where available, find out if there are any bursaries or financial support you could be eligible for
- Make sure to talk to student ambassadors where you can.
- Try to find virtual tours of the campus, accommodation, and The Student’s Union.
- Try to find out about the different types of accommodation if you are thinking of moving away. There will be a mix of catered, ensuite, or shared bathrooms.
Have any further questions about open days? Chat directly to our community of graduates on our Ask Us page