Ethan Jones-Stephens

Throughout my A level studies RSFC have provided support and advice to help me gain an understanding of university life and my potential course. RSFC work closely with many universities to ensure students can participate in a wide range of course to gain insight into what university is like.

For me I wanted to understand what the University of Manchester could offer me, and now as I have just completed my A levels and secured a place at the University of Manchester to read psychology the Manchester Access Programme (MAP) has been invaluable.

I applied to the MAP because the benefits of undertaking the course made me feel like I would be very unwise not to partake in it. The three main benefits for me were: lower entry requirements for undergraduate courses, the undergraduate access scholarship (worth £1,000) and support with your university applications

Whilst the benefits for me were huge, as the University of Manchester was my first-choice university, the programme is a challenge. As part of the programme you undertake an academic assignment on a topic of your choice. I was assigned a tutor, who supported me and gave me invaluable advice on how to strengthen my writing and essays. The hardest aspect of the assignment was finding the right sources as the internet is very limited in terms of free academic sources. Luckily, through partaking in MAP, I was given access to the university’s online library, which was key to completing the assignment. The immense amount of support I received made completing the programme manageable while balancing my studies at RSFC. In fact, the advice and support really helped my A level studies and gave me extra confidence in my future studies at university as I have received an insight into the standard of work that they expect.

The programme has relieved so many personal pressures: the pressure to achieve my grades as the university requirement lowered due to my participation in the course. This has made my A levels ultimately much less stressful. The course has also given me an insight into university life and how it differs to college. This programme has undoubtedly exceeded my expectations as I was only expecting to receive a reduced offer. I have also gained a vast amount of experience and valuable knowledge which will help me in my future studies. To anyone considering participating in the programme, or another one from another university I could recommend it more.