Guidance

The modular acceleration programme (MAP)

Published 25 March 2024

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lifelong-learning-entitlement-modular-acceleration-programme/the-modular-acceleration-programme-map

The modular acceleration programme (MAP) is a 2-year pilot to fund tuition fees for learners who study modules of higher technical qualifications (HTQ), such as a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) which are levels 4 and 5 respectively.

Learners do not need to pay back any tuition fees. However the funding accessed for MAP will reduce the amount remaining in a future Lifelong Learning Entitlement account. This is called the ‘residual entitlement’.

The programme and learning must be completed by 31 August 2025, in preparation for the launch of the LLE.

Students will be asked to participate in a learner survey either during or after completing their learning.

Who can apply

Anyone looking to retrain in a new career or upskill to enhance their existing career can apply if they:

  • are aged between 19 and 60
  • live in England
  • live outside of England but work in England (some further conditions may apply - check eligibility with the provider)

The benefits of MAP

Some of the benefits of the programme for learners include:

  • free tuition fees, with nothing for the student to pay - tuition fees will be paid for by a grant given directly to the education provider
  • the opportunity to complete a module of a HTQ free of charge and without committing to the full course
  • the ability to build credits towards a full HTQ 
  • the opportunity to gain qualifications and skills to support a chosen career path or business
  • flexible delivery – shorter, more flexible courses to fit around work, childcare or caring responsibilities

Module subject areas

MAP funded modules are available in the following occupational areas:

  • business and administration
  • construction, design and build
  • digital
  • education and early years
  • engineering and manufacturing
  • health and science

The module must be part of an existing HTQ and will typically be 30 or 40 credits.

Providers offering MAP modules   

Contact a provider from this list for more information on these free modules:

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