Guidance

The modular acceleration programme (MAP)

Updated 23 January 2025

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 December 2025.

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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