Module Acceleration Programme (MAP)
Study modules, not the full course - with no tuition fees
We offer courses that give learners the opportunity to study individual modules without having to commit to the full course – and there are no tuition fees to pay.
Through the government’s module acceleration programme (MAP), you can choose standalone modules to give you key technical skills that are valuable to employers and build credits towards a full HTQ at your own pace.
With flexible delivery, this particularly suits learners wanting to retrain or upskill to enhance their existing career, but who need to fit study around other commitments including childcare or caring responsibilities.
Our current MAP courses are:
Introduction to Cyber Security
Open the doors to a future in the modern world of technology. Our Cyber Security short course lets you explore the latest cutting-edge topics in the cyber industry and will help you become confident with digital security aspects.
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Introduction to Digital Marketing
Would you like to enhance your skills in digital marketing? Our introduction to digital marketing short course lets you explore the latest cutting-edge topics in marketing and will help you become confident with digital content creation.
Find out moreAm I eligible to apply for MAP funding?
You can apply for MAP funding if you are:
- aged between 19 and 60
- live in England
- live outside of England, but work in England
Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
You can choose as many modules as you like up to 40 credits at University College Birmingham, the equivalent of £2,312.50 in tuition fees, all funded by the MAP programme. While you don’t need to pay this back, it must be declared when Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) comes into effect in 2026. This is because any funding you accessed through MAP has to be deducted from what you can borrow for additional learning through your future LLE account.
What is the LLE?
The LLE is designed to transform the post-18 student finance system in England. From January 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for the first time for courses and modules commencing from July 2026 onwards. When fully rolled out, the LLE will create a single funding system to help people pay for college or university courses, and train, retrain and upskill flexibly over their working lives.
The LLE will allow people to develop new skills and gain new qualifications at a time that is right for them. This could be through a full-time degree, or individual modules, or other courses such as higher technical qualifications (HTQs).
From its launch, the LLE loan will be available for:
- full courses at Level 4-6, such as a degrees, technical qualifications, and designated distance-learning and online courses
- modules of high-value technical courses at Level 4 to 5
Under the LLE, eligible learners will be able to access:
- a tuition fees loan, with new learners able to access up to the full entitlement of £37,000, equal to 4 years of study in today’s fees
- a maintenance loan to cover living costs (only available for courses with in-person attendance)
Targeted maintenance grants will also be available for some groups such as learners with disabilities, or for support with childcare.
An additional entitlement may be available in certain cases – for example, for some priority subjects or longer courses such as medicine.
Learners will be able to see their loan balance through their own LLE personal account. This will help them make choices about the courses and learning pathways available.
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