Applying for a course
Looking to improve your existing skills, develop your confidence, gain qualifications or learn something completely new? Whatever your reason for choosing an adult education course, find out how you can shape your future with the learning opportunities available here at Manchester Adult Education.
What courses are still available?
Teaching here at MAES started from Monday 15 September which means there’s a very limited number of places still available on our courses. Below, you can find out more about which courses you can still join and the deadline for enrolling.
For any other course, please check the individual course page to check when registration opens for the next start date.
If you’re interested in joining any of the courses mentioned above, you can book an assessment and enrolment appointment before the application deadline date. Details for upcoming sessions can be found below:
Where?
Appointments will take place at Abraham Moss Adult Learning Centre, Crumpsall and Greenheys Adult Learning Centre, Moss Side. Don’t worry – just because this is where your appointment will take place, you can still join courses at other centres.
When?
Appointments will take place every Tuesday afternoon from 12:30pm-3:30pm until Tuesday 21 October. You can book an appointment for 12:30pm, 1:30pm or 2:30pm and you must arrive on time! Remember – appointments can take up to 60 minutes per subject area so book early if you wish to study more than one.
What?
At your appointment you will be asked to carry out an initial assessment to make sure that you join the right course at the right level.
On the day, please bring with you photo ID, proof of address and any prior qualifications that you may have.
How to apply
Applying couldn’t be easier. We’ve broken it down into five easy steps to help you understand the process:
- Step 1: Select your preferred centre. As we'd like to point out, the centre that you book an appointment for isn't necessarily the centre you will study at, because assessment appointments may only be available at selected centres.
- Step 2: Create an account using your email address and password. If you’re an existing MAES learner, you can log in using your username and password. Follow the Forgot Password link if you have forgotten these details.
- Step 3: Complete the enquiry form with your contact information and details of the subject(s) you wish to study. It’s essential that you provide us with a valid email address so that we can contact you regarding any important updates.
- Step 4: Book an appointment from the list of dates provided. At your appointment, you’ll meet a tutor from your chosen subject area who will carry out an initial assessment. This will determine your suitability for a course and help the tutor discuss your options with you.
- Step 5: If you have been successful in your application, our team will place you on a course and provide you with the course details. Good luck!
Please note: Community Interpreting and ESOL have alternative application routes. Please click on the links below:
Select your centre...
Am I eligible for a course?
Our courses are aimed at those living in Manchester. or Greater Manchester, and aged 19 years and over. However, there are other eligibility rules that you must meet before you can be placed or enrolled on to one of our courses. You can find out about these rules by visiting our Eligibility webpage.
Frequently asked questions
Below you’ll find some answers to some frequently asked questions about applying and enrolling on to one of our courses.
If you’re struggling to create an account on our website, we may be able to help do this on your behalf.
Our Business Support team can be contacted by phone on the numbers listed below or via email at maes.info@manchester.gov.uk.
- Abraham Moss Adult Learning Centre – 0161 219 6735
- Forum Learning Centre – 0161 935 4080
- Gorton Hub – 0161 227 3711
- Greenheys Adult Learning Centre – 0161 254 7314
- Longsight Library and Learning Centre – 0161 227 3711
- Newton Heath Library – 0161 234 5073
- The Avenue Library and Learning Centre – 0161 234 5073
- Withington Adult Learning Centre – 0161 234 5687
Yes – it is advised that you book an appointment in advance so that we can ensure there’s a tutor available from the subject area that you would like to study.
At your appointment, you’ll meet a tutor from the subject area that you wish to study. They’ll carry out an initial assessment to make sure that you join a course at a suitable level for you.
Once you have completed your assessment, our tutors will let you know the outcome and discuss course options with you.
If you’re eligible, you will then be enrolled on to a course, have your learner ID image taken and given some information to help you in your first weeks with us.
You can find out all about whether you’re eligible to join a MAES course by visiting our Eligibility webpage.
Appointments generally take around 1 hour 30 mins per subject area. So, if for example, you wish to join more than one course i.e. Functional Skills English and Digital Skills for Beginners, this appointment could take up to two hours.
When attending a pre-booked appointment or drop-in session at a Manchester Adult Education Adult Learning Centre, you will need to bring the following eligibility documents with you:
- Photo ID.
- Proof of your address.
- Proof of UK residency (if you’ve lived in the UK for less than three years).
- Your National Insurance number.
- Proof of any benefits you receive.
- Certificates for any qualifications you hold.
If we can’t place you because your chosen course is full, you will be put on a waiting list and contacted by our team as soon as a place becomes available. Alternatively, we will advise you of any future start dates that may be applicable to the course you wish to take and contact you once the start date is near.
If you’re unable to join a course due to ineligibility, we’re unfortunately unable to rectify this, but we would encourage you to re-apply in the future if your circumstances change.
You will receive email confirmation and reminders of your appointment. If you’re unable to attend, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. You can contact our Business Support team on the numbers listed below who can help with rescheduling or managing your appointment.
- Abraham Moss Adult Learning Centre – 0161 219 6735
- Forum Learning Centre – 0161 935 4080
- Gorton Hub – 0161 227 3711
- Greenheys Adult Learning Centre – 0161 254 7314
- Longsight Library and Learning Centre – 0161 227 3711
- Newton Heath Library – 0161 234 5073
- The Avenue Library and Learning Centre – 0161 234 5073
- Withington Adult Learning Centre – 0161 234 5687
The majority of our courses are free, but if you are required to pay for your course you will have to do this by visiting one of our adult learning centres to make payment.
Payment can be made in full or in instalments and you can discuss this with our team at your enrolment.
Payment can be made via Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card.
You may also be able to get financial support for your course. Please check out the details on our fees and funding web page for more information.
Got questions about our courses or applying?
If you have any questions about our courses including when and where they are taking place, or what you will learn, use the form to send us a message and our team will get back to you.
If you need details on when our next assessment and enrolment are taking place, we can help with that too!
We want you to find applying for and joining our courses as easy as possible.
You can also find more details about how to get in touch with a specific centre on our contact us webpage.