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International Development Office Blossomfield Campus Blossomfield Road, Solihull B91 1SB, United Kingdom.

T: +44 ( 0)121 678 7000 F: +44 (0)121 678 7200 E: [email protected] www.solihull.ac.uk An introduction to International Education at Solihull College . A diﬀerent study . experience with us 5 . Solihull College & Birmingham 6 e Facilities 8 d Education is the great engine of personal i University links 12

development. It is through education that the s daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that Entry requirements 13 the son of a mineworker can become the head of n i Our courses

the mine, that a child of farm workers can become 16 the president of a great nation. It is what we make English for Academic

s Purposes (EAP) 18

out of what we have, not what we are given, ’ Graduation that separates one person from another. t 19

Nelson Mandela a How to apply & fees 20

h Accommodation 21 Pre-arrival information w 24 Keep connected... 26

03 welcome to Solihull College Solihull College is a truly global further and higher education institution, with a commitment to providing a unique international learning experience for all learners.

a different study experience with us

Our aim at Solihull College is to oﬀer all the academic, social and welfare facilities required to make your stay in the UK exciting and successful. At Solihull College, you will be supported in Our dedicated international team will be on your studies by a team of teachers who have hand to: We have excellent facilities, standards of teaching and a strong international many years of experience in achieving reputation for delivering the skills that employers want. This means that by • Advise and guide you in the process of outstanding success with international choosing us, you are putting yourself ahead of the competition in gaining the applying for the right course students. In addition to subject related skills, knowledge and capabilities needed for a 21st century global economy. specialist teachers, your English language • Issue you with the appropriate Solihull College serves a rich, diverse and multicultural community and teachers will ensure that your English documentation to assist you in obtaining learners are at the heart of our community. improves and you acquire study skills that your visa to study in the UK will prepare you for higher level studies. • Ensure that you have the accommodation We have a dedicated team to help you through your learner journey as we choice that is right for you understand that the prospect of leaving your home country to travel abroad We understand that international students and study in the UK can be both exciting and scary. We are here to oﬀer and require specialist support and attention to • Assist you and your immediate family provide all the information and assistance that you may need. develop study and academic skills. Our with UKVI visa issues, leaving you free to classes are typically less than 20 students concentrate on your studies. Shaun Hindle which enables us to provide a warm and Senior Director – Employment and Skills friendly atmosphere in which to learn.

04 05 Solihull College & Birmingham

Solihull College, founded in 1954, is a further Our convenient location and leafy and higher education college located in the surroundings make Solihull College’s West Midlands, United Kingdom. The College Blossomfield Campus the perfect choice for has two campuses; Blossomfield Campus in many students. Ideally situated in the heart of central Solihull and Woodlands Campus based Central England, Solihull is a picturesque in Smith's Wood, North Solihull. town, combining 15th Century architecture with modern facilities. Surrounded by acres of The College offers a variety of programmes park and woodland, the College is located just covering a wide range of subjects; this 10 minutes from Birmingham city centre on includes areas of Arts, Animal Management, the train. Blossomfield Campus is home to the Media, Performing Arts, Business, majority of our courses and our own halls of Management, Computing & Information residence. Our Woodlands Campus features Technology, Science, Engineering, Sports, our top-quality engineering and construction Education, Social Care and Travel & Tourism. workshops. With major road and rail networks, Birmingham Airport is 4 miles away from We enjoy a great reputation across the UK for Solihull, about 15 minutes drive or 20 minutes high quality education. The Quality Assurance by train. Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has rated the College as a ‘Confidence’ institution in the Our international student community is latest review of the College’s education something we are extremely proud of here at Solihull is a great place to quality and standards. Our university level the College. By choosing to study here you will socialise with friends and qualifications include HNDs, foundation join students from accross the globe, studying degrees, full degrees and master's degrees in one of the UK's most dynamic cities. with Birmingham not so with a number of the qualifications accredited Birmingham is Britain's second largest city far away, it’s perfect. by the University of Warwick, Oxford Brookes bustling with restaurants, theatres and University and Coventry University. Our museums. It is home to the famous Bullring courses are designed to meet the skills and Shopping Centre and of course Cadbury's qualifications required by international chocolate! employers and universities, giving students the best possible start to their career. Birmingham is easy to access due to its central location from every part of the United In past years, many of our international Kingdom. From the arts and culture to graduates have continued to study at the shopping and dining, Birmingham has it all. universities of: Aston, Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Coventry, East Anglia, Edinburgh, Keele, Lancaster, Nottingham Trent, Oxford Brookes, Sheffield, Warwick and many more.

06 07 Scan here to see facilities ‘The College Experience’

Blossom field Campus Woodlands Campus Blossomfield Campus is home to the Students have access to first class IT The College’s university-level aeronautical, The campus boasts a library, computer majority of the College’s higher education resources and a well-stocked library. A Costa manufacturing, electrical/electronic engineering suite and refectory complete with its own provision. A recent £31million Coffee, full refectory and deli bar offer a range and construction courses take place at Woodlands Costa Coffee. Hair and beauty salons are redevelopment has transformed the of hot and cold food throughout the day. Campus. A recent £8.5 million redevelopment situated on site as well as brand new campus into one of the finest learning has seen the campus double in size by opening a sports pitch facilities. facilities in the country. With Tudor Grange Leisure Centre right next brand new construction and motor vehicle door and the town centre just a few minutes centre, turning it into one of the Midlands’ top Higher education students have the walk through the park, Blossomfield Campus vocational learning facilities. opportunity to get away from the hustle and is ideally located for all your education bustle of College life to work on their studies requirements. in a purpose-built area dedicated to their learning needs. A well-equipped gym and Every student at both campuses can access top-of-the-range IT resources, a substantial public hair and beauty salons are also library and hair & beauty salons. All of this makes for a learning environment committed to available for student use. student success.

08 09 Viviana Robinson (Jamaica) Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management

For 20-year-old Viviana, moving from The Animal and Land Jamaica to the UK to study was a difficult Management Centre encompasses a decision. Alongside leaving her home three-storey building, complete with country, she also had to make the specialist rooms to accommodate our choice to leave her Nan, who had raised diverse animal family including aviary her since the age of 7. birds, parrots, skunks, and rabbits. In addition, a large range of exotics With few educational prospects for including lizards, snakes, tortoises, fish young people in Jamaica, Viviana was and turtles are also enjoying life in our encouraged by her Nan to follow her specially designed reptile habitats. Two dream and to join her mother over in external barns and paddocks have also Birmingham to continue her further been built to house our larger animals of education. Viviana, who dreams of goats and pigs. becoming a veterinary surgeon, is coming to the end of her first year Speaking about her experience on the studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma Animal Management course so far, in Animal Management. Having spent Viviana comments: “The best part of less than a year in the UK, Viviana said learning so far is being to work with all she is enjoying her time: “The College the animals and the work placements, have been really supportive and I have which I am really enjoying – I feel like I made many new friends, I’m just about am learning a lot”. getting used to the weather and I am really enjoying my time here at the Viviana hopes to progress onto the College”. Oxford Brookes Foundation Degree in Advanced Veterinary Nursing Studies Solihull College has a vast Animal and being offered at the College, she Land Management Centre at comments: “Along with gaining the Blossomfield Campus, which supports experience I am enjoying myself – I both further and higher education would thoroughly recommend other students. It has been called “one of the international students to look to study College’s best kept secrets” due to the at Solihull College”. sheer range of animals.

learning excellence

10 11 university links

Solihull College University Centre works in partnership with several top UK universities to deliver qualifications accredited by the university, but studied right here at the College. Students can stay at home if they wish and save money on accommodation fees. The full-time HND in Business Information Technology is delivered in partnership with Coventry University. Aer completing the HND, entry students can progress directly to the third year of a related degree at Coventry University. Solihull College is an associated college of the University of Warwick, and joined with the requirements University to offer students direct access to Warwick degrees. We welcome applications from international FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES students and accept qualifications from The College’s new partnership with Newman IELTS (Academic) score around the world. University will offer qualifications in a number Overall score of 5.0 with no band less than 5.0 of curriculum areas including arts, education, You must demonstrate that you meet the computing and youth work. HND / FODUNATION DEGREE Oxford Brookes University deliver a range of entry requirements for the programme you PROGRAMMES qualifications including foundation, top-up, wish to study. Your school certificate, In recent years, many of our international full bachelor degrees and postgraduate college diploma, university degree or other IELTS (Academic) score graduates have continued to study at the qualifications here at the College. Students qualifications may already meet the Minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band universities of: Aston, Bath, Birmingham, are enrolled at both institutions, study at requirements. Please contact the less than 5.0 Birmingham City, Cardiff, Coventry, East Solihull College, but are awarded a International Development Office for more Anglia, Edinburgh, Keele, Lancaster, qualification from the university. information. DEGREE PROGRAMMES Nottingham Trent, Oxford Brookes, Sheffield, Warwick and many more. IELTS (Academic) score All Solihull College lectures and classes are Minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band taught in English. Applicants must less than 5.5. demonstrate competence in English by meeting the English proficiency We also consider those applications with requirements. Students who do not have English language qualifications from English as their first language must be able Cambridge ESOL Examinations, Pearson PTE The College works in partnership with to show evidence of their English language Academic English Test and other Home Birmingham City University to provide a skills. Accepted evidence must be one of the Office recongised tests. number of qualifications in areas such as following achieved within the past two years: education, construction, engineering and * Some of our Undergraduate programmes require higher computing. English proficiency, please contact us for further information. 12 13 our courses

At Solihull College, we oﬀer you a wide range of diﬀerent programmes across many subject areas. We provide you with the perfect opportunity to study allowing you to work in your chosen subject whilst further developing the skills and knowledge needed to take you to the top.

International Foundation Pathways Foundation Degree (FDs) International Foundation Diploma to Higher Advanced Veterinary Nursing Education (Pathway: Business / Marketing / Animal Behaviour and Welfare Finance / Information Technology) Business, Management and Communications Early Years We also oﬀer wide range of Foundation Health and Social Care Level programmes in the following Coaching Science subjects: Aeronautical Engineering / Art and Design / Animal Management / Applied Degree Programmes BA and BSc (Hons) Science / Creative Media and Production / BA (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare Electrical & Electronic Engineering / Fine BA (Hons) in Fine Arts Art / Graphic Design / Information BA (Hons) in Business and Management Technology / Performing Arts and Dance / BA (Hons) in Business Systems and Technology Photography / Sports, Coaching and Fitness. BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies BSc (Hons) in Applied Sports Sciences Higher National Diploma (HND) BSc (Hons) in Enterprise Information Systems Animal Management BSc (Hons) in Games Technology Creative Media BSc (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Studies Business BSc (Hons) in Applied Sports Science Coaching Computing and System Development Creative Media Production (Computer Game Design) Enterprise Information System Aeronautical Engineering Electronic Engineering Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Graphic Engineering Photography Applied Biology Sport and Exercise Science

14 15 Alexa Wang (China) Donghyeon Hwang A-Levels Maths, Further Maths and Physics (South Korea) BA (Hons) Business and Management

Although the decision to leave her Alexa enjoyed her stay in Aer my studies in South Korea, I chose traditional Universities, which I can family in the Jiangxi province of China Solihull with her host family, whom she Solihull College to continue my BA always get direct support from my was difficult for 18-year-old Alexa Wang, gets on with well and this invariably (Hons) degree in the UK. I thought that lecturers and receive personal she feels it was the right choice in order helps with moments of homesickness. life in the UK would be very challenging attentions. I really enjoy and appreciate to follow her goals. for me, but the College staff and the the academic experience in Solihull, this Alexa has successfully completed her International Office have made it easier, has helped me a lot. During my time at With ambition to work within study at Solihull with outstanding I feel that I was always welcomed, the College, I am inspired by my architectural engineering, Alexa is results, and is now studying supported and encouraged. In the past, I lecturers and people around me, their studying A-Levels in maths, further Architecture at the top world University have always dreamed to able to use support would make me to become maths and physics at Solihull College’s – The University of Edinburgh. English as a native speaker, studying at more progressive person. The fantastic Blossomfield Campus, she comments: the Solihull College has given me the experience that I have had has made me “The best part of studying physics is the opportunity to improve my language love Solihull even more. practical side, which students don’t get capabilities and increase academic to experience in China. By studying at knowledge. The College has also taught The College is friendly with a really Solihull College I feel I am improving my me essential life skills, which is highly beautiful campus that had everything in career prospects for when I go on to important when I graduate. it I needed, including great sport university and eventually move back to facilities where I met many friends. I China to work”. All lectures at the College are delivered have made friends from all over the in a smaller size of class compare to world at the College. learning excellence learning excellence

16 17 English for graduation

On the completion of a higher education course, the College likes to celebrate in style. The Academic annual graduation ceremony takes place each October, with high proﬁle local businesses and VIP guests in attendance. Several awards, sponsored by the likes of Birmingham Airport and Prime Chartered Accountants are presented to outstanding students in each area with guest Purposes speakers invited to address the audience. In recent years the ceremony has taken place at prestigious venues such as the National Motorcycle Museum and St John’s Hotel, with the Mayor of Solihull in attendance to join in (EAP) Programme the celebrations.

Our EAP Programme prepare students for programmes and an IELTS Band 5.0 for our study at undergraduate and postgraduate International Foundation programmes. level. This is a comprehensive language programme that will develop your academic * The minimum entry requirement for our EAP courses is an IELTS 4.5 or higher. study skills as well as your language skills and will also ensure that you are prepared for your IELTS examination. Our full-time English as Part of Your programmes are taught by well qualiﬁed, Programme experienced teachers who use the latest Higher education courses are combined teaching methods, with Cambridge with Cambridge English. This key element University Qualiﬁcations. Classes are small will focus upon the important aspect of and students have access to computer labs, developing your English language skills. The language labs and libraries while they study. programme will focus on English for academic purposes to develop your study Students who meet the entry requirements skills in the classroom. You will be able to for academic studies, but not the English improve your English skill sets to enable you language requirements will need to take to meet academic requirements or for your language courses before they study on our future studies. academic programmes. When students arrive on campus they are tested and placed The study of Cambridge English will improve in the English language course that best your skills in academic reading, writing, suits their ability. From there they can listening and speaking. progress through the English language levels until they have improved their English enough to meet the English language requirements of their chosen programme.

We require a minimum of an IELTS 5.5 Band or higher for entry to our Undergraduate

18 19 How to apply accommodation

Student residencies are available if you would like to stay here at the Blossomfield Campus and fees and are aged 18+. The rooms are for single occupancy, all with ensuite bathroom facilities, study desk and optional internet connection. Each flat consists of five private study rooms and a modern shared kitchen. The Halls are safe and spacious with 24-hour security. To study at Solihull College students need to Successful applicants will receive a apply directly to the College or through an Conditional Offer of Place letter, which will Authorised Representative. give all conditions on academia, tuition fees, deposit, date of payment, methods of We recommend applications are submitted payment and our refund policy. at least two months prior to term start date. Applicants must complete the international To accept a Conditional Offer of Place, student’s application form, ensuring all applicants must sign one copy of the Offer sections are completed in full, and that the of Place and return it, with full payment of programmes of choice are clearly indicated. deposit, by the due date.

Please attach: When your fees have been received, a Confirmation of Acceptance Studies known • Certified copy of English Proficiency as CAS (Unconditional Offer) will be issued. (IELTS, Pearson (Academic) or recognised equivalent and no more than 2 years old) This must be presented to the nearest British Embassy / High Commission with a • Certified copies of all relevant academic copy of your Unconditional Offer in order to documents (transcripts as well as award obtain a UK Entry Clearance (Visa) under Tier certificate) 4 (General) point-based system or a Student • Certified copy of passport personal details Visitor Visa where is applicable or Birth Certificate • Immigration and Visas * We may require evidences of relevant work • Living in Solihull experience for our programmes as necessary. • Term Dates

If you are submitting your application from Most of our programmes start in September, overseas for the upcoming term it will take but we also run a number of courses up to two weeks to assess (some available to international students which programmes may require an interview start in February or March, and July. during our admission process).

20 21 Mitsutoshi Harada (Japan) Level 2 Cabin Crew

Faced with no appropriate further been to Luton Airport and education options in Japan related to completed the Monarch Airline aviation, 25-year-old Mitsutoshi cabin crew emergency situation researched air cabin crew courses in the training. I would not have been able to UK and was pleased to discover the find a similar course in Japan, so I am Level 2 Cabin Crew qualification at hoping this qualification will be highly Solihull College. regarded when I return back home”.

To help improve his English, Mitsutoshi On completion of his qualification at moved to Stratford-Upon-Avon prior to Solihull College, Mitsutoshi hopes to starting his qualification, he explains work as an air cabin crew member with why he chose the UK and specifically Emirates, ideally living in Dubai. the Midlands to study: “Although I have friends over here, I wanted to improve With the College’s close links to my English and I was also drawn by the Birmingham Airport, Mitsutoshi said he beautiful countryside and decent would recommend international climate – not to mention the students studying aviation at Solihull opportunities to learn”. College. There are also great transport links, good local amenities and good Mitsutoshi explains what he enjoys most accommodation offered at Blossomfield about the course: “The practical Campus. element is really enjoyable; we have

learning excellence

22 23 We are looking forward to welcoming you to Please make sure you include your email our beautiful campuses. We understand that address when you complete your details. living and studying in another country will pre-arrival be a very exciting experience, but we also We will acknowledge when we receive your know that you may find elements of it form, provide you with the information you challenging at times. have requested, and keep in touch if you need more help. information We offer airport pick-up service from Birmingham Airport at the start of every Connecting flights term. If you are flying to the UK you should Not all airlines fly to Birmingham Airport. If arrive here if you can. You must book on to you cannot fly directly to Birmingham you this service in advance. can probably fly to London or Manchester Airports from which you can catch a train or Airport pick-up service coach to Birmingham. We recommend that you fly to Birmingham Airport and use our airport pick-up service, If you choose not to use our airport which is available from two weeks before pick-up service September and March programme starts. If you want to make your own way to Solihull, do not forget to tell us your arrival Our free Birmingham Airport pick-up service details. Contact the International runs 9am – 5pm (0900–1700) on the dates Development Office to request detailed above at Birmingham Airport. travel instructions.

You should book a ﬂight that arrives before Whichever transport method you use, you 4pm (1600) so you have enough time to should aim to arrive in Solihull before your collect your baggage and get through course starts. immigration. Other ways to travel from Our friendly staﬀ will: Birmingham Airport • meet you at the terminal If you arrive at the airport outside of the • introduce you to other new students dates and times listed, or do not tell us when • bring you to Solihull by private minibus or you are arriving, you will be able to use the train train or bus from the airport to Solihull. • give you an information pack The train station is clearly signposted at the • order a taxi to take you to your airport. Follow the signs and ask at the accommodation information desk for route directions.

We strongly encourage you to use this A train to Solihull currently costs around £5. service – it will make your arrival easier and times and fares are available on more enjoyable. You must book on to this www.nationalrail.co.uk service in advance. A taxi costs slightly more but is much Booking the service quicker and direct. You must book a place for this service at least one week before you are due to arrive. For information on travelling by bus from the You can do this by emailing your arrival airport visit www.nationalexpress.co.uk details to the International Development Oﬃce: [email protected] 24 25 keep connected...

Solihull College’s YouTube channel features a range of entertaining and informative videos. Scan here Find out more about your course and College to visit our life as a whole. You can also see for yourself Youtube how we celebrate graduation! channel Never regard your study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating inﬂuence of beauty in the realm of spirit for your own personal joy and to the proﬁt of the community to which your later work belongs.

‘Like’ the College on Facebook and Albert Einstein follow on Twitter/Instagram to keep up to date with all news and upcoming events as well as pictures and videos from around College.