2020 ADMISSIONS 2 International Prospectus WHY BIRMINGHAM?

When you choose Birmingham, you are choosing to study at an outstanding university, renowned for changing lives and transforming society.

By studying at Birmingham, you will be vibrant city centre. When you choose taught by our outstanding academics, Birmingham, you will receive high-quality whose research shapes and informs your teaching in a world-class research learning. Here, you benefit from the best institution that nurtures talent and will of both worlds, a stunning green campus support you throughout your life and career. just a few minutes from the exciting,

IN THE TIMES AND THE IN THE COMPLETE TH SUNDAY TIMES GOOD TH 14 UNIVERSITY GUIDE 13 UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019 RANKINGS 2020 RANKINGS

IN THE 2020 QS IN THE GUARDIAN ST WORLD UNIVERSITY TH UNIVERSITY GUIDE 81 RANKINGS 16 2020 RANKINGS

WE HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL MOST TARGETED COMMUNITY OF MORE THAN RD UNIVERSITY BY 3 LEADING EMPLOYERS 6,500 STUDENTS WWW.HIGHFLIERS.CO.UK

AWARDED A GOLD RATING IN THE TEACHING EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK (TEF) International Prospectus 3 CONTENTS

Welcome 3 Key information 4 Your future starts here 5 Living in Birmingham 6 Our Edgbaston campus 8 WELCOME Your facilities on campus 10 A place to call home 12 Living costs 14 We are proud to have been welcoming exciting and transformational Teaching quality and support 16 international students to our beautiful redevelopments since the original Supporting you during Edgbaston campus for over 100 years. buildings were completed in 1900, your studies 18 You are a central part of our community, providing you with exceptional new Funding your studies 20 bringing global experience, new ideas facilities and accommodation. Which level should and an international outlook, which you choose? 22 contribute to the academic and social Birmingham has a history of firsts How to apply 24 richness of our university. and we are now the first global top Applying for an 100 and Russell Group university to undergraduate programme 25 At Birmingham we encourage bold, establish a campus in Dubai, building Applying for a taught independent thinking, and provide on our extensive international research postgraduate programme 26 exceptional academic programmes that and teaching collaborations and Applying for a research will stretch and challenge you. demonstrating our ambition as an programme 27 outward-looking, world-class institution. The best universities depend on two great The University of Birmingham Dubai pillars: the quality of their education and will encompass our heritage, prestige on the quality of their research. At the and global renown, giving its pioneering University of Birmingham, our emphasis students the opportunity to benefit from on the importance of both of these pillars a British education that is recognised is demonstrated by our strong placement and valued by employees and in global rankings, based on indicators institutions around the world. such as graduate prospects, publications and student experience. Birmingham is a place for leading scientists, professionals, and students We are ambitious and committed to who want to be involved in world-class investing in our success, appointing research and achieve a degree that and developing outstanding academic will enhance professional opportunities colleagues across the breadth of our around the world. We look forward disciplines, investing in substantial new to welcoming you to campus, and to PROFESSOR SIR DAVID EASTWOOD research programmes and scholarships, playing our part in your future success. and building major international research VICE-CHANCELLOR collaborations. Our historic Edgbaston Professor Sir David Eastwood UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM campus is undergoing one of the most Vice-Chancellor, University of Birmingham

FIND OUT MORE

Before you apply, please visit our website to view essential information for all applicants: www.birmingham. ac.uk/applicantinformation. If the University makes you an offer, and you decide to accept it, a contract @unibirmingham will be formed between you and the University. The website includes important terms, conditions and /unibirmingham requirements that will apply to that contract, and on which the University will rely in its future relationship with you. It is essential that you read them carefully. @unibirmingham Information set out in the prospectus and on the University website is accurate at the date of publication. www.birmingham.ac.uk 4 International Prospectus KEY INFORMATION

MEET US IN YOUR COUNTRY

Our officers regularly travel overseas to meet you. To find out when we are in your country, visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/ meetoverseas

KEY DATES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Undergraduate 4 September 2019 UCAS applications open MEET US ON CAMPUS Medicine or Dentistry applicants will need to apply by 15 October 2019 European Union applicants will need to apply by 15 January 2020 We understand that as an international student, it can be difficult to attend open 30 June 2020 UCAS applications close days or visit our campus. If, however, you are in the UK, you are welcome to 1 July 2020 UCAS Clearing opens for international students join one of our weekly campus tours. To book a campus tour, please visit 31 July 2020 Accommodation application deadline www.birmingham.ac.uk/visit

21 September 2020 Term begins CHAT TO US ONLINE Postgraduate If you require a visa to study in the United Kingdom, you will need to apply We run online chats so that you can by 1 July 2020. We are not able to consider applications for 2020 made get answers to your questions from after this date. the comfort of your home. You can ask current students and staff about If you do not require a visa, there are no official opening and closing dates Birmingham, our stunning campus for submitting your application, but we would advise if you intend to start and the course you are interested in. your studies in September 2020 you apply by 1 July 2020 to allow time to To book an online chat session, please submit your documents and prepare for the term. visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/livechats International Prospectus 5 YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

We will work with you to ensure you are ready to take the next step in your FINDING JOBS IN A GLOBAL NETWORK career, and equipped to demonstrate your achievements. Join us and you will YOUR HOME COUNTRY Our alumni are an important part of our benefit from a range of opportunities to community. Alumni groups have been enrich your personal and professional Our Careers Network researches jobs all set up across the globe and our students development. over the world. We host fairs, workshops benefit from mentoring and advice from and presentations, which are attended our alumni. Our dedicated Careers Network offers by many large, global companies that expert support for international students, offer opportunities worldwide. We offer Our alumni volunteer with us to share their including an international careers a huge database of information on career experiences with current students, consultant and a team of international employers, vacancies and industry giving you an exclusive insight into their student ambassadors. We will support trends in a range of countries. journeys while receiving professional you in developing the skills you will need support and advice. From guest lectures to fully prepare for the working world and mentoring, to work experience and or further academic study, whether this ALUMNI placements, our graduates are actively is in your home country or elsewhere. encouraged to share their knowledge and INTERNATIONAL GUIDES skills with the next generation of students. www.birmingham.ac.uk/ ugcareers Our alumni guides provide you with country-specific tips on the current labour www.birmingham.ac.uk/ market, finding and applying for jobs and pgcareers advice from our alumni, all in one place.

www.birmingham.ac.uk/ internationalguides

n An annual programme of careers n Entrepreneurial skills training WHAT SUPPORT IS fairs on campus ‬‬‬‬‬‬ – support and advice on setting n Employer presentations – make up your own business‬‬‬‬‬‬ AVAILABLE TO YOU? contacts and find out more about n Online career action planning what companies and organisations tools and self-enrolment career have to offer‬‬‬‬‬‬ development courses – use in We offer many opportunities n Careers workshops to help you your own time to support your for you to make the most of your with areas such as interview skills career planning ‬‬‬‬‬‬ student experience, on and off and finding work experience‬‬‬‬‬‬ n ‭International Careers Consultant campus. We can help you to gain n Graduate mentoring‬‬‬‬‬‬ and International Employer experience, develop a broad range n Skills training for postgraduates, Liaison Officer‬ of skills and make useful contacts including real-world business for your future career: challenges‬‬‬‬‬‬ ‭Each of our colleges also has its own n Bespoke careers support, careers and employability team. These n One-to-one career guidance events, skills training and careers teams deliver tailored programmes of from college-specific advisors conferences specifically for careers events for you, and can provide n CV and job application advice postgraduate researchers you with advice and guidance services at locations within the colleges.‬ 6 International Prospectus LIVING IN BIRMINGHAM International Prospectus 7

Birmingham is a global and modern city with a diverse and friendly community. We are Europe’s youngest city, meaning you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people. We are a centre for arts and culture, shopping and entertainment and we are also home to the largest financial services and creative sectors outside London. Birmingham offers everything you could want from a city, within easy reach of the beautiful English countryside.

FOOD WE HAVE MORE THAN SERVING WITH FOOD MICHELIN FROM 27 200 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES 5 STARS RESTAURANTS

CULTURE 600 OVER 50 1.1MILLION PARKS AND FESTIVALS INTERNATIONAL OPEN SPACES EACH YEAR VISITORS IN 2018

WE WILL HOST THE WE HOST THE WE ARE HOME TO SPORT COMMONWEALTH ANNUAL AEGON EDGBASTON CRICKET GAMES IN 2022 CLASSIC TENNIS GROUND HOSTING TOURNAMENT INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

STRATFORD IRONBRIDGE HISTORIC CANALS EXPLORE HOME OF SHAKESPEARE A WORLD HERITAGE SITE FROM OUR INDUSTRIAL PAST

Explore our city: www.birmingham.ac.uk/city 8 International Prospectus

QUEEN ELIZABETH THE HOSPITAL MEDICAL SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY STATION

OUR EDGBASTON CAMPUS With magnificent architecture and a leafy green estate, our campus provides an inspirational environment for you to live and learn. International Prospectus 9

THE LIBRARY UGP20

GREEN HEART NOW OPEN

Our main campus in Edgbaston We also have a satellite campus in is set in 250 acres of parkland the historic town of Stratford-upon- with spacious lawns, trees, a lake Avon (the Shakespeare Institute). and significant works of sculpture TO SPORT enhancing its landscape. With its Our School of Dentistry is located at & FITNESS domed red-brick buildings, the the new Birmingham Dental Hospital campus is rich in heritage and at Pebble Mill, which is less than a beauty. We have all the amenities mile from the main campus. It is the of a small town, including shops, first stand-alone, integrated dental bars, cafés, banks, medical and hospital and dental school to be built dental surgeries, sports facilities, in the UK for almost 40 years. and even our own railway station. Discover our campus: Our Selly Oak campus, two miles www.birmingham.ac.uk/campus from Edgbaston, is a green 80-acre site with a village atmosphere. 10 International Prospectus YOUR FACILITIES ON CAMPUS

Our Edgbaston campus is in the middle of one of its most transformational campus redevelopments since the first phase of building in 1909.

Our development projects are creating outstanding new facilities for our students and researchers. SPORT & FITNESS These ambitious developments will enhance your teaching and learning, and provide you with an unforgettable University experience.

To date, we have opened our new Library, our Birmingham Sport & Fitness centre and the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, which you can find out more about on our website.

TEACHING AND LEARNING SPACES ON CAMPUS

Opening in 2020, the Teaching and Learning Building will be a hub for education, providing a state-of-the-art teaching and social study space. The building will be IT and audio visual-rich and include: n Up to 1,000 learning spaces, including individual and collaborative study spaces n A 250-seater interactive GREEN HEART lecture theatre n Ten seminar rooms for up to 30 students at a time International Prospectus 11

THE HEART SPORT LIBRARY OF CAMPUS In 2017, we opened our new £55 Our University Library incorporates million University Sport & Fitness Club. more than 2.7 million printed materials Officially opened in June 2019, the With a 50-metre pool, 200-station gym and more than 16,000 electronic Green Heart is a stunning space for and six glass-backed squash courts, resources. In our new main Library, you to work, rest and meet your friends. we have something for everyone. there are more than 1,800 study seats. Measuring over 12 acres, there is plenty We also have 55 sports clubs for You can access group study rooms or of space for performances, socialising, both beginners and athletes. work in the library café. Make use of meeting and studying. FindIt@Bham, our online resource to search for physical or electronic copies of your course materials. LIBRARY THE GUILD OF STUDENTS

The Guild is your students’ union and offers plenty of opportunities for fun and socialising on campus.

They host fantastic events throughout the year to ensure that you can find the right balance between your studies and social life. We work in partnership to ensure that you have the best possible experience by providing support, advice and entertainment. There are over 300 student groups and clubs for you to join where you can meet new people and have fun www.guildofstudents.com

Find out more about our exciting projects online: www.birmingham.ac.uk/building 12 International Prospectus

PRITCHATTS A PLACE TO CALL HOME PARK VILLAGE

UNIVERSITY STATION

SELLY OAK VILLAGE LIBERTY PARK

UNITE - BATTERY PARK

SELLY OAK STATION

Wherever you choose to live during your time with us, our accommodation allows you to enjoy your INTERNATIONAL independence in a safe, welcoming and friendly GUARANTEE SCHEME environment. We have three accommodation villages to choose from, all just a short walk from the main We guarantee accommodation to international students during your first University campus. Each village has its own student year of academic study if you meet our community and social hub, meaning you’ll feel at eligibility criteria. home wherever you choose to live. To be eligible for accommodation you must have firmly accepted your offer Find our accommodation Visit our website for more to study with us and submitted your guides, including living costs information on the international application online by 31 May 2020 for and accommodation fees online: guarantee: www.birmingham. EU students and 31 July 2020 for www.birmingham.ac.uk/living ac.uk/internationalguarantee international students. International Prospectus 13 FIVE WAYS STATION THE VALE VILLAGE LIBERTY GARDENS

CITY CENTRE (2.5 MILES)

LIBERTY COURT

THE VALE VILLAGE PRITCHATTS SELLY OAK VILLAGE

Set in beautiful parkland, the Vale PARK VILLAGE Closest to campus and situated in the Village is just 20 minutes’ walk from thriving student area of Selly Oak, the the main campus and provides a wide This Village comprises studio Village provides plenty of choices for range of accommodation to suit all needs accommodation for postgraduate and bars, cafés, dining and supermarket and budgets. The Vale is centred on undergraduate students within walking shopping. Over 900 students live here, the Hub, offering a restaurant, café, bar distance (ten minutes) of the University, which now includes 178 bedrooms in and convenience store. The Hub also close to local amenities and transport our newest accommodation, Bournbrook. provides a space for you to socialise links to the city centre. Pritchatts Park Adjoined to this building is a sports and study so that you can get to know is also home to our Global Community, pavilion, as well as a bar and a café. your fellow residents. which offers an exciting multicultural living environment, allowing you to build friendships with students from around the world. 14 International Prospectus LIVING COSTS

EXPENSE UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION PRIVATELY RENTED SHARED HOUSE

£94 per week (indicative plus a refundable deposit of Rent (indicative) £123 per week roughly £300–400 to be paid at the start of the year)

Gas, electricity and water rates Included in rent £11 per week

Food/toiletries/laundry £57 per week £57 per week

Books, printing, etc £18 per week £18 per week

Insurance (indicative) Included in rent £2 per week

Clothes and leisure £40 per week £40 per week

Local travel £20 per week £20 per week

TV licence, phone and internet £5 per week £10 per week Total cost per week £263 £252 Total for the academic year £11,046 £10,584

THE VALE VILLAGE International Prospectus 15 YOUR OFF-CAMPUS OPTIONS

Many of our students choose to find housing in the private sector. A variety CITY LIVING of options, including single flats, shared houses and properties for families, can be found in the local area. Popular locations include Selly Oak, Harborne, Moseley and the city centre. The weekly cost of rent ranges from £58–130, averaging at £94, usually excluding utilities.

Find more advice on private accommodation in Birmingham: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ rentingprivately

TRAVELLING TO AND FROM CAMPUS

From bike lanes to canal paths, we are well connected to many areas of our city. As we have our own railway station, University station, you can travel from Birmingham New Street to campus in under eight minutes.

There are also bus routes from the city centre, Moseley and Harborne, which drop you close to the University. The new Birmingham Cycle Revolution is a segregated cycleway that links Selly Oak with the city centre and provides a safe, healthy and green way to reach us and travel around the city.

Wherever you choose to live, you can reach the University easily and quickly. 16 International Prospectus TEACHING QUALITY AND SUPPORT

To enable you to grow as a learner, develop your ideas, expand your opinions and achieve your potential, we will be encouraging you to continue your journey to become the most independent and self-motivated learner you can be.

n The Academic Skills Centre both research and teaching, you will work WHAT STUDY provides help to boost your alongside an expert team who can help academic writing, mathematical you to exploit our tools and resources. SUPPORT WILL and general academic skills, including a workshop programme, At Birmingham, we understand YOU RECEIVE? online self-help tutorials and that there are many different learning individual appointments with styles and techniques. To help you To help you settle in as quickly as specialist advisors tailor your learning experience, we offer possible, you will have access to a a wide range of services and facilities comprehensive support system to Our learning facilities to make our support as personalised assist, encourage and inspire you. We offer you an outstanding learning as possible. Our state-of-the-art library experience, where lectures and seminars incorporates an array of facilities to n In addition to your personal tutor, provide opportunities for you to develop suit different working styles, from group you have welfare tutors or wellbeing your ideas through dialogue and debate study spaces to silent study rooms. officers based in your school and with fellow students and tutors. department who can assist with both academic and welfare concerns Using our library, collections and n You will receive individual feedback archives, you can choose your mode of on your assignments, so you can study; from traditional methods to using understand how you are doing e-resources to interact with collections Our teaching is recognised as the and what you might need to do digitally. Among purpose-built, modern highest Gold standard in the Teaching to improve further surroundings, including labs that support Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning we deliver consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students and graduates. STUDENT SUPPORT We have been recognised for: n Personalised learning that challenges students alongside pastoral and academic support n Developing and delivering relevant, research-informed teaching n Investing in physical and human resources that create an outstanding learning environment n Excellent physical and digital learning resources International Prospectus 17

ASK OUR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI

If you have queries or concerns about any aspects of life as a postgraduate student at Birmingham, you can get first-hand information and advice from current students and alumni. Our students and alumni will answer your questions based on their own experience of campus life, their University school or department, the city, the transition to postgraduate study and the support services offered by the University. STUDENT MENTORS Museum Victoria in Melbourne, Australia For more information on and at GlaxoSmithKline in Morocco, this service, please visit: Argentina and Singapore. www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgask The Student Mentor Scheme provides support and advice to students living Learn more: in University accommodation. Student www.birmingham.ac.uk/ Mentors are available during term-time globalchallenge CAREERS to support you with any financial, MENTORING academic, shared living or personal challenges you may be facing. WE ARE HERE TO Mentoring is a unique opportunity that For more information, please visit: SUPPORT YOU allows students to receive one-to-one www.guildofstudents.com/ advice from a professional working in studentmentors an area they are interested in. This can We provide a wide range of student be a great way to understand how to services to meet the needs of our succeed in this area, be better prepared RISE ABOVE THE diverse international student community. for the workplace and receive practical The Aston Webb Student Hub brings advice on employability. COMPETITION together many services in one place in the Aston Webb Building, at the heart For more information about the Careers of the campus. The Hub is also online, Network Mentoring Scheme, visit: Global Challenge is a unique scheme known as Student Help, with a range of www.birmingham.ac.uk/ to give ambitious students once-in-a- advice resources for you to interact with. careersmentoring lifetime opportunities, funded as interns Whether you are looking for information, in top global companies, whatever your guidance, emotional support or a specific subject or career interest. Previous specialist student service, it is a great placements have included internships starting point. at the British Consulate in Chicago, 18 International Prospectus SUPPORTING YOU DURING YOUR STUDIES

We place great emphasis on the wellbeing and safety of our students, offering a range of support services to help you during your studies. A SAFE CAMPUS INTERNATIONAL WELCOME WEEK INTERNATIONAL WELCOME WEEK We ensure a safe and welcoming atmosphere on campus. Our security team works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in To welcome you and help you settle partnership with West Midlands Police, into university life at Birmingham, we covering our Edgbaston and Selly Oak run a dedicated, five-day programme in campuses, including our accommodation. September called International Welcome Week. This begins with an airport University accommodation is equipped collection service and includes tours with CCTV and we also have our own of the campus and the city, help with, if Community Police Officer based at the necessary, administrative tasks such as centre of campus. registering with a doctor, and social events where you can meet other international INTERNATIONAL students from around the globe. STUDENT TEAM DISABILITY AND WELLBEING SUPPORT Our International Student Team provides you with a network of support, starting before you arrive and continuing We aim to create an inclusive learning throughout your studies. You can access community. If you have a disability STUDENT HUB information to guide you through important (including long-term health conditions, things to do such as finding and registering specific learning disabilities such as with a doctor or opening a bank account. dyslexia or a mental health difficulty), our Disability Learning Support and Mental Advice and guidance is available Health Service can help you to have the on a wide range of areas including: best possible experience at Birmingham. n Applying for your visa/visa support We positively encourage you to tell us to come to the UK or to continue if you have a disability so that we can your studies in the UK support you. Disclosing a disability will not n Bringing your family to the UK affect your academic course admission but n Living and working in the UK will ensure that you receive any support or during your studies adjustments you require. Our professional n Working after your studies team is available to provide you with n Information about social activities specialist advice and support to access n Information on studying in the UK your academic student life in general, n Support in adjusting to life and including any disability funding support study in the UK you are entitled to. International Prospectus 19

SUPPORTING YOUR FAITH

The University’s Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is for students of all faiths and none. Meet for worship, relax in the Oasis Lounge or see a chaplain for spiritual or religious advice and pastoral counselling. We have Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist chaplains and there are well-established societies and groups. In addition to the facilities on SUPPORTING campus, the city of Birmingham has places of worship and prayer rooms YOUR WELLBEING for many faiths and religions.

Learn more: The Wellbeing Centre aims to enable www.chaplaincy.bham.ac.uk students to get the most out of their time at university. Should you ever need it, we have a dedicated team LOOKING AFTER of professional counsellors providing YOUR CHILDREN individual, group or online support. The Guild of Students’ Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) is If you choose to bring your family to also a source of free professional the UK, the University has two nurseries independent student advice. It is a on campus offering a high standard of service dedicated to helping you in care and education. The nurseries are a wide range of areas from money very popular, so we recommend you to academic issues, employment, check that places are available as housing and immigration questions. early as possible.

Find out more about childcare options: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TEAM www.birminghamdaynursery.co.uk t: +44 (0)121 414 8464 Online queries: www.studenthelp.bham.ac.uk or visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/ist 20 International Prospectus FUNDING YOUR STUDIES

How much does it cost to attend university? Find out more about international fees and funding.

They can offer advice about: TUITION FEES FEES AND n Opening a bank account and typical UK living expenses FUNDING ADVICE n Sources of funding that are available We charge an annual tuition fee, n Financial difficulties which covers the cost of your tuition, n Immigration regulations and visa examination and graduation, as well The International Student Team provides restrictions on working in the UK as access to IT facilities and the support and advice on fees and funding library and membership of the Guild for international students. www.studenthelp.bham.ac.uk of Students. Fees are paid at the start of your programme. FUNDING YOUR FUTURE COST OF TUITION

Tuition costs vary according to your chosen programme and your level of study.

Full details of the fees you will pay will be stated in your offer letter.

You can check the latest international fees information on our website before applying: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ internationalfees

ASTON WEBB CHAT TO US ONLINE

You can also book on to one of our online chat events to discuss funding opportunities and any concerns about paying for university.

www.ug.bham.ac.uk www.pg.bham.ac.uk International Prospectus 21 SCHOLARSHIPS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

To reward outstanding achievement and to attract ambitious and talented international students to Birmingham, we are pleased to offer a number of prestigious international scholarships.

Chevening/Birmingham Subject-specific scholarships To search for funding Partnership Scholarships opportunities go to: We also have various subject-based www.birmingham.ac.uk/ Our flagship international scholarship is scholarships on offer, funded by our pgfunding the Birmingham-Chevening Partnership individual schools and departments. www.birmingham.ac.uk/ Scholarship, which comprises 16 Go to: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ ugfunding joint-funded awards covering tuition, internationalscholarships stipend and allowances in partnership with Chevening (a UK government Sponsorship (external scholarship scholarship organisation). providers), loans and financial aid PART-TIME Undergraduate Outstanding The University is an approved institution EMPLOYMENT Achievement Scholarships for hundreds of government ministries and other sponsoring organisations We launched this scholarship in 2015 for around the world. In 2018/19, we incoming international students starting were home to international students The Guild of Students gives you bachelor’s degrees at the University. with financial sponsorship from over access to hundreds of part-time Annually the University awards £120,000 190 different organisations; from the vacancies should you need of funding through 30–45 tuition fee Bolashak Scholarship in Kazakhstan to support your living costs. discount scholarships ranging from to CONACYT Mexico and the China They also provide employment £2,500 to £5,000 for students, applying Scholarship Council. Information information and advice. through eligible partner organisations, for sponsors can be found here: who can provide evidence of excellence www.birmingham.ac.uk/sponsors If you want to work while you and achievement in their academic or study, find vacancies and advice extra-curricular activities We are also approved to offer the USA from the Guild of Students: Federal Direct Loan Programme and also www.guildofstudents.com/jsv Country-specific scholarships certify USA loans via private lenders. Information on USA and Canada loans For more advice and We also offer a number of country- can be found here: www.birmingham. information, please visit: specific scholarships for international ac.uk/internationalloans www.birmingham.ac.uk/ students seeking to join the University. internationalfunding You will need to be domiciled in an eligible country prior to your studies For further information and to at Birmingham. Examples of these apply for all scholarships, visit: awards include our USA Bachelors and www.birmingham.ac.uk/ postgraduate scholarships, Canada internationalscholarships undergraduate scholarship and Hong Kong postgraduate scholarship. 22 International Prospectus WHICH LEVEL SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

With over 350 undergraduate programmes and 600 postgraduate programmes, we offer a broad range of subjects and specialisms to enable you to pursue and develop your interests. The University is structured into five colleges, each of which is divided into a number of schools and departments offering a diverse range of programmes. Find out more about each of the levels of study below and decide which qualification is right for you.

FOUNDATION UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Our entry requirements for all of Our Foundation Pathways provide An undergraduate degree is your our courses can be found on the a route into undergraduate study at first degree and you will usually relevant course pages. Birmingham. A Foundation Pathway is achieve the qualification of a Bachelor www.birmingham.ac.uk/bia for international students who require of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science www.birmingham.ac.uk/ugcourses a further year of study before beginning (BSc). Undergraduate degrees provide www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses an undergraduate degree programme. knowledge in a subject and typically All pathway students are taught by last for three years. You can then Birmingham academics and have progress to postgraduate study UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM DUBAI full access to campus facilities, and in the UK or internationally. successful completion of your foundation You can now receive a world- year means you will progress to a wide Applications for undergraduate class, University of Birmingham range of our undergraduate programmes. programmes in the UK are made education in the global city of through an organisation called the Dubai. We provide opportunities The Birmingham International Academy Universities and Colleges Admissions for you to study on a range of (BIA) provides our Foundation Pathways, Service (UCAS). You make your foundation, undergraduate and as well as pre-sessional English application online and UCAS forwards postgraduate programmes at programmes for students preparing the application on to the relevant our new Dubai campus, located to study at the University and English universities on your behalf. You can within Dubai International support for students who are already apply via UCAS from the September Academic City (DIAC). at the University. The department is before the year that you want to start accredited by the British Council for your degree. All of our courses will be the teaching of English in the UK. taught, examined and accredited to the same recognised high How to apply: standards as those delivered How to apply: Online via UCAS: www.ucas.com on our UK campus. Online application to the University of Birmingham: www.birmingham.ac.uk/dubai www.birmingham.ac.uk/applybia International Prospectus 23

Research programmes How to apply: POSTGRADUATE Postgraduate research programmes Online application to the involve the completion of original University of Birmingham: academic research. They also include www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgapply Taught programmes research skills training that will equip Postgraduate taught programmes are you to become an independent usually one year in length. They are researcher, capable of advancing Build your personalised assessed by a combination of coursework, knowledge in your field. postgraduate prospectus online: examination and dissertation and lead www.birmingham.ac.uk/ to the award of a Masters qualification. A combined research and taught pgprospectus If you wish to further your knowledge, Masters, such as the MRes, will provide prepare for a research degree, gain you with both taught modules to increase vocational qualifications or change subject knowledge, and the opportunity career, then a taught Masters could to complete a research thesis. be the right programme for you. A research Masters, such as the MSc We offer a wide range of taught by Research, is a chance to investigate Masters programmes, usually in the a topic from your undergraduate study form of a Master of Arts (MA) or Master in greater depth and is a great way to of Science (MSc). However, they can demonstrate your ability to undertake also include programmes such as the independent research. Master of Education (MEd), Master of Engineering (MEng) and Master of Doctoral degrees, such as the PhD, are Business Administration (MBA). the highest level of academic qualification.

STUDY AT A LEADING UNIVERSITY 24 International Prospectus HOW TO APPLY

Choosing to study in the UK is an exciting decision. The steps here will guide you through the application process for your chosen course and provide some essential information.

SUPPORTING BIRMINGHAM STUDY ABROAD DOCUMENTS INTERNATIONAL AND EXCHANGES

Whether you are applying for SUMMER SCHOOL For information on how to apply to an undergraduate or postgraduate spend time at the University as part programme, you will need to provide To apply to take part in the of our Study Abroad programme, visit: supporting documents with your Birmingham International www.birmingham.ac.uk/incomingstudy application. These include: Summer School programme, visit: n Transcript or statement of results www.birmingham.ac.uk/biss of your highest qualification or INTERNATIONAL CLEARING predicted grades (originals or certified copies are not required If you are applying for a place at the application stage) FOUNDATION on an undergraduate degree n One or two references programme after 30 June, n If English is not your native PATHWAYS you can apply through Clearing. language, a copy of your IELTS, For more information, see TOEFL or Pearson Academic To apply to our September or January www.ucas.com/clearing English Test certificate pathways please visit our website: n A copy of your passport personal www.birmingham.ac.uk/applybia details page and follow the instructions. POSTGRADUATE YOUR OFFER Offer holders are advised to fulfil APPLICANTS their conditions as soon as possible An unconditional offer means that to allow sufficient time to obtain a visa. If you require a visa to study in the you have already met the University’s United Kingdom, you will need to entrance requirements and there are International (non-EEA) students apply by 1 July 2020. no conditions attached to your offer will need to consider and be aware of a place. A conditional offer means of certain immigration requirements We are not able to consider that you have not yet satisfied the when accepting their offer and when applications for 2020 made after University’s entrance requirements. preparing for their student visa. this date. Your offer letter will detail the requirements still to be met before Visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ your place will be confirmed. studentvisas International Prospectus 25 APPLYING FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) between early September (prior to the year you wish to study) and 30 June (in the year you wish to Visit www.ucas.com to study). European Union applicants 1 apply online – you can need to apply before 15 January. apply to up to five choices.

If you are applying for Medicine or Dentistry, you will need to apply by 15 October.

Once a decision has been made on all your choices, UCAS will ask you to confirm UCAS will notify you which two offers (if any) you want once a decision has been to hold while you wait for all your 2 made on your application. 3 results. You will need to choose If you are successful, you your firm choice programme will receive an offer. and an insurance, which is your back-up place in case you do not get the grades required for your firm choice.

If you meet the conditions 4 of your offer, your place on the programme will be confirmed.

For international (non-EEA) students, a Confirmation of 5 Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will be issued at this stage. 26 International Prospectus APPLYING FOR A TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Formal applications for taught postgraduate programmes are made directly to us using Course finder: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses Applying for a taught postgraduate programme usually involves three easy steps:

Consider whether Complete the online Find your course online: you meet our entry application form via the 1 www.birmingham.ac.uk/ 2 requirements, details of 3 course webpage and pgcourses which can be found in upload your supporting the Course finder entry. documents.

* Some taught courses may charge a £50 application fee. For further information, visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgappfee

You will need to apply to our Social Work and Initial Teacher Training programmes through UCAS. You can register and apply as soon as the UCAS portal opens (usually in September).

Find out more about applying to postgraduate taught and research courses on our website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgapply International Prospectus 27 APPLYING FOR A RESEARCH PROGRAMME

At Birmingham, there are generally two routes to a research degree. Follow the application steps on this page depending on your preferred route. APPLYING FOR AN APPLY TO PROPOSE ‘ADVERTISED PHD’ YOUR OWN RESEARCH

You can apply to an ‘advertised PhD’, which means it is part You can propose your own research rather than join an existing of an established research project and is usually funded by research project. You will need to submit a research proposal to the University or other funding body. In most cases, the conduct a unique piece of research and identify your proposed advertised listing will direct you to the correct course supervisor. Funding can be found from other sources such as page, where you can check requirements. scholarships, charities, loans and self-finance.

Find and identify your project via our advertised Consider the research area and themes. Begin your supervisor PhDs database: www.birmingham.ac.uk/findaphd search: www.birmingham.ac.uk/findasupervisor

Consult with a potential supervisor or department. Prepare your statement and supporting documents. Write your research proposal* using our online advice.

Submit your application online via Course finder and upload your Please be aware that an supporting documents. Identify the project title for advertised PhDs, application cannot be considered and potential supervisor(s) for proposed research. until all the necessary supporting documents, such as references, transcript and research proposal have been received. Once received, we will consider your application, usually taking four to six weeks. Track your progress and receive our communications via the Applicant Portal. *A research proposal is a concise and coherent summary of your proposed research. We have provided help and advice for each of If you are made an offer, this will be either unconditional or conditional. the steps of writing your proposal If you accept and meet these conditions, we will confirm your place. here: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ For international (non-EEA) students, a Confirmation of Acceptance proposalwriting for Studies (CAS) will be issued at this stage. CONTACT US

Undergraduate study enquiries: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ug-faqs Postgraduate study enquiries: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pg-faqs Study Abroad enquiries: e: [email protected] Edinburgh

5–6 hours by train Birmingham International Academy enquiries: 3–4 hours by train e: [email protected] Belfast

Birmingham International Leeds 1–2 hours by train Summer School: e: [email protected] Liverpool Dublin

BIRMINGHAM

Cardiff London

Please note: journey times are for guidance only and are based on the average time taken for off-peak trains travelling between mainland UK city-centre stations.

Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom