Study Abroad FACT SHEET 2017-2018

Contact Information:

Main Office International Office: Go Abroad Unit Rebecca Davis Senior Partnerships Officer – Student Mobility & Liaison Address International Office Second Floor, University House 15 Bartholomew Row B5 5JU United Kingdom

Email [email protected] Study Abroad Website http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/why-study-at-bcu/go- abroad/study-abroad/incoming-students

Application and Admission:

How to Apply Please download an application form from our website and return it to [email protected] with the following supporting documents: - Up-to-date transcript from your Home Institution - Passport copy (photo page only) - English language qualification (if applicable)

Please Note: Some of our programmes require the submission of a portfolio or further evidence specific to your course which

will be highlighted following your application. English Language* One Semester: Standard: IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent)

Two Semesters: Standard: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any one language skill or equivalent.

However, some courses may have higher English language requirements, as amended from time to time.

Please Note: We accept a variety of English language qualifications in addition to IELTS. Please visit our website for more information.

*Students with lower scores may be eligible for a pre-sessional English programme.

Available programmes You can find a full list of our courses on our website.

Please Note: Students applying to the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment will be asked to provide module descriptions when applying.

Media and Communication courses are not open at Level 6. Portfolio Guidance Please visit our website for specific Portfolio Guidance relating to programmes in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media.

School of Art

Birmingham School of Architecture and Design

School of Fashion and Textiles

School of Visual Communication

Application Deadlines* 15 June 2017 One Semester (Autumn) Two Semester (Autumn and Spring) . 27 October 2017 One Semester (Spring)

*We cannot guarantee consideration of applications submitted after the above deadlines, although we will try to consider every application where possible.

Visa and Immigration Requirements:

One Semester Study Short-term Study Visa Check the UK Visa and Immigration website for more information. Two Semester Study Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Check the UK Visa and Immigration website for more information.

Accommodation:

University Halls of As soon as you have received a course offer from us, you can Residence* apply for University accommodation. Students are advised to apply by 31 August 2017 for September entry to ensure securing a room offer. January entry applicants will be contacted with details of application deadlines.

Contact the Accommodation Services team:

Tel: +44 (0) 121 331 5191 Email: [email protected]

*Please Note: University Halls of Residence for Study Abroad students may be a short bus or train ride away from the City Centre Campus.

Private Accommodation The University also supports students in finding accommodation through Birmingham City Student Homes, a student-focused letting agency, owned and operated by Birmingham City University Students’ Union.

Current Estimated Cost of Living:

Living costs will vary depending on lifestyle but it is generally cheaper to live in Birmingham than other UK cities, such as London or Edinburgh. Here is a breakdown of some general expenses for you to consider when preparing your finances:

General expenses Approximate yearly cost University accommodation (52 weeks) From £3,720 to £6,732 Food, and other shopping £2,600 Insurance for personal belongings £15 - £120 Laundry (using a laundrette) £240 Course related costs: books/stationery/photocopying/binding £450 Bus pass – 3 terms + summer pass (travel) £390

Mobile telephone £240 Social activity costs – depends on activities £600 - £960 Kitchen utensils, plates and cutlery £35 Police registration (if applicable) £34

Total: £8,324 - £11,801

*Please Note: The above costs are estimated and subject to each student’s individual personal expenses/spending habits.

Academic 2017 - 2018 Calendar Semester One *11 September 2017 – 26 January 2018 *Confirmed dates will be indicated on individual offer Semester Two *25 January – 1 June 2018 *Confirmed dates will be indicated on individual offer Full Year *11 September 2017 – 1 June 2018 *Confirmed dates will be indicated on individual offer Welcome There's plenty to do during Welcome Week held in September, so make sure you check out our busy events programme, covering all campuses.

January entry applicants will also be welcomed at Orientation as an informative and fun introduction to living in the UK and studying at Birmingham City University. Arriving in the UK We offer a ‘Meet and Greet’ Service on specific dates at .

General Travel Information:

Arriving by air Birmingham International Airport (11.9miles) - BHX London Heathrow Airport (114 miles) - LHR London Gatwick Airport (150 miles) - LGW Arriving by rail Birmingham New Street Station Birmingham Moor Street Station

Website: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ Arriving by bus Website: http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/tickets-and- passes/students/ Arriving by coach Birmingham Coach Station Mill Lane , Birmingham B6 6DB

Website: http://www.nationalexpress.com/destinations.aspx Visit our website for further information: http://www.bcu.ac.uk/international/preparing-for-the-uk/meet- and-greet-service/arriving-in-the-uk