foundation pathways - university of birmingham · w.birmnghaahcua 3 whilst studying the foundation...

2016 admissions

An international foundation programme

FOUNDATIONPATHWAYSAT BIRMINGHAM

AN INSPIRATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT A LEADING GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

www.birmingham.ac.uk/foundationLearn more

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Whilst studying the Foundation Pathway, you will be fully immersed in student life here and will be a greatly valued member of our student community. You will live and study alongside our undergraduate and postgraduate students and will have full access to our wide range of academic, sporting and cultural facilities.

I am confident that choosing to study at the University of Birmingham is a rewarding investment in your future. We are delighted to be consistently ranked in the top 15 universities in the UK. Academic standards are high, and you will be taught by the University’s own academic staff, many of whom are global experts in their fields.

You will experience the very latest advances in knowledge within your chosen subject and be supported by an academic tutor throughout your studies. You will also receive specialist

tuition in Academic English and Study Skills to ensure you are well equipped for progression to undergraduate studies after your Foundation Pathway.

All of your teaching will take place on our renowned Edgbaston campus, where historic architecture, a vibrant community and leafy green landscape will provide an inspiring backdrop to your studies.

We have one of the largest international student communities in the UK and a wealth of expertise in supporting students from all parts of the world. We are confident that you will feel happy, safe and at home here.

The Foundation Pathway could be your springboard to an internationally respected degree and a successful and rewarding career. I sincerely hope you will take the opportunity to join us.

Professor Sir David EastwoodVice-Chancellor

A warm welcome

BUILT UPON OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND GLOBAL REPUTATION, THE UNIVERSITY CONTINUES A CENTURY-LONG TRADITION OF WELCOMING STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD, DEVELOPING AND NURTURING YOUR INDEPENDENCE AND POTENTIAL TO EXCEL.

CONTENTS

A warm welcome 3

Why choose the University of Birmingham? 4

Birmingham: excellence in learning and research 6

The Birmingham experience 8

Student support 10

Preparing for your future career 12

Your accommodation 13

Meet the students 16

Your academic pathways 18

Pathway structure and credits 19

ACADEMIC ENGLISH AND STUDY SKILLS 20

ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCES, BUSINESS AND LAW PATHWAY 22

ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES PATHWAY 26

MEDICAL, LIFE AND GEO SCIENCES PATHWAY 30

Entry requirements 34

How to apply 36

Immigration advice 37

Key dates and contacts 38

4 Foundation Pathways

What will you study?You will enrol on to a one-year or a four-year integrated programme at the University of Birmingham and will select from one of our three pathways (see below).

Upon successful completion of the appropriate pathway, you will be guaranteed progression to an extensive range of our undergraduate programmes.

Our pathways consist of subject-specific modules and Academic English and Study Skills core modules. We provide different core modules for non-native English speakers and native or near-native English speakers.

You will be taught in English and will be mixing and living with students from all over the world. This experience complements the programme structure, which enables you to constantly improve your academic, linguistic and cultural skills.

modules will be taught. You will also experience the lecture theatres, labs and seminar rooms of the University’s five colleges as part of your academic studies.

As a Foundation student, you will benefit from a distinctive, high-quality University of Birmingham experience: o You will be taught entirely on the

University’s stunning Edgbaston campus

o You will study a range of academic modules, taught by respected Birmingham academics

o You will be a fully integrated member of our student community, with access to all University facilities

o A residential advisor who lives on site will be your first point of contact for all your welfare concerns

o Our high-quality Academic English and Study Skills modules are accredited by the British Council

Why choose the University of Birmingham?

The Foundation Pathway will ensure you are fully prepared for the UK undergraduate programme you wish to study, immersing you in the university environment and providing dedicated support in this important first year in the UK.

You will be taught on campus by our global experts and will be fully integrated into Birmingham student life, where you can study, live and socialise with other foundation and undergraduate students.

You will be fully supported as you adjust to a new and exciting student lifestyle, and will benefit from a range of specialised services tailored to your individual needs. This includes a dedicated customer service manager, welfare tutor and academic tutor.

A team dedicated to the Foundation and English Language Support is based in Priorsfield, where most of your core

OUR FOUNDATION PATHWAY IS YOUR ROUTE TO SUCCESSFUL UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES, WHERE YOU WILL RECEIVE ON-CAMPUS TEACHING AND SUPPORT TO PREPARE YOU FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AT BIRMINGHAM.

ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCES, BUSINESS AND LAW PATHWAY

Leads to undergraduate degrees in arts, humanities and law, business and social sciences.

ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES PATHWAY

Leads to undergraduate degrees in mathematics, science and engineering.

MEDICAL, LIFE AND GEO SCIENCES PATHWAY

Leads to a range of interesting, technically advanced degrees in the biological and geological sciences, such as biology, psychology, geography and physiotherapy.

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17thIN THE UK

76thIN THE WORLD

How much does it cost?The cost of the Foundation Pathway for 2016 is £14,130 for international students and £9,000 for EU students. This includes all tuition fees, textbooks and classroom equipment.Accommodation fees are not included in the above cost. Payment methodsWe offer the flexibility of paying your tuition or accommodation fees in full at the start of the year, or in instalments.

We have welcomed international students to our campus for over 100 years and now have one of the largest international student communities in the UK. Our alumni are based in over 190 countries, many of whom offer advice, mentoring and activities within your home country prior to and after your time at Birmingham.

We offer a stunning campus with everything you need on one site, with outstanding facilities and a welcoming environment for students and visitors. Our location in the centre of the UK also makes the University your ideal base for exploring the UK and Europe outside of your studies, which is easy to do with the trips and activities arranged by student groups throughout the year.

We are also proud of our success in league tables and rankings. We are:

WHY CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM?

UK RANKINGS

18�The�Complete�University�Guide(published in�The�Independent)�

in 2015overall

17The�Times�and�The�Sunday�Times�Good�University�Guide�

in 2016overall

17The�Guardian

in 2016overall

WORLD RANKINGS

76 in 2015–16QS�World�University�Rankings

60 for post-qualification employability in 2015–16The�New�York�Times

119�Times�Higher�Education�(THE)

in 2015–16

Facts and figures

Stunning250acre

campus

8Home toNobel Prize winners

University of the year for Graduate Employment 2016

You can pay using our Western Union Bank Transfer platform. This allows you to pay in your local currency and from your home bank account, without worrying about payment shortfalls due to exchange rates. Find out more: www.birmingham.ac.uk/student-fees


personalised gateway to the digital campus, connecting you to email, news, online communities and the e-library, which alone provides access to over 16,000 periodicals, databases, websites and other resources.

Teaching methods At Birmingham you will experience a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops depending on the academic pathway you follow.

undergraduate studies. There is a great deal to learn but we will support you all the way to ensure you can progress with confidence to the next stage of your studies.

The learning environment With the latest classroom technology, Birmingham offers an excellent learning experience. Most of our teaching rooms are equipped with touch-screen digital whiteboards and all have Wi-Fi.

Our Main Library is one of the UK’s largest academic libraries, with access to over 2.7 million books and periodicals. It is also the location of the Academic Skills Centre, where you can further develop your mathematical, academic writing and general academic skills. A further eight libraries and resource centres offer specialist materials for every subject studied at Birmingham. To allow you flexible access, the Main Library opens until midnight during term time. Wherever you are on campus, you will be able to log on to the student portal. This is your

Birmingham: excellence in learning and research

You will be taught by Birmingham academics from a pioneering, enquiring, international community. Our researchers are constantly advancing the boundaries of knowledge and, as a result, many are global experts within their fields.

Your Academic English and Study Skills modules will ensure that, as a Foundation student, you have all the tools you will need for undergraduate study, whatever subject area you choose.

You will develop new English language and study skills to enable you to advance to undergraduate level. As an English speaker, you will be able to develop your study and academic writing skills through tailored modules that will ensure you excel in your

AS A FOUNDATION STUDENT, YOU WILL BE INTEGRATED INTO THE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT FROM DAY ONE. YOU WILL BE GUIDED AND SUPPORTED ON YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN INDEPENDENT AND SELF-MOTIVATED LEARNER.

‘I chose the University of Birmingham because of its strong reputation. My brother also studied in the UK and he strongly recommended me to study at Birmingham.’

Bilguun, from Mongolia, now studying BA English and Creative Writing

‘I chose the University of Birmingham to be part of one of the world’s leading universities.’

Pok ki, from Hong Kong, now studying BEng Civil Engineering with Business Management

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Lectures Academic experts will introduce you to key facts and ideas in your subject in challenging and provocative ways, with mini activities and pair work during the session, and follow-up work after.

Seminars You will present and discuss your ideas in small groups and debate with other students.

Tutorials Your tutor will provide continuing academic support and guidance on a one-to-one basis.

Field trips Some modules will include field trips, which will offer you a chance to experience your subject outside the classroom. These may include: studying the geology of the UK; completing a walking tour of Birmingham’s industrial heritage sites or visiting the Houses of Parliament in London.

Laboratory-based work You will get practical experience and apply the knowledge you have learned in your lectures to a laboratory setting. You will learn to analyse real-life problems, which will equip you with the practical and analytical skills that are valued by employers. This mainly applies to modules in the Medical, Life and Geo Sciences Pathway. Peer group learning You may be asked by your tutor to direct a lesson or prepare a presentation with your fellow classmates. By interacting with the lesson material in this way, you will remember the content more effectively.

Workshops You will engage in problem-solving sessions facilitated by a member of academic staff; these sessions usually involve students working in groups.

Assessment Assessment is by a combination of exams, laboratory work, coursework exercises, project work and written assignments, depending on your subject.

If you have made satisfactory progress at the end of your first year, and are progressing to an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Birmingham, you will not normally be required to take another English language test.

For further information on progression, please see page 34.

Priorsfield, a dedicated building for the Foundation Pathways.

Learning support When you enrol on the Foundation Pathway, you will be allocated a tutor in the college most appropriate for your pathway, who will provide help and advice with any study-related issues, and will help you to monitor and reflect on your progress.


Sporting successWe are one of the UK’s leading sporting universities, regularly finishing in the top three of the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) league. Our Sports Science programmes are also ranked forth in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2016.

The world-beating Jamaican Track and Field Team chose Birmingham to complete their preparations for the London Olympics, while the South African 2015 Rugby World Cup

Campus life Our Edgbaston campus combines traditional ‘red brick’ buildings and state-of-the-art facilities. Studying among striking architecture on a 250-acre green and leafy site, you will be inspired to get the most out of your time here.

We offer you a safe, friendly environment, and the amenities of a small town, including shops, cafés, a fresh fruit and vegetable stall, banks, a post office, a travel agent, a regular farmers’ market, a recruitment agency, medical and dental surgeries nearby, and a railway station. All buildings are equipped with CCTV and a dedicated community police offer and security team are based on site.

The Birmingham experience

LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM OFFERS YOU THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS – A PEACEFUL, SAFE AND WELCOMING CAMPUS COMMUNITY ON THE DOORSTEP OF ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST DYNAMIC AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE CITIES.

Our campus is bursting with remarkable finds: rare books and archives, a campus-wide art collection, our award-winning Barber Institute of Fine Arts, a 450-seat concert hall for music and drama and an arts and crafts house with botanic gardens; all discovered among the lecture theatres and laboratories.

We continue to expand and improve our campus. We are now building a new library to open in 2016 and a brand new student hub housed in the iconic Aston Webb Building. In addition, our new, state-of-the-art sports centre will open its doors in early 2016, housing Birmingham’s only 50m swimming pool, a range of activity and fitness studios, gym, and various other facilities.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Artist’s impression of the new sports centre

team chose Birmingham to train for their matches.

However, sport is not just for elite athletes at Birmingham. Our Active Lifestyle programme offers fitness, dance and sports classes to suit all ages, abilities and fitness levels. It includes everything from boxercise and studio cycling to martial arts, salsa and yoga. Our swimming pool holds women-only sessions, and students can book tennis or badminton courts and football pitches to play a match with their friends.

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5–6 hours

3–4 hours

1–2 hours

BIRMINGHAM

LondonCardiff

Dublin

Belfast

Manchester

Edinburgh

Leeds

Map of the UK, showing travelling time from Birmingham to other major cities

The city is at the centre of England and at the hub of its transport network, making it a great base from which to explore the UK and mainland Europe. Birmingham Airport is just 25 minutes by taxi from the Edgbaston campus and offers direct flights to the USA, North Africa, Dubai, and European destinations with connections worldwide via Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Istanbul.

The city of Birmingham Birmingham is a European centre for retail, commerce and culture, with a proud heritage and modern outlook. The city offers excellent entertainment for all tastes, with a range of leading theatres, museums, art galleries and music venues. It is also home to Bullring, with over 160 shops including Selfridges, Abercrombie and Fitch, Apple and Topshop.

The city’s newest cultural attraction is the state-of-the-art Library of Birmingham, one of the largest and most modern public libraries in the world.

Birmingham is a truly diverse city with a mix of ethnicities in both its permanent residents and student population. This character is reflected in its restaurants, shops and cultural activities. In the city centre alone, more than 200 restaurants serve food from 27 countries. You will find food that suits your tastes in Birmingham’s many cafés and restaurants and, if you feel like cooking for yourself and for friends, you can visit the large fruit, vegetable, fish and meat markets, or Asian and European supermarkets, where specialist food is readily available.

Birmingham is an exciting destination for young people. It is more than somewhere to study; it is somewhere to build a successful future.

The new Library © Christian Richters

‘The people here are very welcoming. The city is multicultural and I find people here from all over the world. The University of Birmingham is a very beautiful university; it has everything anyone can think of. In one word it’s incomparable.’

Adrien, from Rwanda, now studying BSc Geology

Green parks and outdoor spaceThere are nearly 600 parks and public open spaces in Birmingham – and more miles of canal than Venice!

FACT


Students under the age of 18 We offer a special level of support for students under the age of 18, housing these students in the same block of accommodation as the Residential Advisor. Therefore, if you are under the age of 18 at the start of the programme, accommodation in Mason is compulsory (see page 14).

Support if you have a disability We welcome applicants and students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties. Our Disability and Learning Support Service can arrange individual student consultations, advice and guidance on assistive technology, specialist tuition, equipment loans and much more. Any information that you tell us about your disability will be treated in the strictest confidence. Find out more: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/disability

Student support

WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL STUDENT POPULATIONS IN THE UK, WE INVEST IN SPECIFIC SUPPORT SERVICES TO HELP YOU RELAX AND ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH US, SO YOU CAN REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL WITH TAILORED SUPPORT FROM THE FOUNDATION PATHWAYS.

‘As the Welfare Tutor for the Foundation Pathways, you can come to me for advice or if you have a particularly difficult situation that you need to talk to someone about. This can include personal problems, settling into academic life at Birmingham, illness or disability. I also help students overcome any serious and unexpected problems they may encounter, which could affect their academic study.’

Dr David Smith, Foundation Welfare Tutor and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Archaeology

Arrival and welcome Your term begins on 19 September 2016. You will attend our International Welcome and Registration, where you will be guided through the process of settling in to ensure that you have the smoothest possible transition into university life.

A Welcome Team of senior students will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer the benefit of their experiences. Welcome activities include: o A free airport collection serviceo Social activitieso Assistance with administrative

formalities such as opening a bank account, registering with the University and registering with the police (where necessary)

Full details of the International Welcome and Registration will be sent to you before the start of your programme.

Learn more www.birmingham.ac.uk/welcome/international

Social programmes We offer countless ways for you to pursue your hobbies and interests or become involved in a completely new social, sporting or cultural activity. Not only will you have the opportunity to gain new skills, you will improve your fluency in English and make friends with people from Birmingham, across the UK and around the world.

You will have full access to the social opportunities offered by the Guild of Students and there will be a range of suitable social events you can join throughout the year. You will go on a residential weekend away with your fellow Foundation students, take day trips to places of interest throughout the UK and various field trips with your Pathway, all of which will help you to make friends and enhance your experience.

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The Guild of Students The Guild of Students – the Students’ Union – is central to student life at Birmingham. The Guild exists to make sure that you get the best from your time here. This includes representing you on issues that matter, involving you in University life and offering support and opportunities for fun.

The Guild is a great place to spend time with your friends, with open study lounges and a café bar and Costa coffee. It also contains shops, including a travel agent, computer repair shop, a bank and a grocery store. At night, the Guild also runs a bar and nightclub*.

* Please note: students must provide evidence that they are 18 years or over to access the Guild of Students bar and nightclub.

Other services offered by the Guild include:

The Advice and Representation Centre (the ARC) The ARC offers free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues including housing, immigration, finance and welfare.

Groups and societies Joining a student group is a great way to make friends and enjoy life outside your study – the Guild hosts over 200 groups and societies for you to choose from. Volunteering The Guild offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities that can improve employability skills and enable you to meet new people.

Learn more www.guildofstudents.com

The Guild of Students

University Welcome Team

Supporting your faith St Francis Hall, the University multi-faith chaplaincy on campus, is a place where students of all faiths can meet for worship, seek advice or counselling from a chaplain, or obtain information on places of worship in the local area. Chaplains, who are ministers or religious representatives, are available every weekday during term time. There are over 20 chaplains from different faiths at the University. The Guild of Students also has a variety of faith-based groups and societies which organise their own events and social activities.

Find out more about supporting your faith: www.chaplaincy.bham.ac.uk

Students on the residential trip


Preparing for your future career

AT BIRMINGHAM WE RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT DURING YOUR TIME HERE AND WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ENHANCE YOUR DEGREE BY PURSUING EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING.

Your academic programme is only part of your university experience. A Birmingham degree is highly regarded by employers and, in addition to offering world-class education, we offer proven opportunities for students to stand out.

Our Careers Network team offers a wide range of services, including a dedicated international careers consultant, working exclusively on your behalf, with assistance from a team of international student ambassadors. This team will support you in developing your skills to ensure you are fully prepared for a job or further academic study, either in your home country or elsewhere. They arrange job fairs, skills workshops and employer networking events throughout the year and also offer a range of internships and funded work experience,

available for placements both in the UK or other countries.

Visit Careers Network:www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/careers

Alumni connectionsWhen you graduate, you become an alumnus of Birmingham, joining a large, global society of graduates known as alumni. Alumni groups around the world – from Australia to China, Greece, Nigeria, the USA and more – provide the chance to keep in touch with alumni living locally, share memories, and build valuable professional connections.

You will have many opportunities to meet our alumni in social and professional settings where you will benefit from their career and personal experiences.

Get involvedJoining a student group is another good way to get involved in the student community, make friends and develop your skills.

Our Guild of Students hosts over 200 groups and societies, and you are bound to find one to suit you, whether it is an international society bringing together students from your own country, a debating society or a group related to one of your hobbies or interests. All of these activities will help to develop your skills in preparation for a job after you graduate.

The Sunday Times Good University Guide found 86.5% of our students obtained graduate- level work within six months of graduating, higher than both the universities of Cambridge and Durham.

Work Link, our dedicated recruitment agency, can connect you with on-campus job opportunities, from student ambassadors to shop assistants. It is simple to register for job alerts and apply for jobs online.

FACT

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Our accommodation is based in three villages: the Vale Village, Pritchatts Park Village, and Selly Oak Village, just a short walk from the Edgbaston campus. Each village offers a combination of different accommodation types to suit all needs and budgets, and each village has its own student community and social hub.

Find out more and take a virtual tour of our rooms: www.birmingham.ac.uk/student-accommodation

Your accommodation

A catered package is available to students who live at the Vale Village. This gives you a flexible weekly budget for your meals that you can spend in University catering outlets. Food is provided during term times. You can take your meals and snacks at any of the catering outlets, as well as 17 other cafés and snack bars across the campus. Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Adapted rooms are available for wheelchair users and for students with hearing and sight impairment. Please contact us if you require specially adapted accommodation.

AS A FOUNDATION STUDENT YOUR ACCOMMODATION IS GUARANTEED. YOU HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION TO CHOOSE FROM IN THE UNIVERSITY’S THREE STUDENT VILLAGES, ALL OF WHICH ARE A SHORT WALK FROM THE FOUNDATION ACADEMY, AND YOUR ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS.

Other benefits of University accommodation include:o Staff available 24 hours a day

throughout the yearo A residential advisor

who provides social and personal support

o Fully heated accommodation inclusive of all heating, hot water and electricity bills

o Basic personal contents insuranceo 20 Mbps cabled and wireless

internet connection (no download limits) including access to an internet television service (IPTV)

o Fully furnished roomo Internet upgrade packages

starting from 30 Mbps for £80, to 100 Mbps for £430

Support for youWe offer a special level of support for you as a Foundation student. The Residential Advisor, who lives on site in University accommodation, is here to provide advice and guidance to you so there is always someone available if you need support.

Robyn Dukes, Residential Advisor Foundation Pathways

Single study bedrooms based in groups of flats, sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities with four to six other students – from £3,557 (£85 per week)

Ensuite bedrooms with your own bathroom, plus shared kitchen – from £5,423 (£129 per week)

Studios and apartments, with exclusive use of a bathroom and kitchen – from £8,460 (£202 per week)

Privately owned, purpose-built student accommodation – from £4,830 (£115 per week)

Types of accommodationWe provide a wide variety of accommodation types, all with a 42-week contract:


If you will be over the age of 18 at the start of the course, University accommodation is highly recommended; however, you can also choose to live off site, in private accommodation.

The contract length is 42 weeks. It officially starts on 19 September 2016 and ends 8 July 2017. Our Arrivals weekend is 17–18 September 2016, when you can check into your accommodation and meet other new students during our dedicated Welcome events.

We will also arrange a variety of activities to help you familiarise yourself with campus buildings, facilities and services, shopping areas, places of interest and local transport networks, and will arrange social gatherings.

Accommodation for students under 18If you are under the age of 18 at the start of your course, you will be living with other under-18 students in Mason, one of the University’s newest residences, on the Vale Village. Mason is located close to the residential advisor, ensuring support is always close by. You can choose either to take a catered package or to be self-catered. If you would prefer to live with a local relative or designated guardian, this is possible, by prior agreement.

Application process Apply for your accommodation now Application deadlineIf you receive your Foundation offer after the Accommodation deadline

Your offer of accommodationYour confirmation of accommodation

You receive an offer of a place on the Foundation Pathways. Keep your offer letter safe.

There is no application fee and no obligation to come to Birmingham at this stage. Applying early ensures we can reserve your accommodation for you. You will need your Student ID (found on your Foundation Pathways offer letter) and an email address to apply.

To guarantee your place in University accommodation, apply before 31 July.You can still apply after this date.

You should still apply for accommodation as soon possible. While we cannot guarantee your accommodation at this stage, we are usually able to accommodate you.

This will be made via email once you meet the conditions of your offer (become Unconditional) and have accepted your place at Birmingham. We will instruct you how to accept your place and arrange payment. Once your Foundation offer is made Unconditional, you will usually receive your accommodation offer within 14 working days.

This is confirmed once you have paid your pre-payment of £550, which is deducted from your overall accommodation fees.

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The accommodation guaranteeYou are guaranteed a place in University accommodation provided that you have applied for your accommodation by 31 July 2016 and have confirmed you are coming to Birmingham by 1 September 2016.

You will also need to make a pre-payment of £550 when you accept your offer of accommodation in full at the start of the year, or in instalments. You can pay for your accommodation using our Western Union Bank Transfer platform, ensuring your payment arrives in full and on time.

Accommodation on campus

‘The thing I like the most about Mason is that it is located just in front of a very beautiful lake. Even though you see that every day when you walk out, you will never get bored of the amazing scenery.’

Tiara, Foundation student from Indonesia, now studying BSc Economics

Application process Apply for your accommodation now Application deadlineIf you receive your Foundation offer after the Accommodation deadline

Your offer of accommodationYour confirmation of accommodation

You receive an offer of a place on the Foundation Pathways. Keep your offer letter safe.

There is no application fee and no obligation to come to Birmingham at this stage. Applying early ensures we can reserve your accommodation for you. You will need your Student ID (found on your Foundation Pathways offer letter) and an email address to apply.

To guarantee your place in University accommodation, apply before 31 July.You can still apply after this date.

You should still apply for accommodation as soon possible. While we cannot guarantee your accommodation at this stage, we are usually able to accommodate you.

This will be made via email once you meet the conditions of your offer (become Unconditional) and have accepted your place at Birmingham. We will instruct you how to accept your place and arrange payment. Once your Foundation offer is made Unconditional, you will usually receive your accommodation offer within 14 working days.

This is confirmed once you have paid your pre-payment of £550, which is deducted from your overall accommodation fees.

LIVING is our accommodation service, designed to help you with all your accommodation needs during your time at Birmingham. Our team is on hand to answer any queries you may have regarding our accommodation or private renting. www.birmingham.ac.uk/accommodation


Meet the students

‘International spirit; wonderful campus and amazing sport facilities.’Sophie, student from Greece, studied the Arts, Social Science, Business and Law Pathway

You can see what else our other students have to say about life as a Foundation student in our video on the Foundation website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/bfa-experience

‘The activities in the residential team building trip to Liddington, Wiltshire will help me in the future by making me more fearless when it comes to trying new things in life. It will also make me more co-operative when it comes to working with different people around the world.’

Ranya Al_Hashimi, student from Bahrain, studied the Arts, Social Sciences, Business and Law Pathway

STUDENTS ON THE FOUNDATION PATHWAYS HAVE AN ACTIVE SOCIAL LIFE. THE FOUNDATION HUB IN PRIORSFIELD HAS A COMMON ROOM WHERE YOU CAN TAKE QUIET STUDY, MEET YOUR FRIENDS TO RELAX OR TO LISTEN TO MUSIC. IN-HOUSE EVENTS ARE ALSO ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, SUCH AS BASKETBALL TRIPS, A FILM CLUB, A CHRISTMAS CRAFT-MAKING EVENT AND AN END-OF-TERM CELEBRATION BBQ.

You will go on a residential weekend away; a fun bonding trip where you will get to know all Foundation Pathway students. You can also take day trips throughout the year to places like Stratford-upon-Avon to watch a Shakespeare play, London to visit the Houses of Parliament, Warwick Castle or on a field trip with your pathway group.

You will have the opportunity to join University clubs and societies, do some volunteering or play sports, which is a great way to make new friends.

Who better to tell you what it is really like to study on the Foundation Pathways than the students themselves? We asked some of the current students to tell us why they chose the University of Birmingham and about their experiences in both their academic and social life.

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‘I chose to study at the University of Birmingham, due to the unique course that they offer compared with other universities: Civil Engineering with Business Management.’

Faris Emad Al Ostaz, student from Palestine Territories, studied the Engineering and Physical Sciences Pathway

‘The University of Birmingham has a great ranking and reputation, and is one of the best universities in the UK. The Foundation is delivered on the campus of the University itself, so you have full access to university facilities.’

Redita Utomo, student from Indonesia, studied the Arts, Social Science, Business and Law Pathway

‘Being on the Foundation Pathways programme helped me to feel like a student of the University of Birmingham, which eased my life into a Bachelors degree. I met professors, other students and explored campus before even starting my actual University life.’

Mahammad Aghamirzayev, Student from Azerbaijan, studied the Engineering and Physical Sciences Pathway

‘I will never forget when I first entered a lecture theatre; all different faces and languages were observed. I felt really happy to have the opportunity to learn about people from all around the world; an unrepeatable experience.’

Mohamed Shawky, student from Egypt, studied the Engineering and Physical Sciences Pathway


When you apply you will select the Foundation Pathway you would like to study and the undergraduate degree that you intend to progress to.

When you receive and accept your offer to study on the pathway, we will contact you about the modules you will study.

Pathway structure

Pathways consist of 120 credits in 10- or 20-credit modules. Your pathway will consist of an 80-credit suite of subject-specific modules, taught in our colleges by Birmingham academics, together with 40 credits of Academic English and Study Skills modules (see pages 20–21). If English is your first language, or you are a high-level speaker of English, you can study the Advanced Academic Skills module. Students on the ABSSL Pathway will take a further 20-credit subject module.

All classes are taught on our Edgbaston campus typically between 9.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

Your academic pathways

‘I LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO YOUR FOUNDATION PATHWAY AND SUPPORTING YOU DURING YOUR TIME ON THE PROGRAMME. I AM SURE YOU WILL HAVE AN INTELLECTUALLY STIMULATING, ENJOYABLE AND REWARDING TIME AT BIRMINGHAM.’

Dr Steve Minchin, Academic Director, Birmingham International Academy and Senior Lecturer, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences

You will not be tied to your choice of undergraduate degree; however, it is important that you make the right module choices. This is because some undergraduate programmes have compulsory modules that you should take in your Foundation Pathway and you will be required to achieve a specified grade in order to progress to that degree. These are listed online at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/bfa-pathways

Detailed descriptions of each pathway can be found on pages 22–33, including the modules that you can choose from. Some modules may be shared by the different pathways, so you will be studying alongside students from other disciplines.

This will give you the opportunity to share your ideas, increase your knowledge in different areas of study and form academic networks outside your main discipline.

What is your English language level and what will you study?

CORE STRUCTURE

IELTS 5.5: Academic English and Study SkillsIELTS 6.5–7.5: Advanced Academic English and Study Skills

HIGH-LEVEL ENGLISH STRUCTURE

IELTS 8.0: Advanced Academic Skills Most students on the Foundation will study our core modules. If you think you are eligible for the high-level module, please contact us to discuss your current level of English language.

192015 Admissions

Pathway structure and credits

CORE STRUCTUREHIGH-LEVEL ENGLISH STRUCTURE

=120 credits


This leads to undergraduate degrees in arts and humanities, business and social sciences programmes. All of these degree programmes provide a strong academic training and enable you to develop transferable skills that will make you attractive to employers in all sectors.

=80 or 100


This pathway leads to a wide range of interesting, technically advanced degrees in the biological and geological sciences, such as biology, psychology, geography and physiotherapy. It leads to a wide range of careers, tackling global issues such as disease, food security and the management of our natural resources.

100


This leads to undergraduate degrees in mathematics, science and engineering. These programmes have excellent career prospects that could take you to board level in globally recognised companies in industries as diverse as food, electronics, construction, pharmaceuticals and space technology; or into careers in research and development.

100

ACADEMIC ENGLISH AND STUDY SKILLS OR

ADVANCED ACADEMIC ENGLISH AND STUDY SKILLS =40

ADVANCED ACADEMIC SKILLS =20

OR

YOU CAN IDENTIFY WHICH LANGUAGE MODULE YOU WILL PROBABLY TAKE USING THE ENGLISH LEVEL BOX ON PAGE 21.

+ +


Advanced options for high-level English language speakers

‘THESE MODULES WILL ENSURE THAT AS A FOUNDATION STUDENT YOU WILL HAVE ALL THE TOOLS YOU WILL NEED FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDY, WHATEVER SUBJECT AREA YOU CHOOSE.’

Hayley Maxwell, English for Academic Purposes College Programmes Manager

In addition to the subject modules on your chosen pathway, you will take either:

IELTS 5.5 or 6.5–7.5o Academic English and Study Skills –

for non-Native English speakerso Advanced Academic English and

Study Skills module – for advanced English speakers

IELTS 8.0o Advanced Academic Skills – for native

or near-native English speakers These modules will be taught at Priorsfield. You will be learning in a supportive environment in small classes (maximum 15 students) that are focused on your individual needs. Students on the core structure will take a minimum of 6 hours of English per week, with up to 10 hours weekly for lower levels. Students with high levels will take 4 hours per week of English.

ACADEMIC ENGLISH AND STUDY SKILLS

Core pathway structureMost students will take either Academic English and Study Skills or Advanced Academic English and Study Skills. The modules will introduce you to academic English for undergraduate study and also to the development of specific language and skills related to your pathway. These could be writing summaries of scientific texts or producing lab reports for science programmes, or academic essays, critical thinking and debating for arts, law and social sciences programmes.

Classes are dynamic, with many opportunities for you to practise your language actively in groups.

Regular one-to-one tutorials provide you with feedback on your progress throughout the module and e-learning workshops allow you to work on specific aspects of language such as grammar or building your academic vocabulary.

If you are a native or near-native English language speaker with an IELTS score of 8.0 overall or above (or equivalent) you can replace the Academic English and Study Skills modules with Advanced Academic Skills.

This module will enable you to extend your academic and communication skills intensively and to use your language flexibly for a wide range of academic purposes. In addition if you are taking the ABBSL Pathway, you will need to choose a further 20-credit module from those offered on your pathway.

212016 Admissions

Academic English and Study Skills You will be equipped with the English required for academic study at undergraduate level. It will help you to acquire key academic vocabulary and to master key academic grammatical structures. The module will also help you to develop the necessary skills for reading academic texts and writing academic assignments. It will enable you to perform successfully across all modules of the Foundation programme, as well as preparing you for study in your future undergraduate programme.

=40

Advanced Academic English and Study Skills This will prepare you for the academic demands of your future undergraduate programme, where you will be expected to employ an efficient and effective learning style. It will enable you to deepen your understanding of how texts are constructed and it will also help you to develop your critical thinking skills. Through class discussions, debates and individual presentations, you will also improve your fluency and command of the English language.

=40

Advanced Academic Skills

You will develop advanced academic skills for undergraduate study in a range of disciplines. The emphasis will be on advanced literacy incorporating critical thinking and analytical skills such as the development and evaluation of academic argument and the synthesis of various sources of information. Students will have the opportunity to develop excellent communication skills for higher-level studies.

40 credits - EPS/MLGS Pathways20 credits - ABSSL Pathways

Presessional English language tuition If you require additional language tuition before the start of your foundation year, you will be able to apply for a specific Presessional English programme. This programme will typically be from 6 to 20 weeks in duration, depending upon your current English language level. Upon successful completion, you can transfer to the Foundation without needing to take another English language test.

You will have approximately 19 hours of classes per week in addition to regular tutorials and a lively social programme. You will improve and develop your

reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. You will learn how to use English grammar accurately and effectively for a range of academic tasks.

You will have plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, both for academic purposes such as giving a short presentation and for social communication and life at university. You will be introduced to academic culture as well as British culture and what it means to live and study in this environment. The Presessional programme aims to develop your confidence and fluency in English in a relatively short time.

You may need a longer Presessional English programme, depending upon your current English language level. If this is the case, we offer longer courses of 31 weeks or 42 weeks. The Presessional programme is not part of the Foundation package, and will be an additional cost.

You can apply online at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/presessionals

Learn moreFor all Presessional course enquiries, contact: presessional@contacts. bham.ac.uk

Module descriptionsIELTS 5.5 IELTS 6.5–7.5 IELTS 8.0


When you apply to the Foundation, you will be asked to choose the pathway you would like to enter and the undergraduate degree that you intend to progress to.

This pathway encompasses those degree subject areas within our College of Arts and Law and College of Social Sciences, which includes the highly ranked Birmingham Business School. All our degree programmes provide strong academic training and enable you to develop transferable skills that will make you attractive to employers in all sectors.

You will not be tied to your choice of undergraduate degree; however, it is important that you make the right module choices, as some are compulsory for progression onto certain undergraduate degree programmes.

The modules listed may be shared by the different pathways, so you will be studying alongside students from other disciplines. This will give you the opportunity to share your ideas, increase your knowledge in different areas of study and form academic networks outside your main discipline.

Pathway modules

When you receive and accept your offer to study on the programme, you will be advised about your module choices.

Some undergraduate programmes will have compulsory modules that you should take in your Foundation Pathway. You will be required to achieve a specified grade in order to progress to that degree. These are listed at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/bfa-pathways


‘OUR PROGRAMMES IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES, ARTS AND HUMANITIES EXPLORE EVERY FACET OF HUMAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE, FROM LITERARY CRITICISM TO ECONOMICS AND RELIGION TO SOCIAL POLICY.’

Dr Toby Kendall, Pathway Lead and Lecturer in Economics,

College of Social Sciences

Pathway structure

Core pathway structure

Subject-specific choices =80

Academic English and Study Skills OR Advanced Academic English and Study Skills =40

Total =120

High-level pathway structure


Advanced Academic Skills =20

Total =120

We also offer a January-September programme for the Social Sciences, Business and Law Pathway. The course is a condensed, nine-month foundation programme, which consists of compulsory modules only.

232016 Admissions

Module descriptions

Business and the Market Explore the relationship between markets and companies under different competitive conditions. How do markets work and differ, and why do these differences matter?

Learning to Read HistoryYou will explore two contrasting historical periods to develop your analytical skills. First, examine the social, economic and political issues which have shaped Modern Britain. Secondly, analyse the theme of empire, from Ancient Rome to the rise and decline of other empires, while reflecting upon the role of the USA in the modern world.

Learning to Read LiteratureHow do we read literature critically and reflectively? How do we understand and interpret what we’re reading? Understand different approaches to reading through a wide variety of early

and contemporary literature, exploring a range of key ideas and concepts such as heroes and monsters, epics and romances, the Gothic, Feminism and Postmodernism.

Politics in a Changing World The main issues and debates in contemporary international and global affairs, and the changing role and position of nation-states in an increasingly globalised world.

Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics A mathematical foundation which improves your understanding of business problems to help you make more effective business decisions.

Understanding Religion*Religion is a significant force in the world. It rebuilds and shapes cultures and nations, but can also be divisive and dangerous – and at the heart of many global conflicts of the last century.

You will explore why religion has such influence by exploring the ideas, sacred texts and global practices of different religions, and the political, social and cultural power of these faiths.

Understanding Law* The course will enable you to develop a sound foundational understanding of the structure and practice of key domestic and international law fields. As part of this overall aim, the you will be introduced to core legal skills such as the analysis of statutes, treaties and case-law, critical thinking and problem solving.

*Please note these modules are 10-credits and must be taken together.

Social Policy, Welfare and Society Explores the potential to create societies in which we would want to live, through the development and implementation of policies including health, social care, housing and justice.

o Accounting and Financeo African Studieso American and Canadian Studieso Ancient Historyo Archaeologyo Business o Classics

o Drama and Theatre Artso Economicso Educationo English Languageo English Literatureo Geographyo History of Art

o International Relationso Lawo Modern Languageso Musico Philosophy, Theology and Religiono Politics and Sociologyo Social Policy

The Arts, Social Sciences, Business and Law Pathway leads to undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas:

In order to study any of the undergraduate programmes in the Business School, you will need to study both Business and the Market and Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics as compulsory Foundation modules.


Arts

What will you study?Our English Literature degree programmes support you in becoming a confident and accomplished reader, researcher and writer, while our English Language degrees challenge you to sharpen your understanding and use of spoken and written English. Our American and Canadian Studies degrees explore the history, literature, politics and culture of the United States and Canada.

The internationally renowned departments of Drama and Theatre Arts and Music both teach a range of practical and theoretical aspects of their subjects, enabling you to focus on the areas which are of most interest to you.

The Department of History is one of the largest departments for this subject in the UK. You can specialise in ancient, medieval, modern, or social and economic history, or even in military history on our War Studies degree programme. Our Classical Literature and Civilisation degree explains the literature, drama, myth, religion, history, philosophy and art of the ancient world.

The Department of African Studies and Anthropology offers an interdisciplinary

learning experience in areas such as anthropology, politics and geography, combined with work on Africa and other parts of the world.

Our Modern Languages degrees include study in French, German, Italian and Hispanic Studies (including Basque, Catalan, Galician and Portuguese, as well as Spanish). We also offer Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Russian.

Philosophy, Theology and Religion degree programmes develop the analytic skills required to examine the fundamental questions of life, study sacred texts and explore the importance of religion in contemporary society.

History of Art is not just about appreciating the ‘great works’ – it’s also about understanding past and present cultures, and the process of human creativity.

What can you do after you graduate?Arts graduates enter a wide range of careers including advertising, journalism and media, government, law, publishing and teaching at every level. Some also pursue postgraduate study at Birmingham or other leading universities, to specialise in an academic area or train for careers such as law and teaching.

Social Sciences

What will you study?Our School of Government and Society offers the opportunity to study a range of degrees in the social sciences. These include Political Science, which will enable you to understand and explain what governments do, as well as teaching you a huge amount about human nature.

Our International Relations degree enables you to look at the role of states and organisations in an ever more interconnected world. You can also take a degree in Sociology, which provides an excellent opportunity to explore the social changes reshaping the world today.

If you choose an undergraduate degree in our School of Social Policy you will have the opportunity to actively engage in the analysis of cutting-edge social issues. Our Policy, Politics and Economics degree specialises in the study of real-world issues in a way that crosses the boundaries of traditional disciplines.

The School of Education provides opportunities to study a range of prestigious education-based interdisciplinary degrees including Education and History, and Education and Sociology.


252016 Admissions

What can you do after you graduate?Graduates from these degrees have pursued a variety of careers including working for national or local governments, international and non-governmental organisations or the media. Others have chosen to pursue further study, either continuing to Masters or PhD programmes at Birmingham or other leading universities, or training for careers in law or teaching.

Business

What will you study?Birmingham Business School delivers a full range of programmes across the Business disciplines, giving you access to world-class research and internationally renowned teaching. In order to study any of the undergraduate programmes in the Business School, you will need to study both Business and the Market and Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics as compulsory Foundation modules.

The Business Management degree equips you with the expertise needed to understand business and management on both a national and global scale. The programme is available with Communications, to address the public relations and media requirements of today’s business, or with a Year in Industry,

The Birmingham Law School’s ‘Pro Bono Group’ provides free legal services for the local community, and gives Law students the opportunity to develop the practical legal skills that they will need for their careers.

gaining practical work experience. International Business allows you to spend a year abroad, combining knowledge of modern business with the experience of another culture.

Our Accounting and Finance degree is accredited by the major accounting professional bodies and gives you the critical insight to analyse and understand concepts such as profit and loss and value for money. A degree in Economics provides you with the tools to understand global financial issues such as the financial crisis and the impact of climate change on the global economy, while Money, Banking and Finance combines the core areas of economics with a practical focus on banking, accounting, law and finance.

What can you do after you graduate?Our Business School degrees have long been recognised by major employers across all sectors of the economy, with

many of our graduates finding employment in financial services, accountancy and a range of management careers.

Law

What will you study?Studying for a Law degree is an intellectually demanding and thought-provoking experience that enables you to look at law from a number of perspectives; practical, technical, philosophical and theoretical.

What can you do after you graduate?Law graduates have great career potential, both within and outside the legal profession. Many of our students go on to the Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course to become solicitors or barristers, or pursue careers in public administration, industry and other professional areas.

FACT



‘GOOD SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING GRADUATES ARE VITALLY IMPORTANT TO WORLDWIDE ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY. WE ARE PROUD TO EDUCATE THE INNOVATORS OF THE FUTURE.’

Mrs Lynne Long, Pathway Lead and School Liaison Officer for the School

of Physics and Astronomy, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

When you apply to the Foundation Pathway, you will be asked to choose the pathway you would like to enter and the undergraduate degree that you intend to progress to. You will not be tied to your choice of undergraduate degree; however, it is important that you make the right module choices, as some are compulsory for progression onto certain undergraduate degree programmes.

Graduating from one of these programmes offers excellent career prospects that could take you to board level in major, globally recognised companies in industries as diverse as food, electronics, construction, pharmaceuticals and space technology; or into higher studies leading to careers in research and development.

Pathway structure




Total =120




Total =120

What module will you study? C

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Com

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Mat

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Mec

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Introductory Mathematics

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Properties of Matter 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Mechanics and Waves 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

Further Mathematics 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

20 20 20 20 20 20 20

Computer Science 20

Introductory Chemistry 10

The Periodic Table 10

Introductory Organic Chemistry

10 10

Organic Spectroscopy 10

Physical Chemistry 20 20

Practical Chemistry 10

272016 Admissions

o Chemical Engineeringo Chemistryo Civil Engineeringo Computer Science

o Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering

o Mathematicso Mechanical Engineering

o Metallurgy and Materialso Physics and Astronomy

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Pathway leads to undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas:

Module descriptions

Foundation Electronic and Electrical EngineeringThis module develops your basic knowledge and skills relevant to electricity and magnetism.

Introductory ChemistryDeveloping a number of fundamental concepts associated with the discipline of chemistry, this module introduces fundamental features of atomic structure, before extending towards compounds, including concepts of bonding and oxidation states.

Introductory Computer ScienceIntroduces issues relating to the representation, storage, exchange and manipulation of information and the theoretical and practical aspects of computing.

Introductory MathematicsThis module develops your confidence and knowledge in basic mathematical techniques and skills.

Introductory Organic ChemistryYou will develop your knowledge and skills in basic organic chemistry and be provided with a good grounding in the Organic Spectroscopy module.

Further MathematicsBuilds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the Introductory Mathematics module (Term 1). It will cover topics associated with functions, further calculus and numerical methods.

Mechanics and WavesProvides a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics and the fundamental concepts of wave motion.

Organic SpectroscopyThis module further develops some of the concepts presented in the Introductory Organic Chemistry module, such as isomerism and arrow pushing schemes.

The Periodic TableCovering important concepts such as periodicity and molecular shapes, this module expands and develops the basic bonding theories presented in the prerequisite module (Introductory Chemistry) in more detail.

Practical Chemistry (Laboratory)This module provides you practical experience such as training in aspects of health and safety.

Physical ChemistryBuilds your knowledge and skills in the broad area of physical chemistry and includes practice of some mathematical techniques within a chemical context.

Properties of MatterIntroduces some of the basic structures of matter and how these structures affect material properties and their behaviour and uses in science and engineering.

Pathway modules When you receive and accept your offer to study on the programme, you will be advised about your module choices. Some undergraduate programmes will have compulsory modules that you should take in your Foundaton Pathway. You will be required to achieve a specified grade in order to progress to that degree.

These are listed at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/bfa-pathways



Engineering SciencesWhat will you study?

Chemical Engineering This dynamic and evolving discipline provides many solutions to problems facing industries in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, oil, energy and food and drink sectors. It is vital to many issues affecting our quality of life, such as better and more economical processes to reduce the environmental burden, and more delicious and longer lasting food due to the right combination of chemistry, ingredients and processing. We offer a range of degree programmes in this subject to meet the requirements of the modern chemical industry.

Civil EngineeringCivil engineers solve problems, and design, build and maintain our living and working spaces. If you take a degree in Civil Engineering at Birmingham you can gain experience in diverse areas of this exciting subject, including fluid mechanics, geotechnical engineering and structural engineering. We have some of the largest teaching laboratories in the UK and a close relationship with industry that ensures graduates from this degree have all the core skills essential for success as professional engineers.

Electronic, Electrical and Systems EngineeringA degree programme in this field could see you designing, building and racing robots; building and programming powered underwater gliders, or creating powered suitcases that automatically follow their owner. Other projects can help you gain new skills in 3D computer graphics modelling; devise miniature machined circuits for communication systems; model the transfer of power from wind turbines into the national grid, or use radar technology.

Mechanical EngineeringA degree in this discipline will provide you with a sound understanding of the relevant mathematics and physical sciences, and allow you to become adept in their application. You will also gain experience of the total design process

from initial interaction with the client, through product specification, design and development, and have the communication skills to promote ideas effectively in a professional environment. Metallurgy and Materials A degree in Metallurgy and Materials will put you at the forefront of new technology, doing work that brings together designers and engineers of every discipline. Our degree courses can lead you into fields such as sports materials design, using advanced carbon fibre materials; advanced engines technology, using metals grown from single crystals; and the design of more durable plastic and glass components for mobile phones.

292016 Admissions

Physical SciencesWhat will you study?

Computer ScienceYou will learn about all kinds of computational systems and their theory, design, development and application, including programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, operating systems, databases, nature-inspired computation, concurrent computing, robotics and the theory of computation. The programmes incorporate concepts from fields as diverse as mathematics, engineering, linguistics and psychology.

ChemistryIf you study for a degree in Chemistry at Birmingham you will join one of the UK’s leading departments and have access to some of the best research facilities in the

country. Depending on your course of study, you could find yourself working in forensic, medical or industrial laboratories, working at the interface between chemistry and biochemistry/molecular biology, or purely in pharmaceuticals. MathematicsMathematics is the language of science and engineering, and an intellectual field in its own right. A Mathematics degree at Birmingham will introduce you to key areas of the subject such as pure mathematics, applied mathematics and mechanics, management mathematics and statistics.

Physics and AstronomyWe have a range of exciting undergraduate degree programmes to choose from. Physics with Particle Physics and Astronomy will take you into a deeper understanding of the smallest particles.

The College has had four Nobel Prize winners associated with its research and teaching.

Theoretical Physics will help you to explore the ‘profound concepts’ of modern physics, while Nanoscale Physics will take you into the realms of nanochips for the early detection of cancer, catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells and spectrometers for single molecule science. Astrophysics is the application of physics to understanding the universe at large. This will suit you if you are fascinated by astronomy and are looking for an in-depth treatment that also gives a good grounding in physics.

What can you do after you graduate?Graduates from these programmes benefit from excellent career prospects in major, globally recognised companies in industries as diverse as food, electronics, construction, pharmaceuticals and space technology; or you could continue into higher studies leading to careers in research and development.

FACT



‘THIS PATHWAY LEADS TO A WIDE RANGE OF INTERESTING, TECHNICALLY ADVANCED DEGREES IN THE BIOLOGICAL AND GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES. IT LEADS TO A WIDE RANGE OF CAREERS, TACKLING GLOBAL ISSUES SUCH AS DISEASE, FOOD SECURITY AND THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES.’

Dr Karl Nightingale, Pathway Lead and Senior Lecturer, College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The Medical, Life and Geo Sciences Pathway leads to undergraduate degrees in a wide range of subject areas. All of our degree programmes combine strong academic and practical training, and enable you develop transferable skills that are attractive to employers in all sectors.

When you apply to the Foundation Pathway, you will be asked to choose the pathway you would like to enter and the undergraduate degree that you intend to progress to. You will not be tied to your choice of undergraduate degree; however, it is important that you make the right module choices, as some are compulsory for progression onto certain undergraduate degree programmes.

Pathway modules

When you receive and accept your offer to study on the programme, you will be advised about your module choices. You will take modules amounting to a total of 80 credits. Some undergraduate programmes will have compulsory modules that you should take in your Foundation Pathway. You will be required to achieve a specified grade in order to progress to that degree.

These are listed at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/bfa-pathways

Two Nobel Prize winners were undergraduates at Birmingham! Both Sir John Vane, (1982, Prize for Physiology or Medicine), and Sir Paul Nurse (2001, Prize for Physiology of Medicine), completed their undergraduate studies at the University.

Pathway structure




Total =120




Total =120FACT

312016 Admissions

o Biochemistryo Biological Scienceso Biomedical Materials Scienceo Environmental Science

o Geologyo Human Biologyo Medical Scienceo Pharmacy

o Physiotherapyo Psychologyo Sport, Exercise and

Coaching Sciences

The Medical, Life and Geo Sciences Pathway leads to undergraduate degrees in the following subject areas:

Module descriptions Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences This module introduces you to the study skills specific to the biological sciences, with a particular focus on data analysis and interpretation, and scientific presentation skills.

Organismal BiologyThis module will provide grounding in basic knowledge of how organisms, including humans, have evolved and function and associated subject-specific skills. The course will look at how organs and organisms function. Throughout we will explore the evolutionary drivers of the studied features and use this analysis to illustrate how the process of differential survival (natural selection) operates to maximise an organism’s fitness. At the population level we will consider how organisms interact with each other and their environment.

Earth and Environmental Sciences This module examines the interplay between geology and environment that has shaped the world in which we live, and focuses on volcanism, plate tectonics, sedimentation and the co-evolution of life and planet Earth.

Molecular and Cellular Biology This module will examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin life. You will study a broad range of topics, including fundamental cell biology, genetics and biochemistry.

Introductory ChemistryThis module develops several fundamental chemical concepts, including aspects of atomic structure, before extending to compounds, bonding, oxidation states, and the factors that influence physical and chemical changes.

Introductory Mathematics This module aims to develop your confidence and knowledge of basic mathematical techniques, including indices and logarithms, basic algebra, geometry, trigonometry, vectors and an introduction to differentiation and integration.

Introductory Organic Chemistry This module aims to develop your understanding of basic organic reactions, including nomenclature; isomerism; arrow-pushing mechanisms and the reactivity of sp, sp2 and sp3 carbon centres.

Organic Spectroscopy This module further develops the concepts presented in Introductory Organic Chemistry, including isomerism and arrow-pushing schemes, and introduces structure determination using spectroscopic techniques.

The Periodic Table This module covers important concepts such as periodicity and molecular shapes, and develops the basic bonding theories presented in the Introductory Chemistry module in more detail.

Physical Chemistry This module develops your knowledge and skills in the broad area of physical chemistry. Study topics include: gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and kinetics, as well as acids/bases, solubility and electrochemistry.



Degree programmes in the Life Sciences

What will you study ?Advances in the Life Sciences are having a profound impact on our daily lives across the globe, in areas such as conservation, food security, medicine, and exercise and sport.

You may want to take a degree in Biology, the study of life, or Human Biology, where you will focus on the biology of our own species. Both of these degrees cover genetics, physiology, cell biology, evolution and development, whereas Biology additionally covers ecology and plant biology. In contrast, Biochemistry deals with the whole range of living organisms and diseases, and explores how they work at the molecular level. Alternatively, you may be interested in Sport and Exercise Sciences, which looks at how the human body works, and how sport and physical activity can help people to be healthy. Finally, if you study Psychology, you will learn about human behaviour, the brain and the mind.

We also offer more vocational degrees. Physiotherapy focuses on understanding how to maintain health, and returning patients to their full potential following injury or disease, whereas Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science is for students that are interested in pursuing a career in the broad field of sport, education and coaching.

What can you do after you graduate?Scientific degrees are an excellent preparation for a wide range of careers and employers who appreciate the combination of numeracy and thinking skills that they develop. Many of our life science graduates find jobs in their specialist field – either in the biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industries. Likewise, our Physiotherapy graduates, and Sport and Exercise Science, or Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science graduates, are in demand for their expertise in the healthcare and/or sports coaching industries. Alternatively, a substantial number of our Life Sciences graduates choose to take a higher degree, such as a Masters or PhD, which leads to a career in biological research, whereas many Psychology graduates go onto further study in forensic, educational or occupational psychology.

Degree programmes in the Medical Sciences

Some of our degrees have a more clinical or medical focus. You may decide to study Medical Science, a course that ranges from molecular aspects of cells, through to tissues and organs, with a focus on the scientific basis of medicine. Pharmacy is a professionally regulated degree that links the chemical, biological, pharmaceutical and healthcare sciences to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines. Finally, a degree in Biomedical Materials Science combines aspects of biology and materials science to allow students to understand the development of the artificial materials and devices used in medical or dental practice.

What can you do after you graduate?Many graduates from these degrees enter scientific jobs in the healthcare sector (ie, as a pharmacist, or in hospital-based diagnostics or analysis laboratories), or work in drug discovery in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. About one third of our graduates go onto a further degree – either studying a clinical subject (ie, Medicine, Dentistry), or an MSc or PhD which can lead to careers in biological or medical research.

332016 Admissions

Degree programmes in the Geo Sciences

Geology deals with the past, present and future of planet Earth, covering a fascinating range of different areas. These include oil and minerals, earthquake safety, the disappearance of dinosaurs, and much more. Our degree courses in Geology feature a wide range of fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad.

We offer a broad range of Geography degree programmes, which address the key issues of both human and physical geography, including climate change, water, pollution and its effects on health, global economic problems, population pressure and a rapidly urbanising world. Environmental Science looks at the way in which the natural world works and the range of challenging environmental problems that the planet faces today, such as food security, increasing energy demands and ecological damage.

What module will you study? Bio

chem

istry

Bio

logi

cal

Sci

ence

s an

d H

uman

Bio

logy

Bio

mat

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Envi

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and

Geo

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Med

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Pha

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Organismal Biology 20 20 20 20 20 20

Introductory Chemistry 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Introductory Maths 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences 20 20 20 20 20 20

Molecular Cell Biology 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

Introductory Organic Chemistry 10 10 10

Physical Chemistry 20 20 20

Organic Spectroscopy 10

Earth and Environmental Sciences 20

The Periodic Table 10 10

What can you do after you graduate?Graduating with one of these degrees, you could pursue a career focused around environmental remediation, climate change, or food security and related themes; all of which pose complex challenges for the future. Increasing numbers of our graduates are also employed in environmental planning, nature conservation, environmental health, hydrogeology, pollution control or the oil and minerals industries.


Please note: it is possible to progress to the University’s four-year degree programmes, such as the MEng (Integrated Masters) or programmes with a year in industry or year abroad. In such cases, Foundation Pathway students holding an offer for a four-year programme will be able to apply for an extension of their Tier 4 (General) student visa in their final year.

Entry requirements

Your offer If your application is successful you may receive an offer of a place for one of the following programmes:

o Bachelors Degree with Integrated Foundation Pathway (four-year programme)

o Foundation Pathway (one-year programme)

You must accept your offer and meet all of the conditions stated in your formal offer. All conditions must be met by 28 August 2016 in order for your offer to be made unconditional. If you are an overseas applicant and require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK you will also be issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from May 2016 onwards.

Minimum age requirementNormally you must be aged 17 or over by 19 September 2016 to be accepted onto the Foundation Pathways. You can be under the age of 17 at the time of application.

ProgressionYou are guaranteed a place on one of the University’s undergraduate programmes if you achieve satisfactory grades in your first year on the Foundation programme. Academic and English language progression requirements apply for each programme. You will normally be required to achieve 55–65%

overall in your Foundation programme, depending on the degree programme you intend to progress to.

Certain degree programmes will require that you achieve a specific grade in certain Foundation pathways. For a small number of programmes you will need to pass additional conditions as part of the progression route. These conditions can include an interview, a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) or a satisfactory Health and Immunisation check. You will be notified if you are required to meet any additional conditions during your Foundation year.

All possible undergraduate programmes and their progression requirements are listed online: www.birmingham.ac.uk/foundation

THE FOUNDATION PATHWAYS ARE SUITABLE FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION TO A HIGH STANDARD AND YOU WOULD NORMALLY REQUIRE A FOUNDATION YEAR BEFORE BEING ELIGIBLE FOR FIRST-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY TO UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK.

You can find the academic entry requirements for different qualifications online: www.birmingham.ac.uk/International/foundation-academy/entry-requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements, which can be found on page 35.

352016 Admissions

Four-year programmes IELTS Pearson Test of English (Academic)

Bachelors Degree with Integrated Foundation YearFor all pathways and progression routes

5.5 overall with at least5.5 in each band

A minimum ofListening – 51Reading – 51Writing – 51Speaking – 51

Bachelors Degree with Integrated Foundation YearFor students intending to progress to Law or English Literature



If you don’t meet the above requirements or only wish to study a one-year programme:

One-year programmes IELTS (UKVI) Pearson Test of English (Academic)

Foundation PathwayFor all pathways and progression routes



Foundation PathwayFor students intending to progress to Law, English Literature or Physiotherapy



Foundation Pathway For students intending to progress to Pharmacy



English language entry requirements Some degree choices are only available as a one-year programme, as you will need to meet certain requirements during your Foundation year in order to progress to your undergraduate degree. If you are successful in gaining an offer, we will provide you with further details about your programme.

Our one-year and four-year programmes are listed in the table, along with the entry requirements for your intended degree.


How to apply

In order to make decisions on applications we usually need to see:o If you have finished high school, your final high school certificate and

transcript, giving your grades in each subject.Or, if you have not finished high school:o Your transcripts, giving your grades in each subject, from Grade 10 and 11,

and your studies so far from Grade 12. These should be provided in English.and:o Evidence of your current English Language ability. This could be an IELTS, for

example or Pearson Secure English Language Test certificate. and:o A copy of your passport personal details page, if you are an international

student (non-European Economic Area). This should be from the passport with which you will be applying for your visa and travelling to the UK.

We can only consider your application when it is complete, so you must ensure you send us all relevant supporting documents.

Don’t forget to accept the offer. You can accept your offer by returning your completed acceptance form by email attachment or by simply replying to the offer email telling us you would like to accept your offer.

You will need to submit scanned copies of all your academic transcripts and certificates via email to: [email protected]

THE LAST DATE FOR APPLICATION FOR 2016 ENTRY IS FRIDAY 5 AUGUST 2016. YOU CAN APPLY DIRECTLY USING OUR SIMPLE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM AT: www.birmingham.ac.uk/International/foundation-academy/ how-to-apply

1 2 3 4 5 6You will need to write a short personal statement explaining your motivation for applying,as well as choose the Pathway you want to study.

List your academic qualifications so far, or the predicted grades in the examinations you are currently studying for.

You can upload your supporting documents if you have them or you can email copies to us.

Once your application is complete, you will be considered and notified of a decision by email.

If you are made an offer, this will be either Unconditional or Conditional, meaning you must meet certain requirements. You can accept your offer immediately, even if it is Conditional.

Once you have met all of the conditions of your offer you will be formally accepted onto the programme.

Application process

372016 Admissions

You must provide evidence of meeting your conditions before 26 August 2016.

Once you receive your offer, you can begin applying for accommodation without incurring any fees. We recommend you do this as early as possible to ensure you receive your first choice.

For international (non-EEA) students a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) will be issued at this stage, which you require for your visa application.

Your offerYour offer letter, which is sent to you by email, will detail the requirements still to be met before your place will be confirmed. Offer holders are advised to fulfil their conditions by 26 August 2016 to allow sufficient time to obtain a visa. If you apply after 7 August 2016, you will be considered for the 2017/18 academic year instead.

Please note: o Your application will be considered

to be complete only when we have received copies of all relevant supporting documents.

o If you haven’t yet finished your high school qualification your application could still be considered so please continue to send your documents to us.

o If you don’t yet meet our English language entry requirements you can still apply and, if you meet the academic criteria you may receive a conditional offer. You can choose to improve your English by taking a Secure English Language Test in your country or you could apply to take a Presessional English programme (see page 21).

o If you are made an offer to study a Foundation Pathway, your official offer letter and a copy of the Foundation Pathway Offer Guide will be sent to you by email.

1 2 3 4 5 6You will need to write a short personal statement explaining your motivation for applying,as well as choose the Pathway you want to study.

List your academic qualifications so far, or the predicted grades in the examinations you are currently studying for.

You can upload your supporting documents if you have them or you can email copies to us.

Once your application is complete, you will be considered and notified of a decision by email.

If you are made an offer, this will be either Unconditional or Conditional, meaning you must meet certain requirements. You can accept your offer immediately, even if it is Conditional.

Once you have met all of the conditions of your offer you will be formally accepted onto the programme.

The International Students Advisory Service (ISAS) We have a dedicated team of qualified international advisors who support you from your application to study at Birmingham through to your graduation. ISAS can help you apply for a visa and prepare for life in the UK. Tel: +44(0)121 414 8464Online queries: www.studenthelp.bham.ac.uk www.as.bham.ac.uk/studentlife international

Immigration adviceYou can also check the requirements for entry to the UK with the British Council offices, British Embassy or British High Commission in your country or you can go to the UK website.


Presessional dates

September presessional English programmes 2016

25 April–16 September 2016 20-week presessional English programme

31 May–16 September 2016 15-week presessional English programme

11 July–16 September 2016 10-week presessional English programme

8 August–16 September 2016 6-week presessional English programme

Key dates and contacts

Visit us

Come and find out what Birmingham has to offer at one of our University open days. If you are unable to attend one of our dates, you can also request an individual visit to the University at a time convenient to you.

Learn morewww.birmingham.ac.uk/bfa-visit

Contact us

[email protected]

+44 (0)121 414 9292

/birminghamfoundationacademy

www.birmingham.ac.uk/biawww

Key dates

September programme 2016

5 October 2015 Applications for 2016–17 to start

31 July 2016 Last date for Guaranteed Accommodation applications

7 August 2016

Last date for applications for the Foundation Pathways, September 2016 programme (accommodation applications should be submitted as soon as you have your offer of a place)

17–18 September 2016Arrivals weekend and airport collection for 2016–17

From 19 September 2016 Welcome International and Registration for 2016–17

26 September–9 December 2016 Autumn term dates

9 January–24 March 2017 Spring term dates

24 April–16 June 2017 Summer term dates

January programme 2017

7 November 2016Last date for applications for the Foundation Pathways, January 2017 programme

30 November 2016 Last date for Guaranteed Accommodation applications

2 January 2017 Accommodation will be available to check in, for January 2017 programme

5 January 2017Start date and Induction for January 2017 programme

9 January–24 March 2017 Spring term dates

24 April–23 June 2017 Summer term dates

26 June–14 July 2017 Revision and examination period

392016 Admissions

We also run Virtual Open Days if you cannot make a visit to our campus. Explore our beautiful campus and city online through photos, videos and 360º panoramas, and chat with our staff and students about visas, programmes available and what it’s like to study and live in the city of Birmingham.www.virtualtour.bham.ac.uk

The University has a network of overseas representatives who can provide further information on studying the Foundation Pathways. Many offer a visa counselling service and can assist you with your application, including certifying your documents. You can find contact details of your nearest representative at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/country

Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdomwww.birmingham.ac.uk 11

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