Digital Award

University College Birmingham is piloting the provision of a Digital Award to selected groups of students.

Eligible students will receive a £280 Digital Award that can be used to purchase a laptop or tablet from the Kick-Start website.  

Eligibility

Year 1 Sports Therapy students’ eligibility criteria

You must be enrolled on BSc (Hons) or FdSc Sports Therapy Year 1.

Year 1 Early Childhood Studies students' eligibility criteria

You must be enrolled on BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Year 1.

Year 1 Nursing eligibility criteria

You must be enrolled on BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) Year 1.

Progressing from a UCB college course to Higher Education study eligibility criteria

  • You must be studying a full-time undergraduate course.
  • You must have a student status of Home as assessed by University College Birmingham.
  • You must have been enrolled (and remained enrolled) at University College Birmingham on a full-time College course in the immediate prior academic year.

Joining UCB from one of UCB’s partner schools/colleges eligibility criteria

  • You must be studying a full-time undergraduate course.
  • You must be enrolled on Year 1 of the course.
  • You must have a student status of Home (i.e. not be considered an International student) – as assessed by University College Birmingham. International students are unfortunately ineligible for this part of the scheme.
  • You must have been enrolled at one of University College Birmingham’s partner schools/colleges* in the immediate prior academic year: 
    • Aston Manor Academy
    • Birmingham Metropolitan College
    • Cadbury Sixth Form College
    • City of Wolverhampton College
    • Dudley College
    • Halesowen College
    • Heart of Worcestershire College
    • Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College
    • Ormiston Forge Academy
    • Q3 Academy Tipton
    • Washwood Heath Academy
    • Sandwell College
    • South and City College

Why am I not eligible for the Digital Award?

This is a pilot, and the University has chosen selected groups of students to be involved in the evaluation of the trial. The University will then make an informed decision about the provision of the Digital Award going forward.

This is just one of the ways University College Birmingham is looking to support students; however, if you have ideas of ways the University could support students better during their time at UCB (both academically and non-academically), we would love to hear from you. Please email kickstart@ucb.ac.uk with your suggestions or speak to Student Services.

Digital Award FAQs

Is it a loan? Do I have to give it back?

No, you do not need to give the Digital Award back. The funds are for you to spend to get a laptop or tablet or tablet to support you in your studies both inside and outside the classroom.

Do the funds have to be used for a laptop?

If you already have a laptop or tablet that you can use to help you with your studies, then the Digital Award can be used in the same as other Kick-Start funds. Please see here for more information about how Kick-Start funds can be used.

Will I get the Digital Award if I am also eligible for Kick-Start funds?

Yes, the Digital Award will be awarded in addition to Kick-Start funds. Please see here for the eligibility criteria for Kick-Start funds.

If I withdraw from my course, do I have to give my Digital Award back?

No, you do not need to give the Digital Award back. However, any unspent funds will no longer be available following withdrawal from the course.

What happens if I transfer from Sports Therapy / Early Childhood Studies / Nursing to a different programme?

If you transfer course, you do not need to give the Digital Award back. However, any unspent funds will expire on 30th September after graduation.

How will I receive my Digital Award?

The Digital Award will be awarded in the form of Kick-Start funds. Look out for an email to your UCB email account that will notify you when funds are released. The funds can be spent on the Kick-Start website to purchase a laptop or tablet or used in the same way as other Kick-Start funds.

When will I receive my Digital Award?

The Digital Award will be awarded shortly after you are fully enrolled on your course. Please email kickstart@ucb.ac.uk if you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, are fully enrolled, and the Digital Award is not awarded within the first two weeks of the start of teaching. 

I have a query that isn’t answered in the FAQs, where can I find out the answer to my question?

If you have a query about your Kick-Start account that isn’t answered here, please email kickstart@ucb.ac.uk or visit Student Services, ground floor at The Link. Our team will then either assist you with your enquiry about The Kick-Start Scheme or direct you to someone who can help.

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