Become an in-demand professional at a Birmingham city centre college with award-winning support
If you are looking for a college in Birmingham city centre that offers practical learning and award-winning support, we have a college course to turn you into a skilled professional. If you join one of our courses, you will learn in incredible, easy-to-get-to facilities and have the choice of everything from Level 2 and 3 Diplomas to T-levels in everything from business, food and education to sport, health, digital, engineering and construction.
All our courses come with award-winning support and will give you opportunities to learn from business experts. Our tutors are also committed to giving you every opportunity to gain relevant industry experience and there are many courses you can progress onto degree level when you finish. Whatever your career path, we'll make sure you leave college with the skills, knowledge and experience to play a vital part in shaping your industry.
Come to our open day
The step up from school to college is a big one and our open days are the chance to find out the options available to you, as well as explore our amazing facilities and discover how we will support you.
Our next college open day is between 10am and 2:30pm on Saturday 4 October and you can bring a parent, carer or supporter to help you make your decision and ask any questions they may have.
Explore our college courses
Accounting T-level
Aspire to become an accountant? Take the first step towards your future on our accounting T-level course, a nationally-recognised qualification equivalent to three A-levels…
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Applied Science Level 3
If you want to delve deeper into the sciences and develop the practical, problem-solving and data skills that are so in demand by employers, BTEC Level 3 Applied Scien…
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Applied Science with Psychology Level 3
Our Applied Science with Psychology Level 3 college course prepares you for a rewarding career in the fields of science and psychology, with emphasis o…
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Aviation Operations Level 3
Interested in aviation, airlines, or airports? This course introduces you to this sector, with placement opportunities, guest speaking opportunities and use of our…
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Bakery Level 2 and Level 3
Do you dream of a professional career in baking? Our Bakery college course will help develop your practical skills in bread and confectionery, including learning ab…
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Beauty Therapy Level 2 and Level 3
Embark on a career in the glamorous beauty therapy industry with our practical college course. Covering essential techniques such as skincare, waxing and ma…
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Bench Joinery Level 2
If the idea of working with wood in the field of carpentry really appeals to you, then this course is the perfect platform to get your career off the ground.
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Bricklaying Level 2
Build foundation skills and knowledge in bricklaying and construction, get hands-on training using innovative facilities, and gain a recognised Level 2 qualification to en…
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Business Level 3 National Foundation / National Extended Diploma
Our Business college course will give you a strong grounding in general business management as well as insight into specialist…
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Cabin Crew and Aviation Operations Level 2
Set your sights on the skies with our aviation college course. Studying in our state-of-the-art mock plane cabin and other training facilities, you…
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Chef Cookery Courses Level 2 and Level 3 (Professional Cookery)
Start your journey to becoming a professional chef with our hands-on cookery college course. Build your practical skills in our…
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Computing and ICT Level 3
Get yourself ready for the modern-day digital world of work with our BTEC National computing college course. Learn about computer science, programming and other esse…
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Construction and the Built Environment Level 2
If you’re considering a career in construction, our Level 2 course will lay the foundations of knowledge and skills for you to start your journe…
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Construction and the Built Environment Level 3
Start building your career in the construction industry. Our Level 3 course will teach you the essentials such as construction mathematics, desi…
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Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing T-level
Interested in the areas of engineering, manufacturing or electronics? Equivalent to three A-levels, this course will teach you…
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Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T-level
Want to be part of the future of sustainable construction? This T-level course is equivalent to three A-levels and will provide you wit…
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Digital Business Services T-level (Data Analytics)
This T-level course combines digital technology and data with the world of business to provide a great starting point towards jobs such as d…
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Digital Production, Design and Development T-level
Do you see yourself playing a part in the future development of digital technology? Equivalent to three A-levels, this T-level course introd…
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Digital Support Services T-level
If you are interested in working in IT support or other digital support services, this T-level course combines building your key technical skills and knowledg…
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Early Years Level 2 Diploma
If you want to embark on a rewarding career working with young children but have little or no experience in childcare, our Early Years Diploma college course provi…
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Education and Early Years T-level
Start your journey towards a future working in childcare and education with our T-level course. Gain a mixture of technical and practical skills alongside re…
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Electrical Installation Level 2, Level 3
Switch on to a career as an electrician. Our Electrical Installation course will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge of everything fro…
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Engineering Level 2
Do you dream of becoming an engineer? Whether you’re interested in electronics, manufacturing or automation, our introductory engineering course will get you tooled up wit…
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Engineering Level 3
If you aspire to work in the areas of engineering and manufacturing, this BTEC Level 3 course will equip you with skills and knowledge in everything from mathematics and m…
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Food and Beverage Service Supervision Level 3
If you have previous training or education in food and beverage service, this Level 3 course will further enhance your skills and knowledge to en…
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Hair and Media Make-up Level 2
Interested in a career in hair and media make-up? From working in TV and theatre to photographic work and face painting, this college course arms you with a fou…
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Hairdressing Level 2, Level 3
Our Hairdressing college course provides you with a great foundation of practical training in hairdressing, opening career opportunities anywhere from salons to…
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Health and Social Care Level 2
Our Health and Social Care college course prepares you for a range of rewarding careers in the health and care professions, offering a wealth of practical learn…
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Health and Social Care Level 3
Our Health and Social Care college course prepares you for a range of rewarding careers in the health and care professions, offering a wealth of practical learn…
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Health T-level
Get the foundation of skills and knowledge you need for a future career in health care by studying our T-level course. Gain a nationally-recognised qualification equivalent to…
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Information and Creative Technology Level 2
Do you love tech? Start your journey towards a career in the world of digital technology on our Level 2 BTEC course. Gain a widely-recognised quali…
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Plumbing Level 2
If you want to become a plumber or heating engineer, our Plumbing Level 2 course provides the perfect starting point to gain core skills and knowledge that will enable you to…
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Plumbing Level 3
If you want to become a plumber or heating engineer, our Plumbing Level 3 course provides the perfect starting point to gain core skills and knowledge that will enable you to…
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Professional Food and Beverage Service Level 2
Take your first step into the world of hospitality. This Level 2 course will get you started on learning the essentials of bar tending, cocktail…
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If the idea of working with wood in the field of carpentry really appeals to you, then this course is the perfect platform to get your career off the ground.
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Site Carpentry Level 3
Passionate about carpentry and woodworking? This hands-on Level 3 course provides an introduction to professional carpentry and joinery, alongside preparing you for wor…
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Sport and Exercise Science Level 3
Excited by the prospect of a career in the sport and exercise sector? This Level 3 BTEC course combines scientific knowledge with practical application to p…
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Sport and Fitness Level 3
Join the booming health and fitness industry by studying our Sport and Fitness college course. Gain essential skills and knowledge in exercise, anatomy and physiolog…
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Sport, Exercise and Fitness Level 2
Do you love sport? Thinking of going into a career in the industry? Our Level 2 course gives you the ideal introduction to the knowledge and skills you wil…
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Sports Coaching and Development Level 3
Kick off your sports industry career by studying our Level 3 college course. Whether you want to become a coach, fitness trainer or performance analyst…
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Theatrical Media Make-up Level 3
Dream of doing make-up for film, TV or the theatre? This college course teaches you specialist hair and make-up techniques for a broad range of creative and d…
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Travel and Tourism Level 3
Do you love travel, or are you considering a future in the tourism and hospitality sectors? This course introduces you to these dynamic industries, with opportuniti…
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Award-winning support for college students
We are committed to giving you all the support you need to achieve your very best. We offer everything from one-to-one academic support, English and maths support, including helping you re-sit your GCSEs, online skills materials, in-class skills and development sessions to help with placements, careers, and more.
We also know how important your health and wellbeing are to successful study and have support in place to help you with this, alongside teams dedicated to everything from financial help to disability and neurodiversity support.
Why should you study course at University College Birmingham?
We know you will want to be reassured you will be happy with your choice of college and fulfilled and excited by what you will be learning during your studies. If you want to get a better idea of why you should choose University College Birmingham for your college course, check our our video.
Support for parents
If you'd like to discuss the best options for your son or daughter directly, our friendly team is ready and waiting to speak to you on 0121 232 4300 - or you can email marketing@ucb.ac.uk. We've also got plenty more information on the application process here.
Frequently asked questions
What happens once my child has applied to study at University College Birmingham?
Once your child has applied for a college course, they will receive an email confirmation, which allows them to book a date for an informal telephone interview.
We aim to confirm their offer on the day of the interview, if possible. But sometimes, if we need more information, it may take a little longer.
The offer may be unconditional (definite) or conditional (subject to GCSEs, a reference or a school report).
More details on the application process can be found here.
Is there any support available for purchasing kit and uniform? What financial support is available?
Tuition fees
Understanding tuition fees can be daunting, but we’ve made tried to make it as easy as possible. College courses are free for students up to the age of 18. Beyond that, there may still be help available, and in some cases, tuition is free for those aged 19 or over. More specific information regarding tuition fees can be found here.
College financial support
Financial support is available to college-level students from households with a total income of less than £31,000 per year. Support includes help with essential uniform, equipment, travel and free college meals. Eligibility criteria applies. You can download an application form and guidance notes here.
16-18 photocard
Full-time students aged under 18 may be able to access child-rate fares and season tickets with a 16-18 photocard. The card is free of charge and you can apply online at www.networkwm.com/16-18 from early August 2024.
Living on a budget
We understand that when you are living on a budget, every little helps. We offer free lunch-time meals to students who are aged 16 to 18, in full-time education, and deemed eligible by the Government. Our lunch scheme is discreet. All students need is their UCB student ID card to claim their free meal. To apply, you will need to complete a Discretionary Bursary Scheme form.
What other support is offered to students at University College Birmingham?
We believe that students really thrive when they're given the right support. We offer all students the opportunity to access one-to-one support and advice. Our support services include:
Academic Skills Centre
At University College Birmingham, we want every student to exceed and meet their potential. Our Academic Skills Centre can provide guidance with skills such as report and essay writing, time management, approaching coursework and preparing for exams.
Mentoring
We believe successful students make the best mentors. We have a team of university students who are trained to offer guidance and help to college students. They have been through the process and can talk knowledgeably about everything from revision skills to finances.
On-campus nurse
Our nurse offers free and confidential advice on all health matters.
Counselling
Whether a student has a problem relating to their studies or their personal life, University College Birmingham’s trained and impartial counsellors can help. The service is confidential and counsellors work within the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of ethics and practice.
HIRED
We take the future of our students and alumni seriously. That’s why we have our own careers and employability service: HIRED. Our employability tutors offer one-to-one support, and can help students secure work experience, internships and volunteering roles.
Unitemps
We’re lucky to have our own recruitment agency at University College Birmingham, which is called Unitemps. It sources part-time and seasonal positions for students and alumni.
Our industry partners
University College Birmingham works with hundreds of employers to give our students first-hand industry experience. Our high-profile partners include Hyatt Regency Birmingham, West Midlands Fire Service, Mitchells & Butlers Plc and the Institute of Directors.
What if my child doesn't have English and maths GCSEs?
If your child is aged between 16 and 18 years old and has not already achieved a GCSE at grade 4/C (or above) in English and maths, they will continue to study these subjects as part of their main study programme.
More information can be found here.
Do you offer accommodation for college students (under 18s)?
We offer limited accommodation for students under the age of 18.
Please contact us at accommodation@ucb.ac.uk if you require further information.
Request a prospectus
If you are looking to learn more about our college offer, please request a copy of our prospectus.