UCB Ahead
University College Birmingham
Prepare for success
UCB Ahead is a one-week on-campus course designed to prepare international students for their higher education programme at University College Birmingham.
The course takes place two weeks before students start their academic programme.
Students will develop essential academic skills and gain an insight into university life to ensure a successful and comfortable start to their studies with us.
UCB Ahead is completely free of charge, although students will need to cover the cost of their accommodation.
*Students who have paid 100% of their tuition fees are also eligible to apply for a period of free stay at university-owned Maltings accommodation between 5 September and 27 September 2026. Rooms at The Maltings are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
September 2026 dates
Course dates: 14 September to 18 September
Free accommodation dates*: Check-in from 5 September. Latest check-out is 26 September
Location: On campus in Birmingham.
What you will learn
You will attend sessions hosted by various teams across the university. Sessions will cover:
- An introduction to UCB
- Expectations of you as a student
- Academic culture in the UK
- How you will be assessed and what assignments will look like
- How to improve your academic writing
- How to access extra academic support, should you need it.
Why attend UCB Ahead?
- Develop your academic and writing skills
- Learn about UK academic culture and what to expect with assignments
- Find out about the support you can access
- Give yourself the best chance of succeeding academically
- Meet other new students and build connections with members of staff
- Familiarise yourself with the university and the city of Birmingham.
Who can attend UCB Ahead?
To apply for UCB Ahead, you must:
- Be an international student
- Be starting a full-time course at University College Birmingham in September 2026
- Have paid at least 50% of your tuition fee and have your CAS.
Who is eligible for free accommodation?
To be eligible for a free stay at The Maltings accommodation, you must:
- Have paid 100% of your tuition fee and met all criteria listed above.
Make an application
International students can now apply for our September 2026 UCB Ahead programme. Applications can be made directly using the link below. Please email international@ucb.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Please note, the deadline to apply is 31 August 2026.