A practical course at University College Birmingham will help set your child up for success.
We understand that the leap from school to college can be a bit daunting for your child. And the leap out of college even more so. We also realise that many students thrive in an environment where they are gaining practical experience instead of just learning the theory behind it. We make sure each of our students is best prepared to go on to university or get the job they want. How?
First-class facilities
Our facilities are nothing short of world class.
We have invested over £200 million into state-of-the-art facilities in Birmingham city centre that will help allow your child to explore their ambitions through hands-on learning and practical experience, mirroring what they will find in the workplace.
Explore our facilities
Unrivalled support
Best student support in the region, as voted by students.
We have dedicated teams to provide your child with tailored award-winning support, including learning, finance, health and wellbeing and disability support, career advice, workplace preparation, work experience and even help with starting their own business.
Support available
More opportunities
We help your child to thrive and progress.
Your child will be welcomed into a diverse, ambitious community and encouraged to develop their skills. They will also have various progression opportunities in the form of our apprenticeships and undergraduate degree courses.
Progression opportunities
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.
Discover our courses
View our wide range of courses, perfect for school leavers looking to take their next steps towards their dream career. Take a look through the courses below and see if there's anything your child may be interested in. We can help if you are unsure which courses might be best.
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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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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Tourism, Aviation, Events and Hospitality Level 3
Love travel, or considering a future in the tourism and hospitality sectors? This course introduces you to these dynamic industries, with opp…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) Level 3
Want a rewarding career supporting young children? Focusing on childcare and education from birth to the age of five, this college cours…
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Cabin Crew 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 can gain the essential s…
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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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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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Bricklaying Level 1
Lay the foundations for a hands-on career in the construction industry with our Level 1 course. You will learn the fundamentals of bricklaying, blocklaying and cavity wall…
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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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How to apply
Complete an application form, learn more about the interview and offer process and prepare to enrol at University College Birmingham.
Apply for September
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.
Got more questions? Feel free to get in touch and speak to a member of our team. You can do this via our live chat or by completing this contact form.
"You will experience a very high quality college offer within a modern and exciting university environment. As a college and university under one roof, we offer a unique pathway for our students to progress from leaving school through to undergraduate and even postgraduate study, with lots of support to help make the transition from one level to the next. Our courses are highly practical, giving students the best possible preparation for entering the world of work."
Request a prospectus
Our prospectuses are available to view online and can also be ordered as a printed version.