University College Birmingham

Scores

What do these scores mean?

History

• The origins of the College can be traced back to the late 19th century.
• It has an established UK and international reputation as a leading provider of vocational management education.
• Longstanding association with University of Birmingham which accredits University College Birmingham Degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

Location and transport

• Based in the busy and bustling city centre of Birmingham, close to the main shopiing and social areas.
• Halls of residence a few minutes walk away.
• Dedicated postgraduate centre two minutes walk away.
• In the centre of the UK – road and rail access is excellent and Birmingham airport is only 20 minutes away.

Entry standards

• Entrance requirements vary for different courses. Details can be found on the UCB website or on the UCAS site.
• We welcome undergraduate applications from candidates with A level or equivalent qualifications.
• International students, please visit our website for helpful information on how to apply, tuition fees and guidance on what levels of written and spoken English are required.

Student mix

• Currently 3,384 female HE student enrolments and 1,648 male HE student enrolments (2011–12 figures).
• Over 1,100 international HE students.

Course flexibility

• All programmes have 'options' modules which enable students to choose pathways of interest.
• The majority of study programmes either include integral placement years or the option to do a placement year. Unlike many other institutions, there is no additional tuition fee for this.
• Flexible opportunities exist to study a language, either as a compulsory part of a course or an option, in the University College's Modern Languages Centre.
• Degree and postgraduate qualifications are awarded by the University of Birmingham or University College Birmingham.

Teaching standards

• International reputation for teaching and learning.
• The latest QAA Institutional Audit report concluded that 'broad confidence can be placed in the soundness of the College's current and likely future management of the quality of its programmes'.
• The auditors praised the college for its student support, organisation of placement activity, staff development programmes, the commitment of its employees and its work with industry.

Academic strengths

• University College Birmingham is the UK's specialist institution for HE management programmes in the fields of hospitality and tourism. Subjects include business, sports therapy, events, food management, marketing, culinary arts, early years and spa management.
• Many courses are recognised and accredited by professional bodies, for example the Society of Sports Therapists, the TDA and the Tourism Management Institute.
• Strong links with industry underpin the excellent placement opportunities available to students and also ensure that our programmes are up to date and in line with providing the skills and training students need for their chosen careers.
• Excellent international study exchange opportunities.

Student facilities, including library and computing

• Open day visitors regularly comment on the high quality of UCB facilities.
• Excellent study areas including impressive library with specialist subject librarians, computer suites and resource centre.
• Specialist training facilities include restaurants, a health and leisure club, hairdressing and beauty therapy salons, food and beverage test laboratories, a culinary demonstration theatre, sports therapy clinics and top industry-standard kitchens.
• The Learning and Skills Development Centre offers excellent study support facilities for students, often helping individuals reach higher levels of achievement.

Disability services

Students' Union

• Proactive Student guild active in all areas of student life: from activities, including social events, sport and campaigns to student representation, making sure that the student voice is heard in all areas of the institution. Being a reliable and approachable source for information, advice and guidance is integral to Guild life.

Sport

• The Guild organises all of UCB’s Sport teams and has enjoyed a number of successful years, with seven different teams winning their leagues over the last 3 years.
• The Guild has worked hard to develop a professional approach to sport and employs some fantastic, experienced coaches to work with each team. Each team is also assigned two UCB sport therapists to aid in fitness, rehab and nutrition.
• Sports facilities include a multi-use sports hall, gym and spa, and an affiliation with a local rugby club. Students have access to pitches and facilities rented by the Guild for UCB use.
• A new, off-site sports facility, including grass and all weather pitches for football, hockey, cricket and rugby, will be available in 2012/3.
• UCB offers 13 different sports teams ranging from Basketball to Cricket and also a number of non competitive societies designed to encourage student participation.

Recent/prospective new builds

• A brand new £25-m college site is being developed, ready to open in September 2013, and will be built to the highest energy efficient standards.
• It will increase teaching and learning facilities by 25%.
• The dedicated Postgraduate teaching facility is open.

Availability of part-time work

• As a city centre-based University College, there is access to part-time job opportunities.
• The UCB Job Shop provides information on part-time jobs and can give advice on applications and CVs.

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