The University of Birmingham will be throwing open its doors to a record number of more than 33,000 prospective students and their parents this Thursday 30 June and Friday 1 July, for its annual undergraduate open days.

This year’s figure represents a rise on 2010 figures. The University has also registered record numbers of teaches and careers advisors for its biennial Careers and Admissions Conference which takes place Wednesday 6 July 2011.

Scores of 17-year-olds and their families will be able to find out what the University has to offer, both academically and socially, and hear first-hand from current undergraduates and teaching staff about all aspects of living and learning at Birmingham.

The event, which is designed to help potential students make an informed choice about their course and place of study, has also attracted more than 5000 year 12 pupils, from 81 schools across the West Midlands.

Visitors will be able to learn more about the extensive range of courses offered by all academic schools and departments, while free bus tours of the Edgbaston campus will also be available throughout the day.

The University is also seeing an increase in numbers to its biennial Careers and Admissions Conference which takes place Wednesday 6 July 2011.

So far, more than 160 teachers and careers advisors have registered. The conference is designed to keep teachers and careers advisors who work with sixth form students, updated on developments in Higher Education. It also provides the opportunity to find out more about courses offered at the University.

Liz Murphy, Director of Student Recruitment, at the University of Birmingham said: “We are delighted by the increased interest in our Open Days, Birmingham is making a concerted effort to enhance the experience for all students and we look forward to opening up our beautiful campus to a new group of potential undergraduates. 

“We offer the widest range of courses of any UK Higher Education institution. Our open days are a good opportunity for prospective students and their parents to find out what we have to offer, to enable them to a make an informed choice about their future study and career.”

To find out more or register for an open day contact the Student Recruitment and Outreach team on +44 (0)121 414 3374, email: schools-liaison@bham.ac.uk or visit www.birmingham.ac.uk and complete the online registration form.

For further information on the free Careers and Admissions conference contact Katherine Pagett on +44 (0)121 414 3501 or email k.a.pagett@bham.ac.uk.

Last year the annual open day event attracted more than 30,806 visitors of which 10,606 were prospective students, 14,494 were their families and guests and 5706 school pupils.

This year the event has attracted more than 33,000 of which 12,572 are prospective students registered to attend over the 2 days, 15,590 are their families and guests and 5035 school pupils.

Over the last three years the University has invested in excess of £200 million on the estate, including state-of-the-art learning facilities and in addition will invest £600 million in a wide range of transformational projects to enhance further the high quality experience that Birmingham students receive. The brand new Bramall concert hall and music department will open in 2012; and there are plans to invest £40 million in new world-class sports facilities and the development of a new central library building.

For media enquiries please contact Ben Hill, PR Manager, University Press Office tel 0121 414 5134 or b.r.hill@bham.ac.uk.