What you will study

Students benefit from an average of 19 class hours in addition to regular individual tutorials and a social programme.

You will:

• enhance your level of English language to satisfy entry requirements
• improve and develop your academic skills for BFA study
• use English grammar effectively and accurately in academic tasks
• improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills
• use source material effectively in written tasks
• practise strategies for expanding your vocabulary
• use time management and general study skills
• develop social communication skills

More generally, past students have reported increased confidence in their use of language and skills for academic study which better prepares them for the Birmingham Foundation Academy.  You can read a student testimonial in the learning and teaching section.

Length of course

The length of course you need depends on your existing IELTS score and on the IELTS score you need for Birmingham Foundation Academy Pathway.

• Find out what length of course you need

Course assessment

Your grade for the course will depend on grades for work you do during the course and your final score in exams. 

Progression

To complete the course successfully you must reach the minimum final marks required by your intended BFA pathway and have a minimum of 90% attendance. On successful completion of the course, you will progress to the BFA programme without retaking IELTS/TOEFL.

Accommodation

During your presessional course you will be guaranteed accommodation within walking distance of the university campus. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your life in Birmingham in safe and welcoming surroundings.

Further information about our accommodation, including virtual tours of bedrooms and kitchens, can be found online.

Details of where you will be living during your Presessional course and as a Foundation Academy student will be available from January 2013. In the meantime, if you have further questions please contact Diana O'Toole, our accommodation consultant by email:  d.otoole@bham.ac.uk

As a Birmingham student you are part of an academic elite and will learn from world-leading experts. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself. Your learning will take place in a range of different settings, from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials, to self-study and peer group learning (for example preparing and delivering presentations with your classmates).

To begin with you may find this way of working challenging, but rest assured that we’ll enable you to make this transition. You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues, and a formal transition review during your first year to check on your progress and offer you help for any particular areas where you need support.

Xuan-Yu Liu (China) completed a 6-week English Presessional course before going on to a Foundation Programme."I lacked confidence when I arrived, but I was more prepared for my foundation programme because I did the Presessional. The most useful part of the course for me was learning how to take part in seminars and write academic essays. There are many differences between Universities in China and the UK, especially in academic writing. The teachers helped me a lot and the Presessional gave me an advantage." (Xuan-Yu Liu, 2011).

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.  

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CV’s and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects. 

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.