What is the Birmingham Foundation Academy?

The Birmingham Foundation Academy (BFA) is a specially structured programme for students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities.

It is an opportunity for highly motivated learners with an excellent academic record and the willingness to study hard to enter the university environment one year before the start of the undergraduate degree programme.

At the end of the one-year programme you are guaranteed a place on an undergraduate degree course at the University of Birmingham, provided you have achieved satisfactory grades. Two-thirds of your Foundation Academy programme consists of academic modules in the subject area you want to study at undergraduate level. The remaining third consists of English language and study skills that will prepare you for learning at degree level in the UK.

What is different about it?

The BFA is different from many other university foundation programmes. A key difference is that you are taught by the University’s own academics, many of whom are global experts carrying out world-leading research. This gives you a distinct advantage by ensuring that your programme reflects the very latest emerging theories and ideas. All teaching takes place on the University’s main campus and you are a full member of our student community with access to all the same facilities and services that undergraduate and postgraduate students here enjoy.

How much does it cost?

For 2012–13 the cost of the cost of the Birmingham Foundation Academy Package is £20,300. This is an all-inclusive package, covering:

• One year’s tuition fees (£12,500)
• Fully catered accommodation for one year (£7,000)
• Books and all classroom equipment (£800)
• Full access to all campus facilities and University services

You can pay your tuition or accommodation fees in full at the start of the year or in instalments throughout the year.

Where will I live?

You will live in dedicated accommodation with other Foundation Academy students in Mason, the University’s newest residence on campus. Mason consists of single-sex apartments with six bedrooms in each, all with en suite facilities. All student bedrooms are fully furnished and cabled to provide a free internet service. A Residents’ Life Co-ordinator, living on site, will be on hand at all times to help you with any welfare issues you may come across, and ensure you have no difficulties in your day-to-day life here. (More details can be found in the Your accommodation section below).

Do I have to stay at the University of Birmingham to do my undergraduate degree?

You are not tied to Birmingham for your undergraduate studies, and if you wish to progress to another university, we will offer advice. However, we believe that the quality of your experience here and the supportive environment we provide will ensure that you feel at home here and will want to stay with us.

Can I progress to any undergraduate degree offered by the University?

The progression routes for the BFA will be published on line. Successful BFA students can progress to the full range of undergraduate programmes ordinarily open to international students, excepting only the Medicine and Surgery MBChB.

When does the 2012 term start?

Teaching will begin on 24 September 2012; however, we strongly recommend that you arrive at the University in advance of this. You will be able to check into your accommodation during ‘arrivals weekend’ (15–16 September), and, with the help of your Residents’ Life Co-ordinator, will be able to familiarise yourself with your surroundings. In the week of 17 September you will be invited to attend the University’s International Welcome and Registration, specifically for international students. During this time we will guide you through the process of registering with University and other necessary administrative tasks, as well as arranging social activities for you to ensure that you can meet people and make friends right from the very start. (More details about the International Welcome and Registration activities can be found in the Student support section below).

What are the other term dates?

Term dates for 2012–13 are as follows:

• Autumn term: 24 September to 7 December 2012
• Spring term: 7 January to 22 March 2013
• Summer term: 22 April to 14 June 2013

What are the academic pathways?

As a Birmingham Foundation Academy student you will follow one of five broad pathways that lead to undergraduate degrees in particular schools within the University. The five pathways are:

• Arts and Law
• Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Life and Environmental Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Social Sciences

You choose your pathway according to the undergraduate degree you wish to progress to. For example, if you wish to progress to an undergraduate degree in Human Biology, you would choose the Life and Environmental Sciences Pathway, which leads towards a degree in the School of Biosciences (one of which is Human Biology). Within this pathway you would choose the appropriate optional modules for the Human Biology degree.

Each pathway is made up of modules worth either 20 or 10 credits. You must take a total of 120 credits over the academic year. Two 20-credit English language and study skills modules are compulsory within each pathway (see English language and study skills questions below for more details). Your remaining 80 credits come from your academic modules. In some pathways there may be one (or more) academic module that is compulsory, whereas other pathways allow you to make up your 80 credits entirely from optional modules.

When do I choose my academic pathway and the degree I want to progress to?

When you apply to the Birmingham Foundation Academy you will be asked to choose the pathway you would like to enter. Once you have received your offer, you will be asked to indicate the undergraduate degree that you intend to progress to, and make your module choices for the Foundation Academy programme.

Can I change my chosen undergraduate degree from the one I selected when received my offer?

You will not be tied to your choice of undergraduate degree; however it is important that you make the right module choices. This is because some undergraduate programmes will have modules that you should take in your Foundation Academy programme and you will be required to achieve a specified grade in order to progress to that course. If you have not taken the modules required for a particular undergraduate programme you will not be able to progress to that programme after your Foundation Academy year. You must therefore check the module requirements for the undergraduate programme you wish to progress to before making your module choices.

Can I change to a different pathway?

In certain circumstances it is possible to change your pathway, although you would need to discuss this with your tutor.

What English language and study skills modules will I take?

You must take two 20-credit English language and study skills modules as part of your pathway. For most students these modules will be English Language and Study Skills for Academic Purposes in Term 1 and English Language and Study Skills for Specific Academic Purposes in Term 2.

I already have good English language skills – do I still need to take these modules?

If you are a high-level English language speaker you will still need to take English language and study skills modules, but you can replace the two modules mentioned above with Aspects of Britain (in Term 1) and Advanced Academic Skills (in Term 2).

Both these modules will also enable you to improve your fluency and command of the English language.

Where are these modules taught?

English language and study skills modules will be taught partly in lecture and seminar rooms across campus but mostly in the Foundation Academy Hub and English Language Centre based in Priorsfield. This is a dedicated study, social and welfare centre for Foundation Academy students, based in a beautiful historic manor house on the Edgbaston campus.

What are the academic entry requirements for the Birmingham Foundation Academy?

The Birmingham Foundation Academy is an ideal opportunity for you if:

• You are a student from a 12-year education system and your qualification is not accepted for direct entry to UK undergraduate degree programmes. You should have achieved, or be predicted, high grades in your Year 12 high school examinations.
• You have followed, or intend to follow, the International Baccalaureate or A level curriculum to IB Diploma or AS level. You should also have achieved, or be predicted, high grades.
• You have followed, or intend to follow, the IB Diploma or A2 level to a high standard, normally acceptable for direct entry to University of Birmingham undergraduate degree programmes, but have not taken the correct pre-requisite subjects to a high enough level for entry to the specific undergraduate degree programme that you would like to apply for.

You can find the entry requirements specific to your qualification at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/foundation-academy/requirements

What English language requirements will I need?

You can find the English language entry requirements specific to your intended pathway at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/foundation-academy/requirements

Can I still join the Foundation Academy programme if I don’t meet the minimum English language requirements?

If you require additional English language tuition in order to meet the English language requirements for the one-year programme, you can apply for a specific Foundation Academy English programme that takes place before the start of your first term. This programme will be six or ten weeks in duration, depending on your current English language level. On successful completion you can transfer to the Foundation Academy without taking another English language test. This programme is not part of the Birmingham Foundation Academy Package, and so will be at your own cost.

How do I apply for the Birmingham Foundation Academy programme?

You can apply directly to Birmingham Foundation Academy at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/foundation-academy/apply. In addition to listing your academic qualifications or predicted grades, you will need to write a short personal statement explaining your motivation for applying. The online application form contains a box for you to enter your statement.

When is the deadline for applications?

The last date for application for 2012 entry is Monday 20 August 2012.

What happens next?

Providing you meet the entry requirements, we expect to be able to make you an offer within three working days of receiving your completed application (working days are normally Monday to Friday).

You will be made an offer for either:

• The Birmingham Foundation Academy Programme (one-year programme). If you complete your one-year programme and meet the published progression criteria you will be guaranteed a place on one of our three- or four-year degree programmes.
• A Bachelor’s Degree with Integrated Foundation Year (four-year programme). This will include your one-year foundation Foundation Academy Programme. Please note: this is the only option available for students on the Arts and Law Pathway.

Once you have satisfied any conditions of your offer, the University will issue you with an unconditional offer. When you have accepted this, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies for either the one-year or the four-year programme.

How do I apply for a Student Visa for the UK?

Your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) proves that you have been accepted on to a full-time course and will be required when you apply for your Tier 4 Student Visa to study in the UK. Once you have been issued with your CAS, the University’s International Students Advisory Service will contact you to offer support with the visa application process.

If your offer is a conditional one because you need to improve your English language level, and you apply for a presessional Foundation Academy English programme in order to do this, the University will issue a CAS for the duration of this presessional programme. Once you have successfully completed your presessional programme, you will be issued a new CAS for the one-year or four-year programme.

Where will I live?

You will live in dedicated accommodation with other Foundation Academy students in Mason, the University’s newest residence on campus. Mason, which opened in 2008, consists of single-sex apartments of six bedrooms each, all with en suite facilities. It is a short walk away from the Foundation Academy Hub and English Language Centre, and your academic departments are just a short walk from there.

What is provided in my accommodation?

• All student bedrooms are fully furnished and cabled to provide a free internet service, which also enables you to view television over the network
• A bedding pack, including duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase and sheet, will be waiting for you when you arrive
• Cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, a kettle and a toaster are provided
• The accommodation is fully heated
• Basic contents insurance is included
• Your accommodation includes a catered package covering all meals, and most dietary needs can be catered for

What is the Residents’ Life Co-ordinator?

The Residents’ Life Co-ordinator will be a dedicated member of staff who will live on site and act as a first point of contact for Foundation Academy students. They will provide advice and guidance, and help you to familiarise yourself with campus buildings, facilities and services, shopping areas, places of interest and local transport networks. They will also arrange suitable social gatherings. This is a unique service for students at Birmingham Foundation Academy.

Do I have to live in University accommodation?

Yes, unless you can provide evidence that you will be living with a guardian who is local to the University (if you are under 18) or, alternatively, if you are bringing your family to Birmingham and you can secure suitable accommodation outside the University.

Do I have to take the catered package?

Yes, catering is a compulsory part of your accommodation package unless there is a medical reason that makes it unsuitable for you.

Will I get help with settling in to the University and adjusting to life in Birmingham?

We have many successful years of welcoming international students to Birmingham and we fully understand the needs of someone coming to study in the UK for the first time. Our International Welcome activities will ensure that you have all the help you need to settle in and feel at home here as quickly as possible. This starts before you arrive at the University, with a free collection service from whichever airport you are arriving at.

When you arrive, a Welcome team of senior students will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer you the benefit of their experiences. Together with other Foundation Academy students, you will be guided through the process of registering with the University and other necessary administrative tasks such as opening a bank account here and registering with the police (where necessary). Suitable social activities will be arranged for you to ensure that you can meet people and make friends right from the start.

Can the University help me with immigration issues?

Yes, we have a specialised International Students Advisory Service (ISAS) that gives immigration advice and services on behalf of the University. Its advisers are experienced in a wide range of immigration and visa issues, and their services are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).

ISAS will contact you to offer help with the visa application process as soon as you have been accepted on to the Foundation Academy programme and have received your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). They can also help you with extending your visa from within the UK, correcting your visa (if necessary), obtaining immigration permission for friends or to visit you in the UK during your course or to attend your graduation, and many other immigration-related issues.

I have a disability – what support can the University provide for me?

We welcome students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties. Our Disability and Learning Support Service can provide a wide range of support services for you. These include individual student consultations, assistive technology and guidance on how to use it, specialist equipment loans and provision of non-medical helpers.

Adapted rooms are available in your residence (Mason) for wheelchair users and for students with hearing and sight impairment. Please contact us if you require specially adapted accommodation. See www.as.bham.ac.uk/studentlife/disability for more information about the services we can offer students who have a disability.

How can I find out more about Birmingham Foundation Academy?

If you have any further questions about Birmingham Foundation Academy, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at foundation-academy@contacts.bham.ac.uk or telephone: +44 121 414 9292.

The University also has a network of overseas representatives who can provide further information on studying at Birmingham Foundation Academy. Many offer a visa counselling service. You can find contact details of your nearest representative at www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/students/country