Academic Enrichment Programme

The programme runs from 28 to 31 August 2023. Each student will experience first-hand what life studying and living at a research-led university is like by staying for four days and three nights in the University halls of residence and attending academic sessions in an area of their interest. During the evenings, students will be able to take part in social activities. Throughout the residential, an experienced team of current undergraduate student ambassadors will be on hand to support you during your time with us.

During Year 13, students will also be paired up with a current undergraduate from the University and will have further support through e-mentoring on a weekly basis.

There are four broad streams that students can choose from. The stream must be related to your current studies or relevant to the degree programme you wish to study. The academic streams will include some of the following areas, but these are all subject to availability of academic staff:

• Humanities and Social Sciences – covering Geography, English, History, Law, Politics, Social Policy, Public Policy, Social Work, Sociology, Theology, Psychology
• Business – Accounting, Economics, Business, International Studies
• Physical Sciences – Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Maths, Chemistry
• Biological and Health Sciences – Physiotherapy, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Biology, Biomedical Material Science

In addition to academic lectures and seminars, there are also contributions from external organisations.

Students who successfully complete the Academic Enrichment Programme and apply to the University of Birmingham will receive special consideration from admissions tutors as well as: 

• An alternative offer to study at Birmingham which is typically two A level grades below the standard offer for the course (e.g. BBB rather than AAB)
• Guaranteed interviews for Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy
• A suite of scholarships and bursaries

Students who are successful in gaining a place on this programme will also benefit from:

• First-hand experience of academic learning at a research-led institution
• Support with raising academic grades through two study skills sessions in Year 13
• Experience of living in university accommodation and socialising with like-minded students
• Support from current undergraduates via e-mentoring
• Support with the decision-making process
• An invitation to attend an enhanced induction day before the start of the academic year (Kick Off Day)
• Becoming part of our Birmingham Scholars community when they start their undergraduate degree

The Academic Enrichment Programme is suitable for Year 12 students who have a strong commitment to study at a Russell Group institution like the University of Birmingham and who are studying A Level, IB or a relevant BTEC course. Applications are open to students who meet the Pathways to Birmingham criteria. Check to see if you are eligible.

Students applying to the Academic Enrichment Programme must have achieved the minimum academic requirements for their chosen university course at GCSE - please check the University of Birmingham course pages for more information. Medicine and Dentistry applicants have separate academic criteria which you can view on our Pathways pages.

Due to the competitive nature of this programme, applications will be selected based on the socio-economic criteria as listed for the Pathways to Birmingham Programmes and on academic grades in line with our entry requirements.

The costs of the Academic Enrichment Programme are completely covered by the University. This includes travel to and from the University, accommodation, all meals during the residential element, and all social activities.

If you have any questions about the Academic Enrichment Programme, please email aep@contacts.bham.ac.uk.