Social Work with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)
Do you have an interest in working with vulnerable children, families and adults and want to make a difference to society? If so, then this Social Work degree with a foundation year might be suitable for you....
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Education and Social Work
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Course is Full for 2021/22 Entry
This course is now full for 2021/22. You can apply for 2022/23 via UCAS from September 2021.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2021, take a look at some of our other available courses.
Overview
Do you have an interest in working with vulnerable children, families and adults and want to make a difference to society? If so, then this Social Work degree with a foundation year might be suitable for you.
As one of the largest providers of social workers in the UK, our Social Work BSc (Hons) degree is approved by Social Work England and is well known for producing excellent practitioners capable of operating in local authority, voluntary or private settings.
Please note: entry requirements for degree course
Upon completion of your Foundation Year, if your chosen course is regulated by a professional body such as the Department for Education, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment.
Tailor your Society, Childhood and Education Degree
When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you will be able to progress onto a range of Undergraduate courses at the Birmingham City School of Education and Social Work. These include:
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Social Work
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Computing with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Science with Biology with QTS
- BA (Hons) Secondary Physical Education with QTS
- BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families
Why choose a foundation year course?
By studying a foundation year in Society, Childhood and Education your first year will be spent learning a wide range of broad subject areas which then open up opportunities for you to specialise further in your next year – which would be the first year of a full degree programme.
You will study very broad subjects in your foundation year, which is designed to prepare you for a range of courses and not just one particular BSc or BA degree.
So although you are studying a BA or BSc in a specific course –BSc Social Work – the foundation year sets you up for a number of other possible degrees starting the following year. It may be that you don’t end up doing a degree in precisely the same subject as your foundation year.
This flexibility is one of the great things about the foundation year category - Society, Childhood and Education, allowing you to find out more about your interests and talents before focusing on a three year degree. The foundation year also helps us at BCU to make sure we help to match you to the degree that fits you best.
What's covered in this course?
Our specially-designed degree is endorsed by the College of Social Work to give you the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference to people's lives as a professional and registered social worker.
You will learn about the social work profession and the needs of the people social workers support. We link theory and practice through a combination of academic learning and on the job placement opportunities.
You will gain a first-hand insight into a wide range of issues that you will face in social work practice, such as:
- The care needs of vulnerable practice
- Homelessness
- Domestic violence
- Substance misuse
- Mental health problems
- The abuse of vulnerable people
Through expert teaching and quality placements, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of different service user groups and the skills needed to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable people.
This social work degree course is among the most innovative of its kind, placing you where you will benefit the most - among the people and communities you will go on to support.
Why Choose Us?
- High graduate employability rate
- We celebrate diversity and culture
- Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city
- Exciting and challenging work placements
- We will develop you to be a skilled, resilient and empowering leader
- Study in our £41 million City South Campus
- Experienced and dedicated staff team
- The course covers all aspects of social work
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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88 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| GCSE |
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| City and Guilds Level 2 Certificates in Adult Numeracy/ Adult Literacy |
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| Functional Skills/ Essential Skills level 2 |
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| Key Skills level 2 |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| AS and AS VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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Scottish Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Medical Science |
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| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Academic requirements |
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IELTS |
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Additional requirements |
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Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 per year
- Applications Closed
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £13,200 per year
- Applications Closed
This course is now full for 2021/22. You can apply for 2022/23 via UCAS from September 2021.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2021, take a look at some of our other available courses.
Admissions Process
The admissions process is in three stages, using a range of activities to evaluate your potential to undertake social work education and practice.
Stage one
Your application and personal statements are screened for eligibility against the entry requirements and shortlisted. If you're successfully shortlisted you'll be invited to an admissions day at the university. During the day you will be evaluated in a number of areas.
Stage two
You demonstrate your written and analytical skills, and your ability to interact and perform in a group task. You have to pass both these elements to progress to an individual interview later the same day.
Stage three
During an individual interview, you are expected to demonstrate your individual application of skills, knowledge and values required in the social work profession. The process is mapped against The College of Social Work's Professional Capabilities Framework at entry level, and you will have to meet these criteria.
You are required to pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Only those applicants who are successful in each stage will be offered a place on the course.
Preparing an application
When preparing to write your application and personal statement you need to make sure you tell us about a number of things so that we can make sure you have a good chance of being shortlisted. It is essential to say:
- Why are you applying for social work - what is your interest?
- Why you think you are suitable for social work.
Indicate that you have some awareness of what social work is, and what social workers do. What are some of the challenges and dilemmas that social workers face? Think about issues such as equality, diversity and empathy and their relevance to social work.
Show that you understand what is required to study social work.
What skills and experience do you have (either paid or voluntary) that would be transferable in social work practice? It is increasingly important to have experience of working with vulnerable groups of people.
What values do you have that are appropriate in social work? How do these relate to working with vulnerable people in an anti-discriminatory way?
Do you have any hobbies or interests that demonstrate skills relevant to social work?
If you have an idea of what you would like to achieve after completing the course, explained how you want to use the knowledge and experience gained.
If you are including a non-academic reference, make sure that the person providing this knows you very well, and is able to comment upon your skills, qualities and potential to be a social worker.
Preparing for an admissions day
Here is some advice for those who have been successfully shortlisted and invited to an admissions day:
You will receive an invitation from the university including the date, arrival time, where to go and where to report to. There will be contact details of who to contact if you have difficulties. You will also be sent more detailed information about the course and about the admissions day.
Arrive on time – latecomers might not be able to proceed and may have to re-book.
Make sure you arrive at the Birmingham City University Campus on Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, as some applicants who are not familiar with Birmingham have turned up at the wrong campus or the wrong university in the past.
Inform the University well in advance if you have any specific needs during the day. Reasonable adjustments can only be made with advance notice and evidence of an educational needs assessment. Applicants with specific needs should provide us with at least two weeks' advance notice from the date of invitation. If you do not inform us we may have to reschedule, if that is viable.
When engaging with the written task, focus on analysing what is going on in the case scenario you will be given. Keep description down to a limit and focus on your assessment of the situation.
Be prepared to contribute to a small group discussion. Those who say little or convey limited knowledge and understanding of social work may not demonstrate sufficient capabilities required to proceed to an interview. Be sensitive to other participants in the discussion.
If you proceed to an individual interview consider the following:
Be clear about why you want to be a social worker.
Do some research into what social work is, and what it sets out to achieve. Prepare examples of how social workers can support vulnerable people.
Consider what skills you have that can be useful in social work. How could you develop these skills?
Give some thought to what knowledge you would need to be a social worker. Prepare examples of any theories, legislation or policy social workers might use.
Consider what values are needed to work with vulnerable people and to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Check out the role of The College of Social Work and the British Association of Social Workers’ (BASW) code of ethics.
Think about the academic skills you have developed in previous study, and how you will meet the demands of studying at degree level. Consider examples of how you would do this.
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University. Through a range of class-based group and individual activities, discussions, debates, personal reflection and wider reading and research, you will have opportunities to consider academic conventions, which include: effective use of literature; sourcing and reviewing information; various forms of academic writing; developing reflective capacity. You will also receive guidance on study skills and strategies, which will enhance previously acquired skills.
20 credits
This module is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding of current challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and how this impacts upon the Health, Education and Social Sciences sector, preparing you for your future education and journey into practice. Introducing the Equality Act 2010 as the overarching legislation that focuses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, the module is based on themes that are covered by this Act. The nine protected characteristics, upon which a person can be discriminated, as laid down in the Equality Act, will be discussed throughout and you will be introduced to case studies relevant to your chosen pathways.
20 credits
This module will focus on enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the interpersonal skills and behaviours required to work in your chosen area. Through a range of class based and student focused activities you will explore the different concepts of effective interpersonal and professional behaviours essential to your own personal development and progression. By engaging in this module you will reflect on your own and others values, beliefs and behaviours identifying how this can impact on the way in which you will be viewed by others. You will also address the importance of effective communication and how this can lead you to have a more professional approach in your chose area of work.
20 credits
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University, allowing you the opportunity to negotiate learning of a bespoke subject. Under the guidance of tutors, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learning more about a specific field of study. The subject area within this module is student-led, with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to review and evaluate, and which relates to your foundation year pathway and indicate programme.
20 credits
This module will be studied in Semester 1 and provides opportunities for you to develop an understanding of children and society in Birmingham. As the country’s second city, Birmingham offers a rich context for your studies and provides a perfect example of the ways in which children and society inter-relate. You will also be laying foundations for your future studies by gaining knowledge of the environments affecting your chosen degree discipline. No matter where you are from, exploring the ways in which a highly diverse city such as Birmingham provides for the needs of children will provide an invaluable insight.
20 credits
This module will be studied in Semester 2 and provides opportunities for you to develop an understanding of the politics and policies that impact society, childhood and education. Key aspects of working practice in the disciplines listed above are determined by the policies that come from the government; in the majority of cases, a government department oversees and regulates practice through its policies. This modules will explore the way in which the British constitution works, how policy making takes place and the impact that this has on society, childhood and education. The module will also consider the political spectrum and the way that this impacts policy. Importantly, as someone considering moving into the areas of study outlined above, you will also have the opportunity to consider your own perspectives and the ways in which you have been influenced by policy and politics, and the ways in which you might go on to affect them as a citizen and as a member of a given profession.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, this module provides you with an understanding of the role of the social worker in different contexts and will provide an experience in social work practice.
It is intended that you will identify the expectations of the regulatory body and the role of the social worker in current practice. There is an acknowledgement that the current practice environment is complex, challenging, multi-dimensional, constantly changing alive with ethical dilemmas and tensions. Social Work is constantly changing as a result of learning from current practice including contemporary issues and is informed by student and service user feedback.
In this module you will be introduced to the core principles associated with key social work legislation, social policies and social work values.
10 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, this module will focus on pursuing excellence in social work practice, and assisting you to become practice-led, employable and have a local, national and global outlook.
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, this module will develop social work professionals whose work is informed by theory and evidence, with the goal of "transforming lives", by providing a range of the key knowledge required to facilitate this.
This module aligns with the overall philosophy and aims of the BSc (Hons) Social Work degree programme and the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency by providing an understanding of the impact of human growth and development across the life span in relation to and in preparation for social work practice. The module also contributes to the "Knowledge" requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers. It promotes an analytic and comparative approach to perspectives on personal development and change, with a focus on the chronological life-course. It explores the relevance of physiological, psychological, sociological and environmental perspectives to understanding personal and social development and functioning.
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, and in order to prepare students for the complex and constantly evolving nature of modern social work practice this module enables students to develop their knowledge and understanding of law.
The module aims to:
- Develop a practical awareness of court processes and the roles of social workers in various legal and regulatory contexts
- Develop the skill of reading and evaluating legal and policy documents
- Begin to develop an awareness of the policy and legal frameworks of practice specialisms
40 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, and central to the delivery of high quality social work is the ability to understand and develop competence in using and applying a range of professional skills in direct practice with service users, carers and other professionals.
Determined by the Professional Capabilities Framework at ‘Skills and Readiness for Practice Level’, this Level 4 module teaches and assesses foundational skills in professionalism, communication, assessment, reflection, emotional resilience, Anti Discriminatory Practice, relationship building, recording, and initial awareness and understanding of evidence, risk, safeguarding, organisational context and leadership in social work. It includes skills simulation sessions and the opportunity to shadow a qualified social worker. Professionalism includes the ability to separate personal and professional values, draw on a professional knowledge base, use power positively, engage in ethical decision making and maintain professional boundaries with vulnerable people. This module is a ‘professional requirement’ and must be passed before you are considered ready and eligible to safely undertake your First Practice Placement working directly with vulnerable people. Service users, carers and qualified practitioners work alongside academic tutors as part of an interactive and practical approach to delivery and assessment.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
40 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, this module will provide you with the opportunity to engage with law and policy, and the knowledge needed to safeguard and protect vulnerable service users as specified by the professional requirements for social work.
You will need to reflect on your legal roles and responsibilities as a social worker with a duty of care so that you can practice professionally and be prepared for employment. The module will examine the court process and structure and prepare you to present evidence in court and to write formal reports. You are required to analyse relevant law and policy with an emphasis on the process of joint working and the individual responsibilities of practitioners working in the areas of children and families, adult care, and mental health.
40 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, this module will prepare you for the complex and constantly evolving nature of modern social work practice, enabling you to develop your knowledge and understanding of theory and methods of intervention.
You are required to not only learn about the theories but to develop skills for using these in practice whilst demonstrating the ability to work in an anti-oppressive/anti-discriminatory manner. The BSc (Hons) Social Work programme is clear in its aim to develop social work professionals whose work is informed by theory and evidence, with the goal of transforming lives.
0 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, the First Placement module will focus upon practice learning. Social work is a practice led profession and this is reflected in practice learning being integral to the social work programme. The First Placement module will support you to link your developing knowledge, skills and values to practice through the provision of a 70 day practice placement that will provide opportunities for you to work directly with service users, carers, colleagues and other professionals. This module also contributes to the programme philosophy and aims by enhancing your interdisciplinarity, for example by developing your ability to work with and learn from other professionals; and employability, for example by giving you opportunities to develop your professionalism and practice excellence in a service delivery setting, and be work ready
40 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, this module will focus on pursuing excellence in social work practice, and assisting you to become practice-led, employable and have a local, national and global outlook.
This module is designed to provide an introduction to research, research design and research methodology. You will learn the relevance and purpose of research in the context of social work practice, how to carry out research and follow a research process whilst taking into account research paradigms, research approaches, sampling, piloting, data collection, data analysis and data presentation.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
40 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, this module will focus on pursuing excellence in social work practice, and assisting you to become practice-led, employable and have a local, national and global outlook.
It is important that you have an opportunity to develop your research knowledge for practice based on a social care issue within the context of a pluralist society. You are required to demonstrate a critical understanding to recognise the ways in which research needs to address differences of equality, race, gender and culture, at local, national and global perspectives.
40 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme, this module will provide you with an understanding of the legal system in England and Wales and the knowledge needed to safeguard and protect vulnerable service users as specified by the professional requirements for social work.
You will need to reflect on your legal roles and responsibilities as a social worker with a duty of care so that you can practice professionally and be prepared for employment. The module will examine the court process and structure and prepare you to present evidence in court and to write formal reports. You are required to reflect on the process of joint working and the individual responsibilities of practitioners working in the areas of children and families, adult care, mental health and youth justice
0 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the Social Work programme the Last Placement module will focus upon practice learning. This practice-led, knowledge applied module contributes to the programme philosophy and aims by further enhancing your interdisciplinarity for example, your ability to work with and learn from other professionals; and employability for example, giving you opportunities to develop your professionalism and practice excellence in a service delivery setting, and be work ready. The Last Placement module is a professional requirement that builds on the level 5 First Placement module.
40 credits
Welcome to the Critical Reflective Practice Module, this is the last module of Year 3 of the BSc (Hons) Social Work Degree which is taught in Semester 3 of the programme. This module focuses on providing you with the opportunity to promote a critical reflective approach to practice.
The Critical Reflective Practice module is a core module in preparing you for completion of the BSc (Hons) Social Work Degree and future employability through enhancing your presentation skills and your ability to critically reflect and analyse your work.
You have the flexibility to transfer to any standard undergraduate programme from the School of Education and Social Work upon successfully completing your Foundation Year including:
- BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Computing with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Science with Biology with QTS
- BA (Hons) Secondary Physical Education with QTS
- BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families
Course structure for BSc (Hons) Social Work
Our social work degree course links theory directly with practice, enabling you to engage effectively and sensitively with vulnerable groups. You'll graduate as a professional capable of ensuring the users of social work services have the maximum possible independence while still safeguarding them from harm and risk. We'll help you develop and maintain the confidence of service users, protecting their rights, effectively promoting their interests and ensuring equality.
Our degree is designed to prepare you in the best way possible for direct practice, partnering with employers to ensure you get experience in a variety of settings. You'll have the chance to work alongside a range of vulnerable groups and individuals with differing needs on placement. This may involve working in a day-care setting, for groups who require a few hours of attention daily, or in the community, carrying out assessments, developing care plans, identifying and responding to risk, managing complex caseloads and prioritising work, as well as delivering appropriate services.
In year one you'll start your training with five modules that will introduce you to what social workers do. This includes anti-discriminatory issues, the law and issues related to human growth and development, as well as other vital areas of social welfare.
In the second year, you'll continue to build your knowledge base about the demands placed on modern social workers with a further four modules as well as your first major placement (70 days). The year concludes with an introduction to research methods.
In the final year of the social work degree, you'll develop more of your evidence-based skills and hone your knowledge of law and policy. The course features a longer, 100 day placement. You'll finish the course by working on critical reflection, giving you a robust platform from which you can begin to practice as a social worker.
Employability
Employment opportunities
After graduating from the social work degree, you are eligible to register with Social Work England, enabling you to practise as a professional social worker.
With half of the course taking place in practice settings, this course is highly regarded by employers. The experience you will gain as a social work student at Birmingham City University, the largest provider of qualified health and social services staff in the region, gives you excellent employment prospects.
Placements
Placements take place across a range of agencies including local authorities, voluntary and independent organisations, in a variety of settings such as residential, day care, schools, housing, hospitals and Social Work teams.
A significant period of time on the programme is spent on placement, observing and engaging with the realities of social work with at least two different client groups, and the final year placement will always involve working and learning in statutory social work interventions.
The course aims to offer separate placements with children and families and an adult group. You will undertake a minimum 170 days of placements over the three years of the course, working in different settings with service users and professional colleagues. Group learning is an important part of ensuring you engage with a diverse range of undergraduate peers and staff.
Our broad partner network means we are able to offer placement opportunities in the public and independent sectors, drawing on strong links with Birmingham City Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, as well as charities including Barnardo’s.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International Students
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities and Staff
Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across.
These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice. Much of our teaching is carried out within our state-of-the-art, £30m Seacole Building, which houses cutting-edge learning facilities.
Take a virtual tour of our skills suites at Seacole
In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. These include the only mock operating theatre in an English university and a cutting-edge radiography virtual clinical training facility, virtual ward and virtual case creator.
Home Environment Room
The Home Environment room is the perfect setting for teaching communications skills and allows us to simulate a community setting for our students. It is particularly useful for paramedics, mental health and learning disability nurses and also midwives.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Our staff
Mark Hetherington
Course Leader HELS Foundation Year / Professional Navigator / Senior Lecturer
Mark joined the Professional Development Department (PDD) in 2018 as a Professional Navigator and as a Academic Skills tutor. During this time he has been involved in the development and running of the Faculty of Health Education and Life Sciences Foundation Year as both a course leader and module leader. At current there are two iterations of the Foundation Year catering for intakes in September and January. The Foundation Year allows students to progress onto a variety of HELS undergraduate courses.
More about Mark