Welcome 2026 Students

Start Date

Welcome Week will take place between Monday 14 - Friday 18 September 2026. During Welcome Week your course team will schedule activities for you to find out important information about your course, meet your lecturers and other students, and find your way around.

Teaching on your course begins from Monday 21 September 2026. Please check your timetable for details.

You will be able to see your timetable on iCity using your BCU login details as soon as they are released. You should have received your BCU login details when you were invited to enrol.

Timetables

Course Leader

Dr Anthony Weldon

Welcome Message

Welcome to the FdSc Sports Coaching and Development at Birmingham City University in collaboration with Aston Villa Foundation (AVF). We are delighted to welcome you to a course that combines academic learning with practical coaching experience in professional and community sport settings.

We strongly encourage you to attend Induction Week (w/c 14 September), as it is an important part of your university experience and a great opportunity to meet your lecturers, personal tutor, and fellow students. You will also learn about the support available to help you settle into university life and succeed throughout your studies.

In your first semester, you will begin exploring coaching practice, sports development, and working within community and school sport environments, while gaining hands-on experience through our partnership with the AVF.

You should also take time to visit the Students’ Union Fairs on 15 September at City South and 16–17 September at City Centre to discover clubs, societies, and opportunities to get involved in student life at BCU.

Course Location

Your course will mainly be taught across the following facilities:

• Aston Villa, Villa Park, B6 6HE
• Aston Villa City Academy, Brookvale, B6 7DT
• Alexander Stadium, B42 2LR
• Doug Ellis Sports Centre, B42 2TP
• City South Campus, B15 3TN

First day on Campus

We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham City University!

You must have your ID card visible at all times when on campus, so if you have received yours before your first day, ensure you bring this with you. If you enrolled late you will need to collect one on campus during your first few days. Please remember that your ID card is for your use only. You must never let anyone else use it.

To complete your enrolment, you will need the following:

• Passport (or other form of photo ID if you are a UK/EU student)
• Original qualification documents if applicable (you will be emailed a list of the documents we need to see once you have completed your online enrolment)
• Visa (international students only)

What else? The rest is up to you! You will find a shop, café, pub, computer access and water fountains on campus, but we do recommend you bring the following on the first day:

• Laptop, if you have one
• Notepad and pen
• Reusable water bottle
• Snack
• Money

And remember, the weather in Birmingham can be changeable!