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International Prospectus
COLLEGE
Birmingham Metropolitan College UK
shaping futures changing lives
formerly Sutton Coldfield & Matthew Boulton Colleges
we become one
Welcome to
Birmingham Metropolitan College Birmingham UK Birmingham Metropolitan College has been created by the merger of Sutton Coldfield and Matthew Boulton Colleges, two of the West Midlands most successful providers for further and higher education, to offer outstanding learning opportunities for young people, adults and employers. We have been recruiting international students from all over the world for many years. Choosing where to study will shape your life, Birmingham Metropolitan College is known for it’s excellence, we are a world class teaching and learning institution.
our new intake of students who are embarking on the next phase of their studies at our new College. Dr Christine Braddock, CBE Principal and Chief Executive
Our international students have achieved great things gaining valuable qualifications progressing to University and embarking on successful careers. I hope that you will become one of our many successful international learners, and join
more opportunities / more facilities / more expertise
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Welcome The campuses
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Why choose the UK?
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About us Birmingham Our heritage Our campuses Facilities Accommodation The international office The international team
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UK qualifications
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Success rates
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University links
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How to apply Application procedure Visa guidance Using in country Agents Offer of a place
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Applying for your visa
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Scholarships How to apply How to pay your deposit
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Applications
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Application form Location & maps
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All information contained within this prospectus and the course directory is correct at the time of going to press. However, due to the constant reviewing and updating of our courses, some details may change. Please contact the College’s Information Centre for further details and the latest information.
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the campuses
contents The buildings and facilities at Birmingham Metropolitan College have everything you would expect from a modern, progressive college. Collectively we have many strengths and it is our purpose to draw on these to continue in our mission of achieving greater excellence in all that we do. Together we bring no fewer than six Centres of Vocational Excellence awards recognised by the Learning and Skills Council and boast some of the most favourable exam results throughout Birmingham’s colleges. Last year over 1300 students realised their potential and progressed to university and many others progressed to full-time employment. We believe in giving you everything you need to realise your ambitions and dreams. We want you to succeed and we will do all we can to make sure you do. Each of our three main campuses has specialist facilities which include fully equipped learning centres, specialist workshops and laboratories, state of the art computer and games suites, TV and radio studios, healthcare clinics with operating theatres, superb art and design centres, a digital technology centre, print and graphic studios, libraries and private study areas, sports halls and gyms, car mechanics workshops, specialist
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campuses engineering facilities, performing arts theatres, hairdressing and beauty salons, restaurants and food outlets and excellent recreational and study centres. We continually invest in all of our campuses so they meet your requirements and are fit for all learning purposes. Sutton Coldfield Campus Sutton Coldfield Campus has recently undergone a multi million pound refurbishment which has seen upgraded library, learning resource centre and laboratory facilities that are now state of the art. It is also the biggest of all our campuses with over 4,000 16/19 year old students and has many specialist facilities.
James Watt Campus (formerly Great Barr Campus) This Campus has recently been refurbished and now has outstanding facilities for games development, state-of-the-art hair and beauty salons, along with new facilities for sports, public services and some excellent engineering, car maintenance and construction workshops.
Matthew Boulton Campus Matthew Boulton Campus won the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Further Education Design Excellence Award 2008 for the Birmingham City Centre based campus. Built in 2005, this impressive new building has many outstanding features such as the graphics and print studios, student areas and health care clinics, with remarkably well equipped learning suites and professional standard facilities. Specialist workshops, laboratories, studios and study centres are zoned to provide an inspirational learning environment.
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Belfast
IRELAND
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SCOTLAND
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ENGLAND
Leeds Manchester Liverpool
we are here Leicester BIRMINGHAM
Cambridge
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WALES
Oxford
Cardiff Bristol
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why choose the UK?
United Kingdom
why choose the UK? With over 800 years of history, the British educational system is one of the most advanced and copied systems throughout the world. It encourages students to be proactive, independent, raise questions and draw their own conclusions. The high quality and standards of British education are recognised all over the world. Studying in the UK and especially at a Government funded state College is highly affordable and is often cheaper than studying in other English speaking countries. In addition if you have a student visa for six months or more you can earn extra income from part time work and benefit from free medical care. All courses are taught in English. English is the universal language in the world of science and business. Whether you are looking to improve your English or to gain the qualifications you need to progress to a higher level qualification, you can realise your ambitions at Birmingham Metropolitan College. During your time with us you will enjoy an excellent learning experience, one you will remember for the rest of your life.
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about us
about us Birmingham Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city. It’s a lively, dynamic, multicultural metropolitan city offering a world class cultural scene, superb shopping, fantastic nightlife and access to some of the UK’s most breath-taking countryside. Birmingham has its own international airport with connecting flights to Asia and the Far East. Birmingham is at the centre of a comprehensive transport network which connects to every corner of the United Kingdom and London is easily accessible.
campus key Sutton Campus (SC) Matthew Boulton Campus (MB) James Watt Campus (JW)
Our Heritage Birmingham Metropolitan College is a merger of 2 of the most successful colleges in the region; Sutton Coldfield and Matthew Boulton Colleges. Both these colleges have over 100 years experience of delivering top quality education. Our Campuses Birmingham Metropolitan College has three main campuses: Sutton Coldfield campus Matthew Boulton campus James Watt campus
44 (0)121 503 8500 int.office@bmetc.ac.uk www.bmetc.ac.uk
Some courses are offered at all campuses, some are offered at specialist campuses only. Please refer to the course directory for more information.
We also have a number of smaller additional campuses which include a language centre and a specialist art and design centre. Facilities Our buildings and facilities at Birmingham Metropolitan College have everything you would expect from a modern progressive College We continually invest in all our campuses so they meet the needs of all our learners. Each campus has excellent facilities serving hot or cold food for a lunch time meal or snack and there are many social clubs and organised activities that students can sign up for including many sports activities. International students will also be offered special events organised to bring our international students together. Accommodation We can help you to find affordable accommodation with a host family or in secure student accommodation. For more information please tick the ‘accommodation’ box on the Application form. The International Office Staff in the international office have many years of experience of working with international students. Staff regularly travel overseas and attend many recruitment exhibitions.
Roger Minett Executive Director of Higher Education and International
Amerdeep Jakhu Director of Higher Education and International
Anne White Head of International Business
Ru Li International Development Manager
Sonia Crook-Lake International Office Co-ordinator
Kam Lakha International Administrator
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qualifications
UK qualifications A Levels These are the traditional academic route to UK Universities. A levels are 2 year programmes, 3 or 4 subjects will be studied in the first year (AS level) and 3 subjects in the second year (A2 level). International Foundation Programmes (IFPs) and Access Courses These are one year programmes which progress students to University. These programmes are ideally suited to students from countries with a 12 year education system which falls short of UK University entrance requirements. National Diplomas Vocational courses such as BTEC National Diplomas offer an alternative route into University in the UK. The difference between these and A Levels is that the majority of the work undertaken on vocational courses is usually assessed through practical tasks, assignments and coursework rather than examinations. Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Foundation Degrees (FD) These are two-year courses equivalent to either the first or second year of a degree course. English Language Courses There are a range of English language courses available. Please see the Course Directory for more details.
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results
our success rates A selection of our successful students in 2009 A2 Results
Aimee Dudley Esther Glaser Jordan Wright Thomas Burke Jawad Hussain Emre Sayman Ailsa Macpherson Sreena Dhillon Stacy Brown Ishvinder Singh Dhupar Ryan Conboy Anoop Lall
AS Results
Samantha Mukwendi Roxanne Boothe Daryl Stevens Rasal Ahmed Nurul Amin Asad Mohmood Ryan Hughes Adam Pietrzak Ryan Hughes Adam Pietrzak Edward Douglas Ben Gibson Joanne Brown Grant Harrison Megan Moxam Mcleod Adam Brunn Sarah Holland Adam Snape Hannah Smith Sheridan Powell
AAAA AAAA AAAA AAAA AAAB AAAB AAAB AABB AAB ABBB ABBB ABBB ABBB BBB ABB ABB ABB AAAB AAAB AAAB AAAB AAAB AAAC AABB AABB AABB AAB AAB AAB AAB AAB ABBB
Highlights of Vocational success rates BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science BTEC National Certificate in Forensic Science BTEC National Certificate in Medical Science BTEC National Certificate in Business Studies BTEC National Certificate in Public Services BTEC National Certificate in Sport BTEC National Diploma in Forensic Science BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care BTEC National Diploma in Media BTEC National Diploma in Music BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts BTEC National Diploma in Photography
100% 100% 100% 100% 96% 100% 96% 100% 95% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Progression routes A Levels (level 3) 3 subjects over 2 years
BTEC National Diploma (level 3)
International Foundation and Access courses (level 3) General or Vocational specific subjects subjects over over 1 year (for 2 years students whose current qualifications will not allow direct entry into University)
Progress to Year 1 (level 4) University Degree
Higher National Diploma (level 4) Subject specific Equivalent to first 2 years of a University course Progress to Year 2 (level 5) University Degree
Foundation Degree (level 4 & 5) Subject specific often related to Vocational area.
Progress to Year 3 (level 6) University Degree
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links
university links Birmingham Metropolitan College has special links with a number of prestigious higher education Institutions that guarantee progression for successful students. They are: Aston University Birmingham City University University of Worcester University of Wolverhampton Coventry University De Montfort University Staffordshire University University of Birmingham Newman University College
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how to apply
how to apply Before making your application Please contact the international office by telephone or email before you complete your application form so we can find the most suitable course for you. Application Please post, fax or email your completed application form to the International Office. You will need to send copies of all your certificates and proof of your English language ability.
of Acceptance of Study (CAS) letter will be sent out to you so that you can apply for your Visa.
If you transfer your deposit electronically please add a further ÂŁ10 GBP to cover the bank charges.
Note: Please inform the International Office that you have made the required payment to secure your place.
Please ensure that your name is on any advice note so that we know who has paid.
How to pay your deposit Deposits can be made by bank transfer.
Please inform the international office that a payment has been made.
The College details for payments are as follows:
Using in country agents The College works closely with a network of agents in many countries. Please contact our International Office if you would like us to put you in touch with an agent. You should note that some agents may charge a fee for their services, and this is not part of your tuition fee. Whilst we do check agents credentials prior to working with them, Birmingham Metropolitan College cannot be held responsible for any incorrect information or advice provided by an agent.
Bank Barclays Bank PLC
Offer of a place Once we have considered your application, we may offer you a conditional place on one of our courses. If this is the case you will be sent a Conditional Offer letter. If you want to accept the place offered, you should pay a deposit of ÂŁ1000 GBP to secure your place. A Confirmation
Swift Code BARCGB 22
Account Name Birmingham Metropolitan College Account Number 00260711 Sort Code 20 84 13 IBAN code GB 74 BARC 2084 1300 2607 11
College reference Input student name and payers name
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visa application
applying for your visa To obtain a Visa, under the new points base system you need a minimum of 40 points. You will need the following: Your offer letter or CAS - worth 30 points. Proof that you can afford the cost of your tuition fees and living expenses. Enough money to cover your living expenses for the first year of your study without working in the UK - worth 10 points. Confirmation of your intention of returning to your home country after you have completed your studies in the UK. Please note the use of offer letters will change in early 2010. If you are unsure of how to apply please contact the international office or www.ukba. homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk Refunds policy A deposit will only be refunded when a visa refusal notice is sent to the college. A ÂŁ200 administration fee will be deducted from the deposit. Students who withdraw from their course will not receive a refund.
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scholarships
scholarships We have 4 scholarships of varying amounts. These are open to new students only and are based on merit. 2 scholarships will entitle the successful applicants to a 50% reduction of the first year tuition fees 2 scholarships will entitle the successful applicants to a 25% reduction of the tuition fee Specific university courses are not included. Scholarships will only be issued for the first year of study. How to apply Information about how to make an application can be found on our website, under the International section. Fee policy Students who pay the fees for non University courses in full before 31 August may be entitled to a reduced rate. We reserve the right to amend fees if appropriate and to withdraw a course if there are insufficient numbers. Students must pay the balance of their fee in full prior to enrolment. The course directory and price list are available separately.
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apply now
applications Applying is simple To study at one of our Campuses just fill out the application form and send it to International Admissions Birmingham Metropolitan College Matthew Boulton Campus Jennens Road Birmingham B4 7PS United kingdom
Campus key Sutton Campus (SC) Matthew Boulton Campus (MB) James Watt Campus (JW)
44 (0)121 503 8500 int.office@bmetc.ac.uk www.bmetc.ac.uk
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BMC Matthew Boulton Campus (MB) Jennens Road, Birmingham B4 7PS United Kingdom 44 (0)121 503 8500 int.office@bmetc.ac.uk www.bmetc.ac.uk
BMC James Watt Campus (JW) Aldridge Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B44 8NE United Kingdom 44 (0)121 503 8500 int.office@bmetc.ac.uk www.bmetc.ac.uk
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COLLEGE shaping futures changing lives
Sutton Coldfield Campus Lichfield Road Sutton Coldfield B74 2NW United Kingdom T: 44 (0)121 503 8500 int.office@bmetc.ac.uk www.bmetc.ac.uk
Matthew Boulton Campus Jennens Road Birmingham B4 7PS United Kingdom T: 44 (0)121 503 8500 int.office@bmetc.ac.uk www.bmetc.ac.uk
James Watt Campus Aldridge Road Great Barr B44 8NE United Kingdom T: 44 (0)121 503 8500 int.office@bmetc.ac.uk www.bmetc.ac.uk