International Prospectus
Bournville College International Prospectus
Introduction
Welcome It is my pleasure to welcome you to the new Bournville College in Birmingham, UK. Our brand new state-of-the-art £66 million campus is equipped with outstanding learning resources, industry standard facilities and the latest technologies. Coupled with over 60 years’ experience of working with international markets and an excellent reputation overseas, we are confident that Bournville College will be the right choice for you. We pride ourselves on constantly developing our portfolio of curriculum packages to meet the ever changing needs of international students. Our reliable and friendly international office offers excellent support and guidance to all international students. The team works closely with the College’s programme areas and student support services to ensure that each student fulfils their potential whilst with us.
Norman M Cave Principal
As an international student at Bournville College, you’ll be given a prime chance to explore British culture, lifestyle, history and heritage. Our trips, cultural visits, events, sports and other activities are always a popular choice among international students. Our corporate international clients value the flexibility of our training packages to meet the individual needs of their organisations. We understand the value of trained staff and always listen to our clients, ensuring maximum return on their investment. Whatever the size of your organisation, training requirements, budget or timescale, talk to our international team who will be happy to assist you. We look forward to welcoming you to Bournville College. We hope you have a rewarding learning and cultural experience with us.
Bournville College International Prospectus
Contents 1-2
Bournville College in Birmingham
3-4
College facilities
7-8
Bournville College across borders
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Quality at Bournville College
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The British education system
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Teaching at Bournville College
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Links with Universities
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Pre-arrival information
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Students’ learning journeys
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Term dates
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How to apply
Contents
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Edinburgh
Belfast
Manchester
Dublin
Birmingham Cambridge Cardiff
Oxford London
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Bournville College in Birmingham Bournville College is based in Britain’s second biggest city – Birmingham. With a population of over 1 million people, it is a large cosmopolitan metropolis. Birmingham is situated in the heart of England, a country with a strong cultural heritage. The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon, is just a short distance away from Birmingham and provides a popular tourist destination all year round. Other places including Warwick Castle, the Black Country Living Museum and Alton Towers Theme Park will provide an equally thrilling experience of England.
Birmingham is home to the famous Cadbury (Kraft Foods) chocolate factory, making the popular Dairy Milk and Bournville chocolates. The city’s cosmopolitan nature is best demonstrated through its vast choice and quality of restaurants, including the famous Chinese quarter, Balti triangle and many others serving food from all over the world. Lovers of popular and classical music will find Birmingham a great place to be with various international stars playing regularly in the LG and NIA Arenas, HMV Institute, O2 Academy and Birmingham Symphony Hall. A variety of museums, galleries and theatres will top up anyone’s cultural experience of Birmingham.
Iconic Selfridges, Bull Ring and Mailbox shopping centres offer a variety of internationally acclaimed shops and stores. Major sports venues in Birmingham include those for football, tennis, golf, basketball, athletics and cricket. Birmingham has excellent transport links with the rest of the UK. An efficient rail service takes you to London in just 90 minutes. Other destinations such as Manchester and Oxford can be easily reached too. Birmingham Airport has superb links with the rest of the world so no place is ever too far to reach from Birmingham.
Birmingham is situated in the heart of England, a country with a strong cultural heritage
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the new campus offers world class learning facilities ensuring that each student has every opportunity to reach their potential
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College facilities Bournville College’s brand new £66 million campus offers world class learning facilities ensuring that each student has every opportunity to reach their potential. The new campus spans across 4.2 acres of land (equivalent to two football pitches) and has a capacity for 15,000 students. Some of its facilities include:
Learning Resource Centre Located at the very heart of the College, this fantastic facility offers over 300 computers with the latest software, thousands of books on all subjects, e-learning materials, journals and magazines, internet access
and expert staff to help students with research, assignments and coursework.
‘The Street’ Linking the Learning Resource Centre to the main building is ‘The Street’, the place where everything happens. This is the hub of the College, with a refectory and a deli bar as well as Starbucks Café – the international coffee chain. Our contemporary restaurant seats over 70 covers and offers a more formal dining experience.
Sports Facilities Our fitness suite accommodates 70 fitness stations and is equipped with a sauna and a steam room.
The extensive sports hall has courts suitable for basketball, netball and badminton as well as facilities for 5-a-side football.
Hair & Beauty Salons Spreading over two floors, the salons feature all the latest industry standard equipment. Here you can enjoy relaxing therapies, makeovers or have your hair styled in the latest fashion.
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Bournville College campus
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Bournville College in partnership with FUNDACE (Brazil) developed an individualised MBA enhancement programme dedicated to learning about a variety of industries available in the UK and the ways they operate in the global business context.
Every year, Bournville College welcomes groups of Chinese teachers on bespoke training programmes designed to enable them to observe and learn from innovative teaching styles practiced by their UK counterparts.
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Bournville College across borders Here is why you can have real confidence in us and our services... • 60 years’ experience of working internationally with students from over 100 countries • Offices based around the world • Over 500 international students in 2010/11 • UKBA Tier 4 Sponsor-HTS • Experience of in-country technical, vocational and academic project consultancy in Brazil, China, India and Albania
• Partner colleges and universities in Brazil, India, China, Korea, Holland, France, Denmark, Slovakia, Finland and Spain • Strong links with organisations such as KCCE (South Korea), FUNDACE (Brazil), Guanghua Nurse Fund (China) and international awarding body EDEXCEL • Close relationships with UK Trade and Investment, British Council, and Foreign & Commonwealth offices in many countries across the globe
The College’s effective commitment to equality ensures learners from a diverse range of backgrounds work well together Ofsted 2011
Bournville College attracted international attention at The Building Schools Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, December 2009.
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Quality at Bournville College • State funded college • Training Quality Standard, recognising our commitment to meeting employer needs • All qualifications approved by QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) • International LERN Award in ‘Excellence in Marketing’
• At the last inspection by The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), the College was judged as ‘good’ for teaching and learning as well as care and support, with outstanding partnerships • Success rates above national average on employer programmes
• Fairtrade College status • Careers, Information, Advice & Guidance quality award • FEAST (Food Excellence Skills and Training) Centre status • Matrix Standard Certificate for Student Services & Business Development • Investors in People Silver Award
Partnership work is outstanding Ofsted 2011
College Memberships & Directorships • AoC (Association of Colleges) National Board • AoC Regional Board – Management Information Systems • AoC Employment Group • AoC Create • British Council • AoC Sports Strategy Group • Institutes of Directors
• Business Voice West Midlands • Birmingham Sports Action Group • Birmingham Chamber of Commerce • World Skills • BEII (Business Enterprise, Innovation & Inward Investment Group) • Work Based Learning Providers Group
• Learning and Skills Improvement Service • UK Trade & Investment • Confederation of Indian Industries • UK Council for International Student Affairs • China Britain Business Council • Asia House
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The British education system In Britain, education is compulsory for children aged 5-16, but many people start much younger and go on learning all their lives. Bournville College is a further education state funded College (not a private college). We have a ‘Sixth Form’ division which offers courses to
those aged 16-18. However, we also offer courses to people at all stages of their lives. For example, we provide vocational training to people learning a skill or trade; academic tuition (including University-level courses); and professional training for people looking to develop or change their careers. Our qualifications range from Level 1 to Level 7.
Colleges like Bournville are the most flexible and adaptable part of the UK education system, because we can meet the needs of people whatever their backgrounds or education requirements. Below is an overview of the different stages of education in Britain.
University Ages 19 - 22 and beyond
employment
Sixth form Ages 17 - 18
College Ages 17 - 65
Secondary school Ages 12 - 16
compulsory education
junior school Ages 8 - 11
infant school Ages 5 - 7
Pre school Nursery Ages 3-4
private options
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Teaching at Bournville College All academic staff hold a degree in a subject specialism and minimum level 5 teaching qualification (Diploma in Teaching and Training in the Lifelong Learning sector or equivalent).
Many staff work for Awarding Bodies writing examination papers. Many of them are considered leading experts in their industry and have written books and other published material.
Accounting
Professional Programmes
Administration & Office Technology Advice & Guidance Business Access to Higher Education Biology Business
Academic
Vocational
Leadership
Credit Management
Management
Human Resource Practice
Purchasing & Supply
English Literature
Information Technology
English with Work Experience
Marketing
Teacher Training
Law
English with Vocational Training
Maths Physics
English (International)
Higher Education Programmes (HNDs and HNCs)
English Language Summer School (June – August)
International Foundation to University
Psychology
Art & Design
Construction
Music
Beauty
Electronics
Media
Business, Administration & Finance
Hairdressing
Public Services
Health & Social Care
Sport
Land-based Industries
Travel & Tourism
Motor Vehicle Maintenance
Work Placements for International Students
Chemistry English
Catering & Hospitality Childcare
Bespoke / Employer Programmes
Counselling & Mentoring
These programmes include training packages to suit the development needs of international employers and their timescales and budget
Media Pre-Masters Sociology
Over the past few years we worked with: Chinese teachers of English language
Dutch architectural students
Nurses from China Guang Hua Nurses Fund
DHL
MBA students from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil
MG Motor Jaguar / Land Rover and many more‌
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Links with Universities Our students benefit from a wide choice of universities concentrated in Birmingham and the wider region of the West Midlands. There are three universities in the city of Birmingham alone. They include the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham City University. We enjoy excellent working partnerships with these universities
as well as those based further afield such as Coventry University, Staffordshire University, the University of Leicester, the University of Worcester and many more. A vast number of former international students of Bournville College have progressed their studies onto higher education courses at a British University. In the past, they have included the London School of Economics and Cambridge University.
In addition, many UK colleges are now offering higher education courses too and Bournville College is no exception. Our higher education students benefit from smaller learning groups, extra support from tutors, excellent study and research materials available in our Learning Resource Centre and a friendly atmosphere on our campus. Visit our website bournville.ac.uk to view a full range of higher education courses available at Bournville College.
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As an international student at Bournville College, you can expect close and personal support from a team of dedicated staff
English Language Support We are able to arrange additional English language support. This will be delivered on a flexible basis to fit in with your main timetable.
Meet and Greet’ We can come to meet you at the airport when you first arrive and transfer you to your accommodation. A departure service returning you to the airport is also available.
Accommodation Bournville College offers local homestay accommodation with one of
our approved host families as well as private accommodation via a private provider. We inspect all our host families to ensure they provide a pleasant home and a good welcome. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must stay with a host family until you reach the age of 18. Please note that host family accommodation is subject to availability. If you are over 18 and interested in living independently, we can put you in touch with a local provider of private accommodation.
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Pre-arrival information Personal Tutor Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor who is responsible for providing support and reviewing progress at regular intervals.
Counselling Service The private and confidential counselling service can be used to talk about any situation that is causing emotional or psychological difficulty.
advice on a broad range of welfare matters.
additional support needs for students with disabilities.
Careers Service
Student Activities and Enrichment Programme
Our careers advisors can help you with the decisions you are making about higher education, employment and careers. This includes assistance with choosing and applying to University and researching occupations and careers.
Welfare Service
Additional Learning Support
Welfare Advisors have access to a range of information and can offer
The Assessment and Support Team help identify, co-ordinate and monitor
The Student Activities Team organises a broad range of activities for students at the College, including table tennis, badminton, basketball, football, chess, film club, guitar lessons and regular trips to various attractions, including theme parks, football games and more.
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Rezarta Kardellemaj Albania International Diploma in Management
Tutors and resources at Bournville College are excellent. It is a good place to study. Thanks to Bournville College, I am now studying Art and Design at Arts University College in Bournemouth
Claudio Schettino Italy English Language Summer School
Our tutors had excellent industry experience and knowledge and I am grateful for the support I received during my course. i am thrilled to now be studying an ma in international development at the university of birmingham
Junwen Tan China A2 Levels Mathematics, Physics and Art & Design, AS Levels Communication and Culture
Bournville College is an excellent college for people with disabilities. It’s very accessible and my host family was carefully chosen to meet my needs. I’d definitely like to return again
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Students’ learning journeys Thanks to the wide range of courses that we offer, our international students are able to enjoy excellent progression routes.
develop, they progress through a range of subject specific courses that we offer and eventually continue their studies at a higher level at university.
For example, some students join us for a number of years, often starting on a bespoke programme at a lower level. As their academic and language skills
In other cases, students join us for shorter periods of time, whether it is on an English Language Summer School, work experience or a bespoke programme after which they return to
The quality and organisation of my course at Bournville College was outstanding. Whilst studying English, I was also able to undertake a work placement at the Marriott Hotel to complement my studies of travel and tourism back home
Milton Azuz Brazil MBA study trip
their home country to continue with their own studies or employment. We pride ourselves on recognising that every international student has different needs. We strive to ensure that a learning package is put in place which enables each student have a fulfilling learning and cultural experience during their time with us.
Baek Sangki South Korea International English with work experience
The programme gave me a useful insight into the UK’s commercial environment and enabled me to make comparisons between the business culture of Brazil and the UK. Bournville College put together an excellent programme!
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Term dates Courses generally start in the second week of September and students must arrive before the start of the course. The academic year is usually 36 weeks.
Autumn Term September to December (with half term week in October)
Spring Term January to March (with half term week in February)
Summer Term April to June (with half term week in May)
Bournville College International Prospectus
How to apply For a standard course, you will need to adhere to the following application process:
1. Choose your course 2. Complete the international application form
If you are applying for an academic course or for the International English course followed by an academic course, you must also complete the writing task.
You can post or fax the application form with copies of your qualifications to us – contact details on the form. Alternatively, email your application to international@bournville.ac.uk
3. Review application
We will consider your application as carefully and as quickly as possible.
4. Confirmation of your offer
If we wish to offer you a place, we will send you a conditional offer letter. We will tell you how to pay the deposit and give you other information to confirm your place.
5. CAS offer
After we receive your deposit, we will send you a CAS. You will need you CAS number when you apply for your student visa.
6. Accommodation
Please contact us with your requirement for accommodation at least one month before your arrival.
For tier 4 and non tier 4 application guidance, please refer to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
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Talk. +44 (0)121 477 1600 | Write. international@bournville.ac.uk Visit. Bournville College, Longbridge Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham, B31 2TW, United Kingdom See. bournville.ac.uk | Follow.