Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is one of the UK’s oldest universities with a proud history of academic achievement. As a member of the UK Russell Group and a research-led institution, Birmingham prides itself for its outstanding teaching and research quality. In the recent UK-wide assessment of the quality of research in universities, 28% of its research was rated as world-leading and a further 53% rated internationally excellent.

Fast facts about the University of Birmingham:

  • In the latest Guardian University Guide 2016 Birmingham is ranked 17th out of 119 institutions surveyed.
  • The International Herald Tribune, the global edition of The New York Times, has ranked the University of Birmingham 55th in the world and 9th in UK for post-qualification employability. 
  • 8 alumni and staff have been recognised with Nobel Prizes.
  • The University’s 250 acre campus was recently listed in the top ten most beautiful universities in Britain by The Telegraph.
  • Home to almost 5,000 international students from over 150 different countries, Birmingham is one of the largest and most vibrant international student communities in the UK.
  • The University has received a Gold rating in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), making it one of the UK’s best universities for teaching quality. You can therefore look toward to a fantastic learning experience.
  • The University campus is just 7 minutes by train from Birmingham.
  • Cultural highlights include the annual Eid celebrations, and the colourful Birmingham Caribbean Festival of food, music, dance and art.

University of Birmingham foundation programme

The foundation pathways are preparation courses which have been designed to help you qualify for entry to an undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham. They aim to develop your academic and language skills before your degree, so that you’re prepared for undergraduate study.

There are 5 foundation programs to choose from, all designed to prepare you for your specific degree area and tailored to fit your English language level.

When you study a foundation pathway, you are guaranteed entry to a University of Birmingham undergraduate degree if you pass at the required level with good attendance. Your course subject options include:

  • Arts, Social Sciences, Business and Law (September start)
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences (September and January start)
  • Medical, Life and Geo Sciences (September start)
  • Medicine and Physiotherapy (September start)
  • Social Sciences, Business and Law (January start)

International Year One

An International Year One (IYO). An IYO — a type of preparation course, or pre-bachelor’s — will allow you to reach the required level in time to start the 2nd year of a degree.

This undergraduate-level course will ease you into studying abroad, and combines academic preparation with the 1st year of a bachelor’s degree. This means that you can progress directly to your 2nd year of university undergraduate study in a range of subjects.

  • Architecture
  • Business
  • Computing
  • Engineering
  • Environment and Agriculture
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Law

International Year One entry requirements:

  • Academic: at least 12 years of education
  • English language: UKVI IELTS 4.0 to 6.0 or accepted equivalent