South & City College Birmingham

• Location: Birmingham, England,
• Year of foundation: 2012,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of studying: mixed.

South & City College Birmingham is a college of further and higher education offering more than 100 courses for pupils, students and professionals in various fields.

The institution has existed under its current name since 2012, when two colleges were merged: South College Birmingham and City College Birmingham. Spread over seven study areas in Birmingham, the institution is one of the largest continuing education colleges in the world. Every year, several tens of thousands of students study on its campuses, some of whom are representatives of more than 100 countries. The multicultural student community exists in a friendly, mutually supportive atmosphere, collectively taking part not only in scheduled classes, but also in active extracurricular activities, research, projects. The college offers a wide range of additional opportunities for the development of individual talents: from thematic clubs and participation in seminars of leading specialists to internships, realization of potential on external platforms.

In addition to diploma courses, certificates and other qualifications, it is possible to improve your English language proficiency at South & City College Birmingham. Courses of all specializations are taught by qualified teachers, most of whom have higher education degrees, many years of experience working with local and foreign students. With a personalised learning experience, flexible learning plans and the use of modern technology, education at South & City College Birmingham allows students to gain a competitive advantage both in their university studies and at the start of their careers.

Each student has a personal mentor whose main goal is to provide support during studies, to help unlock potential. Whether it's advice on assignments, help with achieving higher scores, or just a conversation about the learning process, a personal mentor will meet regularly with the mentee to discuss progress and help with any problems.

Students record, analyze their learning using the Personal Development Plan: this process allows you to critically assess your academic performance and achievements during studies, personal and educational development.

Some students face problems, seek help, or simply need more information. Social Welfare and Career Guidance staff are available for in-person or scheduled appointments at student services on any campus. The most common problems that students turn to professionals for include financial problems, benefits, mental health, health care, and immigration issues. If a student has an additional learning need, the college's experienced team can support them with their studies, from Communication Support Specialists to Dyslexia Educators, Student Support Assistants, and Classroom Teaching Assistants.

South and City College Birmingham offers a free, Matrix-accredited career service available to all students and trainees. This service is ready to provide assistance with everything from writing a resume to applying to UCAS.

More than 100 courses are taught at South & City College Birmingham at different levels of education:

• A-Level and T-Level,
• GCSE,
• Training
• University Preparation,
• Apprenticeship
• Bachelor's programs.

South & City College Birmingham cooperates with a large network of private student residences, thanks to which its students live in comfortable conditions near educational areas. It takes 15-25 minutes to get from the residential buildings to the college campuses, and students can take advantage of the city's transportation to get there faster.

The residences offer rooms of different comforts: from single rooms with private bathrooms to apartments with several bedrooms, a kitchen and a living area. Students take care of the meals on their own, visiting restaurants, cafes and shops nearby. All campuses have dining rooms and cafeterias open during the school day, offering a wide variety of hot and cold meals, catering to people with a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan and halal food. If a student arrives before 8:30 a.m., they will be served a complimentary breakfast.

On the first day of study, first-year students join the Student Union, which supports all students, organizes most of the activities on campus and provides opportunities for additional development. The Student's Voice event elects student representatives who meet with staff at South & City College Birmingham during the year to report issues they care about. Students can also attend a series of workshops with the principal to ask questions of interest.

There are several dozen interest clubs on campus: from basketball to table tennis, from cinema to creative writing, there is a society that suits everyone.

• The largest college of further education in Birmingham, one of the largest in the world,
• Individual attention to each student and their goals,
• A wide range of courses in different directions,
• Possibility of online learning,
• Many additional services, including accommodation for the duration of the study and opportunities to acquire professional skills.

The institution has seven campuses in Birmingham:

• Bordesley Green – 23 subject areas are taught on the territory in different courses: from GCSE to A-Level. It is also home to the Bordesley Green Technology Centre, a specialized construction center,
• Digbeth is located in one of the most creative areas of the city,
• Fusion – courses in the fields of art, fashion and textiles are held here,
• Golden Hillock Woman's Centre is a multidisciplinary center offering courses ranging from computer science to childcare,
• Hall Green – courses in 21 specializations in one of the most modernly equipped areas of the college,
• Handsworth – diploma courses, certification and university preparation,
• Longbridge – offers a wide range of subject specializations and levels of education, includes Longbridge Construction – a hub for most practical courses.

All South & City College Birmingham campuses meet modern educational standards, providing students with all the resources, equipment and materials to gain qualifications:

• Workshops with machines, printing and production equipment,
• Simulation rooms for practice in technical areas,
• Creative studios with sewing machines,
• Concert halls for performances,
• Several cafeterias,
• Indoor multifunctional gyms with areas for team games, individual training.

All students enjoy free Wi-Fi. Campus computer centers provide free access to Office 365, editing software, and other academic resources.

The academic year lasts from September to the end of June, consisting of three semesters:

• Autumn: September-December,
• Spring: January-April,
• Summer: April-June.

Classes are held on weekdays, students rest on weekends, holidays and during seasonal holidays.

For students under the age of 18, most courses will be free. The college encourages early attendance, provides free breakfast to all students who arrive before 08:45. In addition, students aged 16-18 are entitled to one free meal per day (lunch or dinner) in the dining rooms, covering travel expenses.

Approximate list of additional costs includes:

• Registration fees,
• Meals, accommodation,
• Personal studying materials, stationery,
• Some extracurricular activities,
• Personal expenses.

Applicants need to fill out an online form and provide the required documents. The Admissions Committee invites candidates for an interview, possible entrance tests, based on the results of which enrollment in the course takes place.

Each of the programs effectively prepares students for upcoming academic exams, whether GCSEs, university entrance tests or A-Levels.

Depending on the chosen course, the admission criteria will vary, but the general requirements for international applicants will be:

• Passport, visa or residence permit, health insurance,
• Academic certificates from previous places of study,
• The results of one of the language tests: IELTS, Language Cert, PTE Academic,
• Personal statement;
• Financial documents;
• Letters of recommendation from supervisors, teachers, employer.

South & City College Birmingham offers several forms of financial support:

• Through various funds, loans, and scholarships, the college helps with travel expenses, childcare,
• If a student lives in a low-income household or on benefits, they are eligible to apply for Student Support Fund payments. It can help with childcare costs, with equipment for the course,
• Travel support may be available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility is not dependent on income for 16-18-year-olds, but they must live two miles or more from campus. If the student meets the requirements, they will be issued an mTicket for free travel in the first semester,
• If the course of a minor student turned out to be paid, the college helps with the cost of travel, books, equipment and much more,
• The Discretionary Student Support Fund provides financial assistance to students who would not be able to start or finish a college course without it. The purpose of the foundation is to help with travel to college, uniforms and equipment, tuition fees, and childcare,
• If a student is under 20 years of age at the time they start their studies and is using a registered day care facility, they can get help with child care costs from Care to Learn,
• The Vulnerable Individuals Scholarship Program provides financial support to students aged 16-18 who face the greatest barriers to learning, are in the care of local authorities, or have recently left foster care,
• If a student has a need for additional learning support or a disability, they are eligible for additional funding for students with disabilities (DSA),
• Students in higher education courses are supported in the form of content credits.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision