Specifically designed for individuals aiming at UK university-level education (undergraduate and post-graduate UK university qualifications) or professional training and qualifications which can lead to a career either in the UK or at home.

Thank you for thinking about studying at Birmingham College to improve your English language communication and academic study skills. If you decide to join us, you can progress directly onto one of the academic or vocational professional courses here and the ELT department can continue to help you.

We understand that your aim is to get the IELTS band you need for your future studies and that every student has individual targets and reasons for studying. That is why we will treat you as an individual and aim to make your dreams come true as soon as possible. You will have an Individual Learning Plan as well as a focus on IELTS and English for Academic Purposes study skills that everyone needs. We also understand that you probably hope to do some part-time work while you are here and make British friends so the teachers will introduce you to everyday conversational language and cultural features too. There is a sample programme timetable on this web page. We use the latest ELT published materials, authentic material and websites for study and practice.

A ‘good’ student is someone who takes responsibility for his or her own learning so the teachers will ask you to write a Learner Diary and give you the opportunity to contribute to the course. It is important that you can study on your own outside the classroom but it is also essential that you are happy to work with a partner or in small groups and support other people on tasks, projects and presentations. This is the sociocultural learning approach. Teamwork is a key feature of many professions.

The ELT programme is based on 30 years of teaching experience in private language schools and further education colleges in the UK. I have worked with international students since 1979. I have been teaching and organising Academic English courses since 1984 and involved in IELTS since 1989. The teachers at Birmingham College are interested in you and your ideas. We look forward to welcoming you to the team here.

Rafael Salguero MA in ELT for Specific Purposes, BA (Hons.), Professional Recognition Teaching & Learning (ESOL specialist teacher), Trinity College (London) TESOL Certificate, Trinity College (London) TESOL Licentiate Diploma, Fellow of Institute for Learning.

Applicants must be willing to study independently.

Applicants can take an initial on-line test supervised by one of Birmingham College’s overseas agents in order to assess entry level. When the student arrives at the college, there is a placement test to decide which class is best for each student, confirm the required length of the English Language course and help set the student’s individual targets.

The attendance of the course is a compulsory requirement for international students. The course is a one year full-time and delivery is a minimum of 16 hours a week in the form of classes, seminars, workshops, visits and one-to-one tutorials.

Students can join the course anytime during the academic year. Please contact the college for more details.

Exams dates are as follows:

The tuition fee for the full-year programme is £3,500. Students who are in the UK are requested to contact the College (english@bcol.co.uk) for information regarding fees.

The course prepares students to achieve the IELTS band or WELTS score required to begin a UK university-level education (undergraduate and post-graduate UK university qualifications). Therefore each student has his or her own individual qualification target.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a Birmingham College Diploma in English Language & Academic Study Skills, recording length of attendance, level of English based on achievements and a progress report written by a senior member of the ELT teaching staff at the college.

Students who wish to join Staffordshire University’s PG Diploma/MBA programmes will be assessed by staff from Birmingham College/Staffordshire University after completion of the programme. Students are not required to take IELTS to enrol on PG Diploma/MBA course if the required level of English is met.

All lecturers are qualified with relevant experience.

Birmingham College will provide all resources including course materials, presentations, CDs, DVDs, Audio & Video tapes, books, journals, and/or magazines that may be required to deliver the course.

The College will offer guaranteed accommodation at an affordable cost. The College will also provide support for participants wishing to organize their own accommodation, providing lists of suitable hotels, hostels and bed and breakfast facilities.

Visit the college website - www.bcol.co.uk for more information.
Application Forms are available online and in PDF and MS Word formats.

The complete Enquiry/ Application forms can be sent by:
1) Post: Birmingham College, BMI Building, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham B3 3BS UK Tel: +44 (0) 121 212 0888
2) Fax: + 44 (0) 121 212 0666
3) Email: forum@bcol.co.uk (Scan copy or MS Word format is acceptable)

Deadlines: Applications must be electronically submitted, faxed or mailed no later than the dead line given. Please use one form per person. If you should have problems registering, please contact the College. (english@bcol.co.uk)

Payment Information: Application forms must be accompanied by full payment in order to be processed. (Payment can be made by Demand Draft/Cheque payable to Birmingham College. For Wire Transfer information : Bank: HSBC Plc Account name: Birmingham College Ltd Address 34 Poplar Road, Solihull, West Midlands - B91 3AF International bank account number: GB28MIDL40421282107341 Sorting code/Brach code: 40-42-12 Swift code: MIDLGB2155G Account number: 82107341.

Confirmation: Please allow 3 days for e-mailed confirmation of your registration.

Cancellation Policy: Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to the College. Refunds will be reimbursed within four weeks of the cancellation by bank transfer.

Fees Refund Policy: The College has 100% refund policy for which the original copy of VISA refusal letter issued by British Embassy is required. (£50 will be deducted from the deposit for administrative charges if the visa is rejected).