Thank you for thinking about studying at Birmingham College to improve your English language communication and academic study skills.

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 can 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. Teamwork is a key feature of many professions.

The ELT programme is based on over 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.

The Programme is for international and EU students whose first language is not English and need to improve or consolidate their English language communication skills and knowledge.

There is a General English component at the student’s level. This takes a topic approach so there is a balance between practice from a textbook and student-centred activities. There are regular progress checks through homework and review tests.
The timetable also has lessons organised in skill areas so attention is paid to speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. The balance of skills will change as students’ level and needs change.

The course promotes equal opportunities by including IELTS preparation classes and seminar and presentation skills from pre-intermediate level. We understand that different students have different IELTS band targets so it is wrong to make individuals wait until intermediate level before they can study IELTS and academic English.

The course offers structured writing and reading skills tasks which aim to build confidence in their study and research skills. There are regular opportunities for students to contribute to the course by giving presentations and writing for their classmates.

Learner Training is a feature of the course because it is important for students to be confident and independent when they follow their future courses. Students will keep a Learner Journal, have classroom discussions on study methods, keep a record of self-study and show the teachers they know phonetic symbols, can record new vocabulary and can identify grammar structures. The best way to learn a language is to talk about how to learn language!

There is weekly tutorial when each student can talk about their studies with a teacher. The college administration office offers support with accommodation, visa, health, money and similar questions.

= 16 hours teacher contact

The tuition fee for the full-year programme is £3,500. Students who are in the UK are requested to contact the College (does@bcol.co.uk) for information regarding fees. Please note that the fee (approximate £120) for the IELTS examination is not included in the course fees.

The course can prepare students to achieve the IELTS band 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.

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: does@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. (does@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. (£150 will be deducted from the deposit for administrative charges if the visa is rejected).