PARENTS, CARERS AND SUPPORTERS
Helping you support your child's journey to and through university
Here to help you support them every step of the way
While your child may be getting excited about university and all the opportunities it brings, we understand that parents, guardians and carers - and those who want to support - may have worries and anxieties, as well as lots of questions. You may feel like you are not quite as involved in their daily lives as before, but that doesn't mean they no longer need you, it will just be in a different way.
We encourage you to be part of your child's higher education journey and there are so many resources to support you and help you guide your child when they need you most, whether they need academic or wellbeing support or help with daily budgeting.
Guide to university
When your child comes to the end of their Level 3 course or A-levels, they may need support with the direction they take next. Take a look at our guide for parents, carers and supporters to help with what's coming next.
Helping your child find the right support
There are many places your child can find support at University College Birmingham. And while university is a time of independence, your child may need some encouragement from you to seek help.
As just a few areas of support, your child can call on their own personal tutor and CASE (our Centre for Academic Skills and English) for academic help, our health and wellbeing, disability and neurodiversity, finance and careers support teams and our Guild of Students, who can help your child adjust to university life.
Your child may ask you questions during a call or a visit home, and in our experience, concern usually arises from not knowing the answers. We can show you how to signpost them to the best support while at university.
£5k to support their studies - plus more financial help
If your child becomes a student at University College Birmingham, they shouldn't feel like the cost of living will stop them reaching their goals. We don't want them, or you, to worry, which is why we are giving our undergraduates £5,000 cash each to help with everything from food and bills to transport - which doesn't have to be paid back.
To receive the £5k, they need to be a full-time UK undergraduate starting in September 2025 and paying their tuition fees with a student loan. No catch, just some extra support. We hope it makes life a little easier.
Your child is considering us, but who are we?
University College Birmingham is a centre of excellence offering a whole range of undergraduate degrees in a wide variety of fields.
Where we differ from many universities is that most of our degrees are vocational, which may suit your child better than very academic degrees, and we cover everything from food and finance to engineering. We also offer two-year foundation degrees, which often require lower grades, after which your child can top up to a full honours degree, if they choose.
Reasons for your child to study at University College Birmingham
- £200 million investment into campuses, equipment and resources
- City centre location - surrounded by booming businesses, gorgeous green spaces and vibrant nightlife. Plus, there's a magnificent mix of cultures right on your doorstep and fantastic connections to the rest of the UK and the world
- Network of 1,000 employer contacts to provide valuable placements and excellent careers guidance through HIRED
- Award-winning support (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024), including our £5,000 Cost of Living Allowance
Don't just take our word for it - join our next open day and see for yourself.
Our community
Our community is big on belonging, diverse and inclusive, helping your child forge lifelong friendships, find their people through clubs and societies and if they are living away, build a home away from home.
Backed up by our award-winning support, we also have excellent pastoral care to ensure there is always someone your child can talk to if they have anxieties or concerns. We know how important it is for you to know they feel safe and secure and part of a community.
Stay up-to-date
Want to stay updated on everything university-related? Leave your details below and we will keep you posted on everything from events taking place at University College Birmingham, including what we are planning for WelcomeFest, to useful information about the application process.
Take the next step
Join an upcoming open day and learn what it is like studying with us. Our friendly student ambassadors will show you and your child around our campuses and tell you all about student life at University College Birmingham. Or if your child is ready to apply now, they can submit their application today.