Whatever they want to be, we’ll be here to help

Supporting your child through their university journey

If your child is considering university, it's only natural to want to help them navigate this exciting, but possibly daunting, journey. You'll want to ensure they are going to the right place for them and, crucially, that they will receive the very best support as they embark on this pivotal stage of their life.

If you are unsure who we are or what we can offer your child, take a look through our website and our parents and carers guide as a starting point. You can also find out about our award-winning support, including academic, financial, mental health and wellbeing and disability and neurodiversity support, and some of the top reasons to study here.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions team on 0121 604 1040 if you need more help. 

Guide to university

When your child comes to the end of their Level 3 course or A-levels, they may start wondering what direction to take. Designed for parents and carers, this guide will help to clarify what is coming next.

View guide

Who are we?

University College Birmingham is a centre of excellence for high quality higher education, offering a whole range of undergraduate degrees in a range of fields.

Where we differ from many universities is that most of our bachelor's degrees are vocational and practical, which may suit your child better than very academic degrees, in all sorts of subjects, from food and sport to engineering, prosthetics and childcare. 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.

Many of our courses are accredited by the University of Warwick, ranked 9th in the UK in The Guardian 2024 league table. We were also regional winners for student support at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, as voted for by students.

View courses 

£5k Cost of Living Allowance

We understand that as a parent or carer, you want to ensure your child has the support they need to thrive at university, both academically and personally. At University College Birmingham, we are committed to removing barriers that might stand in the way of their success.

That’s why we’re offering UK full-time undergraduate students starting in September 2025 a £5,000 cost of living allowance to help cover essential expenses like food, bills and transport.

This allowance is completely free, with no need to pay it back, giving you peace of mind that your child will have extra financial support as they settle into university life.

Reasons to study with us

  • £200 million investment into campuses, equipment and resources
  • Many courses accredited by the University of Warwick, ranked 9th in the UK in The Guardian 2024 league table
  • 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)

Community and support

Our community is diverse and inclusive, helping you forge lifelong friendships, find your people through clubs and societies and build a home away from home. 

We also have award-winning support, with expert teams on hand for you to to access everything from academic writing support to help with your health and wellbeing. Our top priority is ensuring you have no barriers to study.

Get to know us

Join an upcoming open day and learn what it's like to study with us. Our friendly student ambassadors will show you around the facilities and tell you all about student life at University College Birmingham.

Open days Request a prospectus

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