More opportunities on campus

At the University, we already have a wealth of opportunities to get involved in social action projects. They range from helping those unable to afford legal counsel, to helping neighbourhoods like Sparkhill by supporting the people who are changing it. In the process, all students gain valuable experiences and skills while making a difference to people’s lives. Students get involved in social action projects every academic year, and it is also a great way to make new friendships.

Below is a list of opportunities that could be of interest to you. While some of them are exclusive to students on specific courses or within specific Colleges, there are plenty open to all students at the University.

Specific information about existing social action projects, including who to contact to get involved, can be found in the seven sections below. Explore them, select and make the world a better place!

Opportunities open to all students

A number of exciting social action opportunities are listed that are open to all students at the University of Birmingham.

Guild Volunteering

JSV Volunteering logoVolunteers are really important to the Guild, and without them, we would not be able to offer all of the amazing things we do. There are lots of different ways that you can volunteer in the Guild, the University and the local community, including over 40 student-led volunteering groups, hundreds of community-led opportunities and weekly one-off events. There truly is something for everyone!

www.guildofstudents.com/jsv/volunteering

Obesity Ambassadors initiative

You can help us design exciting ways to communicate obesity research, and give us input on the topics and issues that you care about and which impact your lives, so that you can help shape our research here for the wider public good.

If you want to be involved, simply send a short e-mail introducing yourself to Dr Eliot Marston (e.d.marston@bham.ac.uk), the Centre's Translational Research Manager.

Teaching in Schools programmes

The University of Birmingham works with state schools and colleges in the West Midlands to encourage students to consider studying at university, especially those with no family history of higher education, or from under-represented groups. There are opportunities to get involved with a programme in many colleges, so speak to your College and see if it is available to you!

Enterprising Internships programme

The Enterprising Internships programme provides the exclusive opportunity to work for a local social enterprise for 4 weeks to help create social or environmental impact. Important entrepreneurial skills can be developed during this paid internship programme, which will be very beneficial if you're interested in starting a social enterprise.

Capgemini Challenge

Capgemini Community Challenge Logo - GenericThe week-long immersive consultancy experience enables first and second year students studying Computer Science, Business, Systems Engineering and Maths to carry out tangible solutions-based consultancy projects for actual third-sector clients. For those who take part, it is a major boost to your CV, professional development and work experience. It is also an amazing opportunity to make a real difference to the charitable organisation you are assigned to help. Find out about last year's event.

“The Capgemini Community Challenge proved to be one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had. It provided me with an amazing opportunity to deliver real change for worthwhile projects. On top of this, I learned so many strategic business skills that will benefit me throughout my career.” – Mathew Day, BSc Business Management Y2 (2015)

Careers Network

careers-network-blue-189x179At Birmingham we give you all the support you need to secure work experience, internships and volunteer placements which can help you to develop personal and professional skills that are highly valued by employers. At the same time you’ll demonstrate your commitment to your chosen career path and be building a valuable network of contacts. www.birmingham.ac.uk/internships

Vice-Chancellor’s Challenge

VC Challenge bannerThe Vice-Chancellor’s Challenge is a new opportunity for undergraduate students to have an invaluable experience and develop skills for your future studies and career. Working as part of an interdisciplinary College team, you'll tackle a global challenge in a competition personally overseen by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood.

College of Arts and Law - exclusive opportunities

Here are some exciting social action opportunities open only to students within the College of Arts and Law.

Classics and Ancient History outreach

Ancient History and Archaeology have started The Birmingham and Midlands Schools’ Classics Hub, which provides opportunities for schools in the area to explore and learn about Latin, Greek, and Classical Civilisation/Ancient History. They help to train, mentor and support teachers who want to introduce Latin or Greek into their schools, and provide volunteer support. Find out more.

Pro Bono Group (Law)

CEPLER's Pro Bono Group offers students the opportunity to make a difference in over 10 projects that benefit some of the most vulnerable people in the local community. Participation in the Group also allows students to develop their knowledge of how the law operates in the real world and helps them improve their legal research, public speaking and client care skills. Students at Birmingham Law School can get involved in all areas of Pro Bono activity. To find out more about these opportunities please visit the Pro-bono Group page.

Professional Skills Module

The Professional Skills Module is a 20 credit module available to 2nd year students across History and English and Creative writing. As part of the module students undertake a short term placement. 

College of Social Sciences - exclusive opportunities

A number of exciting social action opportunities are listed that are open only to students within the College of Social Sciences.

MOOC 'Building character through youth social action'

A free, open, online two week course that discusses social action as a form of character development. It explores the historical and theoretical roots of youth social action and character, and positions participation in social action as a journey for young people from the age of 10 through to adulthood. Find out more

Professional Development Module

The CoSS Professional Development module is a 20 credit module available to all final years that don’t have the option to undertake work based learning as part of their degree. This year 350 students have elected to take the module. All students undertake a placement which is a minimum of 40 hours, and employers assist to facilitate a 13 hour workshop programme. Organisations used in the past that have contributed to the workshop and offered placements: Oxfam, Citizens UK, Freedom from Torture. Professional Development Module.

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - exclusive opportunities

A number of exciting social action opportunities are listed that are open only to students within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

‘Teaching Computer Science in Schools’ module

The module will reward students with course credit for working as a student-tutor with teachers in local schools and help them develop some valuable transferable skills of benefit to them in employment and in life. 'Teaching Computer Science in Schools' module.

‘Teaching Physics in Schools’ module

During their third year of studies, our physics students are able to choose a module that allows them to experience life in the classroom as a physics teacher by visiting a primary or secondary school for one term and observe/participate in the teaching of physics. 'Teaching Physics in Schools' module.

‘Teaching Mathematics in Schools’ module

Third year mathematics students take the compulsory Year 3 Research Skills module which has a teaching option. That allows students the opportunity to have a teaching experience in some of the local schools. They write a project in a subject related to teaching and carry out a placement. It is a great way to gain new skills, give back to the community and make a difference to the lives of young people.

For more information get in touch with the School of Mathematics and Susana Gutierrez (s.gutierrez@bham.ac.uk).

College of Medical and Dental Sciences - exclusive opportunities

A number of exciting social action opportunities are listed that are open only to students within the College of Medical and Dental Sciences.

Basic Life Support Course

The skills learnt here are essential for all medical professionals and lay the foundations for resuscitation and acute care training that will underpin students’ practice throughout their careers. Our student teachers are mostly 2nd year students with a few students from older years. Our examiners are 3rd year students and older. After taking the course, all 1st year students have the opportunity to apply to teach the course. Teachers who have taught for at least one year have the opportunity to teach in local schools. Basic Life Support.

Birmingham Widening Access to Medical Sciences (BWAMS)

BWAMS is a student-run charity and MedSoc society that promotes medical sciences university courses to students from state schools who may not believe that this path is open to them. The student volunteers are from a variety of our courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing and Physiotherapy. Get in touch if you are interested in a BWAMS session by e-mailing College of Medical and Dental Sciences lead for Outreach and Widening participation (Dr Clare Ray c.j.ray@bham.ac.uk).

College of Life and Environmental Sciences - exclusive opportunities

A number of exciting social action opportunities are listed that are open only to specific students within the College of Life and Environmental Sciences.

‘Unlocking Social Action and Innovation Together’ project

  • Students on the Urban Regeneration and Renewal Module have developed projects with solutions that tackle real problems in the community. Their projects contributed to the creation of the USE-IT Project, which has more than €3 million funding and develops a systematic approach to engaging poor and migrant communities in urban development. This module and this project offer invaluable opportunities.

For more information get in touch with Dr Peter Lee (p.w.lee@bham.ac.uk) and visit the webpage for the project.

‘Communities and Social Action’ - Psychology module

Examines how individuals relate to communities and wider societies. We will be employing theories from within psychology to understand problems, and specifically perception, motivations and behaviours of individuals within social contexts. Finally, we will explore links between social issues, sense of community and action research. Communities and Social Action module information.

‘Teaching Biosciences in Schools’ project

During their final year of studies, our biosciences students can put to practice their knowledge and contribute to the local community by designing, running and evaluating a practical activity for students at a local school.

For more information and how to get involved get in touch with the School of Biosciences.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Department - exclusive opportunities

Below are a number of exciting social action opportunities that are open only to students within the Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences Department.

Research to Policy core module

One of the core LANS skills modules, From Research to Policy, allows students to develop skills in research, information collection and analysis, communication and team working by engaging in a social action campaign which addresses a local issue. Each student group takes inspiration from structured visits to local organisations whose input helps each team to identify and address a real-world issue. Students learn how to develop and produce a meaningful mini-documentary supporting their campaign, and these videos can represent a legacy to the ongoing work of partner organisations.

 

If you know of anything else to signpost to students, contact us.

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