Development

The Academic Skills Centre (ASC) is a place where you can come to develop your mathematical, academic writing and general academic skills. We aim to help you to become a more effective and independent learner. We will do this by providing you with a range of high-quality and appropriate learning support services. These services will enhance your academic experience and achievement. There are so many ways you can access academic development support to suit every learner:

• Workshops
• One-to-one appointments
• Maths Support Centre
• Digital Skills
• Online support guides (Academic Skills Gateway)
• Subject Guides
• Peer-Assisted Study

Check out what’s on offer and what you can get help with on their website.

The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) supports international students develop their academic English skills – even if you think you are proficient in conversational English, writing an essay in a second language can still be challenging. The BIA can help develop your skills in this area through a variety of ways:

• Attend our open access English classes
• Self-assess your academic English
• Book individual language tutorials
• Get answers to your language queries
• Download self-study materialsSee how you can develop your academic English through their website. 

See how you can develop your academic English through their website. 

The Skills4Uni is a platform that all UoB students can access and supports you to build your academic skills. This course will guide you through the skills you need not only to support you in your current studies (such as coursework, independent projects or when you are revising) but also to study successfully in higher education. 

These skills will be relevant in school, college, university and your working life. They're not just 'academic skills' - they are life skills that will allow you to make intelligent, balanced decisions. 

Find out more and reflect on what skills you may need on the Skills4Uni website.

Personal Academic Tutors are academic members of staff who are assigned to you as your personal tutor for the duration of your study. They will support your academic progress, the development of your transferable skills and assist with any welfare issues. You will have regular contact with your personal tutor and are encouraged to see them whenever you need support.

If you’re unsure of who your Personal Academic Tutor is, it’s best to contact your Education Support Office.

Your department is made up of so many experts in their field who will be able to connect you with the wider academic community and knowledge resources through guest lectures and conferences. Keep your eyes on your weekly emails from your Student Experience Officer to find out all of the opportunities available to you.

Whether you are thinking about your options after your degree, looking for work experience, or ready to take your first steps after graduation, Career network are here to support you.

• Exploring your options? Careers Network can help you to learn about your options during and after your degree, such as different career sectors, further study and working abroad
• Planning your next steps? Inform your next steps with a range of support, such as work experience, mentoring and starting a business
• Ready to apply for opportunities - Get support with the application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres

How we can help you

• Advice and guidance appointments (20 minutes) - Talk to one of our Careers Advisers about your career plans. Whether you have no ideas, a very clear idea of what steps you want to take, or you have completely changed your mind, book an appointment.
• Internship advice appointments (20 minutes) - Advice and support from one of our Internship Officers, where you can talk about sourcing work experience and internship opportunities, as well as funding and bursary schemes for work experience and internship placements.
• Application advice appointments (10 minutes) - Feedback from one of our Employability Advisers on your CV, application, cover letter, personal statement or LinkedIn profile. Please review our online resources before attending an application advice appointment.

Find out more on our website

As a student of Birmingham Business School or a member of the Business School’s alumni community, you can access a bespoke service from our dedicated Business School Careers team.Our dedicated careers team offers:

• Individual advice and guidance from qualified Careers Consultants and Advisers.
• Support with job search strategies, application reviews and practice interviews.
• Career development workshops and skills sessions.
• Support and resources specifically for international students and alumni who wish to work in the UK or abroad after graduation.
• Opportunities to network with industry professionals, through employer-led activities, both in and out of the curriculum.
• Guidance with managing your digital presence using LinkedIn.
• Life-long careers support after graduation.
• And much more...

If you are a student or alumnus of the Business School, find out how we can help you.

Being a Student Representative can be incredibly beneficial for your professional development as well as building connections with other students and staff. Through being a Student Rep you will gain valuable skills such as:

• Leadership
• Diplomacy and negotiation
• Communication
• Interpersonal
• Public speaking
• Organisation and time management

You’ll also be able to make valuable changes to the University environment which you can talk about at an interview. To find out more and apply, check out our Feedback page.

The Personal Skills Award is the University of Birmingham's recognised employability programme for undergraduate students. It enables you to develop, recognise and articulate your skills in preparation for real-world recruitment processes.  

You’ll collect points for different activities you’ll do and achieve an award at the end to show for all of your hard work. Find out more about the PSA.

Financial support is available at the University of Birmingham – whether this is your first time away from home or just looking to brush up on your budget.

What we do:

• We provide information about a range of government grants, student loans and other allowances
• We administer a range of centrally managed bursaries, scholarships and prizes
• We also administer hardship fund applications (Student Support Fund) 

Check out our financial support pages and download the My University Budget Planner 

Contact the Funding, Graduation and Awards Team:

• Telephone: +44 (0)121 414 7391 (Please note that we are open from 09:00 until 17:00)
• Email: fga@contacts.bham.ac.uk

The Guild of Students has over 500 academic, cultural, social, campaigning and interest societies so there is bound to be something that takes your interest.

Joining a society can be really good for your mental health, your academic and career development as well as an easy way to make like-minded friends. We would encourage students of every walk of life to join a society.

Check out what’s on offer.

We’ll be offering all sorts of personal development opportunities for you to take advantage of – such as consciousness raising workshops on racism and gender awareness as well as practical skills like first aid and car maintenance. 

Lots of activities will take place during UoBe Festival Week in June so make sure you sign up, have a look at what kinds of things you can do during the Festival on our website. 

Keep an eye on your weekly emails as well as the CoSS Instagram page to hear about what’s coming up.

Whether you are looking for housing in the local Birmingham area or student accommodation on campus, there are several support systems in place. 

If you need advice on living around the University environs of Selly Oak, just reach out to our friendly Community Living team. Alternatively, if you're interested in University-owned accommodation, feel free to get in touch with our helpful University Accommodation team for all the support you need.