Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck, University of London (formerly Birkbeck College), is a public research university located in the heart of the University of London’s central campus, United Kingdom, which specialises in evening higher education, and a constituent college of the federal University of London.
Birkbeck, University of London was established in 1823 and the university is one of the world’s leading universities for excellence in research and teaching. The Times Higher Education World University rankings place Birkbeck in the top 1% of universities in the world.
Birkbeck provides an inspirational teaching and learning experience with some of the world’s leading academics. The university have consistently ranked number one in London for teaching and student satisfaction in the National Student Surveys. 18,000 students from around the world study at the Birkbeck, University of London. It offers many Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes that can be studied either part-time or full-time, though nearly all teaching is in the evening. It also admits full-time (as well as part-time) students for PhDs. It also offers many education courses leading to certificates and diplomas, foundation degrees as well as other short courses.
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Research Excellence
[dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]Research in 11 subject areas at Birkbeck is rated as ‘internationally excellent’ and ‘world leading’.[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Over 90% of Birkbeck academics are research-active and many are renowned world-class experts in their fields.[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for excellence in higher education research was awarded in 2006. This research was undertaken by Birkbeck’s Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development – a leading centre for neuropsychological research.[/dt_list_item][/dt_list]
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About London Foundation Campus
[dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]Progress to University of London Colleges with the UK’s leading pre-university provider.[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Eight University of London College partners who welcome applications from our students.[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]A proven track record of providing excellent HE support and advice to help students progress to the best universities in the UK[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Study in world-class facilities in the heart of academic London, next to other University of London Colleges such as IOE, SOAS and UCL.[/dt_list_item][/dt_list]
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Specialisation in Subject Area
[dt_cell width=”1/2″][dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”true”][dt_list_item image=””]Arts and Business[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Law[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Economics and Informatics[/dt_list_item][/dt_list][/dt_cell]
[dt_cell width=”1/2″][dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”true”][dt_list_item image=””]Social Science[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]History and Philosophy[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Science[/dt_list_item][/dt_list][/dt_cell]
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Apply Now
for UFP (Undergraduate Foundation Programme)
and MQP (Masters Qualifying Programme)
courses starting in
January 2016
and September 2016
[/dt_banner][dt_gap height=”5″]LONDON FOUNDATIONCAMPUS
[/dt_banner]LONDON FOUNDATIONCAMPUS
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street, Bloomsbury
London WC1E 7HX
United Kingdom
Birkbeck FoundationCampus Courses
Birkbeck, University of London welcome students from London FoundationCampus who have successfully completed their Undergraduate/Postgraduate Foundation Programme. The university Higher Education team will guide you through making your application to your chosen universities. There are many degree choices available.
Birkbeck offer a range of guaranteed progression routes for London FoundationCampus students. Guaranteed progression is subject to meeting some specific requirements, you can view these by clicking on the ! icon.
UNDERGRADUATE
POSTGRADUATE
LIVING & LIFESTYLE IN THE UK
Culture & Diversity: There is a wide mix of cultures in the UK. In London there are foreign communities from most parts of the world. Freedom: People usually feel free to express their own opinions and wear what they want. Don’t expect people to agree with you all of the time. Language: The UK is where the English language developed. There are more people using English as their first language in the UK. Also there is diversity of people from different part of the world practices their own language within their community. Religion: Religious people from different religion practice their own religion with no difficulties. Mosques, Temples, Churches are available in every council. Travel: It is easy to travel to the UK. There are flights to London from most parts of the world. You can travel around the UK by trains and bus, although the services are not very efficient. It is usually not necessary for a student to have a car. The country is quite small, so it is easy to make day-trips or to go on holiday to other parts of Britain. The UK is close to the many different countries of continental Europe. If you come to work or study in the UK, you may have the opportunity to experience a variety of different cultures of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Spain, Portugal and other countries. Health: If you are on a course for more than 6 months, you should be able to obtain free health treatment if you become ill. However, the public health service is not especially efficient, and there can be delays seeing a doctor or obtaining treatment (unless you are seriously ill). Safety: The UK is a relatively safe country. The police do not usually carry guns, and there are strict controls on the ownership of weapons. However, crime rates have increased in recent years, partly due to an increase in the use of illegal drugs. There are pickpockets in busy areas, so hold on to your belongings carefully. There are not many insects, snakes or dangerous animals in the UK. There is very little risk of earthquakes, hurricanes or other natural disasters, although flooding sometimes occurs in low areas. Work: If you are given a student visa when you enter the UK, you are allowed to work part-time. The cost of living in the UK (for example, accommodation and food) is quite high, so many students want to find part-time or holiday jobs so that they can afford to stay longer. Employment opportunities exist: unemployment is quite low in many parts of the UK, and there are shortages in certain professions such as nurses and teachers. Voluntary work has a long history in the UK and is usually well-organised. The number of holidays people can take is quite high compared to some other countries, and members of staff are usually encouraged to take them. For details, see: Work. Food: British food does not have a good reputation overseas. However, there is in fact a very wide variety of food available (both traditional British food and international cuisine), especially in the bigger cities. There are many fresh ingredients which are delicious when cooked well. However, many busy people don’t pay much attention to preparing food well and prefer instant meals. Heritage: Britain has an interesting history and is good at preserving its traditions and old buildings and gardens. There are many museums and art galleries. Environment: There are many green areas, including beautiful parks, gardens and public footpaths. There are many coastal areas, but only a few of these have sandy beaches. Weather: The British weather is quite moderate. In general the summers are not too hot, and the winters are not too cold. Days are short in the middle of winter (it gets dark before 4pm in December), and long in the middle of summer (it remains light until after 10pm in June). There is usually more rain in the west of the country, and more sunshine in the south. Britain is not an ideal location if you want to sunbathe on a beach or swim in the sea, but the weather is pleasant enough for studying or working, especially between the spring and autumn.
LONDON TUBE MAP
London Buses
London Underground
Entertainment
Before you arrive
There are many things to consider before moving London
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. To make your first few months in the UK worry-free, we recommend you prepare yourself before you arrive.
As soon as possible
As soon as possible
[dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]Have you paid full fees for your tuition, accommodation and Uniplan insurance if applicable?[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Have you informed us about your travel details (Flight details)?[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Do you require an airport taxi transfer? If so, please inform us so that we can arrange.[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Have you booked your accommodation?[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Have you checked your passport is valid for at least six months?[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Have you applied for and received your visa?[/dt_list_item][/dt_list]
One month before
One month before
[dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]Have you organised cash and pound sterling travellers cheques to bring with you?[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Do you know your airline’s luggage allowance and have you packed accordingly?[/dt_list_item][/dt_list]
What to pack
What to pack
Have you packed all relevant original documentation or certified copies including: [dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]University offer letter[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]University CAS statement – if required[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]English language test result (i.e. IELTS).[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Passport[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Evidence of sufficient funds to show the immigration office on arrival – bank statements (Stamped by the bank) and sponsor’s letter[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Any other original documents/transcripts listed in your University CAS/Visa letter, for example your high school certificate or home college/university certificates. You will need these to fully register and enrol[/dt_list_item][/dt_list] Have you got your documents for medical registration? [dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]Immunisation history book (Which will help for further medical treatment if necessary)[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]UK Foreign Commonwealth Office Visa Tuberculosis Screening Certificate (if you have one)[/dt_list_item][/dt_list] When you are coming to the UK for a year or more, it is hard to decide what to pack. You will want to bring everything, ‘just in case’, but remember, you will have to carry your luggage sometimes, so pack only as much as you can carry! Remember too that excess luggage charges can be very high. Most airlines allow 20-23 kg of checked luggage and there are strict size and weight restrictions now on all hand luggage. Please check with your airline for up-to-date instructions before you fly. If you have booked a taxi transfer, the driver will have limited space for luggage.
Do you have? [dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]Photographs from home[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Waterproof coat and shoes[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Address and phone numbers of friends and family[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Adaptor for UK electricity sockets[/dt_list_item][/dt_list]
UK electricity plug/socket
Travelling to the UK
Make your journey to the UK as smooth as possible; therefore be organised to make your journey memorable.
Planning ahead
Planning Ahead
You will need to buy your airline tickets well in advance and make sure you have travel insurance and you will also need to plan your train or coach journey in advance.
Arriving at the University London Campus
All students should plan to arrive two days prior to their programme start date. Please ensure you arrive on time. We strongly recommend that you arrive over the weekend before your induction programme begins. This will allow us to give you the warmest of welcomes, and give you time to move into your accommodation. It is important for you to inform us so that we know when you will arrive. Please check your welcome information on arrival which gives details on where to go on the first day of your course.
Travelling to your Homestay
It is important that you contact your hosts to introduce yourself and to let them know when you will arrive in UK.
Arriving at your accommodation
You must arrive on either the Saturday or Sunday before your course starts. If you arrive earlier, you will need to make your own accommodation arrangements.
Which Airport ?
Which airport should I choose?
We would recommend that you travel by air to either Glasgow or Edinburgh. Both of these cities are less than one hour away from Stirling by road or rail. You can also take direct flights to these cities from London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted) which take approximately one hour.
You can see some sample student prices for UK and international travel at the STA Travel and Just the Flight websites. To understand what services UK airports have, their opening times and travel connections, visit these websites: Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, Glasgow Preswick Airport, Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport,
Immigration
Meeting Immigration staff
When you arrive at a UK airport, you should be prepared to answer some questions about yourself, including where you will be staying and what you intend to do during your time in the UK. You will need to have with you all relevant original documentation or certified copies including your: [dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]College/University offer letter[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]College/University CAS statement – if required[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]English language test result (i.e. IELTS).[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Passport[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Evidence of sufficient funds to show the immigration office on arrival – bank statements (Stamped by the bank) and sponsor’s letter[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Any other original documents/transcripts listed in your University CAS/Visa letter, for example your high school certificate or home college/university certificates. You will need these to fully register and enrol[/dt_list_item][/dt_list]
Medical Test
Medical Test
Some arriving students may be asked to undergo a brief, routine health check by the airport doctor, which might include an x-ray. The health check will take place in a separate room. Afterwards, you will need to return to Immigration Control.
Taxi Cab
Travelling to your Accommodation
All UK airports around London and the South-East of England have excellent public transport connections in to central London. Bus, underground and train services connect the three major airports of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. Public transport services details can be found if you visit following links: Heathrow Express: www.heathrowexpress.com National Express: www.nationalexpress.com Gatwick Express: www.gatwickexpress.com Stansted Express: www.stanstedexpress.com Transport for London: www.tfl.gov.uk You can also travel by bus and more details can be found at: www.londontolkit.com/travel/stansted_airbus
Airport Transfer
Students who have pre-requested an Airport Pick-Up service will receive separate instructions on how to meet their driver. Payment for the transfer must be made at least seven working days in advance of arrival. The costs are as follows:
- London Heathrow Airport approx £130
- London Gatwick Airport approx £150
- Stansted Airport approx £160
When you arrive
Preparing for your first weeks at the College/University.
Your first few days
Unpack your suitcase and settle into your new room. Say hello to your neighbours and explore the amenities of your accommodation
Your first week
You’ll meet lots of people and make new friends this week. Explore the campus facilities together and help each other settle in to life in the UK.
Call your family
Call your family
Please remember that when you arrive in the UK, you will have travelled a long way from home and your family and friends may be worried about you. Remember to contact them and let them know that you are safe! On arrival we will provide you with a free SIM card to use in the UK which includes one free international call, so you can call home and let your family know you have arrived safely. This will also give you cheap rates to phone internationally and will be much more economical than your current SIM card or any other UK network providers. Alternatively, you can always download Skype, a free computer programme that allows you to use your computer like a phone and make international calls for free to other Skype users.
Registration
Register for your course
You must come to the University to register for your course on the first working day after your arrival. When you arrive, you will be asked to go through a registration process. You are required to provide original academic transcripts and certificates so please make sure you have the following: [dt_list style=”1″ dividers=”false”][dt_list_item image=””]Passport along with visa copy[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]All payment receipts or fees if not already paid[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]IELTS certificate or other relevant English proficiency certificate (original)[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Academic certificates & transcripts (original)[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Course confirmation letter[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Up-to-date address for home country and next of kin details[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Course confirmation letter[/dt_list_item][dt_list_item image=””]Your address and contact details in the UK[/dt_list_item][/dt_list] After you are fully registered with us, University will issue you a student ID card and also provide you with your IT username and password so you can log on to the computers in the Centre.
Induction
Induction Programme
It is important that you attend all induction activities on the first day of the course. If you do not, it may result in you being unable to register for your course on time. At the start of your course, you will receive a full induction which is a great opportunity to meet staff and students and find out more about the University and the local area. The induction programme will vary in length according to your study programme and typically includes:
- welcome talks
- information sessions with University Student Services
- social activities
- a campus tour
Social Activities
Induction Social Activities
During your induction programme we will put on a series of events and excursions which are a great way of meeting people, making new friends and practising your English outside of the classroom. In addition to your academic study, we organise a regular programme of activities designed to help you make the most of your time in the UK. Details of all the social programme events will be available on the student notice boards in the Centre.
Student Card
Student Card
Once you have registered, you can apply for your student ID card. You will also be provided with computer login details so that you can access the internet, the Centre’s virtual learning environment, and a variety of e-resources using the computer facilities. In addition, your student ID card will give you access to student discounts across the UK.
Register with Doctor
Register with Doctor (General Practitioner)
You will receive your medical registration appointment (if you need to have one) during your course registration. Tuberculosis (TB) screening: if you come from a country at high risk from tuberculosis, you will need to be tested for TB. This is a university requirement and we will make you an appointment if necessary. We will help with this process.
UK Bank Account
Opening a Bank Account
If you are going to be here for longer than six months, we strongly recommend you open a UK bank account, as soon as possible, after arriving in the UK. We will provide you with further information and support on opening accounts during your induction week.
