Nursing - Mental Health with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry.
September 2024, January 2025 — UCAS code B76F
The Foundation Year option gives you extra time and support to help you build your knowledge, skills and confidence before starting a full degree. It is designed to prepare you for a range of nursing courses, not one particular BSc degree, so you will study a broad range of subjects to prepare you to continue on to successful BSc level study....
48 points required
Calculate UCAS pointsClearing places available
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2024, January 2025
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Clearing 2024
48 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.
Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.
The Foundation Year option gives you extra time and support to help you build your knowledge, skills and confidence before starting a full degree. It is designed to prepare you for a range of nursing courses, not one particular BSc degree, so you will study a broad range of subjects to prepare you to continue on to successful BSc level study. You'll develop a range of practical and analytical skills that will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in nursing.
Please note: entry requirements for degree course
Upon completion of your Foundation Year, if your chosen course is regulated by a professional body such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment and spaces available on the course.
Why choose a foundation year course?
On the Foundation Year in Nursing, you will study broad subject areas which then open up opportunities for you to specialise further in your next year – which would be the first year of a full degree programme.
You will study alongside people who are preparing to progress on to BSc courses in Nursing and Allied Health Professions.
What's covered in this course?
Our aim is to develop you into a graduate nurse who is able to work flexibly across a range of settings and meet the health needs of the whole person throughout their lifespan. We will work with you on your development to help you become a skilled, knowledgeable, emotionally intelligent nurse, able to lead and co-ordinate compassionate, evidence-based, person- and family-centred care while working as an integral member of interdisciplinary teams.
The university-based elements of the first two years of your course are integrated, with all fields of nursing working together. In your final year, the theory you learn will be specific to mental health nursing. You will study five modules each year. In year one, you will complete a year-long practice module which will prepare and support you to develop your confidence and competence in practice as you work towards independently leading and co-ordinating care.
In your first year, you will gain theoretical and practice knowledge to develop a range of key skills. This will include: exploring the evidence that underpins person- and family-centred care; professional values; self-leadership; and the role of the registered nurse. Second year modules will further enhance your first-year learning and explore evidence-based complex care incorporating a wide range of research, skills, team leadership and principles of co-ordinating care. During your third year you will continue build on your previous learning and develop proficiency in mental health nursing. The modules you study will develop you as a leader who uses research-informed critical thinking to co-ordinate care, supervise other health professionals and gain confidence in the safe management of medication. You will also have access to personal tuition throughout the course which will enrich your learning experiences and will enable to reflect meaningfully on your practice and the development of your individual field identity.
Your practice placements will be specific to your field, mental health nursing, throughout the three years. To help you become a more rounded nurse, you will also have opportunities to learn across the four fields of nursing. Your placement learning experiences may be within community, hospital or home environment settings and at a location anywhere within the West Midlands and potentially into neighbouring counties. While on placement you will be supported, supervised and assessed by practice and academic staff to develop your knowledge and skills.
We are committed to providing excellent, innovative, learning, teaching and assessment experiences through the use of technology, which we use to enhance your learning, through lectures, seminars, skills simulation and virtual learning. Engaging with practice partners and service users is also integral to our approach.
Our BSc (Hons) Nursing course has been designed to comply with the new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards (2018) meaning that successful completion of this course makes you eligible to apply and be entered onto the NMC register in one of the four fields of nursing: Adult, Child, Learning Disabilities or Mental Health.
Why Choose Us?
- Study in our brand new £41 million City South Campus with access to cutting edge facilities, to maximise your learning potential
- Learn from experienced mental health practitioners, who will be there to support and guide you every step of the way
- Experience quality work placements. Gain valuable experience that will benefit you wherever in the world you choose to make your career, through our built-in placement opportunities
- Strong links with some of the largest NHS Trusts in the country, including Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust and Forward Thinking Birmingham. These partnerships provide unique experiences that students at other universities don’t get access to and the opportunity to build a network of invaluable contacts
- Commended for achieving ‘good practice’ in a recent BSc course review for placement support, through our close links with NHS trusts
- We have an international reputation for pioneering approaches to teaching, through the creation of cutting-edge simulated learning experiences
- You’ll study in a friendly, co-operative environment where you’ll be supported to achieve your goals – you can take advantage of our well-established range of pastoral and study support teams to deliver this. Many of our students develop strong bonds with staff and other students during their time here
- We provide outstanding support to our students and have received a Quality Mark from the British Dyslexia Association for our successful efforts
Similar Courses
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 28 September 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
48 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.
Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.
Essential requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
88 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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Level 2 qualifications | ||
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GCSE | GCSE English Language or Literature, GCSE Maths and GCSE Science at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
Scottish National 5 | English Language or Literature, Maths and Science at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
A level and Advanced VCE |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce |
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City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Open University courses |
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Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no subtest below 6. If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTS must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. Upon completion of your Foundation Year, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. |
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 in 2024/25
- Apply via Clearing
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Jan 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 in 2024/25
- Call 0121 331 6777
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £16,085 in 2024/25
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Jan 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £16,085 in 2024/25
This course offers both September and January start dates. If our places for your chosen start date are full, successful applicants will be offered a place for the next available start date instead.
Please note that applications are processed in the order in which they are submitted, so please apply early to ensure you have the best chance of securing your preferred start date if your application is successful.
You do not need to apply for both intakes as we will consider your application for the first available place if there are no places for your preferred intake.
Places available to start in September 2024
If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.
International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.
Want to start in September 2025? You can start your application via UCAS now.
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University. Through a range of class-based group and individual activities, discussions, debates, personal reflection and wider reading and research, you will have opportunities to consider academic conventions, which include: effective use of literature; sourcing and reviewing information; various forms of academic writing; developing reflective capacity. You will also receive guidance on study skills and strategies, which will enhance previously acquired skills.
These professional skills are transferable and will be valuable not only in the immediate context but throughout your continued education and employment. By engaging with this module, we have set out clearly what we expect of you at foundation and undergraduate level, and will equip you with the confidence, competence and capacity to utilise resources to be able to meet expectations in this environment.
An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own learning and the way in which you have applied your knowledge, skill and understanding to any academic context in which you have engaged to date. Communicating effectively through a variety of academic conventions is a key skill for any student and this will be a feature of this module.
This module is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding of current challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and how this impacts upon the Health, Education and Social Sciences sector, preparing you for your future education and journey into practice.
Introducing the Equality Act 2010 as the overarching legislation that focuses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, the module is based on themes that are covered by this Act. The nine protected characteristics, upon which a person can be discriminated, as laid down in the Equality Act, will be discussed throughout and you will be introduced to case studies relevant to your chosen pathways.
The module will give you the opportunity to discuss debate and reflect upon how challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity may present themselves. Using problem and inquiry based learning you will have the opportunity to explore and discuss ways of working which can help to minimise discrimination in your own practice. The module will be made up of lead lectures, taught sessions, group work and individual study.
An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own experiences and perceptions, whilst gaining an awareness and appreciating the differences of others.
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University, allowing you the opportunity to negotiate learning of a bespoke subject. Under the guidance of tutors, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learning more about a specific field of study.
The subject area within this module is student-led, with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to review and evaluate, and which relates to your foundation year pathway and indicate programme.
A significant proportion of the module is based around negotiation with academic facilitators to identify extended areas of study and opportunities that are possible to enhance your towards completion of the study.
The module is not reliant on traditional taught subject sessions, although you will be expected to attend classes where you will work in peer learning groups exploring and developing your negotiated study. This approach to studying is closely allied to learning within the workplace.
This module will focus on enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the interpersonal skills and behaviours required to work in your chosen area. Through a range of class based and student focused activities you will explore the different concepts of effective interpersonal and professional behaviours essential to your own personal development and progression. By engaging in this module you will reflect on your own and others values, beliefs and behaviours identifying how this can impact on the way in which you will be viewed by others. You will also address the importance of effective communication and how this can lead you to have a more professional approach in your chose area of work.
An appreciation of the principles of Human Biology plays a central role in the understanding of the workings of the human body. This module is organised into three distinct phases from fundamental principles, to physiological processes, and then disruption of the interplay of such systems in human disorders. This understanding provides a solid foundation for the subsequent study in a range of disciplines from healthcare, allied healthcare, and other disciplines requiring an understanding of human biology. The topics covered will also be underpinned by practical activities. Pre- and post-session activities will help to develop your key transferable skills such as being able to reflect and ask probing questions as well as being able to think independently. Development of these skills will ensure a growth in maturity and boost your confidence which will lead to unlocking your learning potential.
Students embarking on health related studies and careers need to have a knowledge and understanding of the factors that contribute to creating good health. Evidence shows that the majority of these factors lie outside of the healthcare and clinical remit and so it is important that students are aware of the wider social, economic, environmental and political drivers of states of health of the population, group or client group they may encounter. As health services are reoriented towards prevention of ill-health and health improvement, all health science students need to consider the ways in which they may work in future, to both understand the social determinants of health and the principles and practice of health promotion in order to improve health, prevent ill-health and reduce health inequalities.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The programme philosophy identifies that nurses need to respond to a rapidly changing health care environment. The change in the nature of nursing and the role of the nurse has led to a desire to clarify the contribution of nurses to patients’ experiences, health and well-being (Griffiths et al, 2008). In order to understand the nurse’s role it is imperative that student nurses following all four fields of practice develop a strong identity with the profession.
The module will encompass the relevant principles of anatomy, physiology and microbiology to support the development of core nursing skills relevant to all fields of practice. The module is planned with due regard to the issues of care, compassion and communication, organisational aspects of care, infection prevention and control, nutrition and fluid maintenance, and medicines management. These essential nursing skills will be underpinned with a sound physiological basis, particularly with reference to patient observations.
Nurses will take a central role in the 21st century in delivering services for those who are sick and in promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals, in particular identifying any barriers that may impede recovery. Therefore:
- The aim of the module is to develop compassionate, caring nurses who are capable of delivering value-based care that respects individuals’ dignity
- Emphasis will be on promoting understanding of the delivery of services to improve health and wellbeing and to reduce health inequalities
- Nursing will be explored within the context of current socioeconomic, health and demographic trends. Concepts of diversity and equality will be explicit throughout the module content
- Students will gain an awareness of health promotion/education to tackle health inequalities and support behavioural changes in an individual
The philosophy underpinning this module reflects the Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards (2010) and the Programme Philosophy.
This module acknowledges the dual nature of nursing, that of being a profession whilst being a caring vocation. Alongside the programme philosophy, the module aims to reflect both these facets of nursing so that compassionate and evidence based care is taught. It will demonstrate personalised care can be provided through the acknowledgement that all patients are individuals with idiosyncratic needs, who must be cared for in their social context.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The focus of this module is to expand the student’s knowledge of and ability to apply, nursing values and evidence based practice (PV-EBP). This will be achieved via teaching critical analysis, updating academic writing skills appropriate for level 5, database searching and presentation skills via presenting a group work prepared poster.
This module develops students’ understanding and abilities so as to prepare them for working with older people and vulnerable people with complex needs. The module also enhances students’ knowledge and capabilities in recognising and managing the interaction between physical and mental health problems when planning holistic nursing care.
This module aims to prepare students to develop their knowledge, skills and professional values to deliver high quality essential and complex care to all service users. It is concerned with human experiences as individuals, families, groups, and communities across the life span.
The module aims to develop students’ understanding of how peoples’ lifestyles, environments and the location of care delivery influence their health and wellbeing. The module will explore the principles of nursing in practice to design and deliver individualised care. The aim is to develop nurses with the ability to ensure the delivery of high quality care in changing environments, in a sensitive and person–centred manner.
This module contributes to the students’ journey through promoting increasing levels of self-awareness through experiential ways of working and the exploration of models of understanding human experience motivations and behaviours. This module also enhances the students’ knowledge and skills in ways of engaging with people with mental health problems therapeutically and working safely and effectively within the mental health practice context.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module will build upon the second year module “professional values and evidence based practice” and furthers students understanding of research-based evidence. In this module students continue to assess the relevance, quality and application of research-based evidence. Students are required to write a literature review, consider the research findings arising from the literature review, propose a nursing practice change based on this literature review findings and then consider issues relevant for changing nursing practice.
- Module pedagogy recognises students as individuals and as active participants in development of learning
- Emphasis upon changing health care needs of service users including health promotion, management of long term conditions and end of life care across the life span
- Encourages development and use of reflective, critical analytical and problem solving skills within an ethical nursing care framework. Using these skills to develop individualised care packages in collaboration with other professionals, practice of collaborative and group working skills is emphasised
- Module emphasises practical application of theoretical knowledge in which nursing practice is developed alongside service users from diverse backgrounds
A student centred approach to teaching in preparing students to work within an ever changing healthcare environment, helping students to ease their transition from student nurse into registered practitioner.
- To enable the student to draw on reflective experiences and knowledge gained during the course in order to develop problem-solving skills
- To foster the development of a critical approach to the management of the student's own role in the delivery of health care. The module will be delivered using a Problem Based Learning approach throughout
Contemporary health and social care issues are a subject that are threaded throughout the programme. There have been many important changes in the NHS arising from the Health and Social Care Act for example commissioning of services and greater patient/service user choice. The government’s response to the Francis Report (“Patients First and Foremost” DoH 2013) and reports from other professional, statutory and regulatory bodies have identified issues that impact on nursing students and their future role as Registered Nurses. This module will help ensure that graduating nurses are politically aware of agendas for change in healthcare, and will encourage the leadership skills to promote core values such as care and compassion. Therefore to ensure there is a focus on an ever changing health and social care services this module will ensure that recent and future policy changes and their impact on patient/service user care are explicit in the programme to ensure students can contribute to the debate around nursing, health and social care.
Course structure for BSc (Hons) Nursing - Mental Health
The course is delivered using a modular approach which divides the course into manageable elements of study and practice learning opportunities.
The first year prepares you for further study and facilitates the understanding of the principles which underpin nursing. This is supported by two placement learning experiences of about 10 weeks' duration each.
In year two there is an increasing field specific focus and comprises Core and Field Specific modules. Core modules help to contextualise nursing whilst Field Specific modules prepare you for the two placement experiences which follow each period of study.
In year three all the modules are Field Specific but there are opportunities for shared learning with the other fields of nursing and you will again complete two placement experiences.
You'll experience a mixture of teaching, self-directed study and practice-based clinical placements, spending half of your time each year on placement.
Upon successful completion you will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree worth 360 credits and be eligible to apply for Registered Nurse status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Additional support
If you're dyslexic, have a specific learning difference or a disability, we have a Disability Tutor who can help and support you.
More on our disability tutor >>
We offer extra technical and learning support.
Employability
Employment opportunities
Once qualified and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council you can practice in the UK and many countries overseas. As a qualified nurse you could find yourself working within the NHS, the private sector, in the community, at GP surgeries, at schools, plus many more - the options are endless.
Placements
Placements take place across a range of settings. You may experience care in acute, critical care, long-term care and community settings which are related to your Field. During your second year there will also be the opportunity to undertake a placement learning experience elsewhere in the UK or abroad (subject to selection criteria).
A placement is your chance to be a part of the working world of health and social care as it really is: your first taste of your career. For most of our courses, it's a compulsory part of your training; it's that important.
Placements help you with your confidence, by putting theory from the classroom into practice. We make sure you get a quality experience and that you are fully supported by a workplace mentor on hand throughout your placement.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
Our Nursing and Midwifery courses are based at our City South campus in leafy Edgbaston.
We’ve spent £41million expanding our facilities at City South. These facilities offer hands-on practical experience, replicating the spaces you will come across in professional practice.
In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that you learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. Alongside physical spaces such as a mock operating theatre and wards, we also make use of online and virtual technology, such as our virtual ward and virtual case creator.
See more of our skills facilities at City South
Centre for Skills and Simulation
The Centre for Skills and Simulation offers a range of different spaces which replicate situations that you will encounter in practice. These include hospital wards, an operating theatre and a home environment room.
Our mock wards enable you to get a feel of what a ward is really like before you head out for your first placement. The hospital wards can be adapted from low care to high dependency care environment with the necessary monitoring equipment.
The home environment room is the perfect space for teaching communications skills and allows us to simulate a community setting for our students. It is particularly useful for mental health nurses, learning disability nurses and midwives.
Simulation Manikins
We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and simulation babies (SIM babies) which are anatomically correct manikins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills. The manikins contain software which replicates real symptoms, and can manipulate indicators such as blood pressure, pulse and heart rate for extra realism. SIM man can even ‘talk’ to the students as they are treating him, to add another dimension to learning.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building has two open-access IT Suites which offer PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. There is also an IT Helpdesk for quick and easy help with your computing or internet issues.
Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
In addition to desktop PCs, we also offer a laptop loan facility, allowing students to borrow a laptop for up to six hours while on campus.
Our staff
Julie Davis
Foundation Year Lecturer
Julie joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2018 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year programme. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, she worked at a number of local FE and HE institutions where she developed and delivered a range of Early Years and Education programmes.
More about JulieJessica Lowe
Foundation Year Lecturer
Jessica joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2019 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year Programme. Her role is to lead and develop modules to support students on their journey on the Foundation Year Programme. Prior to joining BCU, she has worked in a FE and HE institution teaching students on a range of courses in Early Years...
More about Jessica