Study in Birmingham City University

About Birmingham City University

The establishment of Birmingham City University (BCU) dates back to 1843 with the name of Birmingham College of Art. Until 1971, four other colleges were founded to establish The City of Birmingham Polytechnic – designated by Margaret Thatcher. It was in 1992 that Birmingham Polytechnic earned ‘university’ title and became University of Central England in Birmingham and was renamed to Birmingham City University in 2007 to show its commitment to the city.

The university is honored to be the first university in Europe to start a Black Studies undergraduate degree to admire the contribution of black people. In addition, it was receptive to the first female president of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The university consists of 4 faculties in three main campuses offering quite a few courses, namely art and design, business, the built environment, computing, education, engineering, English, health care, law, social sciences, technology and the performing arts. Almost 6,000 out of 25,000 students in Birmingham City are studying music, theatre, writing, media, digital technology, or art and design which shows what the university is known for.

The New Technology Institute (NTI) is a business and I.T. training center at Birmingham city center in association with Aston University and the University of Birmingham. Screen Media Lab, part of the Birmingham School of Media, is a purpose built center for enterprise and innovation in screen media and visual design. The International Project Space (IPS) is an art gallery located at the Bournville Center for Visual Arts.

BCU was ranked the top 30 UK university for spending on facilities according to The Complete University Guide 2015. Birmingham City’s School of Jewelry won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize.

BCU also holds the TEF certificate. TEF Silver is awarded to institutions that deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for their students, and consistently exceed “rigorous national quality requirements” for higher education in the UK.

Birmingham City University-Student services and facilities

• University libraries provide access to over 62 million resources including books, journal articles, e-book chapters and conference proceedings. There is also wireless access across the university, including Eduroam, for staff, students and visitors.

Birmingham City University-Student Jobs

• The university’s in-house employment agency ‘OpportUNIty – Student Jobs on Campus’ provides students with the chance to apply for various part-time roles within the university, gaining experience through a formal application process, including the submission of CVs and interviews.
• The university’s student enquiry service, Ask, offers access to part-time jobs as well as full-time work, work experience and internships via its online jobs board.

Birmingham City-Career Advice

• The Careers and Job Prospects service offers impartial advice and support to current students wanting to find out more about work experience opportunities while they study, as well as identify opportunities available when they leave university and for up to five years after they’ve graduated.
• Students can access job or work experience opportunities and internships through an online jobs board.
• Students can also benefit from face-to-face and e-mentoring support by students and professionals through the Ask and Inspiring Futures mentoring projects.

Birmingham City university-Health Services

• A comprehensive, convenient, NHS healthcare service is provided for students who register as a patient with the university healthcare providers. The City Center and City South campuses both have medical consulting rooms.

Birmingham City University- Counseling and Mental Health Support

• All students enrolled with Birmingham City University can access the Counseling Service. The service is professional, confidential and free of charge.

Birmingham City University-Disability Support

• The university provides practical support and advice for prospective and current students with physical or sensory disabilities, specific learning differences (e.g. dyslexia), autism or chronic medical conditions.
• The university also provides information about additional funding, runs a personal assistance scheme, and offers a dyslexia screening and diagnostic service.

Birmingham City-Services and Facilities

• A one-stop confidential student inquiry service, Ask, answers all student queries including issues such as health and well-being, visas, student records, the Students’ Union, childcare, accommodation or IT.
• Course facilities include five TV studios and six radio studios, plus a student-run, in-house marketing agency. Other creative facilities include a new Conservatoire building with five performance venues including a 500-seat concert hall and a dedicated jazz club.
• Birmingham School of Art is based in a Grade I listed building in the city center, with facilities for all specialisms. The School of Jewelry’s multi-award-winning building houses an array of workshops and a gallery space, and the Gemology department has a specialist laboratory for analysis and valuation of gemstones.
• Other course facilities include a City trading room, mock-classrooms for education students, psychological testing equipment and simulated environments for health and social care sector, plus sports and life sciences laboratories and a sports performance center.

Birmingham City University-Students’ Union

• Students can join one of the many clubs and societies or represent the interests of the university community on the Student Council. There is also a packed entertainments program, with a variety of events taking place throughout the year.
• The well-established Advice Center operates at most campuses to ensure all students have access to free, impartial and independent advice.
• The union offers the opportunity for students to help others and gain valuable experience by volunteering on a wide range of projects.

Birmingham City University Notable Alumni & Famous Faces

• Laura Mvula − singer
• Frank Skinner − comedian
• Jonnie Irwin − TV presenter
• Jim Crace – author
• Catherine Tyldesley – actress
• Ian Emes – filmmaker