Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University is the second largest of three universities in the city. The central campus is in the North of the city, while seven other research and teaching sites are spread across the town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Background and History

Founded as the Birmingham College of Art in 1843, BCU became a polytechnic in 1971 and gained university status in 1992. The university is a designated Skillset Media Academy, a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for health and social care, and a member of the Million+ group of modern UK universities.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: Birmingham is a transport hub and has great transport links north and south. Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International are the city's largest train stations and service an urban network that runs across the city. The university's main campus is opposite Perry Barr station, with trains running every 15 minutes to and from the city centre.

What's on Offer

The university offers a diverse range of qualifications. At undergraduate level these include Foundation Year Certificates, Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas and Bachelor degrees (BA, Bsc, BEng Bed and LLB). Taught and research postgraduate programmes are available.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate programmes typically require 260 or more UCAS points for entry, with courses such as accountancy and radiotherapy requiring more.

University Accommodation

BCU offers first-year students accommodation across the city. Expect to pay higher rates for halls close to teaching facilities.    

Private Accommodation

The university works with private companies and Birmingham City Student Homes to source accommodation close to the city centre campuses.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Birmingham City is best known for its digital media programmes, having been recognised as the number one media school in the UK for its theoretical and practical focus. The university is also well-regarded for its courses in nursing, midwifery, and primary and secondary education.    

Tuition Fees

All undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students, postgraduates and foundational courses vary.

 

Financial Support: BCU offers a comprehensive scholarship and financial support package. For more details, check the university website.

Academic Facilities

Birmingham City University has seven libraries, containing 950,000 books and more than 9,000 print and electronic journals. Each library specialises in the research area of its home-facility and offers workstations and laptops for loan. BCU also hosts a substantial collection of digitized course material for students, including past exam papers and exemplar project work.

 

On-site Amenities

Situated at the main BCU campus in North Birmingham, the Doug Ellis Sports Centre opened in 2010 at a cost of £8 million. It boasts an 80-station fitness suite, an eight-court sports hall and dance and aerobic studios.

   

Medical and Social Care

BCU has a wealth of student support services on offer and membership of the Students' Union is granted to all students at enrolment: for every £1 spent at any union bar, shop or event, 10p is invested back into university facilities and services which directly benefit students.  

What's On in the Area

Being the second largest city in the UK and home to several universities, means Birmingham knows how to keep its student population entertained. Whether culture vulture or nightclubber, you'll never run out of new spots to visit. Day-out highlights in the city include the City Museum and Art Gallery, Thinktank Science Musem and nearby Cadbury World, while the National Exhibition Centre hosts a rolling revue of international acts.

BCU is one of 17 Skillset Media Academies in the country, and the only one in the Midlands. This accolade recognises "centres of excellence in television and interactive media". BCU also has a taste for television shows: graduates of the university include comedian Frank Skinner, singer and X Factor contestant Rhydian Roberts, TV presenter Zoe Ball and bass guitarist John Taylor, founder of Duran Duran.

Is Birmingham City University the right place for me?

If you want a cosmopolitan setting, international culture and a different place to visit each weekend, Birmingham City University is ideal. If it's the city of Birmingham that sways you, be sure also to consider Aston University and the University of Birmingham.