University College Birmingham

The University College is located in central Birmingham and offers both vocational and academic education to students.The university is associated with the University of Birmingham which accredits University College Birmingham Degrees.

 

Background and History

Founded as part of Birmingham's Municipal Technical School in the 19th century, the university became a separate Birmingham College of Food and Domestic Arts under the control of the Birmingham City Council in 1957. It moved to its present site in Summer Row in 1968 and was renamed Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies (BCFTCS) in the 1980s to reflect the breadth of courses it then offered. The university became University College Birmingham (UCB), in 2007 and today plays host to over 8,000 students on Higher Education, Postgraduate and Further Education programmes including 1100 international students from 65 countries.  

Location and Accessibility

The college has buildings at Summer Row and Newhall Street, as well as the Postgraduate Centre at George Street.

Travel by car:  Several major roads lead into Birmingham City Centre.

From the North: The M6/A38 (M) or M5/A46

From London: Via M40/M42/A45 or M1/M6/A38

From the South West: The M5/A456

Travel by train: Birmingham New Street Station is served by a fast Intercity link from London Euston and is just a few minutes walk from the College.Useful Post codes to the various buildings:- Summer Row - B3 1JB- Richmond House - B3 1PB- Colmore Row - B3 2AP- The Maltings - B1 1SB- Cambrian Hall - B1 2NB

What's on Offer

UCB is a specialist institution for Undergraduate management programmes in the fields of Hospitality, Tourism, Events, Culinary Arts, Sports Therapy, Spa Management, Marketing, Childhood and Education. Undergraduate: BA, BSc- Fda, FdSc programmes also available (Foundation degrees) Postgraduate:  MA, MSc- MBA- PGCE- PG Dip

Entry Requirements

Generally speaking UCB honours degree programmes have a minimum entry requirement of 240 UCAS tariff points.- Foundation degrees have a minimum entry requirement of 140 UCAS tariff points.- GCSE English A-C grades or equivalent are required for all courses.  

University Accommodation

Over 1000 students can be accommodated in the halls of residence, and accommodation can be offered to all years and programmes of study. Visit the UCB accommodation website for a closer look at what student accommodation is on offer.

Private Accommodation

Students will also need to live privately at some point in their university lives. Many opt to do this in their first year while others may have to due to insufficient university supplied accommodation. Liberty Living is just one of the private accommodation suppliers to students in Birmingham (pictured), but there are a lot of other properties available to rent.

University College Birmingham is the UK's specialist institution for higher education programmes in: Hospitality, Tourism, Events. Culinary Arts, Sports Therapy, Spa Management, Marketing and Childhood Education. Many of the courses are accredited and formally recognised by professional bodies such as the Society for Sports Therapists, the TDA and the Tourism Management Institute.  

Tuition Fees

Tuitions fees vary depending on the choice of course and are subject to change each year. For further information, contact the university directly.

Academic Facilities

UCB has very good study areas including an impressive library with specialist subject librarians, computer suites and a resource centre.

Other On-site Amenities

University College Birmingham's specialist training facilities include: Restaurants, a health/leisure club, hairdressing and beauty therapy salons, food and beverage test laboratories, a culinary demonstration theatre, sports therapy clinics and top industry-standard kitchens. This allows the students great preparotory work practice before entering a profession. Sports facilities include a multi-use sports hall, gym and spa. An off-site sports facility which includes grass and all weather pitches is also available.  

Medical and Social Care

The UCB Learning and Skills Development Centre offers excellent study support facilities for students, often helping individuals reach higher levels of achievement. The students union or 'Guild' is proactive in all areas of student life.

What's On in the Area?

The city of Birmingham has a very large student scene, while also being the UK's second city and thus plays host to a vast array of entertainment. Whether you're seeking nightlife or pursuing culture, the city can satisfy your interests. Attractions include: The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Thinktank Science Museum and Cadbury World.

Moving On

Given the vocational nature of the courses on offer at UCB, students are well placed to start a career upon graduation.

Did you know?

A brand new £25-m college site has been developed, and it opened in September 2013. It was built to the highest energy efficiency standards.

Is UCB the place for you?

Come to UCB if you wish to study a vocational subjectin a bustling city, with strong links with industry and good placement opportunities.