Birmingham City University (BCU) is a large, modern, and international university with a history dating back to the 1800s. It's known for its diverse student population, international partnerships, and a focus on practical skills and professional relevance. With over 30,000 students from 100+ countries, BCU is a vibrant learning environment.
| Acronym | BCU |
| Nickname | BCU |
| Motto / Slogan | Do what you are doing; attend to your business |
| Colour | Blue |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Location | Birmingham, England, United Kingdom |
| Address | Birmingham City University Curzon Building 4 Cardigan Street Birmingham B4 7BD United Kingdom |
Birmingham City University's (BCU) mission is to be the University "for" Birmingham, transforming the prospects of individuals, employers, and society through excellence in practice-based education, research, and knowledge exchange.
Birmingham City University's (BCU) vision is to be an exemplar anchor institution, transforming the prospects of individuals, employers, and society through excellence in practical, relevant, and work-based education, research, and knowledge exchange.
Birmingham City University's (BCU) strategic objectives, outlined in its "Strategy 2030," focus on developing talent, fostering innovation, and becoming a leading force in the region.
This state-of-the-art building is the new home for our Computing courses. Based at our expanding City Centre Campus, this unique center will give you access to outstanding facilities and teaching spaces, as well as opportunities to collaborate with people and businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects.
We aim to make you employer-ready by graduation. To boost your career prospects, you’re encouraged to take an industrial placement after your second year, extending your course to four years. Through our strong industry partnerships, you’ll have the opportunity to gain exceptional, high-quality work experience that enhances your skills and employability.
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £500 million on new learning facilities. The building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development. Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
We’re proud to be the University for Birmingham, supporting and giving back to the local business community. With strong links to companies like HSBC, Standard Life Insurance, and Goldman Sachs, we enhance students’ experiences through guest lectures, placement opportunities, and valuable engagement with industry experts.
Entry Requirements vary by course. Check the course page to see the requirements.
Requirements vary by courses. Please see our international pages for further details of the entry requirements for our courses and information relevant to applicants from your country.
IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent. See details of accepted qualifications.
Personal statement
You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
UNDERGRADUATE:
Applying through UCAS
International Student:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +44 (0)121 331 6295, +44 (0)121 331 5389
Accommodation: Looking for student accommodation at Birmingham City University? We work with student accommodation partners in Birmingham City Centre and close to our City South Campus to guarantee accommodation for first-year students. Booking accommodation through us means you'll get a cheaper price than booking direct, plus you'll be put with other first-year BCU students. Scroll down to see all the student accommodation in Birmingham we recommend, listed from lowest cost per week to highest.
Sport: The Doug Ellis Sports Centre is a £7m leisure facility featuring a fitness suite, sports hall, workout studios and team changing facilities. Some PE sessions for our PGCE PE, PGCE Primary, BA (Hons) Secondary PE with QTS and BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS courses will be based here.
ACCA, CIMA, RIBA, and the British Psychological Society
Before joining BCU, David was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the University of the Arts London (UAL). Prior to this, he was Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, at De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester. Whilst at DMU he also held the post of Pro Vice-Chancellor/Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media. He has held several other senior positions at universities including Dean of Engineering at London South Bank University, and Associate Dean at Cranfield University’s School of Engineering.
David studied Aerospace Engineering and completed a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Cranfield University, for which he was awarded the Lord King Norton Gold Medal for the most outstanding doctoral thesis.
Jag joined Birmingham City University in 2022 as Director of Finance. In 2023, he moved to the role of Executive Director of Finance and joined the University Executive Team.
Before joining BCU, Jag worked in the Higher Education sector as Deputy CFO at London Metropolitan University as well as providing some consultancy support to Arden University. Previously, he held the role of Deputy Director of Finance at both Aston and Buckinghamshire New University.
Jag began his career working in the private sector in a range of industries including Utilities, Telecommunications, and IT software services as well as working for Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains franchise where he was involved in a merger. Jag then moved into the public sector and worked for a NHS Foundation Trust before joining the Transport Authority for the West Midlands as Head of Commercial Opportunities, during which his financial analysis helped secure funding for the Midland Metro extension from Birmingham Snow Hill to the city centre.
As Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, Marcia leads on the teaching and learning strategy and is responsible for the Directorates of: Education Development Service, Library and Learning Resources, and Careers and Employability.
Before joining Birmingham City University, Marcia was the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Institutional Equity at London Metropolitan University where she worked with key stakeholders to enhance the student experience.
Before that, Marcia had the privilege of being the inaugural Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The Open University (OU) where she led on a number of cross-institutional projects including the creation of an Institutional Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Plan.
Karen is responsible for all matters of governance, legal, and statu... read more
Karen is a qualified solicitor with particular expertise in higher education corporate governance and all issues that arise out of the institutional relationship with students. Before joining the University, Karen spent seven years as an external legal adviser in private practice advising over 35 Higher Education Institutions on issues involving corporate governance, strategic management (including faculty, department, and course restructuring) and Board matters. She also advised on all aspects of the student/University relationship and management of complex student litigation.
Birmingham College of Art has its roots back in October 1843, when the Birmingham Society of Artists opened the Birmingham Government School of Design. In 1884 the School evolved into Birmingham College of Art, moving to a beautiful purpose-built Venetian Gothic building on Margaret Street designed by John Chamberlain. Today Margaret Street, which still houses our Department of Art, is a Grade I Listed Building.
In 1888 Birmingham School of Jewellery, which was based in Ellen Street, became a branch of the College of ... read more
The School of Architecture was established within the College of Art in 1909 and won Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) recognition in 1923 and 1930 to become one of the UK’s major schools of architecture. On entry into the Polytechnic, the School became a leading department of the Faculty of the Built Environment.
Birmingham School of Music developed as a department of the Birmingham and Midland Institute around 1859. The first phase of the present building in Paradise Circus was opened in 1973 by HM The Queen Mother.