Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University is an English multi-disciplinary university located in the heart of Birmingham City. The City of Birmingham Polytechnic was established in 1971 when five autonomous colleges namely Birmingham College of Art, Birmingham School of Music, Birmingham College of Commerce, South Birmingham Technical College, and North Birmingham Technical College merged to form the City of Birmingham Polytechnic. The polytechnic then absorbed the City of Birmingham College of Education, Bordesley College of Education, and Anstey College of Physical Education in 1975. The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design was established in 1988 when Bournville College of Art and the Faculty of Art and Design then combined to create the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design.

On June 16, 1992, the Privy Council approved the new name, 'The University of Central England in Birmingham'. In 2007, the University not only changed its name to Birmingham City University, but it also changed its logo. In 2011 major upgrades to the Parkside Building began. It was in 2013 that the City Centre Campus was enlarged and student enrolments started.

The City Centre Campus and the City South Campus of the University are made up of various buildings that cater to various sectors. Millennium Point, Curzon Building, Joseph Priestly Building, Parkside Building, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and University House are all located on the City Centre Campus. On the contrary, the City South Campus includes the Seacole Building, Bevan House, and Ravensbury House, along with the faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences. The Birmingham School of Art and the School of Jewellery are also among the learning sites of the University.

• Birmingham City University successfully integrates creative teaching and learning and employs academic experts and experienced business leaders to ensure that students get the best practical and academic teaching.
• Most courses offer internship or work placement at some of the largest corporations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Jaguar Land Rover, Sky UK, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. This allows the University to provide innovative course selection and provide students with a first-hand experience on the functionality of the corporations.
• According to the Research Excellence Framework 2014, nearly 90% of researches at Birmingham City University has had a positive impact on the economy and society of Birmingham and the UK alike.
• Birmingham City University is still working to develop and provide students with a cutting-edge learning environment while investing £260 million in a variety of university-related initiatives that will support staff and students for several years.
• Birmingham is a diverse and friendly city, exposing students to many social and economic experiences and provides opportunities for multiculturalism.

Career Opportunities:

Birmingham City University offers work-based courses, training, and teaching to help students prepare for life after graduation. The Career and Job Prospect Service emphasizes employability and career management skills, as well as job preparation, mentoring, and recruitment opportunities. The Knowledge Innovation Technology Transfer Scheme (KITTS) helps students become more employable by matching their skills to particular business needs. Aside from that, the Education Development Service (EDS) works with university faculties to integrate student employability into the curriculum, making the transition from school to work easier for students.

Success Rate:

Birmingham City University is ranked 7th for employability among the top universities in the UK. About 97.4% of its graduates are employed or plan on studying further within six months of their graduation.

Notable Alumni:  the notable alumni at Birmingham City University include:

• Laura Mvula (recording artist, songwriter, and composer)
• Maverine Cole, (radio and television presenter and news presenter)
• Khalid Mahmood (British Labour Party politician)
• Mary Rhodes (sports TV presenter)
• Charlie Stayt (BBC news presenter)
• Alex Hughes (cartoonist)
• Betty Jackson (fashion designer)
• Ravi Deepres (photographer)
• Frank Skinner (comedian)
• Rob Pepper (artist)
• John Taylor (musician)
• Jim Crace (writer and novelist)

Student Services:

University students will find a plethora of options for part-time jobs, placements, and internships, as well as assistance with career planning, CV writing and interview preparation to make it appealing to prospective employers. The Campus Scheme, OpportUNIty, is a programme that assists students in obtaining important and paid experience while studying. Several corporate positions also help students earn money while also gaining experience. Career+ is a one-stop shop for anything career-related. They are career specialists who can help with CV and application writing, placements, part-time work, and grad schemes. 

Accommodation:

University halls of residence and private residences are available to students at different locations across Birmingham. On-campus halls of residence are fitted with in-built rooms suitable for all students. Studio apartments, three-bedroom apartments, four-bedroom apartments, and shared apartments are among the private residence styles. Each type of accommodation offers a safe and comfortable living environment.

The Accommodation Service team is also available to answer any inquiries, requests, or concerns that students may have with regard to their accommodation.

Medical Services:

Counsellors, mental health advisers, and wellness advisers make up the mental health and wellbeing staff. The health and wellness specialist programmes will help students with their physical, mental, and emotional well being.

Sports Facilities:

All students have access to 18 different sports teams competing at the national level. There are many scholarships that student-athletes can apply for. Courts for badminton, football, soccer, basketball, and other activities, fitness studios, weather pitches, the Doug Ellis Sports Centre, City South Sports Centre, and the Pavilion, which is host to many sports pitches, are only a few of the recreational facilities that are available to the University students.

Library Facilities:

The seven libraries and learning centres at Birmingham City University house over 715,000 books and nearly 28,000 print and electronic journals. The Mary Seacole Library, one of the largest specialist health libraries in the UK, is located on the City South Campus and reflects the subjects taught on that campus.

Social Clubs: At Birmingham City University students can participate in social and athletic events through the Birmingham Student Union, BCUSU, which oversees and governs over 100 student societies, sports clubs, and media organisations.