Birmingham City University: Courses, Fees, Eligibility Criteria, Ranking, Admission 2024 and more
Introduction
As international mobility continues to reshape the educational landscape, more students than ever are seeking degrees that offer not just academic excellence but also cultural enrichment. The United Kingdom, with its historic universities and diverse communities, has become a prime destination for aspiring scholars worldwide. Among the esteemed institutions making waves is Birmingham City University, which stands out for its commitment to innovative teaching and research. With a broad spectrum of courses designed to cater to various interests and career aspirations, BCU provides an inclusive environment that encourages students to thrive academically and personally. Let’s delve into what makes BCU a compelling choice for those pursuing their foreign education dreams!
Nestled in the heart of Birmingham, Birmingham City University benefits from its proximity to one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, offering students a rich immersive experience alongside their studies. BCU boasts a wide array of modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge design studios and extensive library resources, all aimed at fostering a collaborative and inspiring learning environment.
With a strong focus on employability, BCU also prepares its graduates for successful careers through partnerships with industry leaders and opportunities for academic internships. Whether through engaging with passionate faculty or participating in extracurricular activities, students at BCU will find a community that supports their personal and professional development, setting them on a path to success in an increasingly competitive global market.
About the University
BCU’s early history can be traced back to the five individual colleges that were brought together as The City of Birmingham Polytechnic in 1971.
Starting from 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 1869, the Birmingham School of Music developed as a department of the Birmingham and Midland Institute and became an integral part of the university’s inception tail.
Moving ahead, Birmingham College of Commerce was established in the early 20th century and became a branch of Birmingham Central Technical College (CTC) with its main teaching centre in Edmund Street. A new CTC at Gosta Green was then formally opened by HM The Queen in 1955 and the College of Commerce moved to the site in the early 1960s. Gradually, in 1961, the CTC’s technology divisions became the UK’s first College of Advanced Technology which, in 1966 became Aston University.
In 1961, South Birmingham Technical College opened on Bristol Road and in the early 1970s the College’s departments moved to new buildings in Perry Barr and the South Birmingham site was later occupied by Bournville College of Further Education until 2011.
Finally, North Birmingham Technical College was created in 1966 when Aston Technical College moved to new premises at Perry Barr and new buildings formed part of the University’s City North Campus until 2018.
Birmingham Polytechnic 1971-1988
The City of Birmingham Polytechnic was designated in 1971 by then Education Secretary Margaret Thatcher. In 1975, a further three colleges were incorporated into the Polytechnic – Anstey College of Physical Education, Bordesley College of Education and City of Birmingham College of Education. Since its foundation in 1971, Birmingham Polytechnic has been part of Birmingham LEA’s provision. However, on 1 April 1989, the Education Reform Act made all polytechnics independent corporations with charitable status.
University Status 1992 and Becoming Birmingham City University
On 6 March 1992, the Further and Higher Education Act gave all polytechnics the power to adopt the title of ‘university’. Following that, the new name, ‘University of Central England in Birmingham’, was approved by the Privy Council on 16 June 1992. Then in 1992, the Birmingham School of Jewellery was opened formally in March 1995, which is also the largest School of Jewellery in Europe. During the summer of 1995, the University merged with the Birmingham and Solihull College of Nursing and Midwifery and the West Midlands School of Radiography.
In 2000, the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) was created by the former Faculty of Engineering and Computer Technology. However, next year it moved to the new Millennium Point campus and the Faculty of Education took up TIC’s old premises at Perry Barr. As time passed by, the Defence School of Health Care Studies joined the Faculty of Health in 2001 and working with the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, it is the sole provider of Pre-Registration Education in nursing, operating department practice and radiography for the Defence Medical Services in the UK. The year 2005 brought the Birmingham School of Acting to become part of the central university, which a year later moved to a purpose-built facility at Millennium Point.
In 2007, the institution changed its name to Birmingham City University and received a new logo, a reworking of the tiger crest used by the University of Central England in Birmingham, which itself originally came from the Birmingham College of Commerce, one of the Polytechnic’s founder institutions.
Mission and Values
BCU’s mission has always been to be the university for Birmingham, work with aspiring individuals, and enable them to transform their lives and accomplish their true potential.
- MEETING DEMAND: The institution anticipates growing and diversifying its student count so that by 2025, it will have over 30,000 students studying on campuses and 5,000 students studying with its partners.
- THE STEAM AGENDA: By 2025 all the students will have an opportunity to work across discipline boundaries, ensuring that they graduate with the ability to think both critically and creatively. BCU aims to fund a further 100 STEAM PhD scholarships to support the cross-disciplinary researchers of the future.
- ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: By 2025, all university decisions at the main governance committees will explicitly address sustainability. All staff will have completed environmental awareness training and courses will have been assessed for sustainability using the Sustainable Development Goals.
BCU’s Values underpin how it works in accomplishing the ambitions set out in its Strategy and Priorities and the principles that unite the way the institution works together and for the betterment of its students. Let’s shed light on some of them:
We Create Opportunity
Living this value means showing our commitment to:
- Motivating, encouraging and empowering others
- Recognising and nurturing potential in others
- Initiating opportunities for personal growth and development
- Enabling others to grow, thrive and be their best
- Treating others equally, being fair and tackling inequality
We Think Differently
Living this value means demonstrating that we are:
- Questioning and challenging the norm
- Thinking and teaching creatively
- Introducing and encouraging innovation
- Actively seeking out new ideas and perspectives
We Build Community
Living this value means we are actively:
- Accepting others for who they are, fostering an environment of mutual respect
- Working collaboratively in teams and building productive working relationships
- Valuing each other and building and celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion
- Dedicating time and talent to community projects
- Identifying opportunities to transform lives on and beyond our campuses
- Making a personal commitment to living the values of your team
Campus Life
Birmingham City University comprises two main campuses: the City Centre Campus and the City South Campus.
The City Centre Campus is a multi-million-pound centre of excellence in the heart of Birmingham’s East side development possessing five buildings: The Curzon Building, Millennium Point, The Parkside Building, The Joseph Priestley Building, The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and STEAM house. Whereas, City South Campus in Edgbaston, to the south of the City Centre is home to our Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery and Social Work and Community Studies courses. It consists of three buildings, Seacole Building, Bevan House and Harbourne Road. From a mock operating theatre and hospital wards to simulated home environments, the students can benefit from numerous practical learning facilities.
BCU has recently been awarded Gold for Student Experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which demonstrates that they put development and happiness at the forefront of everything they do. Apart from that, Birmingham City University Students’ Union is there to ensure you have the best possible time at university. They just don’t offer over 50 societies to get involved in, but also organise events and activities, from Welcome Week to discounted day trips. The City Centre campus pub, The Eagle & Ball, regularly hosts quiz nights and karaoke nights for students to make memories with new university friends.
The Students’ Union represents your interests and works diligently to make your student experience exceptional throughout your time there. It is also a great place to go to access advice and support on academic, money, housing and health issues. Moreover, BCU has various social spaces including City South Kitchen Hall, Costa Coffee and Starbucks to help students get the leisure time they deserve amidst the tedious lectures and coursework.
Accommodation
BCU’s halls of residence are positioned throughout the city as they have a range of different facilities and amenities close by.
- University Locks: Located on the City Centre Campus, next to the Curzon building, it is convenient for students and offers ideal city living and close transport links.
- Hamstead Campus: Located out of the city centre and accommodating over 500 students, Hamstead Campus offers a variety of room types for every budget.
- The Heights: A 10-minute walk from the city centre, it is a suitable option for students based at the city centre campus who are looking for city-centre living.
- Lakeside: Lakeside offers the perfect student living experience, owing to its great student community having all the modern comforts you need to study and have fun.
- Staniforth House: This residential option is also just a 10-minute walk from the city, appropriate for students based at the city centre campus.
- Queen’s Hospital Close: Located on Bath Row, it is a 20-minute walk to the city’s south campus and less than a mile from the bull ring shopping, city centre restaurants and bars.
- Bentley House: At a quick 10-min walking distance from the City Centre, Bentley House is accessible for students based at the city centre campus.
- Beech Gardens: Beach Gardens is a 15-minute path from Birmingham City University South Campus, proffering an ideal student living with an attractive garden space.
- The Old Fire Station: A 5-minute passage from the city centre, the Old Fire Station is favourable for students looking for city living in a unique setting.
In order to apply for accommodation at BCU, you must accept the college as a provider of your health insurance or firm of choice. Upon accepting an offer, please allow up to 24 hours for the system to update with the details before you register and apply in the Accommodation Portal. The University guarantees accommodation to all first-year, full-time domestic and international students who accept offers during the main application cycle and apply by the deadline.
Birmingham City University Courses 2024
The courses offered by BCU include undergraduate as well as postgraduate degrees across a wide range of disciplines. Here are some of the top courses outlined along with their durations and brief descriptions:
Undergraduate programmes
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
This degree builds knowledge and expertise in financial and management accounting, corporate finance, international accounting and finance issues.
BA (Hons) Business Management
You will gain a comprehensive understanding on several core functions of management to address business industry related issues.
BA (Hons) Architecture
The course aims to prepare students for various roles within the architecture field, emphasising design and creativity.
BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering
It delves into powertrain systems, suspension, body engineering, design and management.
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
It will provide you with the clinical skills and experience you need to become a professional nurse.
Postgraduate Programs
MSc International MBA
It teaches about intricacies of finance, marketing and senior management.
MSc Cyber Security
It helps students develop expertise in cyber risk assessment, security management, ethical hacking, etc.
MA Creative Writing
Delves into numerous writing techniques and genres.
MA Visual Communication
The course allows the students to gain knowledge in graphic communication, photography, illustration, etc.
MSc Health Psychology
The programme enables students to give in-depth investigation into the key theoretical and practical issues of health psychology.
Note: The above information is subject to change. For more accurate details about the course structure, job opportunities and scope for research, please contact our counsellors.
Birmingham City University Fees and Eligibility 2024
BCU programmes have varying fees and eligibility criteria based on the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate). For international students, fee payment methods and deadlines differ, and meeting specific IELTS or SELT score requirements is essential for admission eligibility.
Undergraduate programmes
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
Eligibility:
- 112 UCAS tariff points.
- Requires the 12th Standard average of 60% with a minimum of 60% in Mathematics. BCU also accept Maths at Standard 10 with 65% from the Central Board and CICSE Board.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
BA (Hons) Business Management
Eligibility:
- 112 UCAS tariff points.
- Requires the 12th Standard average of 60% with a minimum of 60% in Mathematics. BCU also accept Maths at Standard 10 with 65% from the Central Board and CICSE Board.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
BA (Hons) Architecture
Eligibility:
- 136 UCAS tariff points.
- A good portfolio of artwork.
- Requires the 12th Standard average of 60% overall. Some courses require Maths with a minimum of 65% from Standard 10 on the Central Board or the CICSE Board. Otherwise, students 60% in Standard 12.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering
Eligibility:
- 112 UCAS tariff points.
- Mathematics is required at the 10th Standard minimum of 65% from the Central Board and CICSE Board.
- All engineering courses require the 12th Standard minimum of 65%, with 65% in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
Eligibility:
- 120 UCAS tariff points.
- Requires a minimum 12th standard with 65% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
Postgraduate programmes
International MBA
Duration: 15 months full-time
Annual Tuition Fees:
International: £19,020;
Eligibility:
- Requires a minimum mathematics grade of C at O Level or the equivalent.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
MSc Cyber Security
Duration: 12 months full-time
Annual Tuition Fees:
International: £17,710;
Eligibility:
- All undergraduate courses in the CEBE faculty require Mathematics at O Level.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
MA Creative Writing
Duration: 12 months full-time
Annual Tuition Fees:
International: £18,600;
Eligibility:
- Requires a portfolio or proposal of studies or both.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
MA Visual Communication
Duration: 12 months full-time
Annual Tuition Fees: £17,000
Eligibility:
- Requires a portfolio or proposal of studies or both.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
MSc Health Psychology
Duration: 12 months full-time
Annual Tuition Fees:
Eligibility:
- A minimum of second-class honours degree in Psychology.
- Applications will also be considered for interview from graduates that have a minimum of a 2:2 with honours and have covered psychology in a related subject.
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
Note: The information mentioned above is subject to change. For more accurate information and personalised guidance, please reach out to Fateh’s counsellors.
Birmingham City University Admission Dates 2024
Undergraduate Programmes:
| Semester/Year | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| January 2025 intake | 15th October 29th January |
| September 2025 intake | 30th June |
Postgraduate Programmes
| Semester/Year | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| January 2025 intake | 4th December |
| September 2025 intake | 17th July |
Note: Since the above-mentioned dates are subject to change, students are requested to check the university’s website or contact Fateh’s counsellors for updated information.
Research and Innovation
Research at Birmingham City University is supported by the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Strategy, which is a clear mandate to grow their exceptional research community, create impact at local, national and international levels and invest in research for the good of student experience, enterprise and innovation.
Let us take you through some of BCU’s Research Highlights that embody its contributions and provide an example overview of its research activity.
BCU proudly partnered with the University of Wolverhampton to deliver That’s Me! Eliminating barriers to postgraduate research study in the West Midlands, a highly prestigious project funded by the UKRI and Office of Students as part of a nationwide programme to Widen participation in postgraduate research – UKRI. Seeking to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for postgraduate researchers in the West Midlands, the project addressed the barriers and challenges faced by PGRs at different stages of their journey, from application to completion and beyond. Another integral scheme, Narrow Margins, a 2-year Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded research project investigating the steady criminalisation of trespass and its impact upon marginalised communities in England and Wales. Lead by Dr Sam Burgum, senior lecturer in Sociology at BCU and pre-doctoral research assistant, Isabella Pojuner. In collaboration with research partners, Leeds GATE and Streets Kitchen, they investigated the impact of the Police Act 2022 on the mobility of street homeless people, Gypsy and Traveller communities and environmental activists.
International Students Support
BCU goes to great lengths to ensure that its international students are supported in both pastoral and academic matters during their studies.
- International Orientation Week: When you first arrive at BCU, you will take part in an International Welcome Week, during which you will have the chance to meet and get to know other international students at the university, including Conservatoire students.
- Academic Mentoring Sessions and Individual Tutorials: If English is not your first language, you can take advantage of the institution’s Academic Mentoring scheme, which offers support in conversation, musical terminology, as well as academic writing. Individual tutorials are also available for all students with tutors from the Centre for Academic Success.
- International Student Mentor: Birmingham Conservatoire offers a mentoring scheme, led by BCU’s International Student Mentor, Beetung Goo who provides pastoral support to international students and helps them swiftly adapt to living and studying in the UK.
Additionally, BCU’s impeccable student support team aids in airport pick-up services (on request), enrolment and registration, orientation and settling in and attendance assistance.
To know more about the student support services and assistance offered by the university, book a call with Fateh’s counsellors for more information.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Every year, BCU provides merit-based scholarships recognising the talents of its international students. These scholarships are discounted against the cost of your first year’s tuition fees. All international students enroling in an undergraduate course in September 2024 are eligible for a scholarship of up to £2,000, discounted from your first year’s tuition fees. This is awarded based on individual academic background. However, students progressing from Foundation and International Year One courses at BCUIC are not eligible for these.
Merit-based scholarship
Value: Up to £2,000 discounted from first year’s tuition fees.
Eligibility:
- It is based on individual academic background.
Deadline: It varies on the course intake.
The following courses are exempted from a scholarship:
- ACCA
- Nursing and Midwifery courses
- Conservatoire and BSA courses (Music and Theatre)
- Short courses that are less than one academic year
- Part-time or distance learning
- Study Abroad programmes
- Exchange programmes
- Pre-sessional English
As for the postgraduate scholarships, international students enrolling for a course in September 2024 are eligible for a partial scholarship of up to £2,000, discounted from the tuition fees. This is awarded based on your academic background and your grade will need to be the equivalent to a UK degree:
Merit-based partial scholarship
Value:£2,000
Eligibility: 1st class degree holder
Deadline: It varies as per the course intake.
Merit-based partial scholarship
Value: £1,500
Eligibility: 2nd Class (Upper division) or 2:1 degree holder
Merit-based partial scholarship
Value: £1,000
Eligibility: 2nd Class (Lower division) or 2:2-degree holder
However, the following courses are exempted from this scholarship:
- PhD
- MSc Accounting & Finance (Top-Up)
- Conservatoire and BSA courses (Music and Theatre)
- PGCE
- Masters degree in Teaching and Learning/Educational Leadership (MTL/MEL)
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in Health
- Short courses that are less than one academic year
- Part-time or distance learning
- Study Abroad programmes
- Exchange programmes
- Pre-sessional English
It is also important to understand that these scholarships are only available to self-funding students and those studying full-time for at least one academic year. Students progressing from Pre-Masters courses at BCUIC are not eligible for such financial assistance.
Birmingham City University Ranking 2024
The academic and research excellence at BCU along with the wide scope of global networking opportunities it offers to its students makes it a leading academic institution in the national and international rankings, including the QS World University Ranking 2024, Times Higher Education and The Guardian.
Global and National Rankings
The university enjoys global recognition owing to its outstanding contribution to academic research and development. Check out the summary of its rankings:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking 2024 | #1001-1200 in the world |
| Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024 | #601-800 in the world |
| Guardian University Guide 2024 | #95 in the UK |
Subject-Specific Rankings
| Times Higher Education Ranking by Subject 2024 | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | #501-600 |
| Business and Economics | #601-800 |
| Clinical and Health | #401-500 |
| Education | #501-600 |
| Social Sciences | #601-800 |
| Engineering | #501-600 |
| Social Sciences | #601-800 |
Note: The above rankings are updated regularly. For further details about the most recent rankings, feel free to contact Fateh’s counsellors.
FAQ
If you wish to stay in university-managed accommodation, please ensure you follow the Accommodation Application Instructions once you have received your offer letter and Student ID Number. Kindly note that this needs to be completed as soon as possible and is subject to availability according to the relevant deadline.
For the UCAS application, please update these via your UCAS account as this will automatically update your details with BCU. For students with direct application to BCU, please get in touch with International Admissions to confirm the change to your details.
