Birmingham City University

Overview

With around 25,000 students, Birmingham City University is one of the major universities in the UK. Situated in Birmingham, the UK’s second city and informal capital of the West Midlands, it has a long history of close interaction with this vibrant region. Birmingham City University has a distinctive focus on education and research for professional and creative practice and on collaboration with business, industry and the public services. It is one of the three long-standing universities in the city of Birmingham, alongside the University of Birmingham and Aston University.
Birmingham City University’s contribution to the education of the citizens of Birmingham and beyond stretches back through a succession of predecessor institutions for over 160 years. It achieved university status in 1992 as the University of Central England, changing its name to Birmingham City University in 2007.
Birmingham City University is a professional institution in many senses of the word. A significant proportion of the undergraduate courses enjoy professional accreditation, including Accountancy, Acting, Architecture, Education, Engineering, Law, Marketing, Nursing, Radiography and Social Work. Birmingham City University’s postgraduate provision provides a wide range of opportunities for management and professional development for early and mid-career professionals.

Ranking

Birmingham City University is ranked 63 in the Guardian 2010 League Table. Three subjects ranked in the top 20 in the UK – Media Studies, Communication and Librarianship (11); Drama and Dance (16) and General Engineering (19) – and five more in the top 30 – Architecture (23), Art and Design (23), Education (26), Mechanical Engineering (25) and Music (22).
Birmingham City University is ranked 76 in the Times Good University Guide 2010. Five subjects ranked in the top 30 – Architecture (27), Art and Design (28), Education (25), Communication and Media Studies (21) and Music (27).
Birmingham City University is ranked 59 (up 10 places on last year) in the Independent Complete University Guide 2010. Four subjects ranked in the top 30 – Communication and Media (19), Building (22), Education (27), Music (21), Town and Country Planning (27).

Services for International Students

Birmingham City University is a multicultural university and we welcome students from all over the world. We take the needs of our international students seriously and provide a full range of support and guidance, from the moment you consider studying with us to graduation and beyond.
Birmingham City University’s Student Services are here to help you make the most of your time at the University. They provide high quality services that support you, enhance your learning experience and are responsive to your changing needs.
Student Services are a central point of information and advice for international students, and they aim to help you with your query as efficiently as possible through a regular drop-in service called 'The Student Help Zone' available at three campuses: City North, City South and Gosta Green.
Student Help Zone Advisers are able to provide you with initial advice and guidance through a range of methods: face-to-face, telephone, online chat and e-query, for issues relating to health and wellbeing, money matters, job prospects, child care and international student issues with visas and immigration.

Accommodation

Birmingham City University offers a range of housing options, from self-contained flats to adapted accommodation for students with special requirements. Housing is safe, secure and affordable and offers you the chance to live and study close to the centre of Birmingham, England's second city.
Birmingham City University’s accommodation is managed by its Accommodation Services team. You can call them during office hours, or put forward any concerns to a dedicated Student Representative who works closely with the team.

Campus

Birmingham City University is divided into eight main campuses and schools in the Birmingham area. These are: City North Campus, City Centre Campus at Millennium Point, City South Campus, Gosta Green, Birmingham Conservatoire School of Art, School of Art, and the School of Jewellery

Location

Birmingham is a major European city, and a lively, friendly and multicultural city. It is home to some spectacular Victorian and contemporary architecture and all the facilities you would expect of a modern and thriving metropolis - venues for art, music, theatre and sport, excellent nightlife, great shopping and eating, including the world famous Bullring Centre. The city also benefits from being surrounded by beautiful countryside. Its position in the heart of England makes it the perfect base from which to explore the UK and Europe; the city is less than two hours away from London by road and rail, and has its own international airport. Warwick, Stratford, the Peak District and Wales are also all within easy travelling distance.
URL: www.bcu.ac.uk