Program Overview

Introduction to Birmingham City University International College

Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, enabling progression onto a Birmingham City University (BCU) degree.

Undergraduate Programmes

BCUIC provides the following undergraduate programmes:

• Accounting, Economics and Finance
• Architecture
• Art and Design
• Built Environment
• Business
• Computing, Networking and Games Technology
• Education
• Engineering
• English
• Events and Sports Management
• Fashion
• Film, Animation and Technology
• Health and Life Sciences
• Jewellery
• Law
• Marketing
• Media
• Nursing
• Psychology, Sociology and Criminology
• Sports Science

Postgraduate Programmes

BCUIC also offers the following postgraduate programmes:

• Architecture
• Art and Design
• Art Management
• Built Environment
• Business and Management
• Computing
• Education
• Engineering
• English
• Fashion
• Film, Animation and Technology
• Health and Life Sciences
• Law
• Media
• Psychology, Sociology and Criminology
• Sport and Life Sciences

Pre-Sessional English

BCUIC provides a Pre-Sessional English programme for international students who need to improve their English language skills before starting their academic programme.

Undergraduate Pathway in Architecture

The Undergraduate Pathway in Architecture is designed for students who want to pursue a career in architecture. With Birmingham's eclectic range of historical and modern architecture, students will have an inspiring study destination.

Duration

The programme duration is two or three semesters.

Intakes

The programme has three intakes: September, January, and May.

Entry Points

The entry point for this programme is Foundation.

Why Study Architecture and Design at Birmingham City University?

Birmingham City University is ranked 22nd in the UK for Architecture (The Times 2026) and 15th in the UK for Interior Design (The Guardian 2026).

Progression Degrees

Students can progress to the following degrees:

• BA (Hons) Architecture
• BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
• BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture
• BA (Hons) Product Design

Modules

The programme consists of various modules, including:

Two-Semester Foundation

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication & Preparation and Progression in Art and Design
• Information Researching, Recording and Responding in Art & Design
• Media Experimentation in Art and Design

Three-Semester Foundation

• Academic English
• Numeracy Skills
• Creative Workshop
• Seminar Sessions (Employability)

Programme Details

Entry Requirements

Students must submit a good portfolio if they are entering the two-semester programme without a related academic subject. For BA (Hons) Architecture, students must submit a portfolio, have GCSE Maths and English or equivalent at grade C/4 or above, and achieve a minimum of 60% in relevant modules to progress to BCU.

Workshop Requirements

All students accessing the 3D workshops, plaster room, glass room, water-jet cutting room, and the kiln room will need to wear safety footwear with toe caps.

Career Prospects

Graduates can pursue careers as:

• Architect
• CAD Technician
• Interior and Spatial Designer
• Town Planner
• Landscape Architect

Industry-standard Facilities

Birmingham City School of Architecture and Design is based on BCU's City Centre Campus, surrounded by urban regeneration. The school provides industry-standard facilities, including 3D workshops, plaster room, glass room, water-jet cutting room, and kiln room.

Art Support

The Art Support Hub provides resources for students who want to study Architecture but don't yet have a portfolio of work, including taster videos, virtual tours, and inspiring stories of BCUIC student success.