Program Overview
Introduction to Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University is a large and diverse university with over 31,000 students from more than 100 countries. The university is set in the heart of Birmingham and focuses on practice-based learning.
About the University
The university has various schools and subjects, including:
- Art, Architecture and Design
- Business
- Built Environment
- Computing and Digital Technology
- Education and Social Work
- Engineering
- Life and Sport Sciences
- English
- Health and Social Care
- Law
- Media and Cultural Studies
- Music and Performance
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Courses
The university offers a wide range of contemporary courses, including:
- Foundation
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate Taught
- Postgraduate Research
- Apprenticeships
These courses can be taken in different modes of study, such as:
- Full-time courses
- Part-time courses
- Online learning
- Short courses and CPD
Student Information
The university provides various resources and support for students, including:
- Accommodation
- Open Days
- Application process
- Financial support
- Life in Birmingham
- Facilities
International Students
The university welcomes international students from around the world. International students can find information on:
- Why study at BCU
- Life in Birmingham
- Accommodation
- Student support
- Study abroad
- International Summer School
- BCU International College
Research
The university has various research areas, including:
- Art, Architecture and Design
- Business
- Built Environment
- Computing and Digital Technology
- Education and Social Work
- Engineering
- Life and Sport Sciences
- English
- Health and Social Care
- Law
- Media and Cultural Studies
- Music and Performance
- Psychology
- Social Sciences The university also has research centers and offers research degrees.
BCU Award
The BCU Award is an award framework that complements a student's degree. It is designed to capture and showcase a student's personal and professional development. The award has four progressive levels:
- Bronze Award – Attend, Explore, Discover: Get to know what you like, what you don't, the support you need, and how to develop.
- Silver Award – Experience, Test, Build: Build on your earlier experiences by becoming more actively involved in opportunities.
- Gold Award – Extend, Challenge, Stretch: Gain in-depth experience through greater commitment, involvement, and professional practice.
- Platinum Award – Excel, Accomplish, Exceed: After achieving Gold, the Platinum level encourages deeper reflection and consolidation of your understanding and attributes.
Graduate+ Award
The Graduate+ Award is an award framework that complements a student's degree. It is designed to capture and provide evidence to help students grow as future graduates while preparing them for their individual career aspirations. The award has four levels:
- Bronze Award – Attend, Explore, Discover: Get to know what you like, what you don't like, what support you need, and how to develop.
- Silver Award – Experience, Test, Build: An opportunity to build on the exploration and discovery stage by getting more involved.
- Gold Award – Extend, Challenge, Stretch: More in-depth experience, commitment, involvement, and professional practice.
- Platinum Award – Excel, Accomplish, Exceed: On completion of Gold, the newly formed Platinum level will allow for deeper reflection of each individual attribute, thus further consolidating your understanding.