Birmingham City University (abbrev. BCU) is a modern university in the city of Birmingham, England. It is a forward-looking university of approximately 25,000 students, spread across eight campuses around the city, making it one of the largest and liveliest universities in the county. The university has three main campuses serving four faculties, and offers courses in art and design, business, the built environment, computing, education, engineering, English, healthcare, law, the performing arts, social sciences, and technology.
The university has a reputation for widening participation and working with local communities. It welcomes a broad mix of cultures and nationalities, and over half of its students come from the city or the surrounding area. BCU's courses have a strong focus on preparing students for the world of work, with many offering the option of a four-year sandwich mode, where a full year is spent in industry gaining valuable work experience. The university has a well-established reputation for delivering in-company training and development programmes, working with some of the country's leading employers. It also has its own pioneering student employment agency, OpportUNIty – offering student jobs on campus.Employability skills, enterprise and practice-based project work are built into the curriculum, giving students hands-on experience of the sort of careers they may wish to enter.
University libraries provide access to over 62m resources including books, journal articles, e-book chapters and conference proceedings. There is also wireless access across the University, including Eduroam, for staff, students and visitors.
The Centre for Academic Success provides students with access to a range of academic support services to help develop their study skills, including report writing, revision and exam techniques, stress management and time management.
Key statistics
Total UG Students | Total PG Students | International Students | Students Faculty Ration |
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19,715 | 4,345 | 22% | 18:7 |
Notable Alumni
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Laura Mvula – singer.
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Frank Skinner – comedian.
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Jonnie Irwin – TV presenter.
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Catherine Tyldesley – actress.
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John Taylor – musician and Duran Duran founder.
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Jim Crace – author.
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Ian Emes – filmmaker.
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Makhdum (Mak) Ali Chishty – Commander in the Metropolitan Police.
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Mark Williams-Thomas – investigative journalist.
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Andrew Higginson – chairman of Morrisons supermarkets.
English Language Requirements
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The university accepts a range of English language qualifications as evidence of a student's abilities.
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For the majority of courses, an IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) is required.
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However, some courses may require a higher score.
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TOEFL and Pearson Test of English (PTE) qualifications are also accepted, along with many other internationally recognised English language qualifications.
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The level required may vary by course.
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Please refer to the university website for details.
- PTE-64 with no component below 59
- TOEFL-80 overall (18 R,17 L,20 S,17 W)
Undergraduate courses
Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences (BLSS) - 12th Standard minimum of 60% with minimum of 60% in Maths. Engineering courses require 65% with 65% in Maths, Physics and Chemistry
Postgraduate courses
3-4 years degree with 55% overall (50% from top universities). For Engineering courses 60% in the relevant fields with 55% from top universities.
Special requirements
Art and Design
All undergraduate courses in the Art and Design schools require a good portfolio of artwork. Some postgraduate courses also require a portfolio, others require a proposal of studies while some courses require both a portfolio and a proposal of studies. Please check faculty website
for specific requirements.
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (CEBE)
All undergraduate courses in the CEBE faculty require Mathematics at O Level. However, for the Engineering suite and BEng Telecommunication and Networks, Mathematics is required at AS Level minimum Grade C or the equivalent.
Business School
All Business School under-graduate Year 1 courses require Mathematics minimum of Grade C at O Level or the equivalent
English waiver provided for below :
Indian Standard XII |
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70% and above in the following boards: CBSE, CISCE, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh |
Accommodation for International Students
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All international students are guaranteed Birmingham City University accommodation if they apply on time. It is not always possible to allocate a student’s first choice, but where possible the accommodation will be close to the place of study, provided an application is received by the relevant deadline.
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All halls are within walking distance, or a short journey by public transport, from the university’s campuses. All accommodation is self-catered with Internet access and costs include heating and water.
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Students do not have to move out of their accommodation during the Christmas and Easter vacations.
Conditional Offer | Unconditional Offer | CAS |
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1 Week | 5 Days | 5 Days |
The university offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international undergraduates which you may be eligible to receive or apply for up to £2,000 scholarships available for Indian students to be eligible for a scholarship for an undergraduate programme, you’ll need to have studied the
12th Standard and attained the following grade:
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60% overall* - £1,000
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65% overall* - £1,500
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70% overall* - £2,000
To be eligible for a scholarship for a postgraduate programme, you’ll need to have gained the following at a university in India:
5-star universities
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45% - 49% £500
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50% - 54% £1,000
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55% - 59% £1,500
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60% + £2,000
Other universities
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48% - 54% £500
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55% - 59% £1,000
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60% - 69% £1,500
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70% + £2,000
Your scholarship offer will be made when we make you a course offer.
*Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment courses have higher requirements. Please note that scholarships are only available to self-funding students. There are numerous other scholarships. Kindly refer to the university website for detailed qualifications required.
Other scholarships
You can also apply for the British Government's Chevening Scholarships, and a variety of private agencies and charities for scholarships, bursaries and grants to study in the UK. For more information visit the British Council website or the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.
Some key facts of Birmingham City University
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The Complete University Guide 2018 : 99
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The Guardian University League Tables 2018 : 101
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Birmingham City University have invested £340 million in the campuses and facilities
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Birmingham City University provide eligible for a £1,000 scholarship
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University allow to earn while learning