About Us

With over 5,500 of our 24,000 students enrolled on courses in music, theatre, writing, media, digital technology, art, design, jewellery and architecture, Birmingham City University is one of Britain’s leading providers of talented professionals to the cultural and creative industries.

The vast majority of these students are part of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media – the driving force behind the creative provision at Birmingham City University.

Aspiring music, performance, art and media professionals are attracted by our combination of world-class teaching, excellent facilities and professional development opportunities.

Our internationally renowned arts training provision includes a specialist music conservatoire and drama school, a leading provider of media training, and the UK’s largest regional centre for art, architecture and design education, incorporating Europe’s largest jewellery school.

From music to media and film to fashion, our students regularly win awards and gain national recognition for their achievements. You’ll see them on television and on stage, hear them in concert halls, jazz clubs and on CD, and see their works in galleries and on the high street.

Facts

  • Our impressive links with industry include such household names as BBC, Burberry, Goldsmiths, Harvey Nichols, Marks and Spencer and Saatchi and Saatchi.
  • We have the only centre in the Midlands approved by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) to offer their Advanced Certificate and Diploma courses.
  • We are a leading recruiter for art and design in China and Malaysia, and we run courses in Hong Kong and Thailand.

Leadership and management

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean: Professor Dean Hughes
Interim Deputy Dean: Sara Harris
Associate Dean (Academic Quality and Student Learning Experience): Mary Traynor
Associate Dean (Research and Innovation): Professor Nick Gebhardt
Senior Finance Business Partner: Stephanie Smith
Director of Faculty Administration: Chantal De Silva
Head of Technical Services: Gabe Stewart
Interim Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Dr Shirley Thompson
Head of Birmingham Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles: Lee Lapthorne
Head of Birmingham Institute of Creative Arts: Nathan Tromans
Head of Birmingham School of Architecture and Design: Dr Matthew Jones
Head of Birmingham Institute of Media and English: Dr Sarah Wood