Professor David Mba

Vice-Chancellor

Professor David Mba joined Birmingham City University in October 2023 as Vice-Chancellor (VC). David’s role is to lead and develop the strategic vision and aspirations of the University. David has led the development of the University’s Strategy for 2030 and Beyond and works with the University Executive Team to ensure the delivery of the strategic ambitions. The VC is accountable to the Chair and Governing Body for all aspects of the University’s activities.

Before joining BCU, David was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the University of the Arts London (UAL). Prior to this, he was Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, at De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester. Whilst at DMU he also held the post of Pro Vice-Chancellor/Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Media. He has held several other senior positions at universities including Dean of Engineering at London South Bank University, and Associate Dean at Cranfield University’s School of Engineering.

David studied Aerospace Engineering and completed a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Cranfield University, for which he was awarded the Lord King Norton Gold Medal for the most outstanding doctoral thesis.

David’s research has been funded via numerous commercial, EU and EPSRC projects and he has published more than 300 journal and conference papers.

David is chair of the Birmingham Cultural Compact, co-chair of the Black Leaders in HE network, and a member of the Advance HE Board. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and a Principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Notable articles and publications 
A creative degree is about more than just GDP | Wonkhe 
Follow the science - it is international art and design students who are of most value to the UK | Wonkhe