It's not too late to apply
Why study with us
At Birmingham City University, we make it easy for you succeed. Our focus on practical skills and real-world learning means you'll leave ready to make waves in your chosen career.
University is about more than a degree - it's an experience that shapes your future, unlocks your potential and helps you grow professionally and personally.
Located at the heart of the UK's second city, studying at BCU means you'll be at the centre of it all, experiencing student life to the fullest. Our cutting-edge facilities, vibrant and diverse city-centre location bring our students a wealth of opportunities, industry connections and not to mention, a whole lot of fun.
On course to a career
BCU graduates are innovators, creators and specialists in their field. You'll work on course-related projects and work placements with companies and organisations like Gymshark, Microsoft, Cisco, Unity, Jaguar Land Rover, Sky UK and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to study, work or volunteer abroad.
You'll be supported by our Careers+ and Graduate+ teams to gain the skills that employers are looking for. So, you'll leave BCU with a smashing CV and the experience to really stand out from the crowd.
A boost for your budget
We don't want you to have to spend a fortune to make the most of your time on campus. Our financial scheme gets you cheap food and drink across our campuses as well as financial support and advice.
Hot main meal on campus £2.85
Meal deal from a local shop £4
Food is fuel, that's why we've dropped our food prices by 40% so you can grab some grub between lectures and stay fed during long study sessions.
Tall Starbucks latte on campus £1.91
Tall Starbucks latte in-store £4.30
We've knocked 25% off the price of hot and cold drinks, plus we have free water refill stations in all of our buildings.
Cup of soup on campus FREE
Cup of soup at a local café £1.70
They say 5-a-day keeps the doctor away. That's why we give away free veg-packed soup in winter and free fresh fruit in summer.
Pint in the Students' Union £3.50
Average UK price of a pint £4.80
Socialising shouldn't cost the earth. That's why our Students' Union pub, The Eagle and Ball, keeps prices low on drinks, food and events.
First-class support
As a BCU student, you can be confident that your needs are our top priority and that we'll be here at every hurdle. You'll have access to our full range of support services, including free counselling, careers advice, mentoring, advice on finance and academic matters, professional development events and more.
Whether you're worried about money, your health or your studies, we've got someone on hand who can help.
How we can support youLook At Me Now
Our graduates achieve their goals, create impact, and shape industries worldwide. But don't just take our word for it…
Brona Styling for Success
Brona
Brona wanted to use her creativity and fashion sense to build a successful career. BCU's Fashion Branding and Communication course helped her push herself and become a great stylist. She now works in her dream role as a Fashion stylist at Birmingham-born multinational company Gymshark.
Jamie Saving Lives
Jamie
Jamie was underestimated in school due to being less academic than other students, but challenges didn't stop him from achieving his dream of becoming a Critical Care Nurse. BCU provided Jamie with the foundation to be a caring and strategic professional who puts his patients at the forefront of everything he does.
Ibrahim Delivering Justice
Ibrahim
Despite being told at school that he wasn't academic enough to pursue a career as a Barrister, Ibrahim pushed himself and through hard work and dedication, he graduated from BCU with a Law degree before he completed training to secure a pupillage. He is now a Pupil Barrister for the Crown Prosecution Service.
Think you know Birmingham? Think again
Birmingham isn't all canals, Cadbury's and curry houses, it's packed with hidden gems that make our students proud to call Brum home.
Full of flavour
The food and drink scene in Birmingham is thriving. Think award-winning street food festivals from Digbeth Dining Club. Imagine mouth-watering burgers from Birmingham-born Original Patty Men and legendary chicken wings from Bonehead. Brum has the most Michelin stars outside of London, so it's safe to say we know our grub. The diverse community in Birmingham means you can try almost any cuisine - including authentic curries in the Balti Triangle.
Best food in BrumA shopper's paradise
Birmingham is a shopping destination that rivals anywhere else in the UK. We're home to the world's biggest Primark and the iconic Bullring houses big brands like Sephora and Zara. The city's vibrant independent scene shines in spots like the Great Western Arcade and Digbeth's Red Brick Market, offering unique finds you won't get anywhere else.
Shop 'til you dropA creative capital
It takes a special kind of place to launch the careers of both Ozzy Osbourne and Alison Hammond, but Birmingham has a reputation for inspiring exceptional talent. Iconic music venue The Sunflower Lounge is the place to spot up-and-coming artists. Foals, Wolf Alice and Dua Lipa all performed there before they hit the charts.
Just a stones-throw away from campus is Digbeth, home to vibrant street art at every corner. Each year, our own Inspired Festival lights up the city with original artwork from our Art, Design and Media students. Lastly, don't forget about Birmingham's live entertainment scene, from diverse productions at The Rep to laugh-out-loud comedy at The Glee Club and world-class performances at our own Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
A hub of creativityAt the centre of sporting success
The Commonwealth Games took over Birmingham in the summer of 2022. The Alexander Stadium - one of the most iconic venues from the Games - is now our specialist space for Sports and Exercise Science courses. Birmingham is also home to iconic football stadiums and cricket grounds.
See the Alexander StadiumRooted in history
Did you know that BCU's history dates back to 1843? Our origins trace to October 1843, when the Birmingham Society of Artists founded the Birmingham Government School of Design on Margaret Street where we still teach to this day . Our historic School of Jewellery on Vittoria Street is the largest jewellery school in Europe and was the filming site for BBC Two's All That Glitters.
In addition to our rich heritage, we've invested £70 million in renovating and expanding the locally listed Belmont Building. Its iconic facade now houses STEAMhouse, a hub for technology and innovation that ensures the building remains at the heart of Birmingham's thriving business landscape. By studying here, you'll become a part of Birmingham's enduring legacy.
Birmingham is the city of 1000s trades, and its rich history is one to be explored. Stroll along our historic canals and see the home of the Industrial Revolution at the Back to Backs. You'll begin to see why Birmingham has inspired Lord of the Rings, Peaky Blinders and much more.
From your living room to the library
When we say on-campus accommodation, we mean it. You could live minutes away from our City Centre Campus in University Locks and we have over 2,000 rooms within walking distance of our campuses.
We have rooms with three-quarter beds and en-suites and our modern buildings have gyms, study and social spaces plus music practice rooms.
You'll have the city and campus on your doorstep, plus everything you need in your accommodation to make it home.
See our accommodation
Find your people
At BCU, your lecturers know your name, your Students' Union is packed with like-minded people and your community is waiting for you. Whether you're looking to find friends through sports, music or just catching up over coffee, it's easy to meet people that share your interests and values.
BCU celebrates individuality, making it a place where you can truly belong. Here, diversity isn't just a buzzword, it's about creating a community where everyone's voice is heard.
Find out about BCUSUOpen Days See for yourself
Open Days are the perfect opportunity to discover just what we have to offer. Talk to the experts who will be teaching you, chat with current students and tour our state-of-the-art facilities.