Choose BCU

If you're ready to study somewhere that believes in your potential, make BCU your first choice.

No. 1 in the West Midlands for work experience (RateMyPlacement Awards, 2025)

Gold for student experience, overall rating silver (TEF, 2023)

£500minvested in industry-standard facilities

7th in England for social mobility (HEPI, 2025)

00:00:00: In the centre of Birmingham and just a short walk from the train station is BCU - Birmingham City University.

00:00:12: If you're trying to decide what university to go to and why you should consider BCU then here are my top reasons of why I decided to study here and why I love it so much.

00:00:23: First off would be the amazing facilities that we have here at BCU. Whatever course you're studying they are second to none and spread across four sites across the city. I'm studying Product and Furniture Design and here I have absolutely everything I need. Across all the other courses that BCU has to offer, the School of Art at Margret Street has incredible printing facilities, workshop spaces and studios that students can use. Over at the School of Jewellery, they have their incredible traditional workshops as well as the latest technology for jewellery design. If you're studying one of our media courses then you will have access to amazing spaces like this studio, students have full use of these facilities are also used by industry providing great opportunities for students. There are four studios: a green screen, photographic and radio studios all built to a fully professional standard.

00:01:10: The Curzon building houses The Eagle and Ball, a 19th century renovated pub run by our Students' Union. In the Curzon building you'll find our library which is open 24 hours a day as well as our campus shop. If you are studying on one of our courses here you may find yourself spending time in our city trading room or participating in mock trials in our Law Courts.

00:01:32: Over at our city south campus our facilities offer hands-on practical experience with professional equipment for Health and Social care and Life Sciences. If you are studying on this campus you'll have access to cutting-edge facilities such as birthing rooms and operating theatre and biomedical science labs. Our Sports and exercise science students also have access to specialist equipment and facilities at the Alexander Stadium which you might recognize from the 2022 Commonwealth Game,s here students learn alongside professional sports organizations such as UK Athletics.

00:02:05: Birmingham is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK and with the Uni's connection to all of that there is a whole bunch of opportunities that BCU can provide for you as more companies move into the city it provides access that you will have to specialized work placements and because of Birmingham's unique position in the country there is the ability to travel anywhere in the UK. Here at our City South campus, you will find plenty of placement opportunities. Completing a placement is an excellent way of putting what you have learned on your course into practice if you are studying on one of our health courses this can be really useful, where you might make the transition from the mock ward where we are now and onto the real thing.

00:02:45: Finally choosing to come to BCU is choosing to join the most supportive and diverse community that anyone could wish to be a part of. It's not just the uni but the city itself that pulls people in from all over the world and different cultures there really is not nothing like it, as well as students there are also our lecturers from a wide range of backgrounds feeding their expertise into the BCU Community. Student life here is something you can really immerse yourself in, be it on campus getting involved in dozens of Societies or making the most of hanging around the city with friends and coursemates so that's why I think you should choose to come and join us at Birmingham City University. But don't take my word for it, take a look online and check out the courses that you're interested in and then perhaps you will come here and find out for yourself why you should choose BCU!

Product and Furniture Design student Amelia showcases the best things about being a student at BCU.

A vibrant, exciting city

BCU's central location puts you where ambition lives. In a city built on innovation and grit, you'll find the inspiration and opportunities to push your future further.

On course to a career

BCU graduates are innovators, creators and specialists in their field. At the No.1 university for work experience in the West Midlands (RateMyPlacement, 2025), you'll work on course-related projects and industry placements with companies and organisations like Gymshark, Microsoft, Cisco, Unity, Jaguar Land Rover, Sky UK and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

If your goal is to own your own business, BCU has the highest number of student and graduate business start-ups of any university in the West Midlands (HESA, 2022). 

Student jobs

Build your skills, knowledge and experience by undertaking part-time work at the University or in Birmingham's bustling city centre.

Student jobs at BCU

Placements

We're number 1 in the West Midlands for providing meaningful work experience placements (RateMyPlacement 2025). Find a placement that moves you forward.

Placement opportunities

The BCU Award

Our BCU Award scheme embeds career-related skills into every one of our degree courses and gives you the skills employers want.

More about the BCU Award

First-class support

Your wellbeing comes first at BCU. From disability to support, free counselling and careers advice to financial guidance, mentoring and academic support, we're here whenever you need us.

Two students sit happily at computers

Your future starts with the right tools

We've invested over £500 million in our facilities. Our learning spaces aren't just classrooms; they're studios, labs, mock wards, stadiums and stages. Our industry-standard facilities mirror the professional world, so when you step inside, you'll be stepping closer to your future.

Powering the NHS

Our Health students learn in realistic environments that prepare them to power the front line. Simulated hospital wards, a birthing suite, operating theatre, an exact replica of an operational emergency ambulance, and radiography suites give them the skills they need.

Four film and TV studios

The Parkside Building boasts four film and TV studios, all operating industry-standard tapeless digital workflow. Studio A, at just over 2,000 sq ft, is in the top 15 largest studios in the country; Studio B, at 2,100 sq ft, is one of the largest fixed green screen studios in the UK.

Cutting-edge business facilities

Our CITY Trading Room uses the same investment analysis software as traders, financial analysts and decision makers in the investment industry. Our student-run, in-house marketing agency The Link enables business students to sharpen their skills with briefs from leading businesses and organisations such as Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Serco and Cure Leukaemia.

Live at the centre of it all

With accommodation right on your doorstep, you’ll be part of a community that lives, studies and grows together. Whether you choose to live on campus or in the heart of the city, everything you need is within reach.

Three female students walking outside university locks student accommodation. They look happy.

Become a money-savvy student

We know university is a big step, especially when it comes to money. That’s why we’re doing things differently. We’ve reduced hot food prices across our campuses by 40%, with free fruit or soup provided every day. Plus, we have a host of resources about managing your money at university available to help you.

Student living costs

You're probably wondering how much you should be budgeting for groceries, accommodation, bills and just general day-to-day costs. See how much you can expect to spend as a student.

Student spending round-up

Budgeting as a commuter

Living at home during uni can often be a lot cheaper than living in student halls, but the costs of commuting can still add up. We’ve got four ways to keep your budget in check whilst you’re at uni.

Budgeting tips

Save money with BCU Boost

We don't want you to have to spend a fortune to make the most of your time on campus. Our financial scheme, BCU Boost, makes campus life affordable.

What is BCU Boost?