10 reasons to study with us

Here are our top 10 reasons to choose the School of Education and Social Work.

1. Students are happy with our courses! 

The NSS (National Student Survey) 2020 figures show that the majority of our courses received a 90% or above for student satisfaction. So if you're looking to study somewhere that makes you feel fullfilled, empowered and satisfied, we might be right for you. 

2. State-of-the-art facilities

Over the last few years, we have invested £41 million in to our City South campus in Edgbaston to provide professional-level learning facilities for all Health, Education and Life Sciences courses. This includes specialist facilities for the teaching of primary and secondary science, design and technology, physical education, computing, art and design, drama, and music.  

3. We get you ready for employment

As an undergraduate student you’ll get hands-on experience on your course through placements in appropriate settings, ensuring you’re ready for employment when you graduate.

And you're not alone when searching for the right place to carry out work experience. Our faculty Careers+ team are on hand to help you to secure work experience and placement opportunities if they are a compulsory part of your course, or if you're just looking for some relevant professional work experience alongside your studies. 

4. Our courses are approved by professional bodies

Many of our courses provide qualification for a profession, including our teacher training programmes which result in QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and Social Work, which allows you to register with Social Work England.

5. You could be eligible for one of our scholarships

If you're applying for an undergraduate course at BCU, then you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Find out more about receiving extra funding and support to kick start your BCU journey.

6. Earn while you learn 

Our student employment scheme offers student jobs on campus, which allows you to apply for paid roles with us at the University, and gain valuable experience for your CV and future employment.

This is a great and convenient way to earn money when you need to alongside studying, by working for the University - for example, at Open Days - and gives you the opportunity to use your student journey to help prospective students make the best decision.  

7. Opportunities to travel abroad

You’ll have opportunities to travel abroad through HELS Go Abroad.

HELS Go Abroad travel scholarships are available to all Education and Social Work students to apply for once you have enrolled for the chance to gain work experience in a different country - which is great for helping your CV stand out from the crowd!

8. Continue your professional development

We run a range of postgraduate and short courses, and can be flexible to allow you to study single modules at this level, so you can be sure we’ll look after your professional development even once you’re in employment.

9. Study in the City of Birmingham

Study with us and you’ll be located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham – with all the employment possibilities that a big, multicultural city brings. Plus the social life’s not bad either!

10. Experienced staff

Our staff are experienced professionals and maintain links to ensure you get the most up-to-date learning during your course. Many are research active, contributing to scholarship in education, childhood and youth, and social work.