University News Last updated 14 November
“Birmingham deserves better” was the key message from Birmingham City University (BCU) as it launched its ambitious new strategy at its iconic STEAMhouse on Wednesday.
Given the title ‘Rooted in Birmingham, Reaching Beyond’, the strategy sets out the University’s objectives for 2030 and beyond, as it looks to drive positive change across the region.
BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said: “Although Birmingham has renewed optimism compared with a year ago, it is clear that the people we serve and educate are not benefiting from the prosperity expected from a city of our size and potential.
“To generate better outcomes for our region’s health, education and employability, we must respond as a city, as a community, and as a university. Our strategy marks our response.”
Working in collaboration with key stakeholders, including local industry and community organisations, BCU intends to utilise its resources to create a better and more inclusive society.
It plans to transform lives by providing inspiring, accessible and inclusive teaching; by leading the way in promoting social mobility and community development; and by becoming the top university in the Midlands for boosting regional growth, innovation and skills.
It will also deliver outstanding research to benefit students, the region, and the world.
Professor Mba continued: “We have always been an anchor institution for the city and region. Our ambition, at the heart of this strategy, is to affect such societal and economic change that we are regarded as an exemplar organisation – one that sets the standard for others to follow.”
The rollout of the strategy has already begun, with a string of initiatives and projects that aim to fulfil the potential within Birmingham and the wider region.
This includes capitalising on the University’s presence at the Alexander Stadium, which is now home to its sports and exercise courses.
The University is also embarking on innovative partnerships with other Birmingham landmark institutions, including the Botanical Gardens and contemporary art gallery Ikon.
Ian Hyde, chief executive officer of Ikon, attended the strategy launch and hailed BCU’s vision.
He said the collaboration between the University and the gallery, which is located in the heart of Birmingham, had already had a “clear impact”, adding: “Partnership is clearly the way forward.”
Pam Sheemar, who works for Natwest as a Regional Enterprise Director, also attended the launch.
"There are some fantastic objectives in the strategy and the aim of working with businesses to create jobs for young people has really empowered me," she said.
Professor Mba said BCU’s new strategy aligned with the Government's expectations of UK universities and can help drive real economic growth as well as societal change.
The Vice-Chancellor added: “We exist to meet the needs of the city, of its communities, and of the surrounding region. We have set out our plans for BCU’s future. We know what needs to be done if we are to fulfil the potential within the city.”
BCU has a long tradition of excellence and innovation within the city, dating all the way back to its formation in 1843 as the Birmingham Government School of Design.
It now caters for more than 30,000 students, many of whom originate from the most deprived neighbourhoods of Birmingham.
It boasts the award-winning School of Jewellery and the purpose-built Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, which is home to some of the most talented musicians from around the world.
The University is also ranked first in the UK by the Guardian for its Film Production and Photography degrees, and features in the top five of the UK’s Civil Engineering courses for the quality of its teaching.
As the strategy rolls out, BCU will continue to contribute to the physical regeneration of Birmingham, having already invested more than £400 million into transforming Eastside, including the £70m state-of-the-art restoration of STEAMhouse.
For more information about BCU’s Strategy 2030 and Beyond, visit: www.bcu.ac.uk/2030.
You can also watch the official strategy launch video.