Ranked #103
UK
Birmingham City University
About Birmingham City University
Beginnings 1843-1971
Our early history can be traced back to the five individual colleges which would be brought together as The City of Birmingham Polytechnic in 1971.
Birmingham College of Art has its roots back in October 1843, when the Birmingham Society of Artists opened the Birmingham Government School of Design. In 1884 the School evolved into Birmingham College of Art, moving to a beautiful purpose-built Venetian Gothic building on Margaret Street designed by John Chamberlain. Today Margaret Street, which still houses our Department of Art, is a Grade I Listed Building.
In 1888 Birmingham School of Jewellery, which was based in Ellen Street, became a branch of the College of Art. Two years later a new building was opened in Vittoria Street which has been the School's home ever since.
The School of Architecture was established within the College of Art in 1909 and won Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) recognition in 1923 and 1930 to become one of the UK’s major schools of architecture. On entry into the Polytechnic, the School became a leading department of the Faculty of the Built Environment.
Birmingham School of Music developed as a department of the Birmingham and Midland Institute around 1859. The first phase of the present building in Paradise Circus was opened in 1973 by HM The Queen Mother.
Our early history can be traced back to the five individual colleges which would be brought together as The City of Birmingham Polytechnic in 1971.
Birmingham College of Art has its roots back in October 1843, when the Birmingham Society of Artists opened the Birmingham Government School of Design. In 1884 the School evolved into Birmingham College of Art, moving to a beautiful purpose-built Venetian Gothic building on Margaret Street designed by John Chamberlain. Today Margaret Street, which still houses our Department of Art, is a Grade I Listed Building.
In 1888 Birmingham School of Jewellery, which was based in Ellen Street, became a branch of the College of Art. Two years later a new building was opened in Vittoria Street which has been the School's home ever since.
The School of Architecture was established within the College of Art in 1909 and won Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) recognition in 1923 and 1930 to become one of the UK’s major schools of architecture. On entry into the Polytechnic, the School became a leading department of the Faculty of the Built Environment.
Birmingham School of Music developed as a department of the Birmingham and Midland Institute around 1859. The first phase of the present building in Paradise Circus was opened in 1973 by HM The Queen Mother.
Why Study at Birmingham City University?
We've invested over £500 million in our campus. From the Parkside Building with the largest TV studio concentration outside London, to simulated operating theatres at City South Campus, we provide the best spaces to learn. Explore via our Virtual tour.
You'll gain industry experience via work placements, mentoring, and Study Abroad exchanges. You’ll also work on projects with companies and organisations like Microsoft, Cisco, Jaguar Land Rover, Sky UK, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Our student employment agency allows you to apply for paid roles at the University, gaining experience in crucial aspects of job applications and valuable feedback on your work.
Many of our courses have internationally recognised accreditations, such as the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).
From the UK’s leading criminologist to a ‘Hot 100’ jeweller, our teaching staff come from and maintain links with industry, and are some of the leading figures in their fields.
Quick Information
World Ranking:
#103
Founded:
1971
Location:
Birmingham, UK
Scholarships
Available Scholarships: 5000
Undergraduate Scholarships for January 2026
BCU is offering a guaranteed scholarship of £5,000 to all self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree in January or September 2026.
The scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee discount of £3,000 in year one and £2,000 in year two.
Postgraduate Scholarships for January 2026
BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to all self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree in January 2026.
The scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee discount.