Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University traces its origins to 1843, when the Birmingham Society of Arts and School of Design was established. It developed through a series of specialist institutions, including a School of Music and the School of Jewellery, became the City of Birmingham Polytechnic in 1971 and gained university status in 1992 as the University of Central England. It adopted its current name in 2007.

The university is based in Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK. Its main City Centre Campus has expanded considerably in recent years with the Parkside and Curzon buildings, and a City South Campus in Edgbaston focuses on health and education. Around 31,000 students study at BCU, drawn from about 100 countries. Specialist institutions include the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, which moved into a purpose-built home in 2017, the Birmingham School of Art and the School of Jewellery. The university takes a practical, professionally focused approach to teaching and works closely with employers, including the NHS. BCU holds a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, with a Gold rating for student experience, reflecting its emphasis on employability, real-world projects and strong links with the regional economy.

Information for International Students

Birmingham City University has students, staff and alumni from more than 100 countries. Its International Office, based at the City Centre Campus, advises applicants on entry requirements, applications and Student visa matters,. The typical English language requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 for most courses, with higher scores required for some programmes, including initial teacher training. Pre-sessional English courses are available for students who need to raise their level before starting a degree.

Pathway programmes are delivered by BCU International College, operated by Navitas and located within the City Centre Campus. The college offers foundation and first-year programmes leading to undergraduate degrees, pre-master's programmes for postgraduate entry, and pre-sessional English, with progression to BCU for students who achieve the required results. College students have access to university facilities.

New international students arriving for the September intake can use a free meet and greet service at Birmingham Airport during the main arrival period, which must be booked in advance and can help arrange onward transport to accommodation. The university also publishes guidance on accommodation, pre-arrival documents and settling in, and graduates may be eligible for the Graduate Route.