Undergraduate Prospectus 2021/22 Undergraduate Prospectus 2021/22 1 PB UndergraduateUndergraduate Prospectus Prospectus 2021/22 2021/22 bcu.ac.uk CONTENTS SEE FOR YOURSELF 4 Welcome to our University 40 The view from BCU AT AN OPEN DAY 8 Why study with us? 42 The city is your campus The best way to explore what Birmingham 10 The heart of the UK 44 City life City University has to offer is to come and 12 On course to a career 48 A place to call home see us in person. Our Open Days provide 50 Go abroad the perfect opportunity to chat to our 14 Your degree your way staff and students, and check out our 16 Our graduates 52 Your Students’ Union first-rate facilities. 18 Our campuses 54 Get into sport 24 The facilities you need 56 Courses by subject area MAR JUN SEP 28 The staff who inspire 218 Foundation years 21 27 26 32 First-class support 220 Keep in touch 38 Our research 222 Application process OCT NOV 17 22 Courses by subject area page 56 www.bcu.ac.uk/visit The information in this prospectus is aimed at prospective students planning to start a course Birmingham’s Big at Birmingham City Wheel at Christmas University in 2021/22. 2 3 UndergraduateUndergraduate Prospectus Prospectus 2021/22 2021/22 bcu.ac.uk WELCOME I’D LIKE TO GIVE YOU A WARM WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY. I AM IMMENSELY PROUD TO BE THE CHANCELLOR OF THIS VIBRANT AND DIVERSE INSTITUTION. Our University offers the sort of education I’d have loved when I was younger – right in the heart of the thriving city of Birmingham, with fantastic facilities that blew me away when I first visited. The teaching staff are incredibly passionate about their subjects and give our talented students the chance to go on and achieve their ambitions. My advice is to come and see for yourself what’s happening at the University and across the city. I did, and that’s why I was thrilled to accept this amazing role. ! I look forward to working with you, helping you become part of Birmingham City University’s next generation of talent. Sir Lenny Henry, Chancellor, Birmingham City University 4 5 Undergraduate Prospectus 2021/22 bcu.ac.uk I AM BCU EVERYONE PICTURED ON THE COVER AND BELOW IS A STUDENT OF BIRMINGHAM CITY MAHIR UNIVERSITY. IN THEIR OWN WORDS, THIS IS BSc (Hons) Sport ZAK and Exercise Science WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT BCU. BA (Hons) Graphic Communication “The community here at GEORGE BCU is truly amazing SAVANNAH BSc (Hons) Computer “I managed to fit in and was one of the key BSc (Hons) Sport and Networks sooner than I thought I factors for choosing this MARY Exercise Science ever would – everyone university. Both the city BA (Hons) Accountancy “I continue to be amazed by has a thriving, positive and BCU possess a great “The course has gone the industrial links BCU attitude, which made multicultural vibe.” “There is so much on beyond my expectations. makes with prestigious me feel accepted in this offer! I am so humbled The facilities here companies, such as MARTA community straight away.” to have visited China, are amazing, with HPE and Cisco, which BEng (Hons) Mechanical mentored young opportunities to work in are allowing us to have Engineering students in Birmingham, quieter environments even more networking volunteered in Morocco if needed and plenty of opportunities.” “My experience at BCU with underprivileged kids laptop access.” has been fantastic, the and much more!” University truly does have a very open community full of people willing to make a difference.” JOSI SAM BA (Hons) Fine Art BSc (Hons) Digital JOANNA Media Computing “Since starting at BCU MAHDIYAH BEng (Hons) I’ve realised there are so BSc (Hons) Automotive “The course attracted me many students spread all Paramedic Science JAHID Engineering because of the mixture over the city, coming from BSc (Hons) Building of creative and logical different backgrounds and “I knew I had very high Surveying “Any anxieties I had about thinking. I was impressed with different life goals. aspirations and BCU was coming to university were by the facilities at BCU I am proud to be part of the encouraging factor “I have now transformed fairly quickly overcome. With after visiting an open day something bigger and a I’d need to push me to from an enthusiastic the student societies and which helped me confirm university that supports achieve these. I’m proud student to a real the events the engineering my choice.” me in every area of my to say that I attend this professional creating faculty put on in welcome education and life.” university.” lifelong connections and week, I quickly found myself relationships with people fitting into a cohort of like- in industry and friends.” minded people.” 6 7 Undergraduate Prospectus 2021/22 bcu.ac.uk Curzon Building study space, City Centre Campus WHY STUDY 1 2 3 4 WORK WITH PROFESSIONALLY A GLOBAL ENHANCING CAREER GLOBAL BRANDS ACCREDITED COURSES CITY PROSPECTS We have a large number of industry Professional accreditation gives you Study with us and you will be located We offer career support and advice partners and work with big-name an advantage at the start of your at the heart of the dynamic city of throughout your time with us and employers to give you the best start in career. That’s why we have around Birmingham – with all its social and for up to three years after you your career. We work with the BBC, the 50 professional accreditations for employment possibilities. In fact, graduate. Our Graduate+ scheme WITH US? NHS, Jaguar Land Rover, Cisco, Microsoft our courses from such bodies as Birmingham is on course to be one embeds career-related skills into and the Royal Shakespeare Company. All the Nursing and Midwifery Council, of the 50 most competitive cities every one of our degree courses, HERE ARE OUR TOP 10 REASONS TO of our courses incorporate work-related Chartered Institute of Management in the world by 2025 (Economist from becoming a course representative experience, with many giving the option Accountants and Royal Institute of Intelligence Unit/Citi). to studying abroad. CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY. of a year-long placement. British Architects. See page 42. See page 12. 5 6 7 LEARN FROM PRACTICE-BASED HELP WITH 8 9 10 THE BEST RESEARCH STUDY COSTS EARN WHILE INVESTING IN 97% EMPLOYED / Many of our teaching staff come from Almost 90% of our research was Our ‘Meet or Beat’ scholarship offers YOU LEARN YOUR FUTURE IN FURTHER STUDY and maintain links with industry. Ten judged to have delivered ‘outstanding’ a £1,000 scholarship to students who Our student employment scheme We have invested more than £340 Our commitment to ensuring students are National Teaching Fellows – or ‘very considerable’ external impact apply to a qualifying course at BCU and allows you to apply for paid roles at million in industry-standard, state-of- develop the skills and experience awarded for excellence in university in the most recent review, the Research secure results that either match or the University, gaining experience in the-art facilities to ensure you have employers need means that 97.4% teaching and learning. We received Excellence Framework 2014. better our entry requirements. This is crucial aspects of job applications the best possible environment for of our graduates are in employment silver status for quality of teaching in See page 38. made up of £850 cash and £150 credit and valuable feedback on your work. practice-based learning. or further study within six months of the Teaching Excellence Framework to spend in an online shop. See page 24. graduation (Destinations of Leavers (TEF) 2017. See page 36. from Higher Education survey 2016/17). See page 28. 8 9 Undergraduate Prospectus 2021/22 bcu.ac.uk Aberdeen Dundee THE HEART Glasgow Edinburgh NOT ONLY IS BIRMINGHAM ONE OF THE UK’S MOST EXCITING AND DIVERSE CITIES, BUT IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST ACCESSIBLE. Newcastle Belfast Durham We are at the centre of the UK’s Local transport is also excellent, with road, rail and coach networks, so a network of trains, buses and trams travelling to and from Birmingham is providing easy access to all University no problem, while commuting from sites. For more information on our the surrounding area to our centrally campus locations within the city, Leeds York located campuses is easy to do. see page 42. Manchester TRAIN TIMES Liverpool Sheffield FROM BIRMINGHAM www.bcu.ac.uk/maps Derby Nottingham LONDON 1H 26M Leicester LEICESTER 1H 00M BIRMINGHAM NOTTINGHAM 1H 10M Coventry Worcester MANCHESTER 1H 30M Leamington Cambridge Spa Gloucester LIVERPOOL 1H 35M Oxford LEEDS 2H 00M Cardiff Reading London BRISTOL 1H 30M Bristol NEWCASTLE 3H 15M Library of Birmingham Bullring shopping centre Birmingham Town Hall Southampton Exeter All journey times and routes are approximate Bournemouth 10 11 Undergraduate Prospectus 2021/22 bcu.ac.uk EARN WHILE YOU LEARN Our students are given the opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, including taking part in a realistic application process, enhancing your ON prospects in the job market. COURSE GET THE CAREER SUPPORT YOU NEED We offer a wide range of online and face- to-face services to help you develop your employability skills, plan your career and access the latest job opportunities. This includes one-to-one support with job applications and interview preparation, TO A and mentors from a range of sectors.