Birmingham City University

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Ranking

94

Established

1992

International Fees

£12,000 – £15,500

Location

Various Locations in UK

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About Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University (BCU) is a thriving hub of education and innovation in the bustling heart of England’s second-largest city. Known for its dynamic approach to higher education, BCU blends a rich legacy dating back to 1843 with cutting-edge modernity and is officially established in 1992. The university consistently earns recognition for its academic excellence and practical learning approach, making it a preferred destination for students worldwide.

BCU’s education infrastructure is unique, as its accolades and rankings show. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, BCU proudly stands in the 1001-1200 range while also receiving 107th and 102nd places in the Times University Guide 2025 and the Guardian University Guide 2025. These rankings affirm BCU’s ever-growing reputation as a hub for learning and innovation.

The university energizes an international community of more than 31,000 students from different countries, with students from other countries estimated at around 31%. London City Centre’s modern architectural master workstation on Curzon Street serves as a study area and offers incredible access to professional, social, and cultural experiences. The College City campus provides access to Birmingham’s energetic urban life. Alongside the curriculum, the diverse perspectives fortify classroom interactions and instil values to help them create connections throughout life.

BCU is relatively more approachable and cheaper than its competitors, which makes it very popular among students looking to study abroad. In addition to reasonably priced subjects, the university makes education inviting by sponsoring scholarships, providing comprehensive support services, and allocating unique resources to international students. Individual guidance on admission, visa, and lodging procedures explicitly tailored for international students makes the experience even more pleasant and approachable.

Birmingham City University continues to push the boundaries of education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in a rapidly changing world. Whether it’s the state-of-the-art facilities, industry-relevant courses, or the inclusive and diverse community, BCU is more than a university, and it’s a launchpad for success.

Birmingham City University Campuses and Locations

Birmingham City University is located in the lively city of Birmingham, the second-most populated city in the United Kingdom. Along with receiving quality education, students at BCU also have the privilege of having first hand life experiences in one of the most bustling cities in England. Concerning the various academic programs offered, the university maintains multiple campuses throughout Birmingham that are well-equipped with modern facilities.

City Centre Campus

City Centre marks it as one of the most essential campuses and divisions of BCU. Its pedagogical purposes are enhanced by its location in the city centre, with easy access to support services vital for modern study. The following are the key facilities at the City Centre Campus:

The following are the key facilities at the City Centre Campus:

  • Curzon Building: Located at “4 Cardigan Street, Birmingham, B4 7BD,” this building serves as the academic home for the Faculty of Business, Law, and Social Sciences. It houses state-of-the-art lecture halls, the main library, the Students’ Union, and comprehensive student support services.
  • Parkside Building: Located at Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG, it caters to the Faculty of Arts, Design, and Media and features top-tier studios and design workshops.
  • Millennium Point: This facility, sharing the “B4 7XG” postcode, is dedicated to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment. It boasts advanced laboratories and collaborative spaces for technical innovation.
  • Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Situated at “200 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B4 7XR,” this £57 million facility is globally renowned for its music and acting programs and offers high-end performance and rehearsal venues.
  • STEAMhouse: Located at Belmont Row, Birmingham, B4 7RQ, STEAMhouse is a £70 million centre for interdisciplinary innovation that connects arts, technology, and business under one roof.

Easily accessible via Birmingham New Street Station and the city’s transport network, the City Centre Campus is a melting pot of creativity, academia, and culture.

City South Campus

Located in Edgbaston’s green, shrubby area, City South Campus is the single location for health, education, and life science programs. It is about three miles from the City Centre Campus and is well-served by public transport.

The following are the key facilities at this campus:

  • Seacole Building: Named after the iconic nurse Mary Seacole, this building on Westbourne Road, Birmingham, B15 3TN, features cutting-edge simulation suites, mock hospital wards, and laboratories tailored for hands-on learning.
  • Bevan House: Also located on Westbourne Road, this facility supports health and social care disciplines with immersive and practical learning environments.

This campus’s serene surroundings and modern facilities make it an ideal environment for students pursuing healthcare and education-focused studies.

Specialized Campuses and Facilities

BCU’s dedication to specialized education extends beyond its main campuses, with additional sites offering bespoke programs:

  • School of Art: Fine art students are accommodated within this nationally listed building at Margaret Street, Birmingham, B3 3BX, which is imbued with history and provides a motivating environment.
  • School of Jewellery: Europe’s most prominent educational establishment for jewellery design and manufacturing is located at “82-86 Vittoria Street, Birmingham, B1 3PA” in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
  • Ruskin Hall: This site, located at “68 Linden Road, Birmingham, B30 1JX” in Bournville, is the creative hub for students focusing on acting.
  • Stage Management (Heneage Street): This facility, located at “Unit 3B Heneage Street, Birmingham B7 4ER,” has specialized equipment for stage management students.
  • Alexander Stadium: Located at “Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 2LR”, it has State-of-the-art facilities for sports and exercise sciences students.

Birmingham City University Scholarships

Birmingham City University (BCU) offers an array of generous scholarships to support international students in their academic journey. As one of the UK’s most dynamic universities, BCU is dedicated to providing financial assistance to high-achieving students worldwide. These scholarships can significantly reduce the economic burden of studying abroad, allowing students to focus on their studies and make the most of their time in Birmingham.

BCU offers several merit-based scholarships to international students commencing undergraduate study. These award schemes help students who have performed well academically as they transition to university life in the UK.

  • Scholarship Amount: Up to £2,000, this discount is applied directly to your first-year tuition fees, providing valuable financial relief as you begin your studies at BCU.
  • Eligibility: These scholarships are available to self-funded international students enrolling in full-time undergraduate programs.
  • Exclusions: Unfortunately, this scholarship is not offered to students entering the Foundation Year, ACCA, Nursing and Midwifery courses, Conservatoire and BSA (Music and Theatre), any short courses lasting less than a year, or part-time or remote learning pathways. Students enrolled in Study Abroad programs, Exchange programs, Pre-sessional English courses, and HND courses are also excluded from this scholarship.

This scholarship opportunity helps international students access a world-class education while reducing the financial pressures of tuition fees. It also demonstrates BCU’s commitment to attracting the best and brightest students from around the globe.

BCU also offers postgraduate students the opportunity to benefit from merit-based scholarships as part of the BCU Postgraduate Scholarships aimed at those enrolling in postgraduate taught courses. These scholarships are provided as fee waivers, enabling financially needy students to access the education they wish to pursue.

  • Scholarship Amount:
  • £2,000 for First Class degree holders
  • £1,500 for Second Class (Upper Division) or 2:1 degree holders
  • £1,000 for Second Class (Lower Division) or 2:2 degree holders.
  • This system allows for equitable opportunities across various levels of academic achievement, enabling many international students to access postgraduate education without overburdening themselves financially.
  • Eligibility: Available to self-funding international students enrolling in full-time postgraduate taught programs.
  • Exclusions: The postgraduate scholarship is not available for PhD, Masters by Research (M. Res), MSc Accounting & Finance (Top-Up), Conservatoire and BSA courses (Music and Theatre), PGCE, Masters in Teaching and Learning/Educational Leadership (MTL/MEL), Continuing Professional Development (CPD) postgraduate courses, short courses that are less than one academic year, part-time or distance learning, Study Abroad programs, or Pre-sessional English courses. This scholarship is unavailable to students transitioning from pre-master’s courses at BCUIC.

BCU makes the application process for scholarships efficient and straightforward. Students are automatically considered for scholarships if they are based on academic achievement. As a result, these students do not need to take separate steps to make such a consideration.

Birmingham City University Accommodation

Birmingham City University (BCU) accommodates many international and domestic students. BCU offered a safe and comfortable living environment close to campus, from social living spaces to private apartments. BCU offers housing to over 31,000 enrolled students, providing the comfort of a home away from home and catering to their needs.

BCU’s accommodation options are spread across various locations, each with unique benefits. These properties are conveniently situated near the main campuses, offering easy access to academic buildings and Birmingham’s vibrant city centre.

University Locks

  • Weekly Cost: £165 – £170
  • Contract Length: 19 – 51 weeks
  • Room Type: 2 or 5-8 bedrooms per flat
  • Bathroom: Shared or en-suite
  • Facilities: Bills included, no gym
  • Proximity: Adjacent to City Centre Campus

University Locks is a modern student residence just a stone’s throw from the City Centre Campus. It offers comfortable and affordable living. Ideal for those who prefer a more communal living experience, the rooms come with ample storage, and the shared kitchens offer a social space for students.

The Heights

  • Weekly Cost: £157 – £167
  • Contract Length: 17 – 51 weeks
  • Room Type: 4-6 bedrooms per flat
  • Bathroom: En-suite
  • Facilities: Bills included, gym available
  • Proximity: Close to City Centre Campus

The Heights offers an excellent living environment for students who appreciate a balance between privacy and community. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, and the shared spaces are well-maintained. The building also has a gym for residents to use.

Queen’s Hospital Close

  • Weekly Cost: £150
  • Contract Length: 43 weeks
  • Room Type: 4-6 bedrooms per flat
  • Bathroom: En-suite
  • Facilities: Bills included, no gym
  • Proximity: Closest to City South Campus

Queen’s Hospital Close is perfect for students seeking a peaceful, more private accommodation option. With en-suite rooms and proximity to the City South Campus, students can enjoy a quiet living environment with easy access to campus facilities.

The Old Fire Station

  • Weekly Cost: £176 – £209
  • Contract Length: 51 weeks
  • Room Type: 6 bedrooms per flat or studio
  • Bathroom: En-suite
  • Facilities: Bills included, gym available
  • Proximity: Close to City Centre Campus

The Old Fire Station offers stylish student housing with the added benefit of a gym, making it a popular choice among students who wish to maintain an active lifestyle. It’s located next to the City Centre Campus, ensuring students are never far from their classes.

Staniforth House

  • Weekly Cost: £175
  • Contract Length: 44 weeks
  • Room Type: 5-10 bedrooms per flat
  • Bathroom: En-suite
  • Facilities: Bills included, no gym
  • Proximity: Near City Centre Campus

Staniforth House offers a lively environment with spacious en-suite rooms. Ideally situated near the City Centre Campus, this accommodation is ideal for students who enjoy a social atmosphere but also value their privacy when needed.

Beech Gardens

  • Weekly Cost: £155 – £157
  • Contract Length: 43 or 51 weeks
  • Room Type: 5 bedrooms per flat
  • Bathroom: Shared
  • Facilities: Bills included, no gym
  • Proximity: Near City South Campus

Beech Gardens offers affordable shared accommodation in a great location near the City South Campus. The shared kitchens are perfect for socializing, and the rooms are well-suited to students who want to connect with peers while enjoying a quiet environment.

Lakeside

  • Weekly Cost: £169
  • Contract Length: 44 weeks
  • Room Type: 6-10 bedrooms per flat
  • Bathroom: En-suite
  • Facilities: Bills included, no gym
  • Proximity: Close to City Centre Campus

Lakeside is ideal for students who enjoy a mix of communal living with the privacy of en-suite bathrooms. Located near the City Centre Campus, it offers easy access to academic buildings, shopping, and entertainment in Birmingham.

Bentley House

  • Weekly Cost: £179 – £193
  • Contract Length: 43 weeks
  • Room Type: 4-5 bedrooms per flat
  • Bathroom: En-suite
  • Facilities: Bills included, gym available
  • Proximity: Near City Centre Campus

Bentley House offers spacious and modern rooms, with en-suite facilities and access to a gym. Situated close to the City Centre Campus, students can easily commute to classes and explore the city in their free time.

Guaranteed Accommodation for First-Year Students

BCU guarantees that all international students enrolling for the first time in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs will have university-managed accommodation. This guarantee enables students to concentrate on their work and adapt to university life, knowing their accommodation requirements are fulfilled.

Amenities and Facilities

All BCU accommodations are furnished with the required amenities to ensure a comfortable standard of living.

  • Utilities: Electricity, water, and internet bills are covered within the rent.
  • Furnishing: Each room has a three-quarter-sized bed, desk, and sufficient storage space for the student’s belongings.
  • Security: Comprehensive security and CCTV camera coverage 24hrs.
  • Common Areas: Students are provided with shared kitchens and lounges.
  • Laundry: Students have access to laundry facilities on the premises.
  • Proximity: Accommodation is situated near places of study and public transport.