The Complete University Guide | University Profiles

The origins of the College can be traced back to the late 19th century.
Became Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies in the late 1980s.
In 2008 the College changed its name and became University College Birmingham, following the Privy Council's decision to grant the College Degree Awarding Powers.

Location and transport

Based in the busy and bustling city centre of Birmingham.
Two main buildings, plus the ongoing development of new facilities close by, with the new Postgraduate teaching centre already open.
In the centre of the UK – road and rail access is excellent and Birmingham airport is only 20 minutes away.

Accommodation

Over 850 ensuite, purpose-built study rooms available in the Maltings halls of residence on a site featuring a student bar, sports hall, shop, gym and launderettes. Rent approximately £90 a week. All rooms on self-catering basis.
Over 240 additional rooms available at the Cambrian Hall site, just across the road from the College.
For more information on accommodation at University College Birmingham, click here.

Entry standards

Entrance requirements vary for different courses. Details can be found on the UCB website or on the UCAS site.
We welcome undergraduate applications from candidates with A level or equivalent qualifications.
International students, please visit our website for helpful information on how to apply, tuition fees and guidance on what levels of written and spoken English are required.

In receipt of full Maintenance Grant £1,080
In receipt of partial Maintenance Grant up to £648

Tuition fees (2010): £3,290.
No tuition fee for industrial placement.
UCB will also continue to offer a range of awards to assist students during their studies designed to complement the bursary scheme.
Eligibility for bursaries to be assessed using UUK/SLC model bursary scheme (HEBSS).
For information on bursaries and scholarships at University College Birmingham, click here and here.

Student mix

Currently 3,270 female HE student enrolments and 1,392 male HE student enrolments.
Over 1,100 international HE students.
On average there are 3 applications to every one place available.

Course flexibility

Programmes either include integral placement years or the option to do a placement year.
All programmes have ‘options' modules which enable students to choose pathways of interest.
Flexible opportunities exist to study a language, either as a compulsory part of a course or an option, in the University College's Modern Languages Centre.
Degree and postgraduate qualifications are awarded by the University of Birmingham or University College Birmingham.

Teaching standards

The latest QAA Institutional Audit report concluded that 'broad confidence can be placed in the soundness of the College's current and likely future management of the quality of its programmes'. The auditors praised the college for its student support, organisation of placement activity, staff development programmes, the commitment of its employees and its work with industry.
In 2007, following a thorough audit process, the Privy Council granted the College taught degree awarding powers which enabled a name change to University College Birmingham to reflect the new status.

Academic strengths

University College Birmingham is the UK's specialist institution for HE business programmes in the fields of hospitality, tourism and management. Our HE programmes in the fields of business, sports therapy, events, food management, marketing, culinary arts, early years and spa management are also internationally renowned.
Strong links with industry underpin the excellent placement opportunities available to students and also ensure that our programmes are up to date and in line with providing the skills and training students need for their chosen careers.

Student facilities, including Library and Computing

Training facilities include restaurants, a health and leisure club, computer suites, library with excellent subject librarians, hairdressing and beauty therapy salons, food and beverage test laboratories, a culinary demonstration theatre and top industry-standard kitchens.
The Learning and Skills Development Centre offers excellent study support facilities for students, often helping individuals overcome challenges that may appear to be a barrier to learning.

Disability Services

For information on disability services at UCB, contact the Disability Officer: Clive Davies 0121 604 1000, extension 623.

Students' Union

Proactive Student Guild represents the student body within the University College and provides guidance and advice to students.
The Guild organises a very full and ongoing programme of social and sporting activities.
For more information on the Student Guild at University College Birmingham, click here.

Sport

UCB sports have had an impressive year (2009–10) with many teams challenging for honours.
Sports facilities include a sports hall, gym and spa health and fitness suite, plus, students can join the Munrow sports centre at Birmingham University which has a swimming pool, squash courts and floodlit astro-turf pitches.
UCB sports teams include basketball, football, hockey, rugby, netball, cricket and Jitsu.
For more information on sport at University College Birmingham, click here.

Recent/prospective new builds

Open day visitors regularly comment on the ‘high quality' of UCB facilities which is down to an ongoing investment programme.
The ongoing development of a new site close to the University College will increase teaching and learning facilities by 25%. The new Postgraduate teaching facility is open.

Availability of part-time work

As a city centre-based University College, there is acces to part-time job opportunities.
The UCB Job Shop provides information on part-time jobs and can give advice on applications and CVs.

For further information

Last updated 29/5/2010

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