Birmingham City University has a long history related to several specialist institutions that can be traced back to the 19th century. It traces its beginnings to October 1843 when the Birmingham Society of Arts and School of Design came into existence.
About Birmingham City University
This evolved into the Birmingham College of Art in 1884, which was housed in the magnificent Venetian Gothic building constructed by John Chamberlain. The original Margaret Street building of today remains a Grade I Listed landmark and still serves to host the Department of Art.
Birmingham City University – Table of Contents
- About
- Accreditations and Recognitions
- Courses Offered
- Facilities And Infrastructure
- Required Documents
- Intake
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Process
In 1888, the Birmingham School of Jewellery became part of the College of Art and its Vittoria Street building opened in 1890 remains the home of the school today. The School of Architecture was established in 1909 and achieved RIBA recognition in 1923 and 1930 to become one of the UK’s foremost architecture schools.
The Birmingham School of Music, founded circa 1859, moved into a purpose-built building opened by HM The Queen Mother in 1973.
In the early years of the 20th century, the Birmingham College of Commerce came into being and later formed a part of Birmingham Central Technical College, which later became an integral part of the university. During the 1960s and the 1970s, other colleges like South Birmingham Technical College and North Birmingham Technical College also merged to add to the polytechnic setup. In 2007, the university was finally renamed Birmingham City University, with a new and revised tiger crest, reflecting its origin.
Since 2011, the university has invested heavily in modern campus development to enhance student experience. Major additions include the Parkside and Curzon buildings at the City Centre Campus, new library and IT facilities, and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire which opened in 2017. In 2018, a new extension to the City South Campus was completed to support programmes in Education, Sport, and Life Sciences.
Birmingham City University Accreditations and Recognitions
Birmingham City University places strong emphasis on global quality standards and is recognized by leading international accreditation bodies. It holds the accreditation from AACSB International-a designation given to less than 5% of business schools in the world-recognized as one of the highest global standards in business education.
The university’s MBA programmes are accredited by AMBA (Association of MBAs), ensuring international recognition, networking opportunities, and access to a global community of graduates and industry leaders. Furthermore, the university is accredited by EQUIS, European Quality Improvement System, which means it has reached high-level global standards of teaching, research, innovation, and internationalization.
Rankings play an important role in evaluating academic excellence, student experience, and global employability. Birmingham City University performs strongly in national and international ranking systems. It is currently ranked 14th out of 130 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026), 22nd in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, and 28th in The Guardian University Guide 2026.
Globally, the university is placed 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, 93rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, and 38th in the world for sustainability (QS Sustainability Rankings 2025). The Business School’s programmes are also evaluated and ranked by QS and the Financial Times, further strengthening its global reputation.
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Courses Offered and Duration And Cost of Study in Birmingham City University
Accounting and Finance – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 18,600 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree in Accountancy, Accounting and Finance, or a related business field with strong accounting content (UK or equivalent).
- ACCA Papers F1–F9 or CIMA Operational and Management Levels (or similar qualifications) are accepted.
- A full professional accountancy qualification may also be accepted (APEL available).
- A pre-Master’s programme approved by Birmingham City University is accepted.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each section (or equivalent).
Accounting and Finance (Masters Stage) – UK Campus – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 6 months, Tuition fee: 6,325 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each section (or equivalent)
Advanced Computer Science – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants should normally have at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a computing-related subject.
- If the degree is in another field, relevant work experience in computing may also be considered.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each section (or equivalent).
Artificial Intelligence – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree in any subject OR three years of professional experience involving communication and problem‐solving.
- For finance roles, applicants need a 2:2 honours degree with a finance background (e.g., Accountancy, Finance, Economics, Business Management) OR three years of professional finance experience.
- A personal statement (maximum 250 words) is required to explain readiness for the course and future goals.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Automotive Engineering – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants should have at least a 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in automotive, mechanical, electrical, electronic, or manufacturing engineering.
- Related subjects like physics or materials are also accepted, if applicants have basic knowledge of mechanics and dynamics.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Big Data Analytics – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in Computing or a computing-related subject with a substantial element of programming.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Computer Science – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject area.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Construction Project Management – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in surveying, construction, civil engineering, real estate, or another construction-related subject.
- Applicants without the required degree but with relevant experience may be invited for an interview and test to show suitable knowledge.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Conversion in Law – LLM
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject area.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Cyber Security – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Computing, Engineering, or Information Management.
- Applicants without this qualification but with strong industry experience must show evidence of required knowledge and skills.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Finance and Investment – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum 2:2 honours degree in a finance-related subject from a UK university.
- An equivalent finance-related qualification (minimum 2:2) from an overseas institution.
- A Pre-Master’s course approved by Birmingham City University.
- A Pre-Master’s course from another UK institution with at least 55% average.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Forensic Psychology – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, or an MSc/Graduate Diploma in Psychology with strong research skills.
- UK degrees must be BPS accredited, and international degrees must meet similar research and statistics standards.
- Experience working with offenders or victims (paid or voluntary) is preferred.
- Part-time applicants are usually expected to work in a forensic setting or have related experience.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Health Data Science and Clinical Informatics – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject, such as Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Computer Science, Informatics, Statistics, or similar fields.
- Applicants must also have GCSE English Language or Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above.
- If GCSEs are missing, equivalent qualifications may be accepted or applicants may need to pass BCU’s equivalency tests.
Interior Architecture and Design – MA
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Interior Design or a related 3D design field.
- Applicants without the required degree but with strong work experience may also be considered.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Internal Auditor Professional – Certified Internal Auditor Pathway – PgDip
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 2 years, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Three or more A Levels or equivalent, plus two years’ internal audit experience
- The ACCA Qualification
- Four years’ experience in internal audit, plus secondary education
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
International Business Law – LLM
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 20,370 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 22,405 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject area.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
International Human Resource Management – MA
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 12 months, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject.
- Other qualifications or relevant work experience may also be considered.
- Even if entry requirements are met, applicants may need to show suitability through an interview or course proposal.
- Interviews can take place in person, by phone, or via Skype.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
International MBA – MBA
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 15 months, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 21 months, Tuition fee: 22,405 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject; Third Class or Ordinary degrees may be considered individually.
- A relevant professional qualification at graduate level is also accepted.
- A Pre-Master’s programme approved by Birmingham City University is accepted.
- Work experience is helpful but not required.
- APEL may be accepted for relevant professional qualifications, and exemptions for modules or entry to a higher level may be granted case by case.
- Other qualifications and mature applicants without standard entry requirements may also be considered.
- One academic reference is required, and applicants may be invited for an interview.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
- Applicants who do not meet academic or English criteria, or who have been out of education, may consider studying through Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
International Professional Accounting (ACCA) – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have completed or be exempt from the ACCA Applied Knowledge and Skills exams.
- A minimum 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Accountancy, Accounting and Finance, or a business-related subject with strong accounting content is required.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
International Relations and Security – MA
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject.
- Other qualifications or relevant professional experience may also be considered.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Management and Finance – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent).
- Equivalent overseas qualifications (minimum 2:2) and approved Pre-Master’s programmes are also accepted.
- A Pre-Master’s programme with at least 55% may also be accepted.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
- Applicants need a Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7, minimum 60 credits) in a business area matching the chosen pathway.
- An extended application is required to show how the qualification meets programme learning outcomes.
- Applicants need a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7, minimum 120 credits) in a matching business field.
- They must have passed a Level 7 research methods module (minimum 20 credits).
- A Dissertation Proposal must be approved before admission.
Management and International Business – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent).
- Equivalent overseas qualifications (minimum 2:2) are accepted.
- An approved Pre-Master’s programme or a Pre-Master’s with at least 55% is also accepted.
- Stage 2 entry requires a Postgraduate Certificate in a relevant business field (minimum 60 credits) and an extended application to show alignment with learning outcomes.
- Stage 3 entry requires a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant business field (minimum 120 credits), a passed Level 7 research methods module (minimum 20 credits), and an approved Dissertation Proposal.
- Other qualifications may be considered individually.
Management and Marketing – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent qualification.
- Overseas qualifications at the same level (minimum 2:2) are accepted.
- A Pre-Master’s approved by Birmingham City University or a Pre-Master’s with at least 55% is also accepted.
- Applicants need a Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7, 60 credits) in a relevant business subject and must submit evidence showing it meets programme learning outcomes.
- Applicants need a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7, 120 credits) in a relevant business pathway, must have passed a research methods module (20 credits), and must provide an approved Dissertation Proposal.
Marketing – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject.
- Other qualifications or relevant work experience may also be considered.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
- Applicants who do not meet academic or English requirements may consider studying through Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Project Management – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18 months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject.
- Applicants without this qualification must show evidence of suitable knowledge and skills.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Advanced Clinical Practice – MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: Full Time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 18,970 GBP, Course starts in January.
- Duration: 18months, Tuition fee: 20,865 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject.
- Applicants without this qualification must show evidence of suitable knowledge and skills.
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Other Course offered in Birmingham City University
- Acting – MA / PgDip
- Acting – MFA
- Advancing Practice in Peripheral Vascular Disease MSc – Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
- Applied Child Psychology – MSc
- Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 Exemption) – PgDip
- Architecture – MArch
- Arts and Education Practices – MA
- Black Studies and Global Justice – MA
- Building Information Modelling and Digital Construction – MSc
- Community Health Nursing Specialist Practitioner – District Nursing – PgDip
- Composition – MMus / PgCert / PgDip
- Conducting – PgDip / MMus
- Conservation of the Historic Environment – MA / PgCert / PgDip
Counselling (Children and Young People) – MSc - Creative Writing – MA
- Criminology – MA
- Design and Visualisation – MA
- Design Management – MA
- Design: Active Practice – MA
- Dietetics – (Pre-registration) – MSc
- Digital Transformation – MSc
- Education – MA
- Education (Early Years) – MA
- Education (International Education) – MA
- Enhancing Neonatal Care – BSc / GradCert / Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
- Fashion and Textile Design – MA
- Fashion Communication – MA
- Fashion Management – MA
- Feature Film Development – MA
- Film Distribution and Marketing – MA
- Fine Art – MA
- Health Education – PgCert
- Health Psychology – MSc
- Internal Audit Management and Consultancy – MSc
- Jewellery and Related Products – MA
- Journalism – MA
- Landscape Architecture – MA
- Landscape Architecture (Conversion Masters) – MLA
- Legal Practice (SQE1 and SQE2 Preparation) – LLM
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management – MSc
- Luxury Brand Management – MA
- Management and Entrepreneurship – MSc
- Master of Education – Leadership in Learning (Teach First) – MA
- Master of Public Health – MPH
- Media Production – MA
- Medical Imaging Technology – MSc
- Medical Ultrasound – Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
- Midwifery (Shortened Route) – MSc
- Music Technology – MMus / PgCert / PgDip
- Neonatal Critical Care (QIS) – BSc / GradCert / Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
- Nursing – Adult – Pre-registration – MSc
- Nursing – Mental Health – Pre-registration – MSc
- Occupational Therapy – (Pre-registration) – MSc
- Psychology (Online) – MSc
- Public Relations – MA
- Quantity Surveying – MSc
- Radiography – Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
- Real Estate Management – MSc
- Secondary Art and Design with QTS – PGCE
- Visual Communication – MA
- User Experience Design – MSc
- Therapeutic Radiography – (Pre-registration) – MSc
- Strength and Conditioning – MSc
- Sportswear Design – MSc
- Sport and Exercise Nutrition – MSc
- Speech and Language Therapy – (Pre-registration) – MSc
- Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (School Nurse) – PgDip
- Secondary Mathematics with QTS – PGCE
- Secondary Music with QTS – PGCE
- Secondary English with QTS – PGCE
- Secondary Geography with QTS – PGCE
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Facilities And Infrastructure in Birmingham City University
Modern Campuses
The university has purpose-built campuses equipped with advanced learning environments, including the City Centre Campus and City South Campus.
Specialist Art and Design Facilities
Includes studios, workshops, and digital labs pertaining to a variety of disciplines: fine arts, design, media production, photography, and fashion.
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
A world-class facility offering performance spaces, music studios, and rehearsal rooms for students in performing arts and music programmes.
Industry-standard laboratories
Equipped science, engineering, and technology laboratories for practical learning, research, and innovation.
Advanced Computing and IT Infrastructure
High-performance computing suites, specialist software access, simulation suites, and digital learning tools.
State-of-the-Art Recording and Media Studios
Professional-standard film, broadcast, sound engineering studios, and editing suites for media and communication programmes.
Architecture and Built Environment Facilities
- Includes workshops, model-making studios, and RIBA-recognized design spaces.
- Health and Life Science Simulation Suites Nursing and Healthcare students train in realistic hospital, clinical, and care simulation settings.
- Libraries and Resource Centers Modern libraries with extensive digital and physical resources, study pods, subject-specific databases, and 24/7 access in selected spaces.
- Learning and Innovation Hubs Collaborative spaces supporting research, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and professional development.
- Sports and Recreation Facilities Fully equipped on-campus gyms, sports halls, fitness classes, and recreational spaces encourage students’ well-being and health.
- Modern Lecture Theatres and Classrooms Equipped with smart technology, flexible seating, and interactive teaching tools.
- Student Accommodation Safe, modern, and comfortable housing options on or near campus, offering amenities such as Wi-Fi, study areas, common rooms, and laundry facilities.
- Cafes, Dining Areas, and Social Spaces Multiple food courts, coffee shops, lounges, and student social areas across the campus.
- Student Support and Well-Being Services Career counseling and mental health support, academic advising, international student support, and accessibility services.
Official site For Birmingham City University: Click Here
Required Documents For Admission in Birmingham City University
- Applicants need academic transcripts and a final degree certificate.
- Applicants must submit updated CV or resume.
- Students need a personal statement explaining why students want to study the course.
- Applicants must provide two academic or professional reference letters.
- If English is not a first language, applicants must submit an English language test result such as IELTS.
- A valid passport copy is required for international applicants.
- Applicants need to provide work experience proof if the course requires it.
- Additional documents may be requested depending on the course.
Intake For Birmingham City University
- Birmingham City University offers multiple intakes depending on the programme.
- The main intake is in September (Autumn Intake).
- Some postgraduate courses also have a January (Winter Intake).
- A limited number of programmes may offer a May (Spring/Summer Intake).
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Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Birmingham City University
- Applicants must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Most courses require a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- Some programmes, especially professional or competitive courses, may require a 2:1 degree or higher.
- Relevant work experience may be required for certain courses, such as MBA or professional programmes.
- If English is not a first language, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency such as IELTS with an overall score of 6.0–6.5, depending on the course.
- Some programmes may require a portfolio, audition, or interview, especially in fields like art, design, music, or architecture.
Admission Process For Birmingham City University
- First, choose a postgraduate course from the university website.
- Create an online application account and fill in the required details.
- Upload all supporting documents such as transcripts, CV, personal statement, and English language test results.
- Submit the application and wait for the university to review it.
- If required, attend an interview, portfolio review, or audition (for selected programmes).
- Once accepted, applicants will receive an offer letter from the university.
- Accept the offer and complete any remaining conditions if applicable.
- Pay the required deposit to secure a place.
- Apply for a student visa after accepting the offer and preparing financial documents.
- Arrange accommodation and prepare to travel for the start of the programme.
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