Birmingham City University
A city-centre university with roots in a Victorian art school, strong in creative, built-environment and health courses.
- Students
- 31,000
- Tuition
- £19,220
- 2027-28
- Founded
- 1843
- QS World Ranking
- 1001-1200
- 2027 edition
About BCU
Birmingham City University traces its history to 1843 and the Birmingham Society of Arts and School of Design. Over time, five colleges were brought together as the City of Birmingham Polytechnic in 1971, which later became the university. Today it has two main campuses: the City Centre Campus around Cardigan Street and Millennium Point, and City South Campus in Edgbaston, home to health, nursing and life sciences. Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is part of the university.
BCU's own website says it has around 31,000 students from 100 countries (HESA Student Record 2021/22, so a figure about four years old), more than 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, about 2,300 teaching staff, and 50 courses accredited by professional bodies. It says it has invested over 500 million pounds in facilities, including the Parkside Building with four film and television studios and simulated operating theatres and hospital wards at City South.
Teaching is organised into six schools plus the Conservatoire. The university is most distinctive for arts, architecture, computing, media and healthcare. It suits applicants who want practical courses, professional accreditation and an optional placement year, and who are comfortable with moderate entry requirements: for 2027 entry, BCU's Computer Science, Business and Adult Nursing pages ask for 112 UCAS tariff points, and Architecture asks for 136 plus a portfolio.
Age quod agis
“Do what you are doing; attend to your business” — university motto
Why students choose BCU
BCU's Computer Science course lists a Top 20 UK ranking for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026) and an optional professional placement year.
The BArch (Hons) in Architecture is taught in a department founded in 1908 as the Birmingham School of Architecture and leads towards RIBA Part 1.
Nursing students train in simulated operating theatres and hospital wards at City South Campus.
International applicants who apply in time get a guaranteed room in university accommodation if they are accepted by 31 August.
Admissions
2027 entry
Selectivity
BCU does not publish an overall offer rate. Each course page states a standard offer in UCAS tariff points; for 2027 entry these include 112 points (Computer Science, Business and Entrepreneurship, Adult Nursing) and 136 points with a portfolio (Architecture BArch).
Typical entry requirements
| A-levels / UCAS tariff | Standard offer on 2027 course pages: 112 UCAS tariff points (BBC or equivalent) for Computer Science, Business and Entrepreneurship and Adult Nursing; 136 points plus portfolio for Architecture BArch |
|---|---|
| BTEC / T Level | For Computer Science: 112 tariff points from a BTEC (technology, science, mathematics or computing), or T Level Merit overall in accepted subjects |
| IB Diploma | Minimum 28 points for Computer Science and Business and Entrepreneurship (Computer Science needs a Higher Level subject from Computer Science, Chemistry, Design Technology or Physics) |
| English language | IELTS 6 Most undergraduate courses: IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5. Adult Nursing: IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Pre-sessional English is available if you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT). |
Deadlines
- UCAS main deadline Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months13 January 2027, 6pm
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for 2027-entry undergraduate courses, 18:00 UK time (UCAS; BCU's how-to-apply page lists the same date).
- UCAS final date Non-binding In ~9 months30 June 2027
Applications received by 18:00 UK time on this date are sent to universities; after it they go into Clearing (UCAS). BCU lists it as the deadline for 2027 entry applications to be received.
Dates are UCAS's published dates for 2027 entry (ucas.com) and match BCU's how-to-apply page. The UCAS 15 October 2026 date is not listed because it applies only to Oxford and Cambridge and to medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses, none of which BCU offers (no such courses found on bcu.ac.uk). UCAS Extra opens on 25 February 2027 if you have used all five choices and hold no offers.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS (BCU's UCAS code is B25 BCITY) for September 2027 entry; UCAS applications opened on 1 September 2026. International students apply online through BCU, and must show their fee status and upload supporting documents.
What admissions looks for
- UCAS tariff points at the level stated on the course page, from A-levels, BTECs, T Levels or equivalent.
- Course-specific subjects, such as a technology, science, mathematics or computing qualification for Computer Science.
- A portfolio for Architecture, where BCU says creativity is an important part of the course.
- For international applicants, IELTS at the course level and a completed fee status check.
Tips for applying to BCU
- 1 Use the 2027-28 course page for each course: the entry requirements and fees are labelled for 2027/28 entry.
- 2 For Architecture, prepare a portfolio; it forms part of the selection process.
- 3 International applicants should complete the Fee Status Questionnaire early if they think they may be classed as home fee payers.
- 4 Apply for accommodation early: BCU guarantees a room to international applicants accepted by 31 August.
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in GBP
For 2026/27 entry only (students joining in January or September 2026), BCU guaranteed a 5,000 scholarship to self-funded international undergraduates on full-time degrees, applied as a 3,000 fee discount in year one and 2,000 in year two, with no separate application. BCU's scholarship page (checked 30 September 2026) did not publish terms for 2027 entry, so do not assume it continues. UK students can use government tuition fee loans.
- 5,000 total: 3,000 in year one, 2,000 in year two
- International Undergraduate Scholarship (2026/27 entry only; 2027 terms not published)
- From 115 to 209 a week, bills usually included
- University accommodation (51 weeks)
Academics
Academic calendar: Courses start in September; some courses also have a January start.
Computer Science (BSc)
Based at Millennium Point in the City Centre Campus; 112 tariff points, optional placement year and a Top 20 UK student satisfaction listing (CUG 2026).
Architecture (BArch)
136 tariff points plus portfolio; the Birmingham School of Architecture was founded in 1908 and the course leads towards RIBA Part 1.
Adult Nursing (BSc)
112 tariff points, IELTS 6.5 for international applicants, taught at City South Campus with simulated wards.
Business and Entrepreneurship (BSc)
112 tariff points with an optional professional placement year.
Sound Engineering (BSc)
Offered through Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, which is part of the university.
Research
- BCU lists a Research Hub at Queensway Trading Estate among its City Centre Campus sites.
- The Parkside Building houses four film and television studios, according to the university.
Schools & faculties
- School of Arts
- Business School
- School of Law and Social Sciences
- School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering
- School of Life and Health Sciences
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
BCU offers the BCU Award (Graduate+) and placement years on many courses; the pages checked did not give a graduate-employment percentage.
Student life
Most students are based in or near central Birmingham, at the City Centre Campus near Cardigan Street and Millennium Point, at City South in Edgbaston for health and nursing, or at the Conservatoire. The Students' Union, BCUSU, runs the Big Welcome and Graduation Ball and offers over 100 sports teams, societies and media groups. Many courses offer placements, and on-campus jobs are available for international students.
- BCUSU offers over 100 sports teams, societies and media groups.
- The Conservatoire's additional rehearsal and teaching spaces include Ruskin Hall in Bournville and RBC Digbeth.
- The BCU Award records activities beyond your degree.
- Jobs on campus are available while studying in the UK.
Housing. BCU guarantees a room in a university accommodation block if you apply for a course and are accepted by 31 August; weekly costs run from 115 to 209 for 51 weeks, with bills usually included.
Location
Birmingham is in the heart of the country, as BCU puts it. The City Centre Campus includes the Curzon Building, Parkside Building, STEAMhouse and Millennium Point; City South Campus is in Edgbaston, and the Conservatoire is on Jennens Road in the city centre. BCU describes the city as buzzy, with plenty on offer for students.
Nearest airport: Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Notable alumni
- JT John TaylorBass guitarist and co-founder of Duran Duran; attended the School of Foundation Studies at Birmingham Polytechnic (non-degree foundation study)
- BJ Betty JacksonFashion designer; studied fashion at Birmingham College of Art
- CS Charlie StaytBBC Breakfast presenter; attended Birmingham Polytechnic
- BW Barbara WalkerArtist; BA at the University of Central England, graduating in 1996
- SM Saiman MiahArchitect and designer of the 2012 London Olympics 5 pound coin; BA (2009) and master's (2012) in architecture
- KO Kirsten O'BrienBroadcaster; studied media and communication studies, graduating in 1993
- MC Marverine ColeBroadcast journalist and presenter; postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism at the University of Central England
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for Birmingham City University?
For 2027 entry, Computer Science, Business and Entrepreneurship and Adult Nursing ask for 112 UCAS tariff points (BBC at A-level or equivalent); Architecture BArch asks for 136 points and a portfolio.
How much does BCU cost for international students in 2027?
BCU's 2027-28 course pages show 19,220 pounds for the first year on Computer Science, Business and Entrepreneurship, Adult Nursing and Architecture. Fees may rise by up to 5% a year for later years.
What IELTS score do I need for BCU?
Most courses ask for IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5. Adult Nursing asks for 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0.
What is the UCAS deadline for BCU for 2027 entry?
BCU lists 13 January 2027 (6pm) as the UCAS undergraduate deadline and 30 June 2027 as the last date for 2027 entry applications to be received. The 15 October 2026 UCAS date applies only to Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses, which BCU does not offer.
Is BCU guaranteed accommodation for international students?
BCU says that international students who apply for a course and are accepted by 31 August are guaranteed a room in one of its student accommodation blocks.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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