Welcome to Birmingham College of Food
Thank you for taking the time to come and check out what we offer at University College Birmingham, the highest ranking university in the region as voted by students at the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Our student support is award-winning too, as is our provision for international students.
If you are looking at joining us to carve out a career in areas including professional cookery, culinary arts management and bakery, here is a glimpse into our student and staff community - along with an insight into the enrichment we offer - to see if we are the right choice for you.
Welcome from Professor Kali Davidson
Welcome to the renowned Birmingham College of Food.
With a long, rich and diverse history across the food and hospitality sectors, we are one of the UK’s leading institutes for chefs, culinary arts, bakery science and global hospitality education. And it’s not only our degrees that are world class. Our facilities, training kitchens, food science and innovation suite and award-winning restaurant are just a small part of our incredible campus.
All our teams have impressively strong links with the industries they operate in, whether that’s with governing bodies, global organisations, leading employers or a strong alumni network, so the employability opportunities are endless. We look forward to seeing you in September.
*Kali worked across industry, from fine dining in top restaurants to contract catering, before moving into education
“This is a university with incredible facilities and student-centred staff. And that includes myself – you are always welcome at my informal ‘Talk with the Dean’ sessions, your chance to say what’s going well and what we can improve on.”
What’s happening
Birmingham Food System Strategy revealed to hospitality sector
The Birmingham Food System Strategy, which has been formed with consultations among city-wide stakeholders including The Birming…
Read moreAmber bound for Brazil after winning national Toque d'Or competition
A student who took a leap of faith to study at University College Birmingham is bound for Brazil having brought a top trop…
Read moreFood, glorious food! Student chefs and bakers serving up feast of awards for 2023
From brilliant bakers to super seafood chefs and a patisserie prize-winner, food students from University Col…
Read moreSeven golds and podium places for bakery students at national competition
Bakery students from Birmingham College of Food proved they had bags of flour power when they scooped a whopping 18 a…
Read moreFirst Michelin Star for Solihull restaurant run by College of Food graduate
An acclaimed local restaurant run by a University College Birmingham graduate has been honoured with its first Mich…
Read moreCollege student chef and culinary arts professor recognised at national awards
An “exceptional” student and a chef lecturer devoted to his protégés from University College Birmingham both won…
Read moreApprentices working at top Brum restaurants win record haul of medals at Hotelympia
University College Birmingham chef apprentices working at Michelin-starred restaurants and other venues acr…
Read moreUniversity training restaurant retains AA Highly Commended College Rosette
University College Birmingham's acclaimed training restaurant has once again been awarded the top prize from The AA…
Read moreBakery students create seven-layer Jubilee cake for Birmingham food bank
College students pulled out all the stops to create a seven-layer cake to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – and…
Read moreStudents work with MasterChef champ to serve up five-course VIP meal
Students from University College Birmingham had a lesson like no other when they got to work with MasterChef: The Professi…
Read moreFrom dad’s 50th KFC bucket cake to pastry sensations at Michelin Guide restaurant
An award-winning graduate chef who decided against A-levels in law or politics to follow her deep passion for…
Read moreBeyond the classroom
At University College Birmingham, we offer education and training that goes far beyond everyday classes and lectures. We are committed to providing additional enrichment opportunities for our students, from industry trips and expert visits to linkups with local charities, entry into competitions and much more.
Scroll through the slides to find out more about what's been going on recently in our department:
Meet Stephen Garvey
My role is to ensure we stay at very forefront of progress across the education sector and across industry, building innovative technology and skills such as immersive virtual reality into your educational experience.
We are committed to providing face-to-face teaching as we know students value this quality time with their lecturers and fellow students. But to support your academic studies, we also have a sophisticated lecture capture system that provides accessible recorded lectures, where possible.
We are very proud of the exceptional and sustained record of teaching excellence we have in the provision of our vocational educational experiences, and the future-focused curriculum we have to offer you.
*Stephen is a registered dietitian with a background in research
Our teaching and learning
Whether you are studying to be a chef or baker, or learn the ropes for management or new product development, our aim is simple - to turn you into a stand-out professional. We have an award-winning reputation for the highest quality courses and a learning experience that sets us apart from bigger universities.
Our degrees are designed to develop you personally and professionally, with graduate advantage, employability and enrichment sessions threaded throughout the curriculum, sitting alongside really interesting theory modules. Our partnership with the University of Warwick, a top-ranking Russell Group university, also brings extra opportunities including access to guest speakers and additional resources.
Theory
Our courses are developed and taught by experienced lecturing staff, meaning they can draw on their industry expertise and years of experience to make scenario-based discussions, debates and concepts come to life, supporting the linking of theory to practice.
You will learn so much from our lecturing teams, who are passionate about their profession and eager to inspire and nurture the next generation of food professionals.
We also have many invited guest lecturers from industry participate in our courses, sharing their knowledge and experiences to enhance your learning.
Students also have a lot to bring and as a team, we will also learn a lot from you! We encourage you to share your perspectives and viewpoints, especially when reflecting on your own life and placement experiences.
Practical
Placements are key to success as employers want you to have real experience. We have excellent links with Michelin-starred and on-trend restaurants, hotels, bakery businesses, new product developers and leading brands across the region and beyond, as well as globally, so we can allocate you to a diverse range of placements.
This exposure to different learning environments opens opportunities for you when you qualify. And you will receive real-life training in our industry kitchens and award-winning Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food, specialist bakery facilities and our Food Science and Innovation Suite.
Support
Our support is exceptional, so much so, our students voted to make us the winner of the Student Support award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022.
Throughout your studies, you will not only have a personal tutor, but a link tutor during placements and module leaders to support you through academic modules. And we have a whole range of additional support services available, providing you with as much or as little support as you need to succeed in your degree. Our smaller teaching groups enable all students to grow and flourish, with strong peer support and friendship.
Our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2021-24 is key to how we approach the educational journey, focusing on three main pillars that set out our commitment to your learning and teaching experience while you are studying with us.
- Pillar 1 – Provide accessible and inclusive teaching and learning across a wide range of vocationally-led courses
- Pillar 2 – Develop next generation opportunities and skills through innovative, future-focused curriculum and pedagogy
- Pillar 3 – Shape local and global sectors, promoting sustainable futures and global citizenship
Our students
Dan Lee
Within 11 years of leaving Birmingham College of Food, Dan Lee was lifting TV’s coveted MasterChef: The Professionals trophy.
Read moreRoss Yates
Starting at the University as a 16-year-old Level 2 Bakery student, Ross dreamed of going onto a degree and forging a career in new product development.
Read moreYasmine Selwood
Mum-of-four Yasmine wowed the judges on TV show MasterChef by preparing for them the same menu that helped her complete her foundation degree.
Read moreClaire Hutchings
As one of the youngest finalists on MasterChef: The Professionals, Claire honed and sharpened her skills at University College Birmingham.
Read moreLuke Hayward
Luke was heavily supported in competitions by the University - resulting in him being part of a team that lifted a prestigious trophy.
Read moreKatie Garrett
Katie not only won a new product development role with royal wedding cake maker Fiona Cairns when she graduated, but also a top industry award.
Read moreChef and bakery facilities
Our university facilities were shortlisted in the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. In our department, they include:
- Nine industry-standard kitchens at our Summer Row site, providing a real working environment for you to master your practical food skills throughout your studies
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Baking and product development labs with industrial ovens and high-speed mixers, and specialist chocolate production and tempering equipment. Students' goods are also sold in Cakes & Bakes
- Spread over 9,000 sqft, our Food Science and Innovation Suite incorporates two specialist kitchens, a bespoke sensory evaluation room and a pilot plant for product development
- Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food - our AA Gold-accredited training restaurant, where students get to put their training into practice with real guests
Our courses
Bakery Level 2 and Level 3
Do you dream of a professional career in baking? Our Bakery college course will help develop your practical skills in bread and confectionery, including learning ab…
Read moreChef Cookery Courses Level 2 and Level 3 (Professional Cookery)
Start your journey to becoming a professional chef with our hands-on cookery college course. Build your practical skills in our…
Read moreBakery and Patisserie Technology BSc (Hons) / FdSc
Passionate about baking? Whether you dream of being a chocolatier, patissier, making artisan breads or working as a bakery technologist, thi…
Read moreCulinary Arts Management BA (Hons) / FdA
Do you dream of managing high-profile restaurant kitchens or becoming an executive head chef? This flagship course provides the advanced skills you ne…
Read moreProfessional Chef FdA
If you aspire to work in high-quality food establishments featured in the Michelin Guide or boasting AA rosettes, our two-year Professional Chef foundation degree will e…
Read moreCulinary Arts Management MA / PGDip
Arm yourself with the advanced skills for an exciting and challenging management career in the culinary environment of the hospitality industry. You can ev…
Read moreMeet your lecturers
Caroline Dunnell
I originally studied in Advanced Professional Cookery. After graduating, I then went and worked at Claridge’s hotel London as a pastry chef before setting up my own catering…
Find out moreJo Lyons
I originally studied Food, Nutrition and Health at The University of Huddersfield. Following my graduation, I have held a number of product development, process development and techn…
Find out moreSimon Manton
After completing Level 2 and 3 Professional Cookery at UCB, I then worked in Rick Stein's patisserie in Cornwall where I gained knowledge in artisan production methods for confec…
Find out moreGraham Duckworth
I have been in the baking industry since the age of 15 when I worked in a small family bakery on a Saturday. I completed my City & Guilds Bakery qualifications at Blackpool a…
Find out moreLewis Walker
My culinary career began back while I was travelling, experiencing different cuisines and working casually as I moved, and then continued when I returned to the UK.
Find out moreAnthony Perry
I originally studied at Sandwell College of Technology. Once I achieved my qualifications, I worked in a variety of establishment such as a five star resort, Rosette standard re…
Find out moreBernhard Schumacher
After comprehensive craft training as a Chef and Patissier in my native country; Germany; I began a very successful career in the culinary world mainly working for over 15…
Find out moreProf Kali Davidson
My present position is Head of Department for the College of Food, in this position my responsibilities involve leading a large FE/HE team, and I take responsibility for th…
Find out moreMike Edwards
I studied for three years at Birmingham College of Food and gained my level 3 qualifications in kitchen and larder, and pastry. I left and travelled around the UK in fine-dining…
Find out moreNicky Leach
I originally studied Professional Catering Craft Diploma at BCFTCS and progressed onto the Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management. I then went into Bars Management with…
Find out moreRichard Taylor
I studied Catering at Worcester Technical College from 1980-82, working part-time at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich, Worcestershire, and at the family Banks Brewery Publ…
Find out moreDaniel Tennant
I have been a chef lecturer since 2008, joining UCB in 2019. After leaving college, where I studied my City & Guilds 706/1 and NVQ Level 3 Chef Diploma, I worked in a variety o…
Find out moreIbrahim Bellal
I am a former student of the Birmingham College Of Food and I have had a range of different experiences within the hospitality and catering industry.
Find out moreWe look forward to seeing you on campus
As you prepare to join us, here's a refresher on some of the essentials: