Department of Engineering
School of Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction
Welcome to our Department of Engineering
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 engineering, here is a glimpse into our student and staff community - with insight into the placements and enrichment we offer - to see if we are right for you.
Jon Melville
Head of the Department of Engineering
Welcome from Jon Melville
Engineering is constantly changing as new technologies come on stream and it’s a fast-paced and demanding professional environment.
Our courses focus on the application of maths, science and digital technologies, and using industry-standard software and our exceptional resources, we aim to create successful technicians and engineers heading into careers in design, product development and manufacture for the 21st century.
Engineering is a theoretical profession, so maths and science are fundamental to our courses. Engineers also need to communicate with a wide variety of people – managers, funders and customers. The courses are intensive and challenging, but the support available for our students is excellent – we maximise your chances for success and look forward to welcoming you to our department.
“If you're anything like me, you'll have always been fascinated by how things work and are built, and if you are joining our university, you really will get the very best, most advanced training, with access to incredible networks and opportunities."
What’s happening
Development continues at pace on University’s Sustainable Construction Skills Centre
Work on the new Sustainable Construction Skills Centre for University College Birmingham is making excelle…
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University collaboration opens new training hub for engineering and manufacturing
A brand new hub dedicated to developing the next generation of engineering and manufacturing workers has been…
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Budding technician flies flag for female engineers at opening of new facilities
A college student whose goal is to become an air technician with the Royal Navy flew the flag for female engine…
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Partnership with Warwick enters new phase to support regional development
The partnership aims to provide a new approach to social mobility by opening up access to education for people in som…
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Regeneration of former print works to create new sustainable construction centre
A sustainable construction skills centre is to be created by University College Birmingham as part of the rege…
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Guest speakers and masterclasses
Our Level 2 engineering students have had guest speaker sessions with industry leaders such as Cooksongold, the UK's one stop shop for quality precious metals and jewellery making supplies. Birmingham Energy Institute and ERIKS engineering are lined up, plus an employability masterclass with Good for Grid.
Industry visits
As well as placements, our Level 3 students have had trips to Cooksongold and Thinktank, as well as career talks with John Sisk & Son, with a site visit planned to see their work. Scroll for more >>>
Industry visits (cont'd)
Students also had a trip to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT). They have also had opportunities to apply for a job, complete a mock interview with feedback and learn careers-related skills such as collaboration through a 'build a spaghetti bridge' session.
Beyond 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:
Edward Bird
Deputy Dean (Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction)
Meet Edward Bird
My role across the School of Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction is quite broad, with responsibilities for quality, teaching and learning as well as curriculum development and innovation, ensuring that we are at the cutting edge of our subject sectors.
The school is developing rapidly and there has been a huge amount of interest in our courses both at college and university level. We are currently expanding our postgraduate offer to include an MSc in Computer Science and MSc in Engineering Management, both from September 2023.
We have worked closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Institute of Technology and employers to ensure that all of our courses offer excellent opportunities for students to progress into fulfilling careers in STEM or further study.
Edward has a background in software and web development.
Our teaching and learning
If you are studying to be an engineer, 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 organisations such as the GBSIoT, 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 engineering suite complete with robotics labs at Camden House.
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 and we came a close second in 2023.
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
Precious Gagu Mowo
Precious applied for University College Birmingham's Engineering course with one goal: to learn the skills she would need to become an air technician with the Royal Navy.
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Harry Horton
Harry always had a passion for engineering, which spurred him on to enrol on a college course that would teach him everything from robotics to artificial intelligence in manufact…
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Joel Smith
From loving Lego and fixing his bike himself as a child, Joel developed a growing curiosity about building and making things – now he’s getting distinctions as an engineer-in-trai…
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Engineering facilities
Our facilities won silver at the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, so you know you will get to learn in outstanding training environments approved by industry.
Students on our engineering courses study in our real-world training facilities at our Camden House campus building. Our facilities include equipment for process manufacturing, electronics and materials testing, as well as Industry 4.0 equipment.
You will also have access to the Learning Factory at GBSIoT with facilities to support your research and projects
Our courses
Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing T-level
Interested in the areas of engineering, manufacturing or electronics? Equivalent to three A-levels, this course will teach you…
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Engineering Level 2
Do you dream of becoming an engineer? Whether you’re interested in electronics, manufacturing or automation, our introductory engineering course will get you tooled up wit…
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Engineering Level 3
If you aspire to work in the areas of engineering and manufacturing, this BTEC Level 3 course will equip you with skills and knowledge in everything from mathematics and m…
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Electromechanical Engineering BEng
The world is crying out for skilled engineers and our Electromechanical Engineering BEng degree wil give you all the key disciplines – essential maths, mech…
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Engineering Management MSc
Want to play a leading role in the technological progress and sustainable future of the engineering sector? This course combines developing your business and manage…
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We look forward to seeing you on campus
As you prepare to join us, here's a refresher on some of the essentials: