News and insights

UCB Hair and Beauty students are Schwarzkopf Dream Makers

University College Birmingham is working with Schwarzkopf to give nine students the opportunity to work alongside top stylists in the Schwarzkopf salon in London next year.

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Meet the experts at Specialist Hair and Media Make-up Employability Day!

Top professionals from the world of hair and make-up will be coming to meet University College Birmingham students at an employability event next week.

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100% pass rate for Beauty Therapy

Beauty Therapy students are celebrating their success after every one of them passed their assessment on beauty treatments.

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Gemma is Professional Beauty Awards finalist

UCB Theatrical & Media Make-Up lecturer Gemma Richmond is a finalist in the Professional Beauty Awards 2015 for Make-Up Specialist of the Year.

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Beauty students attend Dermalogica Privilege Day

Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy students spent a day at a Dermalogica salon honing their techniques and treatments in a professional environment.

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Beauty vlogger Adriana tipped for YouTube stardom

Just four years ago, Adriana Braje was posting videos of her beauty tips to a handful of online subscribers – all filmed from her home in Croatia.

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Graduate Darcy’s collagen-boosting brand takes beauty world by storm

A go-getting graduate from University College Birmingham is providing a critical ingredient in a brand that is taking the beauty world by storm.

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Nurses' Day Spotlight – Mandeep Lally

For Nurses' Day this year, we’re highlighting one of our incredible nursing apprenticeships lecturers, Mandeep Lally, who features as one of the incredible women in the book 75 Years, 75 Women, 75 Words.

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Special Hair and Media Makeup students can meet the experts

Specialist Hair and Media Make-up students can find out about exciting career opportunities at a special employability day on Friday, February 17.

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Celebrating International Women’s Day at the University

Professionals were welcomed to the Restaurant at University College Birmingham on Thursday 7th March to celebrate International Women’s Day. Women and allies enjoyed networking before joining themed tables in Leadership, STEM, Sport, Business, Education, Technology, Health and Hospitality to discuss…

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Ex-student who received surprise visit from teenage Beyoncé opens Birmingham salon

A former hair and beauty student from University College Birmingham who was lucky enough to meet a teenage Beyoncé has defied the challenges of Covid-19 to open her own salon in the heart of the UK’s second city – despite…

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Three job offers in one day for UCB's Evie

Getting one job can be tough enough, so UCB student Evie Woodfield was overwhelmed to be offered three on the same day.

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Student Blog | The 12-day Christmas pleigh-list

From the pounding of Wham! to the sweet whistling notes of Mariah Carey, we are going to countdown The 12-Day Christmas Pleigh-list.

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High school students celebrate National Waiters Day

Year 9 and 10's from Solihull schools have been experiencing work in the UCB kitchens and restaurants as a part of the National Waiters Day initiative to celebrate the pride, skill and professionalism of front of house careers.

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International Women's Day spotlight – Paulina Marmaite

Aesthetic Practitioner alumni Paulina Marmaite talks about opening her aesthetics clinic one year on and how her mum, a strong businesswoman, influenced her career.

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A glorious graduation: we look back on the day

A look back at University College Birmingham September 2025 graduation.

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Culinary Olympics bid coincides with International Chefs Day

England’s junior culinary team is taking on the best in the world with the help of three chefs who began cooking as schoolboys at University College Birmingham.

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Blog | Seven reasons to come to a uni open day

They say buying a house is the biggest investment you will make, but a university education is not far behind these days.

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A ‘grand’ birthday present to mark World Cocktail Day

Hospitality and tourism students explore their cocktail creativity.

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Specialist Hair and Media Make-up students showcase their skills!

Second year students in Specialist Hair and Media Make-up have been working towards their final exam for their Advanced Prosthetics and Casting module. The themes were Grimm's Fairytales and Planetary Evolution.

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International Women's Day spotlight – Charlie Hobbis

Events Management alumni Charlie Hobbis talks us through her journey as a female entrepreneur, and turning a home interior and lifestyle page turned into a multi-6 figure business with well-known household clients like Tefal, Snug Sofas and Marks & Spencer.

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Unflappable! Make-up and hair students to glam up Great Gatsby extravaganza

Make-up and hair students from UCB have been selected to bring the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties to a Great Gatsby 'pop-up party' at Birmingham's O2 Institute.

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THREE powerful reasons. TWO valuable events. ONE great day.

Two events on one day bring students, staff and stakeholders together.

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Specialist Hair and Media Make-up newsletter: UCB Creative

We are excited to let you know about various activities, projects, talks and events that you can get involved with as a University College Birmingham alumni.

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Talented student foodies inspire world for International Chefs Day

Talented students put their skills into action in the University kitchens to mark International Chefs Day in partnership with Nestlé Professional.

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Transition Day helps students moving into next stage of education

University College Birmingham has held its first Transition Day for new further and higher education students with neurodiversity or disability.

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Specialist Hair and Media Make-up newsletter: Issue 2

We are excited to let you know about various activities, projects, talks and events that you can get involved with as a University College Birmingham alumni.

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Kapow! Pupils unmask food 'superpowers' at UCB for International Chefs Day

Cookery students from a Wolverhampton high school unmasked the 'superpowers' of food and karate chopped unhealthy diets at a UCB event to mark International Chefs Day.

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Pupils join International Chefs Day with stir-fry challenge at UCB

Budding kitchen stars got some top tips on healthy cooking when they took part in International Chefs Day at University College Birmingham.

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New Two-Day Degree launched to remove biggest barriers to study

University College Birmingham has launched its Two-Day Degree study model for September 2026, opening doors to higher education for those locked out of university by cost, irregular timetables or work and caring responsibilities.

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Specialist Hair and Media Make-up graduate working on new Disney film

A Specialist Hair and Make-up graduate who became a TV star for the incredible skills she honed on her degree is now working on a new Disney film.

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Specialist Hair and Media Make-up newsletter: Issue 4

Make-up in Manhattan graduate Kari jets to New York, Stuart John Conran interview, new GTA's and REP Gala Summer Placement.

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Specialist Hair and Media Make-up newsletter: Issue 3

We are excited to let you know about various activities, projects, talks and events that you can get involved with as a University College Birmingham alumni.

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That's show business: hair and make-up students team up on glitzy awards show

Dozens of students from UCB's range of hair and make-up courses have pulled off a major show in Birmingham celebrating up-and-coming fashion designers from across the region.

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Turning 'wonky veg' into delicious dishes for Waste Free Day

Young chefs from University College Birmingham helped turn wonky-looking vegetables into a delicious free lunch for the people of Birmingham as part of a week-long sustainability campaign.

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Caviar and Chips encourages investment in students to mark World Youth Skills Day

An award-winning bespoke wedding catering company has called on businesses to invest in the next generation after a series of successful work placements with students from University College Birmingham.

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Celebrating first A-level Results Day at University College Birmingham

The very first cohort of learners to complete A-levels since University College Birmingham opened its sixth form in 2024 are celebrating securing places on dream degrees in everything from medicine to AI.

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Students set healthy eating example for next generation on International Chefs Day

Students have served up a shining example of healthy eating to inspire the next generation of chefs as part of an annual event held at University College Birmingham.

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Savvy students make their mark at BSEEN five-day employability boot camp hosted by UCB

Five ambitious students at UCB are joining a formidable group of young people from across Newman University, Birmingham City University and Aston University to take part in a five-day business boot camp at McIntyre House this week.

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Schwarzkopf Dream Makers award a day to remember

Top students from across Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Theatrical Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-up courses have been named Schwarzkopf Dream Makers in a trailblazing award scheme put together by UCB and the leading haircare brand.

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Budding beauty students breeze through Saturday Academy

Dozens of Year 11 students have graduated with flying colours from a Saturday Academy devoted to all things hair and make-up at UCB.

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Celebrity hair and make-up artist assisted by UCB students on hit BBC comedy

Celebrity hair and make-up artist Alyn Waterman was assisted by UCB students on a new hit BBC comedy, he has revealed ahead of his guest appearance at this week’s college open day.

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There's no business like show business at SHMM's Employability Day

UCB’s Specialist Hair and Media Make-up course has drawn experts from across the country to deliver demonstrations, workshops, and trade secrets in a day-long event devoted to employability in the make-up and special FX industries.

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University beauty therapy trio star at top spa

Three talented beauty therapist students were invited on a week’s placement at a luxury spa after impressing bosses with their industry skills.

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College open day with star speakers inspires teens…and Joan Collins

College open day with star speakers inspires teens…and Joan Collins Hundreds of teenagers braved the snow to hear from guest speakers at UCB’s All Stars Open Day last Saturday, with even Dame Joan Collins giving the event a social media…

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UCB hosts ABST Tutor Day

Tutors from around the country have been baking up a storm in the UCB bakery as part of their Alliance for Bakery Students and Trainees (ABST) Tutor Day workshop.

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Specialist Hair and Media Make-up students collaborate for AW 18/19 fashion lookbook

This week saw a selection of our Specialist Hair and Media Make-up students working alongside the up and coming ethical and ecological clothing brand Positive Outlook Clothing. As part of the SHMM team’s fashion links, and after a strict round…

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UCB hosts first Commonwealth Day dinner

UCB opened its doors to welcome local diplomats and representatives to the Birmingham Commonwealth Association’s first Commonwealth Day dinner.

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International rugby player on bill for uni open day

Leading international rugby player Maggie Alphonsi MBE will be one of the leading lights at University College Birmingham’s All Stars Open Day this weekend.

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A day of celebration for graduating students

One thousand students will graduate at Symphony Hall Birmingham on Friday 20 September as the University College Birmingham (UCB) annual Awards Congregations get underway.

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Wonder Woman body art to beautiful bridal hair - UCB wins big at National Make-up Awards

Budding hair and make-up artists from University College Birmingham have scooped a huge haul of awards at a national industry competition.

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New studios for specialist hair and media make-up students at Summer Row

Specialist Hair and Media Make-up degree students are getting creative in their own dedicated studios in Summer Row. As part of UCB’s policy to upgrade and enhance teaching facilities, two fully-functional studios have been opened.

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Megan calls for support for MIND fundraiser on Time to Talk day

Suffering with mental health issues can be crippling and should not be stigmatised is the message UCB student Megan Slater is determined to get across on Time to Talk Day.

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Pupils put on a 'soup-er' show as part of International Chefs Day

Broccoli never tasted so good according to a group of Birmingham schoolchildren who took over one of the UCB kitchens in Summer Row to mark International Chefs Day.

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Book your seat to see three inspirational speakers on International Women's Day!

A psychologist who has published a poetry book about her fascinating life journey, a researcher who explores the position of black, British female graduates and a former journalist who writes inspirational stories about women – you won’t want to miss…

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Queens and zombies bag string of awards for UCB at national hair and make-up competition

Zombies, queens and mummies were among the stunning creations produced by budding hair and make-up artists from University College Birmingham as they bagged a string of awards at a national competition.

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Schoolchildren discover How Healthy Food Works at UCB event for International Chefs Day

A group of budding young chefs discovered the many benefits of healthy eating as part of an event at University College Birmingham to mark International Chefs Day.

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UCB's online cooking star bigs up reading and shares page turners for World Book Day

Ben Ebbrell, an internet cooking star, hit author and former UCB student, has bigged up the benefits of reading whilst sharing his favourite page turners for World Book Day.

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Great day for gran as Johan graduates from course she taught

Retired senior lecturer Mary Elkerton couldn’t have been prouder to see her grandson graduate from UCB this week – especially when his course is one of today’s equivalents of the one she taught at the University for 31 years.

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INWED 2026: amplifying a national call for inclusion, belonging and skills innovation

National event highlighs inclusion, belonging and skills innovation in STEM.

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Adapting to digital to engage make-up students leads to virtual learning award

The University has won the Library Teaching and Learning Award from education provider Talis

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Food and Nutrition student Christie does her bit for World Hunger Day

According to Oxfam, 1 in 6 parents have gone without food to afford to feed their families. Even more concerning, almost 40% of the population are just one heating bill or broken washing machine away from poverty.

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It's a bug's life at Applied Food and Nutrition final project presentation day

Applied Food and Nutrition students have wowed assessors with cutting-edge solutions to current issues affecting the British public’s health and nutrition.

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Carmen flies the flag for successful females everywhere on International Women's Day

There’s few better examples of successful international women than our very own, former tourism graduate Carmen Nibigira, who was recently called on to advise the UN on East African economics.

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Family fortunes! Mum and daughter hairdressing duo amongst winners of glossy photoshoot

Nine top students on UCB's Hair and Beauty programmes, including mother and daughter Jo and Shayla Ullah, descended on UCB's studios last week for a professional photo shoot using an exclusive new line of high-end Schwarzkopf hair products.

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All aboard the Ruby Princess

Six students from Further Education Hair and Beauty courses recently travelled to Southampton docks to visit the spa facilities on board the cruise ship Ruby Princess.

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The circus comes to UCB

Specialist Hair & Media Make-up students turned an open day into a circus as part of a creative showcase module.

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World of opportunities for students at biggest careers fair in University's history

No fewer than 80 employers – including the NHS, an award-winning national construction company and a kids’ football coaching enterprise – came to tap into new industry talent at the biggest careers fair in University College Birmingham’s history.

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School pupils given taster of higher education at Future U at UCB

Pupils from schools across the West Midlands were given an introduction to the world of higher education during an action-packed two-day event at University College Birmingham.

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Gemma is National Make-up Artists winner

UCB staff member Gemma Richmond scooped a clutch of prizes at the NEC Beauty UK Show.

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Students turn Medical Aircrew into belles of the ball

UCB students have stepped in as fairy godmothers for Midlands Air Ambulance's aircrew by giving them a glamorous makeover in order to promote their charity ball.

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Media Make-up student becomes Worcester royalty

FdA Specialist Hair and Media Make-up student Fern Tilley used her artistic talents to transform herself into Her Majesty the Queen for a charity fundraiser.

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Red carpet beckons for award-winning make-up artist

Student make-up artist Stephanie Harrison scooped a double award at one of the country’s top shows for beauty professionals.

Other

Day In The Life Of An Adult Nurse Webinar

Join our online ‘day in the life of an adult nurse’ taster session, where a member of our adult nursing teaching team will provide you with an insight into the daily tasks and duties of a community and hospital adult…

Other

Lecturer in Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics

Hernam Najran

Other

International Women’s Day 2023

It's International Women's Day on 8 March, and we're holding a range of events this week to mark the occasion.

Other

Careers Fair

Get an opportunity to network with employers from a variety of industries who will be promoting placement opportunities, part and full-time jobs, graduate schemes and graduate jobs, volunteering opportunities at our upcoming Careers Fair.

Other

Senior Lecturer

Michelle McDermott

Other

Senior Lecturer (Interim Head of Department)

Elise Phillips

Other

Lecturer

Jo Lancaster