News and insights

Mandy Lloyd

Mandy started out writing about food as a communications professional before becoming a food lecturer and developing this forward-thinking course for a new age.

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UCB wins over Hong Kong students with fish and chips

Chef lecturer Lewis Walker gave a master-class in the art of cooking a very traditional British dish, when he travelled to Hong Kong to meet students at the city’s International Culinary Institute (VTC).

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Academic staff join the Centre for the New Midlands leadership board

Lewis Walker, Deputy Head of the Birmingham College of Food, and Deborah Bunce, Head of Sustainable Construction, will share their professional insights to help shape the work of a local think tank, the Centre for the New Midlands (CNM), leading…

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Student Blog | The weird and wonderful traditions of Christmas

Today I want to share with you a few of the many weird and wonderful Christmas traditions around the world…

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Former Mayor visits Bluebell Wood to see the vision made real

Sir Andy Street enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the project.

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High-flying aviation students advise Birmingham Airport on noise pollution

Six Aviation and Airport Management degree (AAM) students have spent this morning in important discussions with Birmingham Airport’s Corporate Responsibility Manager, Andy Holding, detailing ways to build positive relationships with neighbouring communities and deal with local complaints.

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Boost to new student finances in the face of bill rises

Cost of Living Allowance is one of many measures the University offers to help ease new student financial stress.

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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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Student Blog | Opportunities to make the most of

Many courses at University College Birmingham include a work placement – from a day to a year – and it is integral to the learning process and preparing for the world of work.

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Sports Therapy students praised for work at Ride Across Britain

Sports Therapy students have seized the chance to fine-tune their sports massage skills by working with cyclists taking part in Ride Across Britain – a 969-mile journey from Land's End to John O'Groats.

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ATM Students return from their travels

This time of year sees many of our current Adventure Tourism Management students migrate back to Birmingham from travel and adventures all over the UK, Europe and Worldwide.

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Mark Ewins

Having worked in technical and development managerial roles for top firms like Cadbury and Unilever, lecturer Mark reveals how this degree will open many industry doors for students.

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UK Government announces plans for up to 10,000 new apprenticeship completions

University College Birmingham today enthusiastically welcomed the government’s announcement that it is expanding apprenticeship opportunities, which could mean as many as 10,000 more apprentices per year will be able to complete their apprenticeship.

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Guest Blog | How can I get tax-free university fees for my child?

As we head closer to the start of the new academic year, many soon-to-be university students are getting ready to move away from home for the first time and embark on the next step in their educational careers.

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Blog | Can I go through Clearing if I change my mind on my course?

There are many good reasons you might choose to access a course through the Clearing system, so don’t think of it as second best or a last resort; think of it more as a reset button when circumstances change.

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Blog | Career and placement opportunities with University College Birmingham

With many businesses citing a lack of real-world experience as one of their biggest challenges when trying to recruit, work placements offer students a powerful opportunity to get ahead.

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College of Food and The Atrium receive highest praise to retain gold accreditations

One of the UK’s top quality assurance organisations has described University College Birmingham as “one of the best, if not the best, catering colleges in the UK” in its assessment for two of the highest awards for colleges.

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Business School students attend virtual conference packed with digital experts

Hundreds of students logged onto a virtual conference to receive pearls of wisdom from the brightest business minds and digital experts as part of the University's commitment to enhancing online teaching during lockdown.

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International blogging sensation set for bakery degree at UCB

International blogging sensation Marko Josipovic is all set to make his mark on Birmingham. The Croatian teenager is about to start his BSc (Hons) Bakery and Patisserie Technology at UCB and plans to update the many followers of his site…

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New free app to guide young people through UCB courses and careers

Teenagers can get a taste of further education at UCB without leaving home, thanks to an exciting new app. BeMe@UCB provides a fun, interactive look at the varied career paths open to students, whether it is working in tourism, childcare,…

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No strike action planned at University College Birmingham

You may have heard about the current Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) industrial action involving strikes by teaching staff that will be taking place in February and March 2018 and which will affect many universities. We would like to reassure…

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University's first social work apprentices begin their studies

Developing the next generation of social workers and creating a learning community where apprentices feel that they belong.

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Top Midlands clubs among firms coming to sports employability extravaganza

Sports students will have the chance to meet with staff from top Midlands sports clubs as part of an employability extravaganza at University College Birmingham.

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Starting them young – PGCE students learn to teach cookery

A group of School Direct teaching students has been shown how to teach young children to cook – and why it’s so important to do so.

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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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UCB wins top student award at Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or

University College Birmingham has scooped the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or, the nation’s top student culinary and restaurant service award.

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A topping idea wins "gluten-free" vending competition

Teams of Culinary Arts Management students impressed industry experts in a challenge to make a gluten-free vending machine snack.

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Nursery rhyme inspires PGCE students

In the manner of Little Miss Muffet, UCB postgraduate students have been eating their curds and whey. Fortunately for them, that's where the day's similarities ended!

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Maple syrup takes centre stage at College of Food

Maple syrup has taken over UCB’s kitchens, with both Food Development and Innovation (FDI) and Bakery and Patisserie Technology (BPT) students working closely with visiting professor David Colcombe to create a number of delicious recipes with the much-loved condiment.

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UCB students shine at Great Hospitality Show

A former paramedic turned trainee baker and a student chef with a taste for korma cheesecake were among UCB's big winners at the Great Hospitality Show at the NEC.

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Blog | Black History Month Spotlight – Celebrating Jen Ellin

Since graduating as a mature student, Jen now runs Jen's Tailored Events, with plans to provide opportunities for young people with difficulties in their life the chance to learn and develop new business and entrepreneurial skills, inspired in part by…

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Tourism alumni share their career journeys during special ten year reunion at Summer Row

A group of former classmates from University College Birmingham have revealed how their studies helped pave the way towards a huge variety of careers over the past decade.

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Students win big at the Cook and Serve Challenge

UCB students cleaned up at the British Culinary Federation's (BCF) Cook and Serve Challenge, competing against 11 other colleges to become Team of the Year 2014.

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UCB hosts charity bake-off

The University kitchens hosted St Basils business bake-off, where finalists gathered to compete for the title of the charity's 'best business baker' of 2014.

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Students collaborate on foodie photoshoot

UCB Food and Consumer Management teamed up with photography students at Sandwell College to create professional photographs for recipes they created.

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Mastering the science behind fish fingers and mayo: year 10 students get stuck in at UCB's Food Science Week

Students from six local secondary schools got to grips with the fascinating science behind some of our favourite food with a packed programme of food and science workshops at UCB last week.

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Entrepreneur who gave up crime to an award-winning travel agency - hear from experts at business, travel and tourism expo

From an entrepreneur who clawed his way back from a life ruled by gangs, crime and drugs to the head of overseas development at an award-winning clubbing holiday travel agency– students can discover how to fly high in business, travel…

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UCB holds Food Launch event to promote new GCSE

UCB worked with the Food Teacher’s Centre to host a special GCSE Food Launch event in preparation for the new GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition, which will be taught in schools as of September 2016.

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UCB wins first 'University Challenge' food science quiz on coeliac question

Move over Paxman! UCB College of Food students thrashed the opposition in a University Challenge-inspired quiz for the nation’s undergraduate food scientists.

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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 Birmingham College of Food, was recently presented to the hospitality sector at the Catering Hospitality Education Forum (C.H.E.F).

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Trailblazers discuss improving access to nutritious food at university restaurant

Hosted at the award-winning Restaurant at the Birmingham College of Food, the ‘Food Security & Resilience’ Creative Dinner brought together trailblazers across the food system to discuss improving access to nutritious and affordable food.

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Kali gets teeth into role as new head of Birmingham College of Food

The first female head of the University's renowned Birmingham College of Food has shared her plans to work even closer with the regional food and hospitality industry in her exciting, but challenging, new role.

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University College Birmingham and NEC launch lifeline for food and hospitality staff

A training hub jam-packed with vital support for food and hospitality professionals struggling due to the pandemic is being launched by University College Birmingham in partnership with the NEC Group.

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Culinary Students Sizzle in the Kitchen this Summer

Dedicated culinary arts students are swapping the beach for the heat of the kitchen as they prepare for their new degrees during the summer holidays.

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UCB attempts record-breaking fourth win at Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or

University College Birmingham is on the verge of making history as it seeks a fourth win at the Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or competition – something no catering college in the UK has done before.

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Food, Glorious Food

School pupils got a taste of the varied career paths available in the food industry at a special event featuring hands-on workshops at UCB.

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Duo win special awards at celebration event for UCB apprentices

Apprentices from University College Birmingham gathered together on campus this week for UCB's first-ever Apprenticeship Celebration Event.

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Star chef hails Young Chefs Academy as relaunch set to inspire next generation

A celebrated young chef from University College Birmingham has welcomed the relaunch of a long-running culinary programme that will help inspire future food stars amid the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Hospitality leaders explore why young people should go into today's industry

University College Birmingham teamed up with the Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Midlands to invite leading figures in the sector to hear from experts on how they can inspire the next generation into the industry.

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Students in spotlight as university pioneers innovative new conference

The Business School this week hosted the first conference curated by and for students in the University's history.

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UCB's Zest Quest Asia champions shine spotlight on sustainable future for food industry

A triumphant team of student chefs from University College Birmingham set a shining example for sustainability in the food industry on their way to winning a national cooking contest.

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Baking brilliance – UCB bags 28 medals at biggest annual challenge for trainee bakers

Students from across UCB’s bakery department returned with no less than eight gold medals, 12 silvers and eight bronze...

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UCB students dish up experience of their prize trip to Japan

With over 10,000 UK restaurants now offering Asian food, it's no wonder Zest Quest Asia – the brainchild of top Indian chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE – is dubbed "the student chef's competition for the 21st century".

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Thai holiday inspires award-winning young chef at top culinary competition

A holiday in Thailand helped one of our international Culinary Arts Management degree students bag a brace of awards at a top culinary competition.

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UCB takes the crown at Zest Quest Asia competition

A trio of UCB trainee chefs will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan after being crowned winners of Zest Quest Asia 2017.

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CAM student's dissertation hand-in topped off with Master Chef title

Fourth-year Culinary Arts Management student Peter Price has taken the definition of multi-tasking to a whole new level, winning the acclaimed title of 2018 Young Master Chef of the year on the same day as his final year dissertation hand-in…

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Chef graduate triumphs in prestigious hospitality awards

A University College Birmingham graduate picked up the 'Best Newcomer' accolade at Birmingham Hospitality Association awards.

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Culinary arts student serves top sport and TV stars on placement at Celtic Manor Resort

A culinary arts student from University College Birmingham has revealed how she had the chance to serve a string of famous stars while on placement at a prestigious UK resort – with more students now being encouraged to follow in…

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Vice-Chancellor celebrates culture and diversity at ‘Taste of Hunan’ event

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Michael Harkin, attended the prestigious ‘Taste of Hunan’ event in London, celebrating the rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage of China’s Hunan province.

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UCB wins record number of gold medals at national bakery competition

UCB is officially a force to be reckoned with after bringing home a record 29 medals – including 12 golds - from one of the industry's biggest bakery competitions.

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Seven 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 awards at a national competition.

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Apprentices 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 across the region have come away with a record medal haul from the Hotelympia skills competition – an achievement described as “exceptional”.

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Speakers inspire students to earn a crust in bakery industry

Industry leaders from the likes of Callebaut Chocolate, Dupont Danisco and Lesaffre are set to visit University College Birmingham in a programme of unmissable masterclasses to inspire final-year Bakery and Patisserie technology students to think about future careers in the…

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Rising star students taste sweet success in annual bakery awards

Students from the College of Food swept the board yet again at the Alliance of Bakery Students and Trainees Awards.

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Lewis Walker

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University of Birmingham accreditation

Many of our undergraduate and postgraduate courses are accredited and validated by the University of Birmingham, one of the world's top academic institutions.

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Contact us

There are many ways you can contact University College Birmingham, from phone and email to social media.

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University League Tables Statement

University College Birmingham’s unique, dual role as a successful higher education and further education institution means its performance is often unfairly represented by the traditional 'one-size-fits-all' university league tables.

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OFS Transparency Return

Information on the OFS Transparency Review and Transparency Return

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Benefits and services

Our former students’ association with the UCB community extends well beyond the last lecture and graduation.

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Apprenticeships for students

Run with valued industry partners, our diverse apprenticeships offer superb opportunities for young people aged 16 and over to learn skills for life while getting paid.

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Schools

University College Birmingham comprises of four schools, which are responsible for delivering courses to students at all levels of study.

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Find out how to raise a complaint at University College Birmingham, including the informal and formal stages, complaint forms, review process, timescales and support available to students.

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Come and visit us on one of our open days, where you can find out more about our courses, our facilities and speak to current students and staff.

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Bluebell Wood

Bluebell Wood is an informal, affordable eatery based in the heart of the community at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, next door to Chelmsley Starters, our this purpose-built culinary school.

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Our economic impact

At University College Birmingham, we are supporting our region to grow and develop to ensure it meets its skills priorities. Independent analysis has identified that we have a total economic impact of £358 million across the UK.

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Student Ambassadors

Our Student Ambassador scheme provides opportunities for flexible, part-time work that will fit around your studies while you enhance your CV.

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Whatuni award winners 2024

University College Birmingham has won awards for its student support, international and postgraduate provision in the only awards in the UK based solely on student choice.

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LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ individuals are a vital part of our university community. Inclusion is central to our identity, and every student and staff member should feel safe, respected, and supported in being themselves.

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Accessibility Statement

The website will aim to achieve the recommended government standard for web accessibility.

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Details on where we are, directions to the University and transport options available.

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Apply for an Apprenticeship | University College Birmingham

University College Birmingham offers people aged 16 and over exciting opportunities to learn skills for life while getting paid. From healthcare and business to culinary and construction, we are here to help you kick-start your career and it won't cost…

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Working towards a sustainable community

Find out more information on what University College Birmingham's Sustainabilty goals are and how we are working towards them.

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Richard Marshall

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Lecturer

Jigisha Dharman

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Lecturer

Jaylan Rahmatullah

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Laura Holloway

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Faiza Khan