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Birmingham College of Food

Study with one of the most highly-respected names in the food industry. University College Birmingham's renowned College of Food offers a range of specialist courses, from professional chef training to culinary arts management or bakery and patisserie.

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External relations – Birmingham College of Food

John Penn

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Head of Department for FE College of Food Hospitality and Tourism

Daniel Tennant

News and insights

Record year of competition success for UCB's College of Food

UCB’s College of Food is celebrating a record year of achievement in national and international competitions for 2015-16.

News and insights

Bumper roundup: celebrating another cracking year for our college of food

In 2023, students and alumni won even more awards and even topped a Good Food Guide list, while our Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food made it big on the map of places to eat out in the region. Read…

News and insights

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.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

Bumper roundup: College of food sees in spring with more success stories

Spring has sprung and as the daffs raise their heads, we raise a toast to our college of food, which has been super busy winning awards, hosting sparkling soirees and receiving ringing endorsements from top chefs. Read our bumper roundup.

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Bumper roundup: Gongs, glory and giving back at Birmingham College of Food

As Christmas comes a-calling and we close the oven doors on 2024, we celebrate the latest achievements of our one and only Birmingham College of Food. Read our bumper roundup.

News and insights

Renowned college of food to open culinary school in Chelmsley Wood

University College Birmingham is opening a culinary school in the Chelmsley Wood shopping centre. Free courses will provide introductory training for the hospitality sector, for adults and young people.

News and insights

Winter roundup: another busy term at Birmingham College of Food

Over a whirlwind few months, we've seen the official opening of our Chelmsley Wood Culinary School, visits from TV chefs working at Michelin-starred restaurants, and yet more awards for our fabulous students.

News and insights

First 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 Michelin Star – just one year after opening.

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College of Food grad gains prestigious Michelin star for Lichfield restaurant

An acclaimed local restaurant run by a University College Birmingham graduate gains its first Michelin Star.

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Welcome to the first newsletter of 2017 dedicated to alumni from UCB's College of Food!

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.

News and insights

College of Food assistant dean set for new adventures after becoming Honorary Fellow

One of the biggest influences on the modern-day success of Birmingham College of Food at University College Birmingham has been made an Honorary Fellow of the University – and is now cooking up plans for new adventures.

News and insights

From fine dining to lecturing – meet first female head of Birmingham College of Food

As University College Birmingham celebrates International Women's Day, we shine the spotlight on Kali Davidson and explore her 35-year journey from trainee to fine dining and becoming the first female head of our Birmingham College of Food

News and insights

Graduate named Young Chef of the Year as College of Food quartet star in BCF final

Four young chefs from University College Birmingham have showed their culinary class after going head-to-head in the final of a national cooking competition – with one taking the top prize.

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New outreach initiative sees college of food host school ‘Have a Go’ sessions

Local school pupils experience life in a fast-paced professional kitchen first-hand.

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College of food trio celebrate wins at UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year awards

Team of students wins three trophies at this year’s UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year Awards.

News and insights

Food, 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 College Birmingham have been enjoying a feast of competitive successes and memorable experiences this year.

News and insights

Donations for Christmas food bank appeal

University staff and students are being urged to donate canned food to help people facing financial difficulties in Birmingham.

News and insights

College of Food shortlisted for an award of excellence

UCB’s College of Food team has been shortlisted for the Springboard Awards for Excellence (Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism), which celebrates outstanding industry achievements in promoting careers, attracting and developing people and best employment practice.

News and insights

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).

News and insights

Sarah soars as 2025 student ambassador for global food supplier

An undergraduate student at Birmingham College of Food has been appointed by a leading food supply company as a 2025 ambassador.

News and insights

SORTED Food featured in '30 under 30'

SORTED Food has been ranked 4th in The Guardian's video '30 under 30: The top young people in digital media'.

News and insights

New knowledge exchange hub to boost food sustainability and healthy eating

A new knowledge exchange hub designed to help address issues around healthy eating, food justice and food system sustainability is being launched at University College Birmingham as part of a regional collaboration.

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Bakery 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 donated it to a city food bank.

News and insights

Tweet a pic about #MyUCB – and win free food for a year!

University College Birmingham and the Handmade Burger Company have team up to offer an amazing prize for one lucky student – free food for a year!

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‘Gold’ accreditation provides post-Covid boost for food and hospitality training

University College Birmingham has received the highest standard of approval from a leading industry body in recognition of its specialist training for the food and hospitality sectors seeking to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

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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.

News and insights

Food and nutrition degree receives accreditation from top professional body

University College Birmingham has achieved formal accreditation from the Association for Nutrition (AfN), making its Food and Nutrition BSc (Hons) degree an AfN ‘accredited degree’ programme.

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College of Food student presents sugar research at IFST Young Scientist competition

A University College Birmingham student had the chance to present her own research to professionals from the food industry as part of a national competition.

News and insights

Alumni Lee heads street food "take-over" at McIntyre House

Alumni Lee Desanges returned to UCB with some leading chefs to give a masterclass in street food – from a truck parked at McIntyre House.

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Alumni make mark at city restaurants as Brum named ‘most exciting food destination’

Former students from University College Birmingham have helped three city venues to bag a place among the 20 most exciting restaurants in the UK as ranked by the prestigious Good Food Guide.

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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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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.

News and insights

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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Emily set to empower with support network for female food professionals

A UCB Culinary Arts Management student has launched an invaluable and much-needed network to celebrate, support and empower female food professionals nationwide.

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From food to face painting: Summer programme offers support to local community

Students and staff from University College Birmingham have been using their skills to support the local community as part of a special summer programme of events.

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Chips for charity! Maltings students launch fast food firm to fight homelessness

An enterprising group of students at University College Birmingham have been serving up fast food feasts during the coronavirus pandemic to help raise money for a local charity supporting homeless people in the city.

News and insights

MasterChef champ and ex-student Dan set for summer street food gig

MasterChef: The Professionals champion Dan Lee is back on home turf to launch a residency at Hockley Social Club – just around the corner from where he started his culinary training at University College Birmingham.

News and insights

University’s food stars begin two-year journey to Culinary World Cup

A team made entirely of current and former University College Birmingham students will be flying the flag for England at one of the world's biggest culinary contests.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

University boosts links with The Real Junk Food Project as surplus stock donated to the community

University College Birmingham has joined forces with a community organisation to help combat food waste and provide support for local residents in need.

News and insights

Principal congratulates college students at recognition lunch

Six students were invited to the College’s first-ever Student Recognition Lunch at our award-winning restaurant on campus as part of a new scheme celebrating student success.

News and insights

University College Birmingham continues to champion student satisfaction

The National Student Survey 2023 results have shown a positive rise in student approval at University College Birmingham, with a 9 percentage point increase on overall satisfaction in comparison to last year.

News and insights

UCB recipes to feature in Co-op campaign to reduce food waste

Three UCB students who won a culinary competition to produce a tasty soup from typical kitchen leftovers have been filmed creating a step-by-step guide.

News and insights

University College Birmingham recognised for increasing social mobility

University College Birmingham has been ranked in the top 25 of higher education institutions in England committed to increasing social mobility.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

University College Birmingham calls for extension of applications deadline

University College Birmingham is strongly urging UCAS to extend its deadline for applications to relieve unnecessary pressure on pupils and teachers following the sudden closure of schools due to the current full lockdown.

News and insights

UCB is National Hairdressing Federation College of the Year

UCB has been awarded the prestigious title of College of the Year by the National Hairdressers' Federation Awards 2014 (Central England).

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University College Birmingham welcomes European students

University College Birmingham is aware that EU students may be anxious about the impact of the referendum on their studies and future funding.

News and insights

University College Birmingham in 2024: A year of sustainable growth

It has been a transformative year at University College Birmingham, as we reaffirmed our commitment to building relationships and laying strong foundations for sustainable development.

News and insights

University College Birmingham and University of Warwick celebrate partnership

Over 100 students and staff from across University College Birmingham and University of Warwick enjoyed the event, which culminated in a fantastic summer BBQ on the University of Warwick campus.

News and insights

University College Birmingham to host Team Scotland 2022

Commonwealth Games Scotland announced today that University College Birmingham (UCB) is set to become its home from home for family, friends and team supporters at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and provide support for up to 300 Team Scotland athletes and…

News and insights

University College Birmingham welcomes Office for Students

The visit saw the OfS Chair Lord Wharton exploring the state-of-the-art facilities at the University, discuss curriculum development at the institution, understand the challenges seen by higher education providers across the country including at University College Birmingham and hear concerns…

News and insights

Student Sophie Ecclestone wins another coveted food product development placement at Marks & Spencer

Sophie Ecclestone, a second-year undergraduate studying Food Development and Innovation, is one of just two successful candidates to gain a position on Marks & Spencer's highly sought after year-long Food Product Development Business placement scheme.

News and insights

University College Birmingham commits to vital health careers

The University has further solidified its commitment to a careers-focussed education with the unveiling of a new Health and Care Professions Council validated MSc Dietetics programme and a recently validated and approved MSc Public Health programme.

News and insights

Consul General to India visits University College Birmingham

In an event hosted by Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Michael Harkin, Dr Venkatachalam Murugan was welcomed to the University, with a tour of the campus facilities including the state-of-the-art Health Suite and Cyber Labs.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

Student satisfaction at University College Birmingham highest in the city

Student satisfaction at UCB is the highest of the city’s five universities, according to this year’s NSS.

News and insights

University 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 College Rosette Scheme.

News and insights

James makes Forbes 30 Under 30 with Skinny Food Co after turning down Dragon’s Den

An intrepid entrepreneur who laid the foundations of his business career at University College Birmingham has made the prestigious Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 list after his company hit a multi-million pound turnover in just three years.

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Young bakers impress star graduate with vegan bread creations for college contest

Young bakers at University College Birmingham have risen to the challenge of making vegan-friendly bread as part of a student competition.

News and insights

'Technical' qualification in education and childcare to launch at University College Birmingham

University College Birmingham is all set to launch its exciting, new T-level in Education and Childcare from September – making it one of the first UK colleges to offer one of the new two-year courses.

News and insights

University College Birmingham hosted Midlands Chefs' Forum Launch!

The Chefs' Forum launched its Birmingham & Midlands Chapter at University College Birmingham on the 20th February 2017

News and insights

University College Birmingham up for two innovation awards - vote now!

University College Birmingham has been nominated for 'Education Innovator of the Year' and 'Creative Industries Innovator of the Year'.

News and insights

College 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 top accolades at this year’s British Culinary Federation (BCF) annual dinner and awards.

News and insights

Emily crowned University College Birmingham Young Chef of the Year 2017

A schoolgirl whose chocolate dessert would "grace any restaurant" has been crowned University College Birmingham's Young Chef of the Year 2017.

News and insights

New technical college qualification launched to meet demand for healthcare workers

A new industry-designed technical qualification has been launched at University College Birmingham which could prove instrumental in meeting the rapidly rising demand for healthcare workers.

News and insights

College students resitting GCSE maths and English to benefit from new COVID funding support

Teenagers striving to achieve a good pass in their English and maths GCSEs while studying for their college qualification at University College Birmingham are to benefit from new COVID-19 funding support.

News and insights

College stars conquer Covid challenges to celebrate record GCSE results

University College Birmingham students are celebrating today after scooping record results in their GCSE examinations in November.

News and insights

College football team tastes victory in first Midlands tournament

A team of further education students from University College Birmingham have brought home the trophy in the Midlands' first College Collaboration Project (CCP) football tournament.

News and insights

ASPIRE Awards celebrate commitment of college students during coronavirus lockdown

Star college students at University College Birmingham have been nominated for special awards in recognition of their hard work and commitment to their studies during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

News and insights

College backs regional skills pledge to boost learners and businesses

University College Birmingham has joined with institutions across the West Midlands in committing to a collaborative pledge supporting students and local businesses amid the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

News and insights

Ofsted praises ‘outstanding’ behaviour of University College Birmingham students

Ofsted has rated the behaviours and attitudes of students at University College Birmingham as Outstanding, the top grade available.

News and insights

MasterChef champ makes “emotional” return to college to inspire next generation

Trainee chefs got to learn a lot more about new MasterChef: The Professionals champion Dan Lee during an “emotional” return trip to University College Birmingham, where he himself trained 12 years ago.

News and insights

University College Birmingham Hosts Skills Gap Board Launch

The Centre for the New Midlands (CNM) officially launched the ‘People and Skills Workstream’ at University College Birmingham, bringing together business leaders, regional leaders and policymakers, and prominent academics to discuss how best to address the region’s skills shortages.

News and insights

College of Food students snag coveted place in Toque d'Or Final

Students Luke Hayward, Erin Robinson and Millie Tibbins are set to represent UCB in the final round of one of the most prestigious cooking competitions for young people in the UK.