News and insights

Blog | Struggling with the cost of living? Our top tips

Let’s face it, we all need to make our money go a lot further these days, from heating bills to rising food prices and transport costs to, well, the bare essentials.

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University launches £5k Cost of Living Allowance for UK undergraduates

University College Birmingham is delighted to announce the launch of a £5,000 Cost of Living Allowance aimed at financially supporting students during their studies as they face the rising costs of higher education and living expenses.

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UCB unveils new, state-of-the-art Health Hub

On Monday 6 March Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Ray Linforth, cut the ribbon at the official opening of UCB's new Health Hub.

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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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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 opened as part of a collaboration between University College Birmingham and other institutions around the West Midlands.

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New Safer Partnerships Hub to provide engagement with local police on campus

A new dedicated hub has been opened at University College Birmingham where students will be able to meet and engage with local police officers as part of a collaboration with West Midlands Police.

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Focus on your future, not your funds

Our Cost of Living Allowance returns for 2026.

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Prioritising potential, not paperwork: University lifts support allowance to £6,000

The Cost of Living Allowance is rising to £6k for new students.

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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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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…

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Zip-lining, bug-eating and code-cracking - hospitality students challenged at Bear Grylls Adventure

A group of University College Birmingham students swapped the classroom for a wild world of zip-lining, bug-eating and code-cracking as part of a team-building event.

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Ashlea Mallett

Business Enterprise graduate Ashlea grew up on the coast of Portugal and spent most of her time working on boats and with horses, fueling a deep love for the natural environment - now she is our Sustainability Manager.

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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…

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New centres for innovation offer support for small businesses to upskill

A £100 million investment from the Innovation Accelerator programme will see a new innovation hub launched at University College Birmingham. The hub supports manufacturing and construction businesses in getting up to speed with new technology adoption.

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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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Sports student Sadam starts bid for 400m glory at Tokyo Olympics

A sports student at University College Birmingham is living the Olympic dream as he prepares to take to the track in Tokyo this weekend.

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University launches vital careers support for local community affected by Covid-19

The University College Birmingham team that supports students with work placements and opportunities to gain real-life experience is extending its support to those in the local community who have lost their jobs through Covid-19.

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UCB unveils £2m centre to train top food industry talent

University College Birmingham has unveiled a new £2 million high-tech food hub to train the next generation of industry professionals.

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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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Tourism students set to shine as university hosts national convention

University College Birmingham is excited to announce it will host the annual convention of the TMI.

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Employer scholarships launched to break down barriers for Birmingham students

University College Birmingham has launched the first eight of a suite of new, fully-funded scholarships for students living in areas of economic and social hardship in Birmingham.

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Students turn over a new leaf with salad challenge

Food and Consumer Management students were tasked with creating the perfect salad for Costa Coffee shops.

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Post-Covid travel, tourism and hospitality careers top conference agenda

A conference focused on careers in travel, tourism and hospitality post-Covid is being jointly hosted by University College Birmingham and the Institute and Travel and Tourism.

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Tourism students share post-Covid plans for rural recovery in UNWTO competition

A team of University College Birmingham students have shared fresh ideas to boost post-Covid tourism in a picturesque Midlands destination as part of an international competition.

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Hitachi HR boss shares post-Brexit employability advice at UCB event

University College Birmingham was proud to host Stephen Pierce as its first CMI Companions on Campus speaker at UCB's 2017 European Business Conference coordinated by UCB academic staff Sian Williams and Gillian McCurdy.

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James makes the grade to secure a job at Purnell's

Inspirational student James Hood is living proof that hard work really does pay off.

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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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UCB proud host of RACA Annual Awards of Excellence

Eight top pastry chefs pushed themselves to the limit in UCB’s kitchens yesterday by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) Awards of Excellence (AAE) pastry final - described by the organisation as “the most prestigious award available to young…

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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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Student chef wins chance to support Team UK at world's most prestigious culinary competition

A promising student chef has received the opportunity of a lifetime after being invited to accompany the duo representing the UK at the final of the most prestigious culinary competition in the world.

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Blog | Bridging the gap: a new approach to nursing apprentices

Learn how University College Birmingham’s blended nursing apprenticeship model supports national provision - offering remote university learning, strategic employer partnerships, diverse placement opportunities and a healthcare workforce-development approach designed to address post‑pandemic nurse shortages.

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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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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.

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Kate Lamb

Kate couldn’t be more excited about introducing this first-of-its-kind degree designed to launch a host of careers in the education of primary-aged children.

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Blog | The 9 things we wish we knew before starting university

From staying organised to looking after our wellbeing, there’s a lot we wish we’d thought about before starting our degrees, so we’ve put together a list of the most important bits of advice.

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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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Matt Hammett

In his role as Skills Hub Manager for CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport & Physical Activity in the UK, Matt works with stakeholders across the West Midlands region with a priority target of meeting the skills…

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Senior Lecturer Aviation

Helen Joyner-Harris

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Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology

The Greater Birmingham & Solihull IoT specialises in Engineering and Manufacturing with a particular focus on higher technical education at Levels 4 and 5, with emphasis on STEM (science, technology engineering and maths) content.

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Work experience placements

We firmly believe work experience is the most effective way for you to embed your ‘world of work’ and occupational skills, as well as providing employers a fantastic opportunity to support the development of potential employees of the future.

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Accessible Student Parking Policy

University College Birmingham recognises the importance of supporting students with a disability to enable them to travel to study.

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Business

University College Birmingham’s commitment to vocational education, from apprenticeships through to Master’s Degrees, means we actively promote engagement with business across a variety of platforms. We can support your industry through training and support, work placements and job opportunities –…

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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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Sexual violence

Sexual violence is never your fault. We offer a safe, understanding space to talk, find support, and take steps that feel right for you - at your own pace.

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Lecturer

Dr Tom Taylor

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Apprenticeships for Employers

Whether you are a small, independent business or a large corporation, public or private sector, we have apprenticeships to suit you.

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Virtual tours

Take a look around our University, no matter where you are. Check out our virtual tours of our accommodation, campuses and world class facilities.

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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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Support for staff

If you're a staff member affected by sexual harassment, violence, or abuse, we’re here to support you. Access confidential guidance, reporting options, and wellbeing services.

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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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Accommodation for international students

International students studying at University College Birmingham for the first time will be offered accommodation in our halls of residence.

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Marks and Certificates

Whether you're a former student who needs to replace vital documents, or a current student who wants to know what you will receive when you complete your studies, you will find all the relevant information here.

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International Study at University College Birmingham

Voted in the top 25 for international study (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024), University College Birmingham, a renowned specialist university, offers a wide range of courses for international students.

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UCB Ahead

UCB Ahead is a free one-week welcome programme for international students, helping you prepare for studies at UCB with academic sessions and support.

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Student satisfaction

When it comes to student feedback, our university stands out. Our students value their time with us, as can be seen from the outcomes of several nationally-recognised student surveys.

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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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Employer Board

University College Birmingham is committed to ensuring our academic programmes and our students are skills-ready with industry engagement and insights at the core of everything we do. Our Strategic Employer Advisory Board is an integral part in delivering on our…

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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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Spiking

Spiking is a serious and criminal act. We’re here to help if you or someone you know has been affected. Find guidance on what to do, how to stay safe, and how to access confidential support and reporting options at…

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Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can affect anyone. We’re here to help you feel safe, talk through your experience, and understand your rights and the support available to you.

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Online content moderation guidance

We welcome your participation and comments on the University College Birmingham’s website, online forums and various digital and social media content.

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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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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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Visas and immigration

Once you have made your decision to study at University College Birmingham, you will need to make final arrangements, which are likely to include obtaining a visa.

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Giving Job Opportunities

University College Birmingham’s recruitment agency offering a service for employers wishing to recruit students, graduates and postgraduates in the local area.

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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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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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History of University

With over 7,500 students on diverse courses, University College Birmingham is unrecognisable today from the small Victorian classes to which its origins can be traced.

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School and college outreach

Our schools liaison and outreach team coordinates a variety of initiatives to raise aspirations and broaden awareness and understanding of Higher Education.

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Stalking

Stalking is persistent, unwanted behaviour that causes distress. We offer confidential support and guidance to help you stay safe and explore your options.

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Accessibility Statement

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

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International students

Join our global community of more than 1,400 students from over 60 countries. Our international team will help make your application and arrival as smooth as possible.