Other

Department of Health and Nutrition

Our Department of Health and Nutrition courses include degrees in nursing, physiotherapy and food and nutrition, backed by state-of-the-art simulation facilities on campus, including a six-bed hospital ward, and a food science suite.

Other

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.

Other

Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead, Food and Nutrition

Heather O'Neill

Other

Lecturer - Birmingham College of Food

Candace Ocho-Stewart

Other

Lecturer

Dr Lourdes Santos-Merx

Other

External relations – Birmingham College of Food

John Penn

Other

Head of Department

Lewis Walker

Other

Lecturer and Clinical Skills Lead

Megan Bridger

Other

Lecturer

Darren Chesworth

Other

Senior Lecturer

Jo Lyons

Other

Department of Health and Nutrition

Our Department of Health and Nutrition courses include degrees in nursing, physiotherapy and food and nutrition, backed by state-of-the-art simulation facilities on campus, including a six-bed hospital ward, and a food science suite.

Other

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.

Other

Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead, Food and Nutrition

Heather O'Neill

Other

Lecturer - Birmingham College of Food

Candace Ocho-Stewart

Other

Lecturer

Dr Lourdes Santos-Merx

Other

External relations – Birmingham College of Food

John Penn

Other

Head of Department

Lewis Walker

Other

Lecturer and Clinical Skills Lead

Megan Bridger

Other

Lecturer

Darren Chesworth

Other

Senior Lecturer

Jo Lyons

News and insights

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.

News and insights

Food and Nutrition students make budget-friendly bites for Sandwell Council

Students on UCB’s Food and Nutrition course have been tasked by a local council to concoct a range of delicious, balanced meals for under 50p for a single serving.

News and insights

New industry accreditation for strength, conditioning and sports nutrition students

Students on the Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition degree at University College Birmingham now have wider access to industry networks and opportunities thanks to a brand new course accreditation from a top industry body.

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

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.

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.

News and insights

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, 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

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

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

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

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.

News and insights

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

News and insights

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!

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.

News and insights

‘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.

News and insights

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

News and insights

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

Dietetics students learn from the professionals at networking event

University College Birmingham students and registered dieticians gathered at the Restaurant at the Birmingham College of Food to share experiences and professional advice over an event to mark Nutrition and Hydration Week.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

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.

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

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

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.

News and insights

FCM Students Love Food Hate Waste

First Year Food and Consumer Management students have joined forces with WRAP and their Love Food Hate Waste campaign to produce quick, easy recipes which use the food leftovers which are so often thrown away.

News and insights

High school students are food product development pioneers

Year 11 students from Brooke Weston Academy have been experimenting with food product development in UCB’s new Food Science and Innovation Suite.

News and insights

Food and Consumer Management students are recipe pioneers

Students have been demonstrating their food innovation skills to industry professionals as part of their recipe development module.

News and insights

Sports lecturer Joe to appear on hit show Food Unwrapped

Sports therapy lecturer Joe Matthews is set to appear on an hour-long special of the hit Channel 4 show Food Unwrapped, starring farmer and much-loved TV personality Jimmy Doherty.

News and insights

UCB helps to support small food businesses

UCB is working in partnership with the Walter Smith Employer Leadership Project (WS-ELP) to support small and medium food businesses by offering Transformational Short Courses.

News and insights

'Minimising Food Wastage' UCB student competition 2015

UCB is calling for students across the university to showcase their culinary creativity by utilising stale or leftover bread in delicious dishes – therefore minimising food wastage by participating in this this new cookery competition.

News and insights

Chef Goldsmith serves up at the Birmingham Independent Food Fair

UCB had a presence at the Birmingham Independent Food Fair, offering the public the chance to taste and discover the city’s finest local food and drink.

News and insights

'Love Food, Hate Waste' UCB student challenge 2015

UCB is calling for students across the university to showcase their culinary creativity when working with leftover food and minimising wastage by participating in the ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’ challenge.

News and insights

Culinary magic: UCB students turn leftovers into tasty finger food

Students worked some culinary magic turning waste food into bite-sized treats for a money-saving cooking challenge.

News and insights

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

Ex-students inspire next generation at UCB food and hospitality conference

Former University College Birmingham students have returned to Summer Row to help inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps in the food and hospitality industry.

News and insights

UCB alumni Robert makes small food business prosper

MA Culinary Arts Management alumni Robert Popham is set for success as a technical manager and development chef, and speaks to us about his time at university, his career and how UCB helped him find his place within the food…

News and insights

Top 10 Christmas food and wine pairings

It is one of the great dilemmas of the festive season: which wine goes best with which Christmas dish?

News and insights

Students use their loaf to beat food waste

Crumbs! Students from University College Birmingham used their culinary skills and imagination to turn leftover bread into delicious dishes.

News and insights

Top food hygiene awards for UCB chefs

Following the unprecedented success UCB had at the British Cookery Championships Live Final in January, two more awards have been gained from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) by a student and a lecturer.

News and insights

Food student Nathan is boxing clever

A UCB Professional Cookery student is proving to be a knock-out in the kitchen – and the boxing ring.  Nathan Lane, 17, won the Birmingham Youth Championship in the 52-56kg weight category.

News and insights

Rising to the Covid challenge: Students share success stories of lockdown learning

It's been a year of unique challenges, but that hasn't stopped dedicated students at University College Birmingham forging their way towards exciting futures in the food and hospitality industry.

News and insights

Street food star Naomi shares wisdom after securing city centre contract

A University College Birmingham graduate who launched her own street food business in the heart of Birmingham returned to UCB to share her success story to inspire current students.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

Business and food students enter Dragons' Den with environmental campaigns

University College Birmingham students have been facing down local 'Dragons' after creating their own campaigns for an environmental project.

News and insights

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…

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.

News and insights

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.

News and insights

College of Food graduate Megan honoured as 'Rising Star' at Baking Industry Awards

A University College Birmingham graduate is celebrating after winning an award at one of the most prestigious events in the baking industry.

News and insights

College of Food stars scoop fifth Nestlé Toque d'Or title for UCB

A team of students from University College Birmingham have seen off competition from around the UK to clinch...