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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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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Professional cookery students get a masterclass in venison

Professional cookery students were given a masterclass in venison by a deer stalker and a visiting head chef.

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Professional cookery students learn how to get ahead

Level 3 Professional Cookery Diploma students begin their first term back at UCB with an informative talk from a BA Culinary Arts Management (CAM) student.

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Workers boost their skills with Professional Development Diploma

UCB has been working in partnership with the Pupil Support Service of Birmingham Local Authority to provide a Diploma in Professional Development (Special Educational Needs) for people working in the child education sector.

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Duo share showstoppers with professional bakers as ambassadors for global supplier

A duo of Bakery and Patisserie Technology undergraduates will get to share their own showstoppers and ideas with the world’s professional bakers after being selected as this year’s student ambassadors for global supplier Dawn Foods.

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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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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.

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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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Former star boxing student gears up for fight night professional debut

Carl Fail, who trained at University College Birmingham’s Boxing Academy, has the gloves on to make his highly-anticipated professional debut in the ring.

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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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UCB celebrates record-breaking win at the Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or Competition

Success! UCB celebrates record-breaking win at the Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or for the fourth year in a row.

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Professional Cookery students enjoy an action-packed Activity Week

Professional Cookery students at UCB were treated to a packed programme of classes from industry experts last week, in a half-term break with a difference.

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Tutors to receive raft of benefits in new partnership with top professional body

Teaching staff for further education students at University College Birmingham are set to receive an array of professional development opportunities thanks to a new partnership with the Society for Education and Training (SET).

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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.

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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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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.

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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'.

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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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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

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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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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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.

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Ooh la la! Parisian chef gives masterclass in French cooking to UCB Professional Cookery apprentices and Chef Lecturers

Chef lecturers and apprentices at UCB were taught the crème de la crème of sophisticated French cuisine last week in a masterclass delivered by Phillippe Baillergeant, esteemed chef at the Jean-Drouant Hotel School of Paris.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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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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

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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.

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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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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.

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MasterChef champion and entrepreneurial ex-student share stories with trainee chefs

A former MasterChef champion and an entrepreneurial College of Food alumna came onto campus to share their experiences with future chefs studying at University College Birmingham.

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Professional Cookery students' micro herb visit bursts with flavour

Professional Cookery students’ micro herb visit bursts with flavour from micro herbs to edible flowers, Professional Cookery degree students received more than a flavour of the garnishes that adorn today’s Michelin-starred plates during an inspirational study trip.

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Professional Cookery students rustle up sweet treats with Michelin star chef

A group of 10 Level 2 Professional Cookery students have been rewarded for outstanding hard work with a masterclass on patisserie with celebrated pastry chef Anthony Audebard.

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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.

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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.

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Teaching assistants celebrate after achieving Professional Development Diplomas

Teaching assistants have been awarded Diplomas in Professional Development (Special Educational Needs) by UCB in partnership with the Pupil Support Service of Birmingham.

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'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.

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Rebecca and Georgia off to Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or grand finals

A talented undergraduate chef and a formidable former front of house student are on their way to the grand finals

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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.

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'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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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UCB trio bag Grand Finals spot in Nestlé Professional Toque d'Or

A team of University College Birmingham students have wowed judges to secure a place in the final of a prestigious national competition.

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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.

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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 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…

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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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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?

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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Lecturer - Birmingham College of Food

Candace Ocho-Stewart

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Head of Department

Lewis Walker