Our heritage and history

Birmingham City University has a rich history of delivering creative arts education in Birmingham dating back to 1843. Our long-standing history means that we are an integral part of the city, with excellent industry links locally, nationally and internationally. We are a collaborative and transformative faculty, and our connections with the creative industries stands out in the region – we are regularly recognised by local, regional and national cultural institutions and businesses for our innovation.

Our mix of subjects offer a unique opportunity for cross-discipline experience and our campuses offer purpose built art, design and media workshops and studios. From our broad course offerings, we offer choice to all students, to explore their ambitions through their practice and beyond.

Historic buildings

School of Art

Our School of Art is an art school for the 21st century with over 180 years of history – we remain rooted in the radical vision of our 19th century predecessor; the Birmingham Government School of Design, seeking to transform art and design practice both in industry and within the cultural fabric of the city itself.

Margaret Street

School of Jewellery

On November 4, 1889, the Birmingham Jewellery and Silversmiths Association (now the British Jewellers Association) held a historical meeting to discuss setting up an exclusive school for the jewellery making industry. The Association achieved its objective and a new school opened in the factory building at 84 Vittoria Street, which it still occupies, on September 18, 1890.

Vittoria Street

Notable projects

We continue to work across the city on projects and initiatives that help shape the local art and design landscape and help students into employment and connect with businesses and employers.

Inspired Festival

Inspired Festival is a showcase of work from students from the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media. Work is exhibited throughout June across Birmingham city centre at a range of venues as well as on digital and static billboards and across our own University sites.

About Inspired

Co.LAB

Collaborative Laboratory (Co.LAB) is an award-winning design and research initiative embedded in our Architecture courses. We co-create and co-produce creative trans-disciplinary projects with a unique teaching process combining undergraduate and postgraduate students working collaboratively with our staff.

About Co.LAB

Jason Bruges Studio

One of our highly talented Art and Design with Creative Technologies students can undertake placement opportunities with London-based Jason Bruges Studio. Jason Bruges Studio are renowned for producing innovative installations, inventions and ground-breaking works.

About the partnership

More information

Accommodation

Find your home from home at BCU. We offer eight halls of residence options, ranging from on-campus to inner-city living. You can take a virtual tour of each accommodation option to find the one for you.

More about accommodation

Admissions

Read our admission FAQs to get your application questions answered. If your question isn’t covered, we have all the details of how to get in touch.

More about admissions

Student Support

From disability and mental health support to CV and job interview training, BCU ensures you have all you need during your time here – and beyond – to succeed and flourish in your studies and career.

More about student support

Social Media

Follow our social media channels and discover more about life at BCU, including what the University and city will offer you if you study here.

More about social media

Virtual tour

Experience a day in the life as a BCU student through immersive 360-degree tours of our campuses. Take a look at our industry-standard facilities, innovative learning spaces and bustling social spots.

360-degree tours