Find out more about why Birmingham is an exciting and immersive hub for studying Media.
1. Media companies and agencies are on your doorstep
The city is home to a variety of media and cultural organisations. Our students have previously worked with BBC Birmingham, Maverick Television, Warwickshire County Cricket Club, newspapers, magazines, PR companies and local radio stations.
Our media courses are developed in partnership with the BBC, and the course reflects current industry practice. You'll learn from our award-winning academics, BBC staff and experienced media professionals while developing valuable industry connections across Birmingham’s creative media sector.
2. Birmingham hosts great festivals
Cine-Excess International Film Festival has relocated to BCU having previously operated in London’s West End and Brighton, and offers a great opportunity for Film students who may be able to work with the organisers on a range of external events. This annual event attracts visiting international filmmakers, as well as hosting UK theatrical premieres on a regular basis.
In addition, Europe’s largest Indian film festival, Birmingham Indian Film Festival, has previously hosted the premieres of South Asian independent films in venues, such as in Cineworld Broad Street, mac Birmingham and The Mockingbird Cinema. Students worked at the festival in a variety of roles such as: volunteering, managing screenings and creating digital content.
There may also be volunteering opportunities linked to the numerous music, food, literary and visual arts festivals that take place in the city!
3. Lots of industry events take place
Birmingham and the wider Midlands plays host to various industry events, offering opportunities to network with experts.
BCU hosted the last Midlands PR Conference jointly staged by CIPR and PRCA Midlands. Events like this are a fantastic opportunity for students to hear from exciting speakers, take part in workshops and meet professionals at a networking lunch.
Media courses at BCU
Find out about all of the Media courses we have to offer.
4. The media student scene is vibrant and active
With hundreds of students studying media production, film, journalism, music industries and PR with us, there are plenty of societies to join such as: Scratch Radio, Scratch TV, Film Society, Brumwise, Write Club, DJ Society and BCU Live Sound Society, there’ll be plenty to keep you entertained.
5. You’ll be based in the heart of the action
Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city with a population of around one million people. It is also the youngest major city in the UK, with under-20s accounting for 28% of its population (West Midlands Growth Company). We have excellent transport links giving you easy access to other major cities such as London and Manchester.
Did you know Birmingham has been used as a filming location for several huge productions? From Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning and Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One, to Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty; you're really in the heart of the action!
