I AM BCU - Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment - Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment | Birmingham City University

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I AM BCU

Learn about the inspirational stories of our current students within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

Kristian McGurran Primary

Kristian McGurran

Music Technology - BSc (Hons)

Moving from his hometown in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, Kristian had mixed feelings about joining a completely new culture here at Birmingham City University. However, when a friend encouraged him to study the BSc Music Technology course here, Kristian got the confidence boost he needed to step out of his comfort zone!

Aksa Saleem

Computer Networks and Security - BSc (Hons)

Sceptical as to whether university was the right choice for her goal of studying an IT related course, Aksa thought that a degree apprenticeship was her only option after sixth-form. After one visit to Birmingham City University and the city, Aksa had a predilection for Birmingham’s vibrancy and knew that this university was for her. Through her studies and her placement, Aksa’s most salient quality is the development of her self-confidence.

Thomas Hamilton

Automotive Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Intrigued by the design and manufacturing of automotive vehicles, Thomas was determined to unravel his engineering potential by choosing the BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering course. Through being thoroughly involved in the Formula Student racing team, Thomas has gained a copious amount of practical skills and a wealth of industry knowledge in order to help him achieve his dream job ensuing graduation.

Adam Dyson - I Am BCU (Primary)

Adam Dyson

Sound Engineering and Production - BSc (Hons)

Adam has autism and a range of mental health conditions, but he hasn’t let it get in the way of his studies or his future career. After originally studying Engineering at another university, he decided that wasn’t the right path or the right place for him to flourish, so he discovered Sound Engineering at BCU and hasn’t looked back.

Jonsmith Alankar Puli Primary

Jonsmith Alankar Puli

Business Information Technology - BSc (Hons)

After attending an international University Fair, Jonsmith was determined to move to Birmingham to study Business Information Systems. Since starting his degree at BCU and moving from his hometown in Hyderabad, India, Jonsmith has been able to utilise a range of computing facilities and resources to achieve his goals. The Business Information Systems course has helped him set realistic targets, and allowed him to become more independent and outspoken within a professional industry environment.

Adam Islam

Digital Media Technology - BSc (Hons)

Adam always envisaged himself going to university, walking around campus and getting involved in all that uni life had to offer. He knew it would be a whole new experience for him to navigate, but he never anticipated that he’d need a wheelchair to do so.

Lewis Farrell

Computer Games Technology - BSc (Hons)

Going to university was something Lewis always wanted to do. As a professional eSports player, Lewis has been able to combine his passion for video games in the technical context of programming, and is now looking to launch his career by creating his very own indie game.

George Harris

Computer Networks - BSc (Hons)

George wanted to find a safe, supportive and LGBTQ+ friendly city and university where he felt he belonged and could make new friends. His biggest challenge was adapting to the fast-paced student life and the ever changing, exciting city. George feels that BCU has supported him in all aspects of his university life so far and is coming towards the end of his placement year with Central England Co-Op, where he’s learnt real career skills he can apply to any challenges he tackles in the future. He loves being a part of the creative and innovative community at BCU and is excited to see what the future holds.

Sian Cameron

Construction Management - BSc (Hons)

Sian had applied to a different university after leaving further education, but found the course wasn’t for her. She isolated herself for two years and threw herself into work, until she discovered the BSc Construction Management course at BCU. Since then Sian has gained confidence and feels ready to take on the construction industry.

Mohammad Sareshwala

Property Development and Planning - BSc (Hons)

Mohammad originally was more interested in doing an apprenticeship than a degree. He changed his mind about university after undertaking work experience in the construction sector, and is now studying Property Development and Planning. Since joining BCU, Mohammad feels like he is part of a community and become a more professional individual.

Mia Churchill

Music Technology - BSc (Hons)

Mia has felt a sense of belonging since joining Birmingham City University from both her lecturers and new friends on the BSc (Hons) Music Technology course. After consistent self-doubt and ambivalence around her capability with her studies, Mia has proven to herself that she can achieve anything if she puts her mind to it. Moving from her small town, Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, to the big city of Birmingham, has allowed Mia to excel in her confidence.

I AM BCU Sam Lovesey

Sam Lovesey

Digital Media Computing - BSc (Hons)

Sam was certain university was the right path for him, but wasn’t so sure on what to study. He researched potential courses online, and was attracted to the Digital Media Computing course at Birmingham City University. After attending an Open Day, Sam was confident it was the right place for him. The course offered modern facilities and a unique opportunity to explore creative and logical thinking. Studying at BCU has helped Sam gain valuable work experience, and fill his CV with desirable skills.

Luke Pooler

Digital Media Technology - BSc (Hons)

After attending a university close to home, Luke soon realised he wasn’t quite ready for University. He started an apprenticeship in Digital Marketing and started to build his skills and his confidence. He applied to BCU through Clearing and gained a place on the Digital Media Technology course and is now almost at the end of his placement year as a Content Assistant in a marketing team. Not only has his time at BCU developed his technical skills, but he’s also developed as a person too, ready to tackle his final year and make his mark in industry.

Olivia Grant

Music Technology - BSc (Hons)

Olivia wasn’t sure about applying to university, as she was worried about being so far from home and had also been told that her grades weren’t good enough. The support she’s received from her tutors, the sense of community she feels from her fellow students and the different societies she’s joined, means she’s now a much more confident person.

Marta Muracka

Mechanical Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Going to university was something Marta had always wanted to do. Her family had encouraged her to pursue a degree in medicine. However, Marta decided to study an area more suited to her interests in space and technology. Studying Mechanical Engineering at BCU, has given her the chance to get involved with the fun side of her degree, like Formula Student. She now feels like she is a part of a warm and welcoming environment.

Luke Tainton

Computer Networks - BSc (Hons)

Luke initially wanted to apply for an apprenticeship and considered looking for a job because he wasn’t sure which university course would be right for him. After attending a BCU Open Day, he chose to study Computer Networks. Since beginning his degree, Luke has received quite a lot of academic and pastoral support. This has allowed him to travel and gain networking experience with industry professionals.

Jess Primary - I Am BCU

Jess Smith

Construction Management - BSc (Hons)

After setting her heart on working in the music industry, starting a degree in music composition and then changing her mind, Jess struggled with making a decision about her future career. After chatting with her family, she was accepted onto a trial placement with Morgan Sindall and was then offered a permanent position – with the condition she completed a University course. After joining our HNC in Construction and progressing on to the BSc Construction Management course, she became a member of one of the first, all-female teams to win an international construction competition and is now achieving goals she never dreamt about.

Raja Khan

Building Surveying – BSc (Hons)

University was always a priority for Raja, but only became a possibility for him after he had secured the Building Birmingham Scholarship. Since coming to BCU, Raja has gone from strength to strength, developing into a mature and professional individual. Once he graduates, he aims to become a chartered surveyor so he can positively impact people’s quality of living.

Eva Nakacwa I AM BCU

Eva Nakacwa

Digital Media Technology – BSc (Hons)

Like many students at BCU, Eva commutes to university. She found the commute tiring, yet her passion for her subject was stronger. During her time at BCU, Eva has been able to achieve a lot of things she’s proud of and feels like a part of the community. She has learnt to collaborate, use professional equipment and gain the necessary skills to realise her creative aspirations fully.

Joseph Oxenbury

Computer Forensics - BSc (Hons)

Joseph has always been an avid learner of both forensics and computing, so he decided to choose the BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics course which amalgamates both of his interests. Although he found it stressful finding a placement, he has managed to secure one at Jumar Technology this year and continues to utilise and develop his knowledge from the course.

Heena Rani

Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)

After moving from Italy to England, Heena struggled to understand the education system and the application process. With a background in foreign languages, she’d often been put off following her passion, but after attending an Open Day at BCU and chatting to a Head of School, she was soon on her way to becoming a Civil Engineer.

Tauseef Asif

Computer Networks and Security - BSc (Hons)

Tauseef was determined to be the first in his family to attend university. Since starting his degree in Computer Networks and Security, he has pushed himself beyond his comfort zone. Being nervous on his first day at Birmingham City University and lacking self-confidence, he never imagined that he would soon publish his first fiction novel, and walk on glass in front of a huge audience!

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