University News Last updated 25 February
Birmingham City University (BCU) is investing more than £500,000 into upgrading photography, film and media kits for students.
The funding will deliver significant upgrades to industry-standard equipment and refurbish the sets in two of the five studios in the University’s Parkside building, as BCU looks to capitalise on the West Midlands’ rapidly expanding creative sector.
Ranked among the UK’s top 10 institutions for Film and Photography courses for three consecutive years (2024–2026), BCU continues to build on its reputation for excellence in creative education.
“It’s an exciting time to be studying film, photography, media and journalism at BCU,” said Dr Matthew Day, Head of Department of English and Media.
“The investment in new equipment and studio sets will bring new creative opportunities for our students and give them more opportunities to grow and develop their ideas.”
Dr Day added: “These enhanced resources complement the strength of our teaching quality, workshops, the breadth of our industry speakers, and our sector-leading partnerships.
“We are committed to ensuring our students graduate with the skills, expertise and professional experience needed to succeed in the creative industries.”
The upgrades mark one of the University’s biggest investments in Film, Photography and Media programmes since the Parkside building opened in 2014.
The range of new equipment includes:
- 16 video and film cameras
- 37 mirrorless photography cameras
- 28 lighting fixtures
- 31 tripods
- 68 lenses
With access to the latest professional equipment, students will be able to develop the skills they need to meet the needs identified in the Government report on growing creative industries in the UK.
Chun Yin Chan, a BA Digital Film Production student, said: “BCU has given me the space and tools to experience the professional industry first-hand.
“This investment means I will be able to use high-end technology to tell my own stories and will also get me ready for future employment opportunities.”
As part of its Strategy 2030, BCU is committed to equipping and empowering the workforce of tomorrow - supporting both emerging talent and established professionals to drive excellence across their industries.
“Our students are hoping to find jobs and produce work in a very competitive industry,” said Senior Technician Michael Palmer.
“With access to, and experience with, a wide range of equipment, our graduates will really stand out.
“This investment will also allow the technician team to better support the activities on our media courses and individual students in their own studies and projects.”
The upgrades come at a pivotal time for Birmingham’s expanding creative economy.
Major developments - including Digbeth Loc. Studios, founded by Steven Knight, and the BBC’s relocation to the Tea Factory in Digbeth - are strengthening the region’s creative infrastructure.
As a result, BCU students are increasingly well placed to build successful careers locally within a thriving industry ecosystem.
Students will be able to start accessing the new equipment in the next few weeks, while the redesigned studio sets will be ready in June 2026.
As part of the investment, students will also benefit from educational visits to professional studios, including some of the world’s most high-profile film and television productions, as well as specialist training sessions and discounts on professional equipment.