University News Last updated 26 March
Birmingham City University (BCU) has been named as a top university for Art and Design in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.
As well as successful rankings for Performing Arts, our Art and Design courses have been placed within the top 300 worldwide.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject evaluates more than 21,000 academic programmes offered by almost 2,000 institutions across the globe.
BCU’s rich art and design history can be traced back to as early as 1843, with the founding of Birmingham Society of Arts and School of Design.
Based at our historic School of Art on Margaret Street, which opened in 1885 as the UK’s first public art school, the grade II listed building provides an inspiring space for flourishing artists.
The School of Art is also home to our monthly Night School – an evening of student led exhibitions, open studios, live performances and creative workshops, aimed at widening participation and developing creative communities in Birmingham.
Art and Design courses at BCU include Fine Art, Product Design, Illustration, Graphic Design and Entertainment Design. Students are supported in developing their creative practice, building professional confidence, and preparing for careers in the creative industries.
As well as the School of Art, art students also have access to a range of modern facilities on BCU’s City Centre campus, including wood and metal workshops, a ‘CAD Lab’, digital print room, ceramics workshop, an illustration studio and a traditional print workshop.
Lee Lapthorne, Academic Director for Creative Partnerships, said: "BCU is a powerhouse and as one of the Midlands' most dynamic creative hubs, we drive innovation, talent and global ambition.
"Our commitment extends beyond our campus too. We actively champion our local creative community through high-impact initiatives such as Birmingham Light Festival, where our students play a key role in bringing our city to life and showcasing their emerging talent.
"This year, we are continuing to work with Brindleyplace and Ikon Gallery, delivering high-profile arts showcases in the heart of the city. Through our Createch programmes, we are additionally fusing art, technology, and innovation to push the boundaries of design. We are continuing to position BCU at the forefront of the UK's creative future."
The latest rankings follow a series of recent achievements for the University, including being named in the top 10 higher education providers for social mobility in the English Social Mobility Index, as well as receiving the Athena Swan Institution Silver Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “Our art and design facilities are world-class, and our students go on to have a wide range of fascinating careers thanks to the skills, experience and confidence they gain from their time at BCU.
“Practical experience is embedded in the curriculum across our arts courses, so that students are ready to challenge norms through interdisciplinary approaches.
“Our expertise in practice-based programmes is clearly shown in these latest results, which are a testament to the hardworking staff who help to make our Art and Design courses the success they are.”