University News Last updated 23 October 2023
Birmingham City University (BCU) will continue striving to provide “life-changing opportunities” for its students, says Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, after it retained its top ten position in the latest English Higher Education Social Mobility Index.
The Index measures an institution’s commitment to transforming the lives of its students by grading its accessibility, continuation rates, and graduate outcomes for undergraduates.
One of three post-1992 universities to make the top ten, BCU has been ranked seventh best in 2023 – and second overall in the Midlands – thanks to its ability to equip students with the skills and experiences to improve their socio-economic situation.
Professor Mba, who became Vice Chancellor earlier this month, said: “Providing transformative opportunities for our students, of which 45 per cent are from neighbourhoods in the most deprived areas of the UK, is at the very heart of what we do at Birmingham City University.
“To be placed seventh in the 2023 Social Mobility Index is therefore hugely encouraging and testament to the hard work, commitment and passion of staff and students alike.”
BCU has made it a core objective to provide meaningful real-life opportunities for its students, whatever their background. These include placements and internships with regional and national businesses, including the NHS, GlaxoSmithKline and Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
It has also recently launched its Accelerate programme, which is designed to make it easier for students from lower income households to enrol at BCU by providing them with an offer that is two grades below the university’s normal entry requirements.
Professor Mba added: “There is more work to do, but we take pride in being an inclusive university – one that gives students from all backgrounds the chance to realise their full potential and take advantage of life-changing opportunities we provide.”
Compiled by London South Bank University and published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), the Index has been published in its entirety for the first time and can be viewed here: https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2023/10/19/2023-english-social-mobility-index/
Director of HEPI Nick Hillman said: "The fact that some relatively new and less prestigious institutions beat Oxbridge reminds us of the different contributions made by different institutions. Above all, the index confirms our higher education sector has strength in breadth."
All modes of study are included in the Index, with the exception of apprentices.
This year’s top ten is made up of three former Colleges of Advanced Technology, four Russell Group Universities and three post-1992 universities and former polytechnics.