University News Last updated 23 December 2009
Here are some of the University's highlights from 2009
January
A "rising star" institution
The University had an excellent start to 2009 when its achievement in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) was publicly acknowledged with Pro Vice-Chancellor David Maguire being quoted in the first edition of the Times Higher Education magazine. The University gained national recognition for soaring more than 20 places in the research quality rankings, firmly positioning itself in a super-group of modern universities and becoming recognised as a "rising star" institution.
This success was rewarded with a doubling in research funding from the Government, which the University has invested to create new Centres of research excellence, as well as aiming to double its research community.
February
The most "in demand" University in the UK
In February 2009, the University further boosted its national reputation as a rising star institution when student applications increased by over 35 per cent, compared to the national average of eight per cent - making it the most ‘in demand' University in the UK. According to a national poll published in leading sector publication the Times Higher Education, we had the biggest increase of any other UK institution, leading the way as a modern university.
March
Work-life balance
The University was awarded a regional accolade in March for its ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of its staff. As a finalist in the ‘Large Business' category, The Birmingham Best Business Awards 2008 recognised the hard work of the Human Resources department in supporting and promoting a healthy work-life balance for all staff. The University was also one of two employers to receive a commendation for competitive benchmarking.
April
Academy appoints high profile writer
In April 2009, the University was proud to welcome critically acclaimed novelist and non-fiction writer Richard Beard as the new Director of the National Academy of Writing. Richard took up leadership of the Diploma in Writing, a part-time course designed to encourage and develop the potential of new writing talent from all walks of life.
May
Talented graduate scoops prestigious national accolade
MA Visual Communications graduate Steven Spencer wowed judges at the Royal Television Awards with his inspirational short film, My Brown Friend . Steven made the film in 2007 on a shoestring budget acting as the only crew member - writing, filming, directing and animating the whole thing - which was inspired by a close friend's experience. He said: ‘The MA course at the University helped me find a maturity in my work that didn't previously exist and gave me the opportunity to experiment in a new media.'
June
New Chancellor
June 2009 was a busy month at the University as our eighteenth Chancellor, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Michael Wilkes was installed at a special ceremony. He joined the University at a time of strategic change, when at the annual research conference RESCON-09, Professor David Maguire announced the new five-year Strategy declaring: ‘From today we are a research-engaged University'. Also, for the third year running, the New Generation Arts Festival caused a stir in Birmingham showcasing a heady mix of music, performance, visual art, fashion and multi-media from our senior and final year students.
July
Experts gain recognition regionally and nationally
July was a month of recognition for experts at the University. Leading criminologist, Professor David Wilson was hailed the most popular media expert in his field, according to a national survey. He topped a league of more than 70 colleagues to become nominated as the Criminologist with the highest media profile. Later in July, Lecturer Paul Bradshaw, was named as one of the most powerful people in Birmingham. He was a new entry at number 36 in the Birmingham Post's Power 50, joining the likes of NEC Group Chief Executive Paul Chandi.
August
University leads the way on iTunesU
In August 2009, the University joined a handful of pioneering institutions as it launched on the groundbreaking iTunesU. The site was launched containing more than 200 podcasts, featuring a wealth of audio and video content spanning a range of sectors, such as the arts, performance, design and University life. See: itunes.bcu.ac.uk
Success of the site was recognised shortly afterwards when the ‘Interactive Cultures' series of audio podcasts was posted on the iTunesU homepage, sat alongside items from Oxford and Open universities.
September
City Centre Campus revealed
September 2009 saw a major development for the iconic City Centre Campus project. Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Mike Whitby and Vice Chancellor Professor David Tidmarsh unveiled a model of the University's flagship campus as part of a public showcase highlighting the scheme's latest developments. The plans have now been submitted to the City Council and final approval is expected early 2010.
October
University and Jewson create unique degree in builders' merchanting
In October Birmingham City University and the UK's leading builders' merchant, Jewson, launched the first ever Foundation Degree in Builders' Merchanting. The qualification is aimed at new and existing Branch Managers and Assistant Branch Managers, who have completed Jewson's in-house Potential Branch Manager programme. The partnership is the first of its kind for the construction sector and delivers an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education.
November
Learning the lessons of murder
November saw the first of four murder investigation seminars where the leading detectives on high profile murders visited the University. The events, hosted in conjunction with West Midlands Police, also officially launched the University's new Criminal Investigation Degree, one of the first of its kind in the country.
December
Putting New Year's resolutions into action
The keys to the University's state-of-the-art Sports Centre are handed over. Located at the City North Campus the landmark building contains an extensive fit-out of gym and cardio-vascular equipment which will be open to the public as well as University students and staff.