I AM BCU
We have a confident, proud and diverse community of students at Birmingham City University's School of Social Sciences, who are striving to achieve their career goals and transform their lives. Read just some of their stories here.
Laura Hesketh
Black Studies - BA (Hons)
Laura is a dedicated, mature student who travels around 100 miles to get to BCU whilst working part-time in a law firm. She is currently finishing her Black Studies degree, through which she has been enriched with a deeper understanding of her heritage, and aims to study Law at the University in the future, to ensure voices from marginalised communities are heard.
Natalie Marriott
Black Studies - BA (Hons)
Natalie is a mature student who originally wanted to go into logistics. However, while she was searching for courses in this area, she happened to come across our Black Studies degree. She was instantly fascinated by the course content and the new world of ideas students explore on the course. Studying as a mature student with two children has been demanding, but Natalie has found the support and opportunities available to her on her course amazing.
Olivia Hanlon
Psychology with Criminology - BSc (Hons)
Moving away from home and gaining independence was something Olivia couldn’t wait for. After visiting at an Open Day and an Applicant Taster Day, Olivia and her parents knew this was the place for her.
Laura Fogarty
Psychology with Criminology - BSc (Hons)
When Laura's son was eight weeks old, she attempted to take her own life. Whilst in recovery, she decided she wanted to do something with her life and had accepted that her disability was only one part of her. So, a year on she completed her qualifications, finally earning the grades to apply for a place at BCU, where she inspires other students that anything is possible.
Linda Polska
Criminology, Policing and Investigation - BA (Hons)
Making a difference within the community has always been Linda’s passion, and our Criminology, Policing and Investigation degree has developed her skills to help secure her dream job with the West Midlands Police; successfully becoming their first Latvian PCSO.
Liam Brolan
Social Sciences PhD
Liam had planned on becoming a police officer, but when he learnt that the local forces weren’t recruiting, he considered going to university. Having first joined BCU as an undergraduate, Liam went on to be a PhD student and is now a course leader in the Criminology department.
Laura Gee
Psychology PhD
Laura thought that the rest of her life was set out in front of her; with a wife, a child and her own hairdressing business. However, a health scare made her reassess what she wanted in life, and decided to take a leap of faith and go to university. Now studying for her PhD, she has already started teaching other students at BCU alongside her research.
Kristina Williams
Criminology - BA (Hons)
Kristina didn’t have the easiest journey into university, and knew that being blind would throw even more challenges her way. Since joining, she’s transformed the way the university makes itself more accessible for students.
Alicia Donaldson
Sociology - BA (Hons)
When Alicia came to an Open Day, she was inspired by academics who reflected the University’s diverse background.