I AM BCU | Birmingham City University

I AM BCU

We have a confident, proud and diverse community of students at BCU, who are striving to achieve their career goals and transform their lives. Read just some of their stories here.

I AM BCU - Isabel Radice - primary

Isabel Radice

Film & Animation - BA (Hons)

Isabel suffers with anxiety, intensified by moving away from her small, close knit family to come to university. Since being here she has become much more confident in herself and her work; she was even a student rep for her School and has started to improve students’ access to mental health support.

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Chris Thrower

Marketing, Advertising and PR - BA (Hons)

Getting practical, industry experience was a big factor in where Chris chose to go to university. While studying, not only has he studied and volunteered around the world, but he went on a year-long industry placement with one of the biggest toy manufacturers in the world.

Jessica Wythe

Education Studies - BA (Hons)

Jess had never really thought about joining BCU until, on a whim, she visited an Open Day with a friend. Having spoken to the course leader of the Education Studies course, BCU instantly became her first choice university. Since joining, she’s taken on every opportunity to broaden her horizons such as attending a placement in Peru, becoming a student ambassador and taking on student placements at Lincoln Castle.

Emily Higgs

Emily Higgs

Textile Design - BA (Hons)

Emily was anxious about the prospect of leaving home to go to university, BCU was far away enough to offer independence and close enough to be near her family. She's thrown herself into all opportunities on offer at university and is now a much more confident person.

Jess Tout

Social Work - BA (Hons)

Jess realised that she no longer wanted to be a beauty therapist and that she was now ready to start university. She had always wanted to go, but she when she left school at 16 she didn't think university would be in her future. Starting university as a mature student and worrying whether she would fit in with her flatmates was a worry at first, but BCU made her feel a part of a university that is inclusive and supports every student.

Carmen Tulloch

Working with Children, Young People and Families with Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Growing up, Carmen had never given university a thought. After leaving school, she went on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) course and during her work experience, she was offered a permanent job. It was only after her second child turned two, when she was 38, that she thought about returning to study.

Mayah Charles

Sports Journalism - BA (Hons)

Mayah really struggled to make a decision on where to study due to her commitment to athletics. After she enrolled at BCU, Mayah discovered that she was dyslexic and is now trying to balance enhancing her skills alongside various sporting activities

Asim Asghar

Law - LLB (Hons)

The community at BCU really stood out for Asim. He struggled with the independent study initially, but the communal study areas and a supportive group of friends have helped him to find the right balance between social activities and academic work.

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.

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Dillon Daudia

Finance and Investment - BSc (Hons)

Dillon knew that going to university was the right step towards a career in the banking industry. After taking a look at our courses, our industry connections and placement opportunities, he decided that BCU was the place to take that first step.

Jack Walton

Media and Communication - BA (Hons)

As a child of a single parent, Jack didn’t think that attending university was financially possible. With the help of student finance he has been able to go above and beyond during his time at BCU, and is an extremely active member of the student community.

Heena Rani

Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)

After moving from Italy to England, Heena struggled to understand the education system and the application process. With a background in foreign languages, she’d often been put off following her passion, but after attending an Open Day at BCU and chatting to a Head of School, she was soon on her way to becoming a Civil Engineer.

I AM BCU - Paulina Krawiec - primary

Paulina Krawiec

Illustration - BA (Hons)

Paulina had never considered going to university as no one else in her family went and she had to retake her GCSEs. Since joining BCU, Paulina is a much more confident person, a student rep for her School and was even shortlisted for an Extra Mile Award.

Kirie-Lea Cussen

Fashion Design- BA (hons)

Kirie-Lea was having a difficult time dealing with post-natal depression, especially juggling it alongside University. Her personal circumstances also deteriorated, dealing with domestic abuse and later on having to uproot and flee home. Mentally the stress played a huge toll on her health, but with the support available at BCU, Kirie-Lea has become more confident and has grown as a designer.

Ian Green

Fine Art - BA (Hons)

Redundancy is something Ian didn’t foresee in his future. Unfortunately, things didn’t map out as planned and he found himself unemployed and applying for jobseekers allowance whilst trying to find his feet again.

Christina Lawrence

Biomedical Engineering - BSc (Hons)

As a kid, Christina wanted to study medicine, but she didn’t get on with school at all and left when she was 16. She went on to university to study Music. However, she really struggled with her mental health and had huge family issues, so she dropped out. Since starting Biomedical Engineering at BCU, she's had chance to fulfil her original dream of working in the field of medicine while taking advantage of invaluable student support to help her at every step.

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Laura Gee

Psychology - BSc (Hons)

Laura thought that the rest of her life was set out in front of her; 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.

Amy Ewen

BMus (Hons) - Music Performance

Amy has transformed from a chaotic and insecure, to an independent, self-assured young woman with high aspirations since joining BCU. Despite not knowing any music theory when she arrived to audition at the Conservatoire, but her potential and passion for music didn’t go unnoticed. She’s now had the chance to gain work experience with prestigious organisations in the UK.

Olivia Grant

Music Technology - BSc (Hons)

Olivia wasn’t sure about applying to university, as she was worried about being so far from home and had also been told that her grades weren’t good enough. The support she’s received from her tutors, the sense of community she feels from her fellow students and the different societies she’s joined, means she’s now a much more confident person.

Luke Pooler

Digital Media Technology - BSc (Hons)

After attending a university close to home, Luke soon realised he wasn’t quite ready for University. He started an apprenticeship in Digital Marketing and started to build his skills and his confidence. He applied to BCU through Clearing and gained a place on the Digital Media Technology course and is now almost at the end of his placement year as a Content Assistant in a marketing team. Not only has his time at BCU developed his technical skills, but he’s also developed as a person too, ready to tackle his final year and make his mark in industry.

Jess Primary - I Am BCU

Jess Smith

Construction Management - BSc (Hons)

After setting her heart on working in the music industry, starting a degree in music composition and then changing her mind, Jess struggled with making a decision about her future career. After chatting with her family, she was accepted onto a trial placement with Morgan Sindall and was then offered a permanent position – with the condition she completed a University course. After joining our HNC in Construction and progressing on to the BSc Construction Management course, she became a member of one of the first, all-female teams to win an international construction competition and is now achieving goals she never dreamt about.

Chloe Derry

English - BA (Hons)

BCU has been the catalyst to Chloe's personal growth and transformation over the last few years. Coming to BCU made Chloe realise that being a parent is just one facet of her identity, and helped her find her individuality again.

Carl Dowling

Paramedic Science - BSc (Hons)

Carl had been working in the ambulance sector for eight years before he came to university. He came under the harsh realisation that he wasn’t going to be able to progress through the NHS due to lack of qualifications, but he also didn’t have the grades he needed to apply for a degree. He studied hard to meet the entry requirements and finally made it to BCU to further his skills and knowledge to save even more lives!

Adam Dyson - I Am BCU (Primary)

Adam Dyson

Sound Engineering and Production - BSc (Hons)

Adam has autism and a range of mental health conditions, but he hasn’t let it get in the way of his studies or his future career. After originally studying Engineering at another university, he decided that wasn’t the right path or the right place for him to flourish, so he discovered Sound Engineering at BCU and hasn’t looked back.

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Jaspreet Singh

Business and Human Resource Management - BA (Hons)

Jaspreet never thought he would ever get the chance to study in the UK, coming from a small village in the Punjab. However since joining, Jaspreet has taken any and every opportunity he can, and worked to tackle discrimination in the city, even winning a Lord Mayor’s Award in 2018.

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Peggy Powell

Event, Venue and Experience Management - BA (Hons)

My original hopes for going to university all fell apart when I left mainstream education at the age of 12.

Lydia Narramore

Media and Communications - BA (Hons)

Lydia wasn’t sure about university initially; her teachers were pushing her towards A Levels but her undiagnosed dyslexia made traditional academia routes difficult. After coming to BCU with BTECs, her dyslexia was diagnosed and supported by BCU and finally has a hands-on course and the freedom to study in a way that suits her.

Charlotte Smith

Learning Disability Nursing - BSc (Hons)

Charlotte never believed she would be able to go to university because of her dyslexia, so she just went straight into being a teaching assistant at a special school. While she was there, she started to study for a child care qualification and is currently studying to become a Learning Disability Nurse. During her time at BCU, she is the first person to be a dyslexia ambassador at the only university with dyslexia accreditation in the UK.

Ross McWalter

Speech and Language Therapy - BSc (Hons)

Ross wanted to help people with a stutter like himself and become a speech and language therapist. Having been unsure on the prospect of university, he came to BCU knowing that the university was the only university to offer a speech and language course in the Midlands. He’s now gone on to achieve great success, having accepted a place on the High Achiever’s Recognition Scheme and seen a real improvement in his attitude towards learning.

Joséphine Hengstwerth

Fine Art - BA (Hons)

Joséphine never planned to study in the UK. She originally wanted to study science where she grew up in Germany and go into cancer research. She already had contacts with some facilities and took part in lots of science competitions. But within a few years she had completely changed her mind and went into Fine Art, which she's loved all her life, at BCU School of Art.

Craig Hambleton

Graphic Communication - BA (Hons)

After quitting university and moving back home, Craig felt at rock bottom. He was no longer enjoying his course and was having to deal with a number of family issues outside of his studies. Craig has since enrolled back at BCU to continue his journey with a fresh start on a new course.

Charlotte Ralph

Primary Education with QTS - BA (Hons)

Charlotte always wanted to become a teacher but changed her mind on her original university choice when the cost of moving away from home was too much. She now commutes to BCU from home and has flourished as a student, crediting the fantastic academic services the university boasts and the second-to-none mental health support she received.

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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.

Mary Okyere

Accountancy - BA (Hons)

Mary was initially rejected from her firm university choice, and decided her insurance choice wasn’t for her. Having originally turning down her offer from BCU, she joined the university through Clearing and began her journey into a career in Accounting.

Zak Billingham

Graphic Communication - BA (Hons)

Zak was worried about coming to university but the positive atmosphere at BCU made him feel welcome straight away. He’s now become more independent and confident and working towards his dream career in a professional design agency.

Russell Cook

English Literature - BA (Hons)

Russell was 57 years old when he decided to study English at BCU. It wasn’t until he suddenly lost his wife to a heart attack that forced him to re-evaluate his life and career choice. He quit his job as an IT Project Manager and decided to pursue his lifelong interest in literature.

Lewis Farrell

Computer Games Technology - BSc (Hons)

Going to university was something Lewis always wanted to do. As a professional eSports player, Lewis has been able to combine his passion for video games in the technical context of programming, and is now looking to launch his career by creating his very own indie game.

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Alicia Donaldson

Sociology - BA (Hons)

When Alicia came to an Open Day, she was inspired by academics who reflected the University’s diverse background.

William Chapman - I am BCU - Primary

William Chapman

Video Game Development - BSc (Hons)

None of Will’s family went to university so he’d never considered it as an option. He made the decision to come to BCU after finishing school as it allowed him to gain further qualifications while doing something he enjoys and is passionate about.

Phil McCahill

Primary Education with QTS - BA (Hons)

Phil's plan was to train as a secondary history teacher but he started a business degree. However, while he was studying, he also volunteered with a primary school and realised he’d been thinking of the wrong teaching role, so he transferred to the Primary Education course and has never looked back.

Ben King

Primary Education with QTS - BA (Hons)

Ben has dyslexia, which has always impacted his ability to read, write and retain information. However, after hard work, support and determination, he secured a place on our Primary Education with QTS course. Since then, Ben hasn’t let his dyslexia define him and has truly immersed himself into endless opportunities provided to him by BCU.

George Harris

Computer Networks - BSc (Hons)

George wanted to find a safe, supportive and LGBTQ+ friendly city and university where he felt he belonged and could make new friends. His biggest challenge was adapting to the fast-paced student life and the ever changing, exciting city. George feels that BCU has supported him in all aspects of his university life so far and is coming towards the end of his placement year with Central England Co-Op, where he’s learnt real career skills he can apply to any challenges he tackles in the future. He loves being a part of the creative and innovative community at BCU and is excited to see what the future holds.

Eloise Taylor

Midwifery - BSc (Hons)

As soon as Eloise walked through the door at BCU, she felt like she fitted in. Whilst she could have gone to a university closer to home, BCU offered a very different course to other universities with the opportunity to travel abroad and broaden her skills and outlook.

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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.

Avital Prais

Avital Prais

Sport and Exercise Nutrition - BSc (Hons)

Avital didn't know what she wanted in life when she applied to university, and has gone on a journey to study three courses in the space of three years to really find her passion. She could not be happier now and has transformed into a confident student with new personal and academic skills.

Sam Semwayo

Horology BA (Hons)

Sam had not wanted to go to university initially but knew he wanted to learn a trade. Despite the uncertainty of coming to uni Sam has thrown himself into uni life, discovering new talents with the rowing team and gaining work experience in the luxury jewellery market in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

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Liam Brolan

Criminology and Security Studies - BSc (Hons)

Liam had planned on becoming a police officer, but when he learnt that the local forces weren’t recruiting, he considered going to university. Since first joining as an undergraduate, Liam is now a PhD student and a course leader in the Criminology department.

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Mercedes Cooling

Law with American Legal Studies - LLB (Hons)

Going to university was something Mercedes had always known she was going to do. However she didn’t expect to start working towards a career in law until a sudden change in circumstances. Now, she’s a Visiting Lecturer in the School of Law, while studying for her LLM in International Human Rights.

Vicky Beni

Victoria Beni

Media and Communication - BA (Hons)

Working in the media industry was never encouraged at Victoria's school in Italy where she grew up – partly because it wasn't considered a "real" job that you could actually make money out of. In the UK though, Victoria has found that things are different, and young people at BCU are more in touch with their creative side.