2016/17 MINI GUIDE
Mini Guide
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Welcome
Welcome. Welcome to a university that is dedicated to transforming your prospects through innovative teaching and learning, cutting-edge research and effective partnerships with global employers. www.bcu.ac.uk
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The University in numbers.
ÂŁ260m spending on new facilities
22,500
students from over 80 countries in our learning community
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members of academic staff are National Teaching Fellows – the award for excellence in university teaching
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The University in numbers
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th
out of 130 universities for student teaching time (Daily Telegraph course finder 2013)
2,860
inspirational staff to support you in your learning journey
90%
of undergraduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course (DLHE 2012/13)
Founded in 1843 and educating professionals ever since
Mini Guide
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Why study here?
Why study here? Here are our top 10 reasons to choose Birmingham City University: 1
Degrees that get results
Our commitment to transforming our graduates‘ prospects by giving them the skills and experience employers need means that nine in 10 of our undergraduate and postgraduate students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE 2012/13). 2
Encouraging innovation
We offer a dedicated meeting space for entrepreneurial students and graduates to network, share ideas and form collaborations in our Concept Factory.
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Investing in your future
We are investing £260 million to ensure you have the best possible environment for practicebased learning. Construction is currently under way on our new Curzon Building, which opens at our City Centre Campus in 2015. 4
Learn from the best
From one of the UK’s leading criminologists to former directors of FTSE 250 companies, acclaimed artists and healthcare innovators, our teaching staff come from and maintain links with industry, ensuring you benefit from their knowledge and insight.
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Industry partnerships
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We have a large number of successful industry partnerships and work with big-name companies like Dunlop, Cisco and Cartier to develop cutting-edge curriculums and collaborate on course projects. 6
Earn while you learn
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We work with our students to ensure we are meeting your needs and aspirations at all times. Our Student Academic Partners (SAP) scheme teams students up with staff to find ways to make our teaching, and your experience, even better. 8
Our student employment agency, OpportUNIty – Student Jobs on Campus, allows you to apply for paid roles at the University, gaining experience in crucial aspects of job application and valuable feedback on your work.
Working with you
Virtual learning
We use virtual learning environments to bring our courses to life, including the Virtual Case Creator for our health students, the School of Law’s Virtual Solicitors’ Office and the School of Education’s virtual school, Green Moor Primary School.
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Why study here?
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Mini Guide
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Why study here?
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Dedicated to our students
We want to offer the very best student experience and act on feedback to ensure we are meeting your needs. In the National Student Survey 2014, seven of our courses achieved 100 per cent student satisfaction while, across the University, 89 per cent of all students agreed that staff are good at explaining things to them and 86 per cent said staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching.
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Practice-based research
The work undertaken by our research staff and research students is not only enriching our courses, it is literally shaping the world. In the Research Excellence Framework 2014, which measures universities’ research performance, 90 per cent of Birmingham City University’s total submission was judged to have delivered ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ external impact. www.bcu.ac.uk/whybcu
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Live the city
Live the city. Birmingham Come to us and you won’t just benefit from studying at a student-focused and forward-thinking university – you’ll also be based in the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting cities with a vibrant arts and cultural scene and great employment opportunities.
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Live the city
Here are our top 10 reasons why Birmingham is a great city to live in: 1
A centre for creativity
Birmingham is the only English city outside London to have a world-class symphony orchestra, a royal ballet company, opera company and producing theatre. The city has some of the finest contemporary and multicultural arts venues in the country. 2
Europe’s youngest city
Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city with over one million people – and under-25s make up 40 per cent of the population. 3
A global city
Residents from around the world including the Indian sub-continent, China, Africa and the Caribbean have made their homes here, contributing to the city’s cultural diversity.
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Investing for the future
A £728 million upgrade of Birmingham’s transport infrastructure and a new £188 million library complement previous investment in the city such as the National Exhibition Centre, International Convention Centre and Bullring shopping complex. 5
Sporting life
A great city for sports fans with top football clubs, international cricket and athletics venues, plus one of the country’s top golf courses. If taking part is more your thing, our own £8.5 million Doug Ellis Sports Centre opened in 2010. 6
A green city
We may be a big city, but we have more parkland than any other city in Europe*. Our City Centre Campus is right next door to Eastside City Park – Birmingham’s first new public urban park for 130 years. *Source: Birmingham City Council
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Live the city
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Shop till you drop
With big-name chains in the Bullring, upmarket boutiques in the Mailbox, bargains at the city’s 850-year-old Bull Ring Markets and road after road of Asian fashion, Birmingham is one of the top three most popular places to shop in the UK*. 8
Renowned nightlife
From the mainstream bustle of Broad Street to the underground scene in Digbeth and the laid-back bars in student-friendly Selly Oak or bohemian Moseley, you’re bound to find a night out in Birmingham to suit your tastes. *Source: CACI
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A place to build your career
We are the number one UK city in Western Europe for investment-attraction activity, being home to 2,750 companies including almost 700 international firms. Our students get the opportunity to work with many local firms through work placements and real-life projects. 10
A connected city
Birmingham’s air, road and rail connections provide access to 400 million people across Europe. It is at the centre of the UK motorway system, rail and coach networks, while the airport directly connects to over 120 cities worldwide. www.bcu.ac.uk/birmingham
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Sharing their knowledge. Shaping your experience. 18
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Inspirational teaching
Inspirational teaching We are constantly looking for new ways to enhance the learning experience and give you innovative insights into your subject.
Professor Chris Edger Former director of Mitchells & Butlers and a leading expert in the retail, leisure and hospitality industry.
Our staff have real-life experience of the areas they teach including exhibiting artists, celebrated legal experts, medical heroes and professional musicians. They regularly receive acclaim from within their sectors, and seven members of our academic staff are National Teaching Fellows – the most prestigious award for excellence in university teaching and learning.
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Mini Guide
Alison Edwards
Dr Steve McCabe
Professor Nick Morton
A senior lecturer in midwifery, who is a regular commentator in the media on childbirth issues.
Management expert who regularly provides comment or writes for national press, including the BBC and The Huffington Post.
Eminent Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and National Teaching Fellow.
Errollyn Wallen MBE
Vanessa Jackson
Professor David Wilson
Winner of The Ivors Classical Music Award at the 2013 Ivor Novello Awards.
Worked in television production at One of the UK’s leading the BBC for 20 years; now teaches criminologists and presenter of TV craft and production skills. Channel 5’s Killers Behind Bars.
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Inspirational teaching
Dr Lubo Jankovic An expert in energy-efficient buildings and leader of Birmingham’s Zero Carbon House project.
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Mini Guide
Enhancing employability.
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Enhancing employability
As a student here, you start on your career path the minute you join us. To help you become as employable as possible, you will quickly find yourself building up your experience in professional-standard surroundings appropriate to your course, from mock operating theatres, courtrooms and classrooms to state-of-the-art TV and photography studios. • If you are a law student, you can spend a six- to eight-week internship in an American attorney’s office – potentially working on Death Row cases.
• Our close links with business and the professions mean that our courses are always relevant, up to date and meet the exact needs of the current jobs market. We work with employers to ensure we deliver graduates with the skills they need. • Spend your work placement with a household name like Bosch, Harvey Nichols, British Sky Broadcasting, the NHS, Hewlett-Packard or Reuters.
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• As a media student, you might set up your own internal radio station as part of your final year assessment – what better way to learn than to create and present your own show?
• Gain realistic, paid and relevant work experience by working for the University through our in-house employment agency, OpportUNIty – Student Jobs on Campus.
• Our Business School’s new Group Management Consultancy Project brings in world-renowned consultants to mentor final year students.
• In future, all students will have an opportunity for a work-related experience – such as a work placement, live project or internship – in each year of study, under our Partners for Success initiative.
• Health students spend up to 50 per cent of their time on placement from the first year.
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www.bcu.ac.uk/employability
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Enhancing employability
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Mini Guide
Supporting your study.
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Supporting your study
Our award-winning support ensures that the help you need to succeed every step of the way is available throughout your student career. • Our friendly Student Services team has gained the ‘Matrix’ quality award for the standard of its advice and support. We provide expert advice on a wide range of practical and personal issues including finance, childcare, health and immigration. • Our experienced careers advisers help you develop your skills and identify career opportunities, both while you are studying with us, and after graduation through our Career Kickstart scheme.
• We participate in two regional entrepreneurship schemes – SPEEDPlus and BSEEN, which can provide support and guidance in setting up your own business in the region. • Our mentoring schemes, Ask@BCU and Inspiring Futures, match new arrivals with experienced students, and students with employers, for one to one help and advice. • The Centre for Academic Success can help you to develop skills in areas such as report writing and referencing, revision and exam techniques, presentation skills, English language, mathematics and time management. www.bcu.ac.uk/studentservices
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Raising the standard
Raising the standard. We are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible learning environment – as demonstrated by our £260 million investment programme.
The £62 million Parkside Building Home to our design-related courses and a stateof-the-art media centre, opened at our City Centre Campus in September 2013.
The new Curzon Building Opens at our City Centre Campus in September 2015, housing our business, law, social science and English courses, as well as new library, IT and student support facilities.
A brand new Conservatoire Due to open in September 2017, featuring five public performance spaces as well as private rehearsal and practice rooms.
Specialist provision for health, education and life sciences Existing facilities include an operating theatre, hospital wards, fully equipped birthing room, radiography suite and replica classrooms. By 2017, an additional £20 million investment will bring these courses together in one purpose-built specialist campus. www.bcu.ac.uk/maps
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Mini Guide
Success stories. At Birmingham City University, you will be provided with the help, support and expertise you need to build a career, as proved by the number of our graduates who go on to record outstanding achievements in the local, national or international community.
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Charlotte Bray Named by the Evening Standard as one of London’s 1,000 most influential people for her work as a composer.
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Success stories
Jevanpal Singh Choudhary
Emma Noble
Mark Radford
Successfully launched online estate agent Richmonds Estates while still studying at the University.
Secured a training contract at top international law firm Mills & Reeve - one of only two students to have achieved the honour.
Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust and a visiting professor at Birmingham City University.
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Mini Guide
Peter Tighe
Jon Riche
Laura Mvula
Looks after some of the world’s most well-known brands as a regional manager for L’Oreal in south-east Asia.
Director of music videos for Kasabian, Just Jack and The Feeling, and commercials for Nissan, Ikea and Nike.
MOBO Award-winning and BRIT-nominated recording artist.
James Funge
Adam Rowlandson
Sarah Carter
Has worked on construction projects in Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Australia.
Signed his contract with Jaguar Land Rover before his degree was completed.
Lead Packaging Designer for prestigious department store Harrods.
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Success stories
Dominika Wozniak Invited to Miami Fashion Week after being named International Student Fashion Photographer of the Year, where she showcased her work as part of the ‘New Stars in Fashion’ exhibition. www.bcu.ac.uk/stories
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Mini Guide
Your Students’ Union.
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Your Students’ Union
As soon as you enrol at the University, you automatically become a member of BCUSU, meaning you are entitled to use all of their amazing services.
Student voice It’s all about how we represent you! We want to ensure that you and all of our students are able to have a say about your experiences at our University.
Advice and support University life is fun but every now and then you may need a helping hand – that’s where your Students’ Union Advice Centre, working in partnership with the University’s Student Services team, can help.
Get involved If you want to play sport, join a society, volunteer, improve your employability or go on one of our exciting trips, look no further than BCUSU.
Learning community We help you make the most of your time here with mentoring opportunities and the chance to collaborate on course projects, giving you valuable additional experience.
Eat, drink, shop Within our campuses, we have a variety of cafes, lounges and shops where you can enjoy delicious hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals.
Accommodation Looking for your next student home after moving out of halls can be stressful, but Birmingham City Student Homes helps make house-hunting easy. www.bcusu.com
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Home from home
Home from home. If you’re leaving home for the first time, what could be more exciting than the independence and freedom of your own place? Living in halls is a great way to meet new friends, and rooms are available at a range of prices to suit everyone.
A safe and secure home All our halls have CCTV coverage and 24-hour security patrols.
Easily accessible
Guaranteed place in your first year
All halls are close to public transport links, with cost-effective student travel cards available.
If you make Birmingham City University your first choice and apply by the end of July.
And help to move on…
Over 2,000 rooms available In three University-owned halls of residence, and a number of private halls within the city.
If you want to live in a shared house with friends, Birmingham City Student Homes – operated by our Students’ Union – can help you find accommodation with a reputable and accredited landlord. www.bcu.ac.uk/accommodation
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Mini Guide
Let’s talk about money.
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Money
An experience that’s priceless University is an experience not to be missed – it will enrich your life in many ways. With one in three jobs requiring degree-level skills and graduates earning an average of £12,000 a year more than non-graduates*, coming to university will also be a significant investment in your future. • Most UK-based students do not have to pay tuition fees up front, and can instead get a loan to cover the full cost. • You can also apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, accommodation and travel.
• You only start to pay the loans back once you are in work and earning above a set threshold (currently £21,000). If your income falls below that level, payments will stop automatically and anything you’ve not repaid after 30 years is written off. • Depending on your household income, you may also be able to apply for a Maintenance Grant of up to £3,387 per year**, which does not have to be repaid. • There are additional grants available if you have a disability, if you are a parent or have an adult who is financially dependent on you, or if you are receiving certain benefits. www.bcu.ac.uk/tuitionfees *Source: CBI and Office for National Statistics **figure for 2015 entry
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Our courses
Our courses. We offer courses in the following subject areas: • Accountancy and finance • Acting/theatre • Advertising, marketing and PR • Architecture/ landscape architecture • Art, design and visual communication • Built environment • Business and management • Computing and technology
www.bcu.ac.uk/courses
• Criminal justice • Education and teacher training • Engineering • English • Fashion, textiles and 3D design • Health and social care • Jewellery and silversmithing • Law • Media and multimedia technology • Music • Social sciences
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A
Mini Guide
Birmingham City Business School
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Accountancy and finance COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Accountancy
N400
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Accountancy and Business
NN41
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Accounting and Finance
NN43
BBC | 280
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Direct
See web
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KEY FACTS • The University is a Platinum Approved learning provider of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. • The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Institute of Internal Auditors accredit courses. • Our accountancy course has a 96 per cent student satisfaction rating (NSS 2014).
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A
Mini Guide
Birmingham School of Acting
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Acting/theatre COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
Foundation Course | Acting
Direct
See web
BA (Hons) | Acting
Direct
See web | 160
BA (Hons) | Applied Performance (Community and Education)
W490
CCC | 240
BA (Hons) | Stage Management
W450
CCC | 240
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KEY FACTS • Acting students demonstrate their talents to agents, casting directors and other professionals at our ‘Showcase’ events in Birmingham and London. • Ranked seventh in the UK for drama and dance in the 2015 Guardian University Guide. • Birmingham School of Acting is an accredited member of Drama UK, confirming the quality of our training.
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A
Mini Guide
Birmingham City Business School
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Advertising, marketing and PR COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Business and Marketing
NN15
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | International Marketing (Top-Up)
N550
See web | 240
BA (Hons) | Marketing
N500
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations
NLM2
BBC | 280
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KEY FACTS • Birmingham City Business School is approved and accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing. • Our graduates have gone on to work for companies like Npower and Zurich in positions such as International Marketing Executive and Project Analyst. • Work with real clients and showcase your innovative ideas by working in our very own marketing agency, The Link, run by undergraduate students.
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A
Mini Guide
Birmingham School of Architecture
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Architecture COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Architecture (RIBA Part 1 Exemption)
K100
AAB | 340
BA (Hons) | Landscape Architecture
K310
BBC | 280
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KEY FACTS • One of the few schools of architecture offering RIBA-accredited courses for the full range of professional qualifications. • 92 per cent of graduates were in work or further study within six months (DLHE 2012/13). • We have close relationships with RIBA West Midlands, MADE and Birmingham City Council, helping us to influence the contemporary cultural environment of the region.
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A
Mini Guide
Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
Art, design and visual communication COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Art and Design
W190
BBC | 280
HND | Fine Art
001W
See web | 120
BA (Hons) | Fine Art
W101
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Theatre, Performance and Event Design
W460
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Visual Communication
PW92
BBC | 280
W610
BBC | 280
W211
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Visual Communication (Illustration)
W220
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Visual Communication (Photography)
W640
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Visual Communication (Film and Animation) BA (Hons) | Visual Communication (Graphic Communication)
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KEY FACTS • Learn from highly experienced staff, who are nationally and internationally active as artists and designers. • Take part in placements and live industry briefs with companies like Channel 4, Ikea, Sony and Selfridges. • Enjoy cutting-edge facilities such as digital print centres and our Hollywood-standard MILO unit, as used by Aardman Animations, makers of Wallace and Gromit.
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Mini Guide
Birmingham School of the Built Environment
Built environment COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BSc (Hons) | Architectural Technology
K236/Direct
BBC | 280
HNC | Building Services Engineering
Direct
See web
BSc (Hons) | Building Surveying
K230/Direct
BBC | 280
BEng (Hons) | Civil Engineering*
H200
BBC | 280
MEng | Civil Engineering*
H200
BBC | 280
HNC | Construction
Direct
See web
LK12/Direct
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Quantity Surveying
K240
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Real Estate
N230
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Construction Management
*Subject to approval
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KEY FACTS • Most courses are accredited by at least one of the four professional bodies for the sector. • Benefit from our innovative partnership with Birmingham City Council to gain knowledge and work experience, and develop best practice. • The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) indicates that the UK’s construction industry needs 36,000 new recruits each year.
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Mini Guide
Birmingham City Business School
Business and management COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Business
N100
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Business Administration (Top-Up)
N101
CCC | 240
BA (Hons) | Business and Economics
NL11
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Business and Finance
NN13
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Business and Human Resource Management
NN16
BBC | 280
HNC | Business and Management
Direct
See web
HND | Business and Management
122N
See web | 160
HND | Business and Management
022N
See web | 160 Cont.
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KEY FACTS • Courses accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Institute of Internal Auditors. • We work with household names including Severn Trent, Rank Group, Mitchells & Butlers and Jewson. • Enhance your entrepreneurial skills, network and get advice in our dedicated enterprise hub and incubation space, The Concept Factory.
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B
Mini Guide
Birmingham City Business School
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Business and management COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Business and Management
N201
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Business Management (Level 6 Top-Up Online Learning)
Direct
CCC | 240
BA (Hons) | Economics and Finance
LN13
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | International Business (Top-Up)
N121
CCC | 240
BA (Hons) | International Finance (Top-Up)
N390
CCC | 240
BA (Hons) | Leadership and Management Practice (work-based)
Direct
BBB | 300
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“Birmingham City University was right for me because I loved the flexibility within the course; the placement year was optional, there is the chance to study abroad and it seemed to be a place that was bursting with opportunities – which turned out to be true.� Jonathan Colen BA (Hons) Business and Management
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Mini Guide
School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks
Computing and technology COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BSc (Hons) | Business Information Technology
G520
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Computer Games Technology
G450
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Computer Networks
G422
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Computer Networks and Security
GG49
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Computer Science
G401
BBC | 280
BEng (Hons) | Electronic Engineering
H601
BBC | 280
BEng (Hons) | Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year
H677
CDD | 200
MEng | Electronic Engineering
H679
BBC | 280 Cont.
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KEY FACTS • The School is the only Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance (Business Solutions) member with Premier status in the UK. • Strong links with companies like SAS, SAP, Xbox, Samsung, Intel and the NEC keep your course relevant, real-life and respected by employers. • Our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus offers cutting-edge technology and facilities that reflect the latest developments in industry.
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C
Mini Guide
School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks
Computing and technology COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
G101
BBC | 280
MSci | Financial Mathematics
G100
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Forensic Computing
FG44
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Information and Communications Technology
G420
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Mathematics*
G111
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Financial Mathematics* *
*
MSci | Mathematics
G110
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Mathematics and Statistics*
G103
BBC | 280
MSci | Mathematics and Statistics*
G130
BBC | 280
*Subject to approval
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“The teaching and staff support at Birmingham City University has been excellent. I’ve enjoyed studying Security with Ron Austin. He suggested great resources for additional study and was always happy to talk.” Aaron Mosely BSc (Hons) Computer Networks
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C
Mini Guide
School of Social Sciences
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Criminal justice COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Criminology
M900
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Criminology and Security Studies
ML94
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Criminology, Policing and Investigation
ML9K
BBC | 280
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KEY FACTS • Over 30 years’ expertise of delivering innovative and respected criminology degrees. • The only university in the UK to hold an annual debate with high security prisoners at HMP Grendon. • Home to one of the UK’s most high-profile criminologists, Professor David Wilson, and child protection expert Mark Williams-Thomas.
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E
Mini Guide
School of Education
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Education and teacher training COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Children and Integrated Professional Care
L590
CCC | 240
BA (Hons) | Conductive Education
X161
See web | 180
BA (Hons) | Early Childhood Studies
X320
CCC | 240
BA (Hons) | Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up)
X310
See web
FdA | Early Years
X311
See web | 120
BSc (Hons) | Mathematics with Secondary Education and Qualified Teacher Status
G1X1
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status
X120
BBB | 300
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KEY FACTS • Partnerships with more than 1,000 children’s centres, primary and secondary schools across the West Midlands, including City Road Primary Academy, which is sponsored by the University. • We deliver both universitybased and School Direct Initial Teacher Training. • 92 per cent of graduates were in work or further study within six months (DLHE 2012/13).
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E
Mini Guide
School of Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Systems
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Engineering COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BEng (Hons) | Automotive Engineering with Foundation Year
H338
CDD | 200
BEng (Hons) | Automotive Engineering
H330
BBC | 280
MEng | Automotive Engineering
H3H0
BBC | 280
BEng (Hons) | Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year
H677
CDD | 200
BEng (Hons) | Electronic Engineering
H601
BBC | 280
MEng | Electronic Engineering
H679
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Enterprise Information Systems
H212
BBC | 280
BEng (Hons) | Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year
H308
CDD | 200
BEng (Hons) | Mechanical Engineering
H300
BBC | 280
MEng | Mechanical Engineering
H301
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Motorsports Technology
H334
BBC | 280
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KEY FACTS • Our courses are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. • Our automotive workshops and laboratories include computer numerical control, threedimensional scanning, rapid prototype facilities and engine test labs. • During the last five years we have worked with over 4,000 businesses including JCB, Morgan Motor Company, RollsRoyce and Jaguar Land Rover.
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E
Mini Guide
School of English
English COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
W8Q3
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English
Q301/Direct
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English and Creative Writing
QW38/Direct
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English and Drama
QW34/Direct
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English and Media
BA (Hons) | Creative Writing with English
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QP33/Direct
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English and Journalism*
TBC
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English Literature
Q320
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English Literature and English Language Studies (Joint Honours)
Q391
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English Literature with English Language Studies (Major/Minor)
Q390
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | English Language with English Literature
Q300
BBC | 280
*Subject to approval
KEY FACTS • Enjoy inspiring tuition from internationally renowned literary experts and writers. • The School of English is an important research centre for linguistics. • A richly-stocked library with electronic access to every book published in the UK between 1470 and 1800.
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F
Mini Guide
School of Fashion, Textiles and 3D Design
Fashion, textiles and 3D design COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
W200
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Design Management (Top-Up)
W201
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Fashion Business and Promotion
W5N9
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Fashion Design
W230
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Fashion Design with Design for Performance
W2W4
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Fashion Design with Fashion Accessories
W233
BBC | 280
W290
BBC | 280
W2JK
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | 3D Designer Maker
BA (Hons) | Fashion Design with Fashion Communication BA (Hons) | Fashion Design with Garment Technology
Cont.
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KEY FACTS • Our courses address the design, managerial and communication aspects of the industry. • Showcase your final-year work to industry leaders in London at Graduate Fashion Week and New Designers. • We have excellent links with regional and international brands such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Burberry, Next, Paul Smith and Ted Baker.
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F
Mini Guide
School of Fashion, Textiles and 3D Design
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Fashion, textiles and 3D design COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Furniture and Lifestyle Products
W261
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Interior Design
W250
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Product Design
W243
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Textile Design
W231
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Textile Design (Constructed Textiles)
W222
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Textile Design (Embroidery)
W223
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Textile Design (Printed Textiles and Surface Design)
W232
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Textile Design (Retail Management)
W2N5
BBC | 280
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“I think the course is brilliant, particularly because of the tutors – they’re so supportive, and I’m still friends with many of them now. They do really care for us and want us to do well, and that’s what really makes the course.” Cleo McColgan BA (Hons) Fashion Design
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H Mini Guide
Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Health and social care COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BSc (Hons) | Diagnostic Radiography
B821
BBB | 300
CertHE | Health and Social Care
Direct
See web
FdSc | Health and Social Care
Direct
See web
BSc (Hons) | Midwifery
B720
BBB | 300
BSc (Hons) | Midwifery Shortened Programme
Direct
See web
BSc (Hons) | Nursing Adult
B740 (Jan) B741 (Sept)
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Nursing Child
B730 (Jan) B731 (Sept)
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Nursing Learning Disability
B761 (Sept)
BBC | 280 Cont.
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KEY FACTS • Learn in simulated environments including hospital wards, an operating theatre, birthing room, radiography suite and home environment. • 97 per cent of nursing or midwifery graduates were in work or further study within six months (DLHE 2012/13). • The only UK university to train nurses, radiographers and operating department practitioners for the armed forces.
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H Mini Guide
Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
76
Health and social care COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BSc (Hons) | Nursing Mental Health
B760 (Jan) B762 (Sept)
BBC | 280
DipHE | Operating Department Practice
B990
CCD | 220
BSc (Hons) | Paramedic Science
7B23
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Public Health
B910
CCC | 240
BSc (Hons) | Radiotherapy
B822
BBB | 300
FdSc | Rehabilitation Work (Visual Impairment)
B931
See web
BSc (Hons) | Social Work
L501
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Speech and Language Therapy
B260
BBB | 300
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“The teaching I received was first class. I was a mature student who had struggled 20 years previously at school, but from day one I felt relaxed, I felt valued and I felt an equal among all the other students, as though I belonged there.� Spencer Hampton DipHE Operating Department Practice 2008
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J
Mini Guide
School of Jewellery
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Jewellery and silversmithing COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
Gemmological Association Foundation Certificate/ Gemmology Diploma/Gemmology Diamond Diploma
Direct
See web
BSc (Hons) | Gemmology and Jewellery Studies
J379
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Horology
W723
BBC | 280
Creative Self Development | Jewellery and Silversmithing
Direct
See web | 120
HND | Jewellery and Silversmithing
72WW
See web | 120
BA (Hons) | Jewellery and Silversmithing Design for Industry (Top-Up)
W790
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Jewellery Design and Related Products
W239
BBC | 280
School of Jewellery Summer and Bespoke Short Courses
Direct
See web
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KEY FACTS • Based in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, where around 40 per cent of Britain’s jewellery is made. • Enjoy industry-standard facilities including soldering hearths, polishing machines, lathes and milling machines. • Our jewellery courses have a 96 per cent student satisfaction rating, making us the highestrated institution in the UK (NSS 2014).
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L
Mini Guide
School of Law
Law COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
LLB (Hons) | Law
M100/Direct
BBC | 280
LLB (Hons) | Law (Graduate Entry)
M100/Direct
BBC | 280
Direct
BBC | 240
LLB (Hons) | Law with American Legal Studies
M130/Direct
BBC | 280
LLB (Hons) | Law with Business Law
M1MG/Direct
BBC | 280
LLB (Hons) | Law with Criminology
M1MF/Direct
BBC | 280
039M
See web | 160
LLB (Hons) | Law (Recognised by the Bar Council of India)
HND | Legal Studies
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KEY FACTS • Our LLB (Hons) Law programme is accredited by the Joint Academic Stage Board. • We run the UK’s largest law student internship programme to the USA. • New starters on the LLB (Hons) courses get one year’s student membership of Birmingham Law Society.
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M Mini Guide
Birmingham School of Media and School of Digital Media Technology
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Media and multimedia technology COURSE BSc (Hons) | Digital Broadcast Technology
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
P390
BBB | 300
BSc (Hons) | Digital Media Technology
P310
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Film Production Technology
WP63
BBB | 300
BSc (Hons) | Film Technology and Visual Effects
W614
BBB | 300
BA (Hons) | Interactive Entertainment (Digital Art)
W642
BBB | 300
BSc (Hons) | Interactive Entertainment (Digital Marketing)
P647
BBB | 300
BSc (Hons) | Interactive Entertainment (Games Development)
I573
BBB | 300
HND | Media and Communication
003P
See web | 120
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication
P910
See web | 120
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication (Event and Exhibition Industries)
PN38
BBC | 280 Cont.
KEY FACTS • Our City Centre Campus houses cutting-edge facilities, including the largest university TV studio within a purpose-built media centre. • A number of our courses in media and digital media have been accredited by Creative Skillset or the Institution of Engineering and Technology. • Our graduates have gone on to work for the BBC, Sky TV, Ernst and Young, Dolby, IBM and Sega.
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M Mini Guide
Birmingham School of Media and School of Digital Media Technology
84
Media and multimedia technology COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication (Journalism)
P9P5
BBB | 280
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication (Media Photography)
P9W6
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication (Music Industries)
PJ39
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication (New Media)
G493
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication (Public Relations)
P9P2
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication (Radio)
P9P3
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Media and Communication (Television)
P9WP
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Music Technology
W350
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Sound Engineering and Production
J930
BBB | 300
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“Birmingham School of Media interested me because it emphasised the importance of gaining work placements and practical, hands on experience as it’s not enough to have just theoretical knowledge of the media industry.” Sian Jones BA (Hons) Media and Communication (Journalism)
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M Mini Guide
Birmingham Conservatoire
86
Music COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BMus (Hons)
300F
See web | 80
BMus (Hons) | Jazz
310F
See web | 80
BA (Hons) | Music Business
W375
See web | 200
BSc (Hons) | Music Technology
W350
See web | 300
BMus | Popular Music
W315
See web | 200
HND | Popular Music Practice
143W
See web | 80
BA (Hons) | Popular Music (Top-Up)
Direct
See web | 240
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KEY FACTS • Enjoy individual specialist tuition and professional development opportunities. • Excellent performance facilities for all disciplines, coupled with strong relationships with professional organisations ensure you leave with the skills and contacts to succeed. • Of our students who were in work within six months of graduating, 92 per cent were in a professional or managerial position (DLHE 2012/13).
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S
Mini Guide
School of Social Sciences
88
Social sciences COURSE
UCAS CODE
TYPICAL OFFER
BA (Hons) | Public Sociology
L300/Direct
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Psychology
C800/Direct
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Psychology with Criminology
MC98
BBC | 280
BSc (Hons) | Psychology with Sociology
LC38
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Sociology
L300/Direct
BBC | 280
BA (Hons) | Sociology and Criminology
LM39/Direct
BBC | 280
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KEY FACTS • All our BSc (Hons) Psychology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society. • Our psychology provision ranked second out of nine Midlands institutions for student satisfaction (NSS 2014). • Sociology students have worked with the Refugee Council, Refugee Action, NACRO and Women’s Aid.
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Mini Guide
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Applying to university
Applying to university. We try to ensure our application process is as straightforward as possible. For most courses, the stages will be as follows: 1
Choose a course
Think carefully about what course you would like to study. It could be a course that leads directly to a particular career, a subject you enjoyed studying at A Level (or equivalent) or something completely new!
2
Apply
Register on the UCAS website, creating your own username or password, then fill in the other sections as instructed. You can apply for up to five universities and courses. 3
Personal Statement
The Personal Statement is your chance to ‘sell’ yourself, by explaining why you are applying for higher education and why a university would want you to join them! We offer advice at www.bcu.ac.uk/resources.
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Mini Guide
4
Offers
5
Your chosen universities will either make a decision based on your application form and grades, or invite you to an interview or audition before deciding. They will then reply with either • a conditional offer • an unconditional offer, or • tell you you’ve been unsuccessful. Reply using Track on the UCAS website. You can only accept one firm and one insurance choice or you can decline all your offers and seek an alternative place. If you still need a place, you can apply through UCAS Extra between February and July; after that, you go into Clearing.
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Results
If you have met the conditions of your offer, congratulations! Even if you have narrowly missed them, your chosen university may still accept you. If not, you can move on to your insurance choice or enter Clearing. During Clearing, you can look at the UCAS website for details of courses which have vacancies, then contact the institution concerned directly. You can view our vacancies at www.bcu.ac.uk/clearing. For more information please visit www.bcu.ac.uk/apply or the course web page. Institution code - B25 BCITY.
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Applying to university
requirements vary between courses, with many using the UCAS tariff points system. For most full-time degree-level courses, apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Some courses have different application routes; for example you apply direct for part-time courses.
We are committed to providing opportunities for people from all educational backgrounds and experiences to participate in higher education. That’s why we welcome applicants with a mix of academic and vocational qualifications, and consider each application on its merits. Entry GCE A LEVEL AND AVCE
GCE AND AVCE DOUBLE AWARD
BTEC DIPLOMA
A*
140
A*A*
280
CC
160
DDD
360
MMP
200
A
120
A*A
260
CD
140
DDM
320
MPP
160
B
100
AA
240
DD
120
DMM
280
PPP
120
C
80
AB
220
DE
100
MMM
240
D
60
BB
200
EE
80
E
40
BC
180
Full conversion tables for tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.
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Mini Guide
Keep in touch. Visit us
Social media
To really get a feel for our University, why not visit us in person? Our Open Days -
birminghamcityuniversity MyBCU birminghamcityuni blogs.bcu.ac.uk/views
Prospectus Download – www.bcu.ac.uk/prospectus T +44 (0)121 331 5595
Ask us T +44 (0)121 331 5595 W www.bcu.ac.uk/courseenquiry
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• 20 June 2015 • 3 October 2015 • 14 November 2015 Register - www.bcu.ac.uk/opendays
Applicant Visit Day Applied to study with us? Then you will be invited to an Applicant Visit Day; this will give a more in-depth picture of the course and how to make the most of it. www.bcu.ac.uk/visitdays
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Keep in touch
BCYou Register for crucial updates sent straight to your inbox. www.bcu.ac.uk/bcyou
Go magazine Made an enquiry or applied to join us? You will receive ‘Go’, our news and information packed magazine, twice a year.
Find us All our campus maps and virtual tours are at www.bcu.ac.uk/maps.
Disclaimers The University’s prospectuses and web pages are intended as a general guide to the University’s courses and facilities and form no part of any contract between you and the University. For full terms and conditions and legal disclaimers go to www.bcu.ac.uk/policies-and-procedures.
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Published February 2015