Progress magazine 2016 by BirminghamCityUniversity

Get the 'Advantage' New scheme to help connect our graduates to employers

Secrets of success How a Master's degree could benefit you in the job market

Artist's impression of the new building at our City South Campus

Postgraduate Magazine 2016

CHANGING LIVES Contributing to health and wellbeing with ÂŁ41 million investment in the Midlands

WELCOME

Inside 04-07 Student news 08-11 Research

12-13 BCU Advantage 14-15 Student view 16-17 Careers 18-19 Estate developments

20-21 Advice 22-23 Birmingham 24-27 Funding and support

The Curzon Building, City Centre Campus

WELCOME

WELCOME Welcome to the latest edition of ProGress magazine. Whether you have already applied to study with us, or are still deciding what route to take, we hope you will find plenty to interest you.

At Birmingham City University, our postgraduate courses are designed to transform your future prospects, allowing you to progress in your existing career or change direction entirely. Our postgraduates benefit from the same first-class facilities, inspirational staff, global insight and industry links as all students, while also gaining a more in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject and a greater ability to study and work independently. With government figures showing that someone with a Master’s degree or PhD earns an average of £8,000 more per year over their working life compared to someone with an undergraduate degree, and with a new range of postgraduate loans available for 2016/17 entry, there has never been a better time to continue your studies at a postgraduate level.

In this issue, as well as reading about the recent successes of our staff and students, you can also find out more about our Business Advantage scheme – which aims to build relationships between the University and employers – and the careers support available to postgraduate students. I hope to welcome you as a student soon, and if you have any queries in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Professor Cliff Allan Vice-Chancellor

STUDENT SUCCESS

Bestselling international artist is

AWARD WINNER Yifan ‘Buddy’ Ling wanted to study in the UK to aid her development and further her career. Choosing Birmingham City University, her subsequent success as a graphic artist has seen her recognised at the Education UK Alumni Awards 2016, demonstrating the impact she has had since graduating. teacher. “They helped me apply for the course and explained what was required,” she explained. “I found the University to be very friendly and it was already well-known for its art education.”

Buddy, originally from China, won the Professional Achievement Award, thanks to her internationally-renowned graphic art and books. The awards, organised by the British Council, celebrate the success of international alumni and how their UK education has impacted on their subsequent success. “I feel the awards are a great chance to express my gratitude to both the UK and UK education,” Buddy said. “Both my career and my personal growth have benefited from them.” Buddy came to the University after it was recommended by a

Since graduating in 2006, Buddy has created manga comics professionally, publishing more than 20 books internationally and achieving notable success for her work. “I think my biggest accomplishment has been successfully making my parents believe doing comics was a good career,” Buddy said. “That was definitely a great achievement!”

I feel the awards are a great chance to express my gratitude to both the UK and UK education.

STUDENT SUCCESS

HOME COMFORTS for Real Estate student Balancing a full-time career with a postgraduate degree can be difficult, but MSc Real Estate Management student Sofi Liperis has been able to find the perfect solution.

A positive climax for

GAMER CAMP PRO GRADUATE Originally, Jessica Harris wasn’t interested in postgraduate study. However, after reading up on the placement opportunities and industry links our Gamer Camp Pro course offered, she swiftly changed her mind. It was a decision that paid off, as Jess now works as a visual effects artist for renowned game developers Climax Studios. “I first came across the course a couple of years ago,” Jess said. “I wasn’t looking to continue in education, but when I found out more information about the course, the links to industries were amazing.” Jessica soon realised that she had made the right decision, and she benefitted highly from our cutting-edge facilities. “We had great resources and a really spacious studio,” she said. “The teaching was amazing, and being taught by industry professionals was a great

opportunity. Every second I was on the course I felt like a valued student.” After graduating, Jessica secured work as a visual effects artist at Portsmouth-based Climax Studios, whose games include Silent Hill: Origins and Assassin’s Creed Chronicles.

While studying part-time, Sofi has seen her career continue to thrive, recently winning the Young Achiever Award at her current employers, Persimmon Homes. Beginning her full-time job with the company just over a year ago, Sofi’s award came as a surprise. “I was blissfully unaware I had been nominated,” she said. “My directors put my name forward and I got shortlisted, competing against graduates from other regions. It was a real honour to receive the award, and to be acknowledged for what I was doing was such a huge compliment.” Sofi says that her successes in both work and study have been aided by the University’s considerate lecturers and tutors. “They really understand the fact we are working alongside our studies,” she said. “They always ensure we aren’t overburdened.”

“I get to work with virtual reality, working closely with a project team making and providing various visual effects,” she said. “In my spare time I continue working to improve my portfolio, and am constantly trying to become a better visual effects artist within the games industry.” www.bcu.ac.uk/gamer-camp

Sofi receives her award from Persimmon Group Chief Executive Jeff Fairburn.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Successful Acting graduate

ACCOMPLISHES DREAM Fulfilling her desire to study abroad, Danielle Pinnock chose to study her Master’s degree in Acting with us here in Birmingham. She is now a successful actor, playwright, educator and creator of the one-woman stage show Body/Courage. Originally from the USA, Danielle completed her undergraduate studies at Temple University in Philadelphia. She had always wanted to study abroad, and did plenty of research about us and our professors to find out more. “I was thoroughly impressed by their theatre backgrounds and course offerings. I also loved that the school wasn’t that far from the Royal Shakespeare Company,” she said. During her course, Danielle enjoyed that she was given the opportunity to create her own work. “At the end of the MA, we were expected to create a solo piece for our dissertation,” she said. “The staff at Birmingham School of Acting have always been very helpful and supportive and, even though I graduated four years ago, the professors still check up on me and support my projects.”

Since graduating, she has never been without acting work. Body/Courage, which explores body acceptance, was created from over 300 interviews conducted worldwide, and features a constellation of characters grappling with diverse body issues including weight, illness, disability, skin colour, aging, and gender transition.

Those thinking of attending Birmingham School of Acting should be prepared to work hard and thrive but also be prepared to have their lives changed for the better!

Danielle believes that studying her Master’s degree has helped her immensely with her career. “Studying at Birmingham City University gave me the tools I needed to build a professional career as an actor,” she said. “Those thinking of attending Birmingham School of Acting should be prepared to work hard and thrive but also be prepared to have their lives changed for the better!” www.bcu.ac.uk/bsa

STUDENT SUCCESS

PGCE students build their experience

WITH LEGO WORKSHOP

Seven of our PGCE students recently gained vital first-hand experience, giving children at Little Sutton Primary School a practical introduction to the world of computing and programming.

GRADUATE HAS AWARD-WINNING

Using LEGO as a way to demonstrate, our students worked with Year 5 children to build moving objects, including drumming monkeys and dancing birds. Through these creations, they were able to learn about engineering and programming, making the children involved appreciate the industry’s exciting possibilities.

career change

If you’ve ever considered a change of career path, James Bovill is proof that it can pay dividends. Making the switch from public relations (PR) to broadcast journalism – via our Postgraduate Diploma – James recently won the 2015 New York Radio Festival International Radio Program Award, for his harrowing documentary on the Birmingham pub bombings. “Most journalists end up in PR but I did it the other way round,” said James, who worked for a PR agency for a number of years before making the career change. “I’ve always dabbled in journalism, so in 2008 I bit the bullet, quit my job and began my course at Birmingham City University. It was the best decision I ever made.” James benefitted from the support of our tutors and industry connections. “My tutors had enthusiasm, drive and amazing knowledge,” he said. “When I graduated, I freelanced for a year before getting a short-term contract

The workshop was also a rewarding session for our students, who got to display more modern and innovative teaching methods. “The session was fun, creative and engaging,” said Brendalyn Heaven, one of the University students involved. “It also showed we definitely have aspiring young programmers

with the BBC, working at BBC Radio Five Live and then progressing onto BBC WM.” It was the latter that aired his radio programme, The Birmingham Pub Bombings: 40 Years On, which led to his award for Best News Documentary. “Winning the award was easily the proudest moment of my career,” James said. “These accolades are the pinnacle of radio production, with more than 30 countries entering each year.” As well as winning the award, James has also recently made his first forays into television, working as a political reporter for BBC Midlands Today.

and creative designers already in the making.” The children were taught how to successfully operate their objects. “We used programming to make the models carry out algorithms,” Brendalyn said. “If the children made an aeroplane, they programmed the propeller to turn around, or if they chose an alligator they programmed it to close its mouth once a sensor was triggered.” Adam Hall, the school’s IT Operations Manager, was exceptionally pleased with the session. “When other schools hear about it, they’ll be knocking the University’s door down for more of the same,” he said.

RESEARCH

University Professor’s

RESEARCH SAVING LIVES Our continued commitment to producing groundbreaking research has been highlighted, with a project to improve vehicle crash safety being chosen as one of the world’s top computer science research projects. Professor Cham Athwal and his team developed a system to review test vehicle crash footage faster and more intuitively. It has since been implemented by major national crash test centres and global companies, such as Unilever and Duracell, and the research has also helped create safer vehicles and buildings worldwide. This has created a positive impact on not only the vehicle industry, but also the University, demonstrating our ability to conduct globally-impacting research. “Before our system, people would have to spend days looking through rolls of film,” said Cham, who is Head of Digital Media Technology.

“Now they can do the analysis in a day, and have the time to make better design modifications. Also, the standard software for crash test analysis is based on what was proposed in the University’s research.” The project was chosen by the UK Computing Research Committee as one of its top 20 of significant impact made by UK academic computer science research. “To be named among the most impactful contributions from computer science was a great feeling,” said Cham. “The project began in 1996, but evidently it is continuing to make an important impact in the present day."

Professor Cham Athwal

www.bcu.ac.uk/dmt

RESEARCH

Amna Nazir

PhD Law student

EXTENDS HER STAY Amna Nazir has had a longstanding relationship with the University. While studying for her undergraduate degree, she was President of the Islamic Society while working her way towards First Class Honours. Amna originally chose to study here because of our acclaimed School of Law, and thoroughly enjoyed her studies. “The experience was even greater than expected, and I successfully graduated with the best results in my class,” she said. “Working as President, as well as a senior outreach ambassador, was demanding but highly rewarding, and provided me with a lot of transferrable skills. If you have a schedule which you can stick to, balancing work and study isn’t as hard as you think.” Now, thanks to the Midlands3Cities partnership - a collaboration between six Midlands universities to support the next generation of arts and humanities doctoral researchers - Amna has received funding for her PhD.

“Midlands3Cities is an amazing opportunity,” said Amna. “Because of the collaborations between the six universities, we have access to all their facilities, research and lecturers. When I heard about all the things that would be available, I knew I had to apply.” When it came to writing her proposal, Amna took advice from University staff, and urges others to do the same. “Once you have a clear idea, look for an academic that has a similar research area and speak to them about it,” she said. “They could guide you to mould your topic and make it more specific. I would also advise people to sit down and think clearly about what area they want to research.” www.midlands3cities.ac.uk

RESEARCH

A VISION for the landscape Anastasia has always been interested in design, as well as sustainability. Having an MSc in Agricultural Science and an MA in Landscape Architecture, she was looking for the perfect opportunity to enhance her knowledge, and create sustainable and quality spaces. While studying with us, Anastasia worked with Professor Kathryn Moore, which led her to a PhD programme. The latter involves her looking at the role of drawing, design and low carbon in regional landscape-based spatial strategies. Anastasia’s work emphasises how spatial quality and design can be used as an element to enhance sustainable and environmentallyfriendly landscape design. It is funded by Climate-KIC, a partnership aiming to address climate change through business and research partnerships. During her PhD journey, Anastasia has curated two exhibitions, travelled across the Netherlands and visited climate adaptation landscape projects. She has also completed a placement

at the Landscape Observatory in Catalonia, where she examined the way that the landscape idea and sense of place has been adopted by the Catalan society. She is now investigating the ‘HS2 Landscape Vision’ infrastructure project, looking at how the proposed high-speed train line from London to Birmingham can be enhanced through different landscape projects.

PhD student and composer HITS THE RIGHT NOTES Studying at Birmingham Conservatoire taught Kirsty Devaney to take on exciting and different challenges. It was a task she’s risen to, and her latest project has seen her receive airplay on BBC Radio 3.

Outside of her PhD studies, Anastasia has a vivid role in her family landscape practice, as well as being a member of the University’s postgraduate community, the Landscape Institute Midlands Committee and the Climate-KIC Alumni Association board.

Kirsty’s piece, [as if on a pivot], was played on the station as part of a special programme featuring new compositions. She produced the work as part of an innovative project, Adopt a Composer, in which amateur music groups were paired with a talented composer to create new pieces of music. “The Adopt a Composer scheme pairs composers with a range of different ensembles,” said Kirsty. “You could be partnered with a choir, orchestra, string group or something more unconventional.

www.bcu.ac.uk/architecture

“I enjoyed creating new and unusual sounds,” she continued. “It was a chance to experiment with timbre and extended techniques. Structurally, the music grows and develops organically within a harmonic landscape that is familiar but tainted." Kirsty, now studying for her PhD with us, has enjoyed a long relationship with the institution. “Studying at the Conservatoire gave me confidence in my ability,” she said. “They taught me to push myself and allowed me to try things out in a safe environment. I was also able to tailor the course specifically to me.” Alongside her studies, Kirsty has gained extensive experience as a freelance composer, working with Town Hall Symphony Hall in Birmingham and the Stratford Literary Festival. In 2011, she was shortlisted for the British Composer Award, before being awarded the Principal’s Prize in 2013. www.bcu.ac.uk/research

RESEARCH

Top tips for writing your

PhD RESEARCH PROPOSAL We all know that feeling. You’ve finally made your mind up that you want to take the next big step – whether that’s a new job or going back to uni to do a postgrad degree. The only problem is that you need to go through the application process and you just don’t know where to start. It’s no different if you want to apply for a PhD – the thought of starting a research proposal can be daunting. To help you get pen to paper, Dr John Mercer – Reader in Gender and Sexuality at Birmingham School of Media, shares his tips on writing a great application…

study. You may also have to provide a title in 120 characters. This means that the application form includes a proposal that is an exercise in precision and concision – so keep a tight focus and be very clear. Rambling and unclear research proposals rarely make for a good (or successful) plan.

What’s your topic and what’s the problem?

John is the site director for the Arts and Humanities Research Council Midlands3Cities doctoral training partnership.

The starting point for any piece of research across any discipline is a problem or a set of questions which need answering. In order to make a successful research application you need to be able to describe clearly not only what the subject is that you are fascinated by and want to explore in detail but also that your research has a direction; it’s about solving a problem or answering questions. Good research (the kind that attracts research funding) will be clear on both counts.

www.midlands3cities.ac.uk

Who cares and why does it matter? It’s important to remember that there should be a wider audience for your research, both within academic circles but also beyond the university. This means that you need to be able to demonstrate that you know, understand and can engage with the kinds of discussions and debates that take place in your subject area and that your research can be seen as making a contribution to a wider public debate. The ‘who cares’ test is the fundamental measurement of a good piece of research and one of the questions that needs to be answered for a project to be regarded as ‘fundable’.

Every word counts, so choose them carefully! Funding applications always have strict word counts. For example you could be limited to 2,000 characters (about 300 words) for your case for support and the same to describe your preparation for

BCU ADVANTAGE

Students next to get the

BCU ADVANTAGE Back in November, the University took the bold step of launching BCU Advantage, a web-based business to business service offering firms the opportunity to access the University’s range of brilliant services and academics. It is now moving to the next stage by providing a platform for students to network with each other and connect with potential employers. An instant hit with its target audience, BCU Advantage gives access to a UKwide database of funding, access to University staff and – most importantly – a collaborative platform for the wider business community to help themselves and each other.

BCU Advantage Development Director Mark Smith

BCU ADVANTAGE

We are now building on that collaborative, knowledge-based ethos by adding an exciting new element: access to the talent and knowledge of our students. We pride ourselves on the excellent quality of graduates and postgraduates that come out of the University, and the solid relationships that we create with prestigious employers – including Jaguar Land Rover, GKN and the BBC. What might be more complex to quantify is how our graduates contribute to the small and medium-sized business economy in the West Midlands, and how much effort such companies put into finding the right person for their needs. With this in mind, BCU Advantage will soon be profiling students before they graduate, making potential employers aware of not only of the high-quality educational qualifications they have but also the wider real-world experiences they have acquired, providing a LinkedInstyle service dedicated to our own students.

Top entrepreneur sings UNIVERSITY’S PRAISES

BCU Advantage Development Director Mark Smith said: “The student profiling feature on BCU Advantage will allow both our alumni and potential employers a simple method of locating each other, and talking about opportunities.

Entrepreneur and Ultimo Lingerie founder Michelle Mone OBE had plenty of praise for the University when she came here to officially launch the BCU Advantage scheme.

“While systems such as LinkedIn do offer the chance for employers to locate graduates, with so many people on there and with the way in which the LinkedIn search algorithm works, it is not always easy to find our graduates. By featuring our people on BCU Advantage, we guarantee a speedy response to their search for talent.” Safeguards will be included to ensure students’ safety and security is protected, and the whole system is linked to the University’s extensive alumni support programme. The first students were listed in March and, from September 2016, all third year and postgraduate students will have the opportunity to be included.

Michelle, who was recently made Baroness Mone of Mayfair and tasked with completing a rapid and wide ranging review of enterprise for David Cameron’s cabinet team, spoke as part of the launch event in November.

www.bcuadvantage.co.uk

She provided insights on innovating in business, how her own business journey developed since leaving school at the age of 15 and how partnering closely with a university in the early days of her business development helped her on her road to success.

TURNING IDEAS INTO REALITY BCU Advantage will develop further in the Spring to help members of the University family to realise their business dreams, with the launch of a dedicated crowdfunding platform. This will allow students, alumni, staff and the general public to turn their great ideas

into reality, by extending the BCU Advantage proposition of connecting people, projects and partners. People using the Crowdfunding platform have already raised millions for their businesses ideas, social enterprise, charities and individuals, and unlocked millions more through match funding and support.

Michelle said: “When I walked in here today I just thought ‘wow, wow’ ... Honestly, what a place. It’s a really inspiring building and it feels as if you’re in another world, it really does.” “I had my first business idea when I was 10 and have proven that with passion and determination, the world is your oyster. Behind the passion, you also need expert advice and the role of universities in helping businesses grow cannot be underestimated.”

STUDENT VIEW

POSTGRADUATE SOCIETY awaits your arrival Becoming a postgraduate student can mean facing more challenges than just work and study – you could be moving to a new place, trying to make new friends or just looking for some fun outside of your course. Thankfully, our Postgraduate Society caters for postgrad students of all ages. The Society’s President, Snehanshu Saini, tells us about what the Society offers and why you should join. The Society was created in 2012, and originally contained only five members. Since then, it has grown considerably, with designated committee members, event organisers and course leaders. “We aim to create a strong professional network, as well as making the learning experience less stressful,” said Snehanshu. “We do this by holding social activities, career development events and sporting excursions, both throughout the semester and during the holidays.” Previous trips have included visiting Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and tackling the tree tops at Go Ape! Alongside these recreational activities, the Society also organises events that are geared towards employment. “We organise seminars regarding CV writing and job prospects,” Snehanshu said. “We also provide opportunities for volunteering for non-profit organisations, as well as academic essay writing tips.”

If you’re struggling to adapt to the rigours of postgraduate study, Snehanshu says the Society is also there for advice and guidance. “We have cultural liaison officers who are tasked to preserve a sense of belonging among our students,” he said. “We are trained to give personal advice and assistance to ensure you achieve your goals.” The society also reflects the wide age range of postgraduate students. “We host events that meet the needs and welfare of every member,” Snehanshu continued. “This way, both young and mature students can get involved.” Members are notified of upcoming events through emails and social media, and Snehanshu says they ensure students have time to do their work. “Events are carefully planned so they don’t interfere with the academic side of university,” he said. Any student wishing to join the Society can subscribe by contacting the Students’ Union Opportunity and Development office, or by visiting the BCUSU website. www.bcusu.com

STUDENT VIEW

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY You can get the inside track on life as a student on our website through our extensive collection of profiles and blogs where we encourage students to share their thoughts. You can read extracts of their stories here, or go online for the full versions.

IAN MURRAY ROSS MA Design Management

“A great deal of concern and communication was provided to ensure all was progressing smoothly through the programme especially with the long distance communications across the Atlantic.

“I have a friend who did the programme and she highly recommended it to me when I was considering postgraduate studies.

MARK BRAHAM MSc Quality Management “The MSc in Quality Management provided me with an in-depth understanding of quality management principles and business improvement tools and techniques. The course

University and its high standards of teaching, from my time studying a Diploma in Quality Management there. I particularly enjoyed networking with other quality and management professionals from different industries, sharing knowledge and skills.”

also provided a deeper understanding of other business areas such as finance, information technology and human resources. “I chose to study at Birmingham City University because of my previous knowledge of the

TAMADHER AL FAHAL MA Interior Design “I had three options to choose from when it came

“Studying MA Design Management has given me new tools, language, and confidence to articulate the value of design to the leadership team.”

to postgraduate study. I elected to go for Birmingham City University because the objectives of the MA Interior Design course really spoke to me. The University also were

very friendly and helpful when talking to me. Studying here has been a unique, fulfilling experience, and I’m returning in a few months’ time to study for my PhD.”

CAREERS

Careers support for

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

42,000

companies are situated in Birmingham, including 900 international firms

CAREERS

EMPLOYABILITY

We have been launching careers since 1843, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that studying a postgraduate course with us will open the doors to fantastic new opportunities, whether it’s your dream career or continuing your education journey even further.

Whatever path you want to take, the Careers and Job Prospects Team will be able to offer you support and guidance while you are studying and then up to three years after you’ve graduated. Our expert career consultants provide a range of services and events to support our postgraduate students through their journey with the University: • One-to-one postgraduate career guidance from your schoolspecific consultants. • Advice on what options are available with your postgraduate qualification and PhD applications. • A wide range of skills support sessions, ranging from CVs and covering letters to building resilience, managing your online brand and applying for PhDs.

Whether it’s down to careers advice, partnerships with business, self-development, mentoring or good old fashioned networking, our valuable careers skills means our top 10 graduate employers are all household names.

• Employer presentations, giving you the chance to make contacts and find out more about what companies and organisations have to offer.

OUR TOP 10 GRADUATE EMPLOYERS*

• Enterprise and entrepreneurship signposting and support for setting up your own business. • Online career action planning tools and self-help guides, supporting your career planning.

Jaguar Land Rover

NHS

Birmingham City Council

4 5

It’s never too early or late to come and speak with one of our friendly team, so once you’re enrolled you’ll have access to all the fantastic services we provide. To find out more information or to make an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us on 0121 331 7777.

BBC Heart of England NHS

Lloyds Banking Group

Sainsbury’s

Tesco

Royal Bank of Scotland

96 81

81 per cent of our postgraduate students stay in the West Midlands after graduation**

94 per cent of our postgraduates who are in employment are in managerial or professional positions**

% %

• A yearly programme of campus careers fairs for you to meet employers and find out about the range of opportunities available to you.

University of Birmingham

96 per cent of our postgraduates are in employment or further study after graduation**

• Subject-specific sessions to complement the knowledge you gain in your timetabled modules.

Sourced from LinkedIn Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2013/14

ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS

“The new Conservatoire will be the first purpose-built music college in the UK for a generation.”

Artist's impression of the new Conservatoire

New Conservatoire ready to

HIT THE RIGHT NOTES Building work on our new £46 million home for Birmingham Conservatoire has begun, bringing the institution into the 21st century with state-ofthe-art facilities, performance spaces and a full orchestra. The new development will see the Conservatoire move onto our City Centre Campus in the Eastside area of Birmingham. Incorporating twice the amount of performance spaces as the current building, the Conservatoire will provide five state-of-the-art performance venues, a full orchestra, a recital hall and over 70 practice rooms. It is the first complete new build Conservatoire in the UK since

1987, and will also host a specialised jazz venue, the first in Birmingham since Ronnie Scott’s. Benefits of the new building, designed by awardwinning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, will include a bigger live room for recording for larger ensembles, a specialist suite of chamber music rooms and high-quality recording studios. The acoustics of the Conservatoire will also be heightened, to ensure students hear and make the best sounds.

“The new Conservatoire will be the first purpose-built music college in the UK for a generation,” said the Conservatoire’s Principal, Professor Julian Lloyd Webber. “Birmingham Conservatoire is acknowledged as one of the world’s most forward-thinking music colleges, and the new Conservatoire’s facilities will be unrivalled by any other music institution.” It is scheduled for completion in 2017.

ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS

New developments show

UNIVERSITY IN GOOD HEALTH A new £41 million development will be opening its doors at our City South Campus in 2017, to house our newly-formed School of Health Sciences. Part of our continued estate development, this new building will contribute positively to the health and wellbeing of the West Midlands. The School of Health Sciences will consist of courses aimed to create leading sport, exercise, nutrition and life science specialists, as well as assisting and improving the health of the local community. Facilities will include state-ofthe-art physiotherapy suites,

sports therapy clinics and a nutritional science lab. The development will also house a new sports performance centre, which will offer local sports academies the chance to use the facilities and, in turn, offer students the chance to work with them on pre-season testing, biomechanics and sports therapy. The 10,000 sq m building, set to be completed in September 2017, will reinforce our status

as the region’s largest provider of qualified health and social care professionals to the NHS. “This move cements our place in supporting our crucial public services,” said Professor Ian Blair, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences. “It also develops our capacity to play a role in improving nutrition and tackling modern epidemics such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes.”

Artist's impression of the new building at our City South Campus

The building will also provide a new home for the School of Education, supporting the development of the next generation of school teachers, as well as creating a stronger sense of community and support services for those on Health, Health Science and Education courses. www.bcu.ac.uk/ health-sciences

ADVICE

THE SECRETS to getting a job with a Master’s degree

So you’ve got a Master’s. What now? Alex Carroll, one of our Careers Consultants, shares his expert tips on finding your dream job or considering options for further study after a postgraduate degree.

What jobs can I get with a Master’s degree? Getting a Master’s qualification may help you get that competitive edge in the employment market but don’t assume it is a golden ticket to walk into a job. Often, Master’s level applicants will find themselves in the same application pool as undergraduates; many companies do not specifically

target postgraduate applicants unless the position requires it (such as some roles in law and medicine). Don’t feel put off if you’re in the same application pool as undergraduates; your effort will pay off in the end!

Where can I find jobs?

There are three key routes to consider when looking for jobs, though a strategy which

incorporates all these areas will often be the most fruitful.

at industry-specific sites and more niche companies.

1. Advertised roles These are the most common ways that people look for jobs, including direct advertising by organisations on their websites, on third-party job sites, or through newspapers and other publications. Competition is high, so try and focus your search by looking

2. Agencies Working for an agency can offer the flexibility to try out different areas and gain experience without the commitment of a permanent contract. It can be worthwhile to register with agencies aligned to your area of interest; it doesn’t

ADVICE

automatically commit you to do the work they offer and can help you to gain work experience, build your skills and develop a professional network. 3. Hidden jobs market This is the term given to all jobs which aren’t directly advertised through traditional means. A key way to find such roles is through networking, which can be done online through sites such as LinkedIn, and in person. Another strategy is the ‘speculative application’ – reaching out to a company even though they may not have an advertised role. This can be done via a ‘spec letter’ where you outline your motivation for applying together with your skills and experience.

Am I “overqualified”?

Employers seek a stable workforce, and want to employ people who will develop within the company and hopefully stay for the long haul. It is important to pre-empt any concerns by highlighting the skills and experience you have which are relevant to the role and prove to the employer that you genuinely find the company interesting. Don’t be tempted to water down your skills; just make sure you prove to the employer that you fit the role. Being a postgraduate should bring a higher level of maturity which can be a key selling point when applying for a position. Demonstrate this through your application and interviews by showing you have gained

skills in: • Dependability • A strong work ethic • Dedication • Resilience • Organisation and communication.

Should I do a PhD?

A PhD or doctorate is a great choice for people who have a real passion for research and finding answers to the unanswered questions in the world. It requires commitment of time and spirit, but the potential rewards for personal development and the freedom to really dig deep into a subject about which you are passionate can make it a worthwhile endeavour.

Adjusting to life as a postgrad – ZOE’S TIPS Moving to a new city to study can be tricky. Getting used to the new environment, schedule, and looking after yourself on top of all the work are daunting prospects. Master’s student Zoe Matthews shares her experiences in adjusting to life as a postgrad at Birmingham School of Acting.

A PhD is for you if… • You love research • You want to become an academic researcher • You want to be a lecturer/ professor in academia • You want to do a job that requires it, for example in medicine or astrophysics.

I am originally a country bumpkin, coming from a tiny town where everyone knows each other, and it’s a travesty any time the price of milk goes up. For me, moving to a city as big as Birmingham was a culture shock to say the least! Doing a fast track Master’s in Acting, I have little spare time; some days I’m in from 9am - 7pm. Fitting in domestic life and studying on top of that can be a challenge. Sleep is important when you have such jam-packed days; I find studying is best for me to do in short bursts throughout the week instead of pulling an all-nighter.

A PhD may not be for you if… • You don’t want to leave education • You want to be called ‘Dr’ • You think it will get you a higher salary in a job • You’re fulfilling the ambitions of others • You feel peer pressured.

Having time to switch off from your studies at the end of the day stops you from getting too stressed and gives your brain time to recharge. There is a comedy club called Glee located in the Chinese Quarter that does student nights, and sometimes they include a meal in the ticket price if you fancy a cheap night with friends. Studying at university can be a costly business so it is good to cut financial corners wherever you can. I take packed lunches every day and a flask of tea, which also saves me running round to buy one twice a day and I have more time to relax during the break.

If you feel that a PhD could be the right path for you, make sure you do your research into career options, supervisors, funding considerations and research proposal options.

I think I am coping with the transition well, though I still need to venture further than the city centre. It is comforting to know that the train stations are so central if there comes a day where an escape back to the country would be nice.

BIRMINGHAM

BEST OF THE CITY 1

Cathedral Square

Overlooking the stunning Birmingham Cathedral, Cathedral Square is a churchyard steeped in history. 2

City Centre Campus

We’ve invested £260 million into our campuses, with The Curzon Building our latest addition. 3

Digbeth

The city’s creative quarter home to cutting-edge music venues, the Digbeth Dining Club street food festival and the Custard Factory - an independent shopping destination and creative business hub.

Bullring

One of the UK’s most popular retail destinations, the Bullring houses over 160 stores, including the iconic Selfridges building, while the indoor and outdoor markets are home to fresh food and fashion bargains 5

Arcadian

An entertainment venue with a difference, the Arcadian’s attractive piazza boasts bars, restaurants and a comedy club. 6

New Street Station

From Birmingham New Street Station you can get to London in 1 hour and 12 mins, Manchester in 1 hour 40 mins and Leeds in just over 2 hours. Recently subject to a £600 million transformation including the Grand Central shopping centre.

Electric Cinema

The Electric Cinema first opened its doors in 1909, and is now the UK’s oldest working cinema.

O2 Academy

Enjoy some of the best touring bands and artists at one of Birmingham’s flagship music venues. 9

Mailbox

Shop, dine and pamper yourself at the recently renovated Mailbox with upmarket outlets including Harvey Nichols.

BIRMINGHAM

Cannon Hill Park

The most popular of Birmingham’s many parks, with 250 acres of green space, including boating lakes, tennis courts and the mac arts centre.

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The Cube

This outstanding 25-storey structure houses a boutique hotel, lots of shops and a selection of restaurants, including Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill. 12

Town Hall

Birmingham Town Hall underwent a £35 million renovation to restore it as one of the finest music venues in the country. 13

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Famous for its pre-Raphaelite paintings, with over 40 galleries to explore. 16

Birmingham Conservatoire

Barclaycard Arena

Birmingham’s 15,800-capacity venue hosts everything from the latest music sensations to record-breaking sports and side-splitting comedians. 19

Sea Life Centre

Over 60 displays of freshwater and marine life in the heart of Birmingham, including the UK’s only fully transparent 360 degree underwater tunnel.

Broad Street

Birmingham’s main entertainment district with a wide range of restaurants, clubs and bars.

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Symphony Hall

Enjoy performances from some of the world’s leading and emerging artists in the impressive Symphony Hall.

Our internationally-renowned Conservatoire.

Ikon Gallery

View acclaimed art from around the world in this fantastic neo-gothic gallery building.

Library of Birmingham

There’s over one million books to choose from in Birmingham’s flagship library, so take a visit and relax in their lush garden terraces. www.bcu.ac.uk/birmingham

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FUNDING AND SUPPORT

Other avenues of

SUPPORT

In all the excitement, it’s easy to forget that there are other funding routes that can be explored. There are many different areas of funding and bursaries to apply for, but remember there is no shortage of competition for them.

Make way for the FUNDING REVOLUTION! In an increasingly competitive job market, many people are turning to postgraduate qualifications to enhance their employability prospects. However, funding has long been recognised as one barrier to progression. To help overcome this hurdle, the Government has introduced new postgraduate loans, launching in the 2016/17 academic year. This means that you could be one of the first students to benefit from this exciting scheme. • Loans of up to £10,000 can be made available to all Master’s students. • You can spend the money on your fees or on living expenses. • You’ll need to be under the age of 60 on the first day of the academic year. • MSc, MA, MBA, LLM, MRes and MPhil are all supported. Separate loans for PhDs are being considered. • This must be your first qualification at Master’s level. • Full, part-time and distance learning courses are supported. • You can use your loan at any UK university. • If are you from the UK, and permanently live in England, you can apply for a loan. EU students

are also eligible to apply, as are refugees and EEA migrant workers. • You’ll only start repaying the loan in 2019. • You will only repay six per cent of your salary on earnings over £21,000. • The loans are not means tested. There are lots of terms and conditions included, but nothing too scary, so have a look at the Student Finance England website for full details, or go to www.bcu.ac.uk/funding. In recent years, 72 per cent of UK students have been self-funding their way through their studies; 61 per cent at Birmingham City University*.

How to apply

Applications for the loans will open summer 2016. When it is time to apply, you should search for postgraduate loans on www.gov.uk.

Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2013/14

To ensure you stand out, you’ll need to think carefully about what makes your case unique. It is important to start your application for funding early, and the University will be able to tell you about potential sources. These include: • BCU Loyalty Scholarships • Privately-funded scholarships • PGCE student funding • Career Development Loans • Employer support • Disabled Students Allowance • Research Councils • Trusts and Charities • Open4Learning Portal. Continue to check the University website for the latest information on any further scholarships we may be offering. There are some really useful sites which can help with funding questions including: www.postgradsteps. hefce.ac.uk www.gov.uk/fundingfor-postgraduate-study www.rcuk.ac.uk/skills/ postgrad

FUNDING AND SUPPORT

COST OF LIVING IN BIRMINGHAM IS 33 PER CENT CHEAPER THAN LONDON* * AT TIME OF PUBLICATION, NATWEST STUDENT LIVING INDEX

Looking after

YOUR MONEY… It is important to be aware of the funding available to you when you choose to pursue postgraduate study, but it’s equally as important to manage it correctly.

You need to ensure you have enough money for such expenses as course fees, study materials and living costs. So, ProGress asked Student Finance Adviser Sharon Atkinson how best to look after your money. “A good way to ensure you have considered all of your living costs is to review your bank statement and then think about any additional costs associated with taking on postgraduate studies,” Sharon said. “The next step will be to construct your budget, made up of your income and expenditure, including your tuition and maintenance costs.

course materials, food, utilities, memberships, clothing, travel and socialising). “Once you have secured your funding, it is just as important to stick to your budget, to ensure you don’t leave yourself financially short. Keeping track of your outgoings, limiting impulse purchases and opening a savings account are good ways of keeping a firm grip on the purse strings, and all will help when it comes to supporting yourself across your studies,” Sharon added. To help with budgeting, have a look at these websites:

"We recommend on average a single student, living away from home, should secure a minimum level of funding equivalent to about £170 per week in order to meet general living costs (rent,

Budget planner: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Student calculator: www.studentcalculator.org

FUNDING AND SUPPORT

The dos and don’ts of postgraduate

Always include details of employment and activities since your degree – don’t leave gaps or we’ll assume you’ve been drifting. Nicki

APPLICATIONS There are a number of things to consider when applying for postgraduate study – you need to create an original, enticing document that really shows your commitment and knowledge of your chosen subject. "Generally, we are looking for two things,” said Paul Bradshaw, Course Leader for Online Journalism. “Firstly, that you can demonstrate some sort of experience in your chosen field. Secondly, you need a certain academic ability – you must show you are critically engaged with your field, and not just technically skilled, because at MA level you are not only learning skills, you are hopefully changing the industry.” When it comes to the Personal Statement, Director of Recruitment for the School of Engineering and the Built Environment Nicki Schiessel Harvey, believes it’s important to clarify the points you make. “You need to show your understanding and commitment, but don’t just simply say 'I did this' or 'I want to achieve that'," she said. “Find an angle to show us how it made you think, act or want to change to this direction.”

“It’s important to clearly outline relevant transferrable skills and relevant experience,” advises Associate Professor in Applied Neurophysiology Dr Salim Khan. “You should also include a full complement of qualifications, and elaborate how previous experiences have added value to your personal development.” However, it’s important to strike the right balance. “If you can’t back them up, avoid overly gushing statements about your passion for the field,” warns Nicki. What do you need to avoid when it comes to your application? “Make sure your statement has clarity and focus,” Salim says. For Paul, he advises avoiding a common pitfall. “Don’t get the course title or institution name wrong – if you’ve applied somewhere else and just reused the statement, we’ll know.”

Show you have done research on the course and course leader, but don’t just recite the syllabus, and avoid generic or vague statements. Paul

Your Personal Statement should show a well-rounded individual, one that is passionate about the subject area and will add value to the student body. Salim

FUNDING AND SUPPORT

Five steps to APPLICATION So now you’ve read all about us we’d love you to make an application! Just follow our five easy steps.

KEEP IN TOUCH Social media bcupostgrad MyBCU @bcu_instagrad blogs.bcu.ac.uk/views Prospectus www.bcu.ac.uk/prospectus +44 (0)121 331 5595 Ask us enquiries@bcu.ac.uk +44 (0)121 331 5595 Visit us To really get a feel for our University, why not visit us in person? www.bcu.ac.uk/opendays BCYou Register for our tailored news service, providing crucial updates straight to your inbox. www.bcu.ac.uk/bcyou

Entry requirements

Once you have found the course you’d like to apply for, it’s important that you have the entry requirements needed. Entry requirements can be found in the individual course listings in our courses section online. All applicants must also meet the University’s minimum English language requirements. If your qualifications were studied overseas, you will need to check the general entry requirements for applicants from your country. 2

Apply online

Select your chosen course, go ‘How to Apply’ and hit ‘Apply Online Now’. You will then be invited to start an online application, filling in information about your previous education and employment plus a personal statement. www.bcu.ac.uk/apply

Attend an interview

You may have to attend an interview or provide a portfolio after your online application. 4

Check your email

Once we have processed your application we will email you to let you know if you have been successful or not. 5

Get prepared

If you’re new to the area, you’ll need to get acclimatised to all that Birmingham has to offer and find somewhere to live! We can help with all of that:

Events Many of our shows, exhibitions, talks and lecture series are open to the public. www.bcu.ac.uk/events Find us All our campus maps and virtual tours are available on the University website. www.bcu.ac.uk/maps

www.bcu.ac.uk/birmingham www.bcu.ac.uk/accommodation We like to think our application process is as straightforward as possible. If you need ask a question give us a call on +44 (0)121 331 5595.

www.bcu.ac.uk

How to contact us Birmingham City University University House 15 Bartholomew Row Birmingham B5 5JU T: +44 (0)121 331 5000 E: mainreception@bcu.ac.uk F: +44 (0)121 331 7994 For UK course enquiries T: +44 (0)121 331 5595 W: www.bcu.ac.uk/enquiries For international/EU course enquiries T: +44 (0)121 331 5389 E: international.enquiries@bcu.ac.uk F: +44 (0)121 331 6314 www.bcu.ac.uk/international For UK applicant enquiries T: +44 (0)121 331 6295 E: admissions@bcu.ac.uk For international/EU applicant enquiries T: +44 (0)121 331 5389 E: international.admissions@bcu.ac.uk