Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University (BCU) has over 31,000 students from over 100 countries. We are a large and diverse university set in the heart of Birmingham with a focus on practice-based learning that means you'll leave ready to make waves in your chosen career.

With over 120 postgraduate and professional development courses to choose from, you will find a qualification that suits your interests and ambitions. Studying a master's at BCU is about more than a degree - it's an experience that shapes your future, unlocks your potential and helps you grow professionally and personally.

We have invested over £500 million into state-of-the-art facilities to ensure our postgraduate students have the best possible environment for practice-based learning, from four TV and six radio studios to mock hospital wards and a city trading room. Studying for a postgraduate qualification at BCU means you’ll be joining a university with great student support services. We’re in the top 10% for postgraduate student satisfaction (PTES 2025).

Our courses are designed to ensure you give your career a real edge. Many courses hold internationally recognised professional accreditations, offer opportunities to complete live projects with businesses and develop your professional network. We also offer a range of bursaries and scholarships to support your studies.

93% of our research was recognised internationally for originality, significance and rigour, of which 19% was judged world-leading (REF 2021).

What is Birmingham City University known for?

Birmingham City University is widely recognised as a leading institution for its Postgraduate Taught Experience, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for student satisfaction (PTES). This high rating reflects the University's commitment to career-focused, practice-based learning, underpinned by over £500 million invested in cutting-edge, industry-standard facilities. The University's strength lies in its ability to provide a supportive and diverse learning community that prepares graduates for professional success, demonstrated by its strong links with industry and its position as a major hub for student and graduate business start-ups in the West Midlands. BCU is also ranked 8th in England for social mobility (HEPI,2024).

Where is Birmingham City University and what’s the setting like?

Birmingham City University is situated right in the heart of the UK's vibrant second city, a location often described as the youngest major city in Europe. With 40 per cent of its diverse population aged 25 or younger, Birmingham provides a dynamic and forward-thinking environment perfect for student life. The city itself is a creative hub, offering world-class entertainment, destination shopping (such as the Bullring), and an exciting food scene with the most Michelin-starred restaurants outside of London, ensuring a rich and engaging experience beyond your academic studies. Birmingham has great local transport links and connections across the UK.

What are the entry requirements and fees?

For most Birmingham City University (BCU) postgraduate courses, you need a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent, or a Pre-Master's programme. Requirements vary by course, so always check the specific entry requirements on the course page. You may also need an interview, portfolio, or relevant work experience, and to meet English language requirements for international students.

What is student life like at Birmingham City University?

Postgraduate life at Birmingham City University (BCU) means joining a highly rated, supportive community in the heart of one of the UK’s most youthful and vibrant cities. Recognised for its excellent postgraduate student satisfaction, ranking in the top 10% nationally for student satisfaction (PTES 2025). BCU is dedicated to delivering strong teaching and outstanding facilities. With a clear focus on employability, the University provides comprehensive Student Support and leverages strong links with industry to ensure your advanced studies directly contribute to your career goals, whether you are pursuing a passion, advancing your existing profession, or undertaking a career change.

What facilities does Birmingham City University offer?

Birmingham City University (BCU) has invested over £500 million in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that postgraduate students train in industry-standard environments designed to support advanced research and professional practice. These state-of-the-art facilities mirror real-world professional settings, bridging the gap between academia and your chosen career.

Key facilities include the £41 million City South Campus with realistic health simulation spaces—such as a mock operating theatre and virtual radiotherapy suite—and the Curzon Building, which features a functional City Trading Room and mock courtroom for Business and Law students.

For our more creative courses, the Parkside Building houses Film and TV Studios, radio stations, print workshops and Architecture studios, while the £70 million STEAMhouse provides an innovation hub that promotes learning alongside businesses-in-residency. Additionally, specialist courses benefit from dedicated resources like the high-performance laboratories at the iconic Alexander Stadium for our Sports courses and the unrivalled facilities at the internationally renowned School of Jewellery. This commitment to investment ensures you have access to the best possible equipment and spaces to excel in your postgraduate studies.

How does Birmingham City University support your career?

Our courses are designed to ensure you give your career a real edge. Many courses hold internationally recognised professional accreditations and are taught by experts in their fields.

You'll work on course-related projects and work placements with companies and organisations like Gymshark, Microsoft, Cisco, Unity, Jaguar Land Rover, Sky UK and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

If your goal is to own your own business, BCU has the highest number of student and graduate business start-ups of any university in the West Midlands (HESA, 2022). Our STEAMhouse is a dynamic space equipped with a variety of co-working, artist production, incubation, and networking facilities. STEAMhouse enables students to collaborate with businesses, engage in real-world industry projects, and hone their entrepreneurial skills.

Students have access to our range of support services, including academic support, mentoring, advice on finance and professional development events. Our Careers and Student Opportunities Team will help you gain the skills employers want and boost your CV.

What do students say about Birmingham City University?

School of Arts – MA Media Production

Olanrewaju Shonubi

“My tutors were also very supportive and encouraging. Regular tutorials with my Course Leader and detailed assessment feedback made me more aware of my strengths and weaknesses and helped to plan personal development strategies for the future. Student support was also very helpful in my first semester, as they helped me with correct referencing for my assessments.” MA Media Production

School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering – MA Video Game Development

Billy Benham

“As I was already a student at BCU, I was able to reach out to the teachers on my prospective course. Speaking to them one-to-one helped me consider my options and ultimately made me more certain that I wanted to continue study at BCU. I knew that the facilities were great, and the staff were approachable so staying at BCU was definitely the right choice for me.”

School of Law and Social Sciences – PGCE Primary Education

Shaquana Burke

“My journey at BCU so far has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt a sense of belonging. The dedicated lecture and supportive classmates created an environment where I could thrive academically and personally. What I love most about BCU is its emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world experience. Through placements and practical coursework, I've been able to apply what I've learned in the classroom to real-life teaching situations, preparing me for a successful career in education.”

Read more of our student profiles.

How do you apply to Birmingham City University?

Applying for most of Birmingham City University's Postgraduate Taught courses is done directly to the University, unlike undergraduate degrees which use UCAS. To apply find your course, check the entry requirements and apply online, you’ll also be expected to submit a Personal Statement as part of the application. Find out more how to apply.

What else should you know about Birmingham City University?

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