University College Birmingham (UCB) is an award-winning university renowned for its diverse and fully inclusive community and courses that are very hands-on, including some courses that are assessed completely by coursework and practical assignments.
Another area where it stands out is that it is giving all UK full-time undergraduates starting in September 2026 £6,000 to help with the cost of living. Not a loan, not means tested, no repayment. *T&Cs apply.
Providing tailored support, the university specialises in degree courses, some with foundation years, across business, marketing and finance, tourism, health and nursing, education, sport, psychology and physiotherapy, computing, cyber security, digital, engineering, construction and creative services, as well as its globally renowned hospitality courses within Birmingham College of Food.
The university is home to over 10,000 students from 70 countries, who learn from some of the world's best educators in cutting-edge facilities on the university's modern campuses. Students benefit from many opportunities to undertake work placements supported by employer advisory boards, reinforcing graduate progression into the fastest-growing industry sectors.
University College Birmingham is in the centre of the second-largest city in the UK. Birmingham is regarded as one of the leading places to study across the UK due to its diversity, growing urban economy and broad range of social and cultural activities available to students.
University College Birmingham students on WhatUni say:
''Friendly and a helpful lecturers, great facilities and a well put together course.''
''The course is upbeat and fun. They keep it practical which is handy. They keep the lectures interesting and have multiple methods of teaching.''
''It's a great place and faculties are so good and knowledgeable. Overall it's an excellent university.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.35.0
4.5University College Birmingham has invested GBP 300 million into campus buildings and training facilities in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Practical facilities include:
Across campus, modern and refurbished buildings house innovative learning spaces, student services, and eateries.
University College Birmingham students on WhatUni say:
''Facilities are the best part about the uni.''
''Best: I would say how modern the uni feels and looks it also has a good atmosphere.''
''Facilities are amazing, it's always clean everywhere, it's nice being right in town as well.''
4.3University-owned halls of residence are located in Birmingham city centre, offering a safe, secure and affordable environment where students can study and enjoy an active social life.
The Maltings are conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from campus, offering 827 purpose-built rooms, most of which are en-suite. Halls are split into flats of between six and nine bedrooms. Each flat benefits from its own kitchen and dining area. There are several modern communal areas designed for socialising, study and fun. Weekly rent starts at £134 and all students who apply and submit their payment in full before the deadline will receive a 15% discount.
Rooms are available for students with additional needs, including carer accommodation.
University College Birmingham students on WhatUni say:
''Good place to stay.''
''Great location for a night out.''
''Everything nice and well maintained.''
University College Birmingham's scholarships, bursaries and fee waiver programmes include:
UK students
2025/26 full-time undergraduate or accelerated degree annual tuition fee: GBP 9,535
2025/26 part-time undergraduate degree annual tuition fee: GBP 4,767.50
Fees are not charged for UK students for completing 24 or 48-week work placements.
International students
2025/26 full-time undergraduate degree annual tuition fee: Band 1 courses GBP 16,500, band 2 courses GBP 19,750
2025/26 full-time accelerated undergraduate degree annual tuition fee: GBP 19,000
2025/26 online undergraduate degree annual tuition fee: GBP 6,950
The university offers a full range of undergraduate courses, including honours degrees with foundation year, foundation degrees, HNCs and degree top-up courses, as well as access to higher education diplomas through its Business School, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, School of Health, Life Sciences and Education.
Courses are typically studied full-time, though some offer a part-time option. All courses focus on employability, with many honours degrees offering placement years, allowing students to gain industry experience to enrich their learning.
The university is acknowledged by government and employer bodies as a centre of vocational excellence, with a number of its courses accredited or approved by professional bodies, including the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT), Nursing and Midwifery Council, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the British Psychological Society.
The university supports students entering national and international competitions, from the prestigious Nestle Toque D'Or Professional contest to Santander's annual entrepreneurship awards, among the UK's largest student and graduate business pitching competitions.
All faculty members are experts in their fields, and students can be confident they are learning the most up-to-date knowledge and skills for their chosen careers. Practical skill development is encouraged, with students supported as they deepen their knowledge of their field, and learn real-world applications for their expertise.
University College Birmingham students on WhatUni say:
''The course facilities are great and I've had amazing support from the staff.''
''Staff are very professional and humble and carefully listen to every student issue and solve it.''
''Lecturers are always available to help and offer advice. I've also found the course itself very engaging.''
Business and finance
Degrees balance academic theory and research with practical skills. Students get hands-on experience and opportunities to work on real-world projects. Students graduate into careers with top national and multinational corporations. Strong ties with leading professional bodies ensure courses meet industry standards and provide students with globally-recognised qualifications.
Psychology
Accredited by the British Psychological Society, the university's psychology course offering continues to grow and includes everything from psychology with sport and exercise, psychology with health and psychology with education to a MSc conversion course and undergraduate degrees with a foundation year. Students learn in cutting-edge psychology labs, the Human Performance Centre and the health skills and simulation hubs.
Health and nursing
Expert lecturers pave the way towards students starting a rewarding career in healthcare, with award-winning placement opportunities providing meaningful professional experience. The university also won Best Education Provider of the Year at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025. Facilities include the cutting-edge Health Skills and Simulation Suite with a replica hospital ward and physiotherapy suite.
Aviation and tourism
University College Birmingham has been recognised as a centre for excellence by the Institute of Travel and Tourism. Students develop and enhance their professional expertise and practical skills in the state-of-the-art Aviation and Tourism Suite, complete with a mock plane cabin, airport check-in, and security zones. The university was also runner-up in the best education training provider category at the 2025 Aviation Industry Awards UK.
Sport and nutrition
Students train at nationally-acclaimed sports facilities used by top athletes and some courses are accredited by professional bodies, including CIMSPA and IUSCA. Partnerships with major sports clubs and organisations have provided students with incredible opportunities, including working with Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham Rockets basketball team and the Professional Game Match Officials Board.
Engineering, construction and digital
Courses in sustainable construction and engineering train and upskill students with skills that support employers and supply chains. The Centre for Sustainable Construction provides access to the latest equipment to help students develop practical skills and experience. University College Birmingham also specialises in cybersecurity and digital marketing, boasting dedicated digital suites.
University College Birmingham students on WhatUni say:
''Strong emphasis on vocational education and industry-relevant courses.''
''A lot of learning resources are given, and lectures are very helpful.''
''Its practical educational system attracted me a lot.''
University College Birmingham students are in the heart of Birmingham. Home to five universities and 65,000 students. Over the next 20 years, a transformation project anticipates over 50,000 new jobs in the city.
Birmingham is very affordable, with the city centre offering a vibrant nightlife, including bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants, with an enviable array of live entertainment venues. It also boasts 8,000 acres of green space and over 100 miles of canals.
The Guild of Students runs a range of clubs and societies covering sports, fitness, academics, faith, culture, general interest, and political themes. All societies organise regular meetups and events. Students are supported in setting up new societies.
4.0The Guild of Students is run by an elected team of officers representing the student body to ensure all voices are heard. All students become members of the guild upon enrolment.
The guild runs campaigns on important topics to keep students fully informed on relevant matters. They also provide advice and guidance, and students can book appointments with advisors.
University College Birmingham students on WhatUni say:
''I love this university and the location is amazing.''
''Small university so it is easy to find people to socialise with.''
''Engagement with other students is great and meeting others.''
4.4University College Birmingham won the best student support in the region at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards (2024) and is committed to ensuring that all students have the best possible academic and social experience. Several specialist teams provide advice and support to students across all areas of their study experience.
The university is giving all UK full-time undergraduates £6,000 to help with the cost of living, which doesn't have to be paid back (T&Cs apply).
The Centre for Academic Skills and English offers several services to help students with their studies, including 1-2-1 tailored academic support to build essential skills.
Students can obtain meaningful guidance across all areas of academia, including essay writing and preparing for exams or presentations. One-to-one appointments, small group sessions, and self-help toolkits are available.
In addition, dedicated support teams offer friendly, confidential, and impartial advice on other matters, including:
The university also offers several helpful schemes to its students, including:
International
The International Centre provides personalised support for all areas of the overseas study experience, including immigration, application, and wellbeing queries.
International students can also enrol on pre-sessional or intensive English courses to ensure they meet the entry requirements for their course.
University College Birmingham students on WhatUni say:
''I feel like the uni supports in lots of ways for the betterment of international students even the student support team is very helpful.''
''The best thing about this university is that it is really trying its best to engage with students and I am very satisfied with that.''
''I love the university!! They provide the best service for the students and they help us to develop our careers.''
4.3Courses at University College Birmingham focus on applying academic theory to the world of work. Students learn at outstanding training facilities, supported by lecturers with specialist industry experience.
The university boasts close connections with more than 1,000 employers, ensuring that courses remain relevant to the latest industry trends. Students benefit from guest lecturers who are experts in their fields, with all curricula receiving regular input from employer advisory boards.
Furthermore, industry placement opportunities allow students to put their learning into practice, gain essential practical experience, and make meaningful professional contacts. Many courses include opportunities to undertake funded residential trips or overseas study.
Careers, employability, and work placement guidance are available through the university's HIRED service, providing one-to-one advice, tips and support. Students can access the service for five years after they graduate.
The Enterprise Hub provides intensive start-up support for students aspiring to launch their businesses, while HIRED CONNECT is an online portal of employability tools and resources.
Alumni have forged successful careers, including working in global airlines, aerospace, award-winning hotels, the NHS, top accountancies, and big creative names including Disney. Graduates have made Forbes 30 Under 30, won TV shows such as MasterChef: The Professionals, and many own multi-million-pound businesses.
4.4
