Rankings of Birmingham City University

Founded in 1853, Birmingham City University (BCU) is located in the city of Birmingham, England. The student population of this institution is made up of students from over 80 nationalities, which allows newly arrived foreign students to quickly feel welcome and at home. State-of-the-art facilities and resources await students on all courses, including the latest Engineering technology, 3D Printing studios, and Horology Workshops, just to name a few. BCU maintains a reputation for having a selective admissions process, so all applicants are recommended to prepare for their interview thoroughly.

Latest ranking updates for Birmingham City University
  • July 2024: Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities update. Birmingham City University achieves place 1148.
  • June 2024: US News: Best Global Universities update. Birmingham City University achieves place 1291.
  • June 2024: Birmingham City University ranks 1001 in the latest QS World University Rankings from British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK.
  • May 2024: New edition of CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject (Business & Management Studies). Birmingham City University ranked #76.
271 Bachelor and Masters - Course Catalogue Admission advice for international students

University rankings

Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings

Chart Data

Subject rankings

Architecture, Building & Planning

    • #19 
    • #24 
    Architecture
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #20 
    • #26 
    Architecture
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #27 
    • #34 
    Architecture
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]

Arts Visual & Performing

    • #11 
    • #11 
    Creative Writing
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #34 
    • #37 
    Creative Writing
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #17 
    • #18 
    Music
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #19 
    • #22 
    Music
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #18 
    • #23 
    Music
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]

Business

    • #42 
    • #51 
    Marketing
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]

Computer Science

    • #41 
    • #57 
    Computer Science
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #53 
    • #69 
    Computer Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #46 
    • #601 
    Computer Science
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]

Design

    • #17 
    • #21 
    Graphic Design
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #23 
    • #25 
    Interior Design
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Education

    • #32 
    • #39 
    Education
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #44 
    • #56 
    Education
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #62 
    • #77 
    Education
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #48 
    • #501 
    Education
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]

Engineering

    • #21 
    • #31 
    Civil Engineering
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #23 
    • #34 
    Civil Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #27 
    • #39 
    Civil Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #39 
    • #501 
    Engineering
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #50 
    • #63 
    Mechanical Engineering
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #50 
    • #65 
    Mechanical Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #54 
    • #67 
    Mechanical Engineering
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Journalism & Media Studies

    • #34 
    • #40 
    Journalism
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Languages & Literature

    • #24 
    • #31 
    English
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #45 
    • #56 
    English
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #71 
    • #85 
    English
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Law

    • #67 
    • #84 
    Law
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #72 
    • #90 
    Law
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #81 
    • #99 
    Law
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #49 
    • #61 
    Economics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #55 
    • #69 
    Economics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #58 
    • #70 
    Economics
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #46 
    • #60 
    Psychology
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #53 
    • #70 
    Psychology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #57 
    • #77 
    Psychology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #76 
    • #601 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #28 
    • #37 
    Social Work
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #38 
    • #45 
    Social Work
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #39 
    • #50 
    Social Work
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #52 
    • #64 
    Sociology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #58 
    • #71 
    Sociology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]

Sports Science

    • #30 
    • #37 
    Sports Science
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #49 
    • #64 
    Sports Science
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 15 September, 2023]
    • #56 
    • #72 
    Sports Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]

Highest subject rankings for Birmingham City University

Creative Writing The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#11 
Arts Visual & Performing
Graphic Design The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#21 
Design
Architecture The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#24 
Architecture, Building & Planning
Civil Engineering The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#31 
Engineering
English The Times Good University Guide by Subject
#31 
Languages & Literature
Social Work The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#37 
Social Studies & Humanities
Sports Science The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#37 
Sports Science
Education The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#39 
Education
Journalism The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
#40 
Journalism & Media Studies
Marketing CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
#51 
Business

Student Ratings for Birmingham City University

Student satisfaction
All - aggregated:
3.2 (based on 3039 student ratings)
NSS logo NSS ratings:
3.7 (based on 2985 student ratings)
facebook logo Facebook ratings:
3.2 (based on 54 student ratings)

“I’ve found the lecturers to be quite supportive and always willing to help their students. I am happy with my experience overall, I just wish there were more of a sociable university feeling on-campus, as people keep to themselves more than I expected as an international student.”

“I’ve already had the chance to work on producing a movie’s soundtrack just 4 months after graduating from my Sound Engineering and Production course, and I expect to be called back again in the future.”

About Birmingham City University

PROS

  • Students are happy with the fact that lecturers make an effort to help their students as individuals, learning their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Employment opportunities are varied in Birmingham, giving recently -graduated students the chance to start working as soon as possible. Many students even look for part -time work while studying, as there are options here.
  • There are many designated study and relaxation areas, giving learners the facilities they need for both socializing and for getting to work.

CONS

  • There’s a lack of school spirit, according to students who say that most people at BCU just keep to themselves.
  • Students have expressed that communication from admin can be poor, especially when it comes to the changing of exam dates and similar issues.

Key facts

Foundation year:
1992
Telephone:
+44 121 331 5000
Address:
15 Bartholomew Row
B5 5JU, Birmingham
England UK
Website:
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/
Social:
Nobel prize laureates:
Norman Haworth (Birmingham City University, 1937)

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Business Graduate Degrees/ Master Degrees
    • 6.0
    • General Requirements
    • 7.0
    • LLM
    • 6.0
    • MBA & MSc
  • BCU Student Stories: Student Accommodation
  • Birmingham City University graduates, advice on making the most of starting out at university.
  • University Q&A | Accommodation, facilities + social life
  • Why choose Birmingham City University (BCU)?
  • Being an international student at Birmingham City University
  • Why we love Birmingham City University!

NSS Aggregate Student reviews

Below you see the results of Birmingham City University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall student satisfaction
74 /100
2985 total respondents
Chart Data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2023. The Overall student satisfaction data point is from 2022 (latest available year). The Office for Students made the unfortunate decision to discontinue collecting overall student satisfaction data points per course.
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 190 students of Birmingham City University participated in the survey.

Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for Birmingham City University in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall score: 72.5

Chart Data
Source: Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018
Data is from 2018 which was the last year for which the survey was published. Survey was discontinued after 2018. Details of Methodology

Student composition of Birmingham City University

Students by level of study Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
undergraduates:
20675
postgraduates:
5010
Total:
25685
Students by subject Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
Nursing and Midwifery:
5620
Business and Management:
3850
Creative Arts and Design:
2300
Education and Teaching:
2140
Law:
1405
Computing:
1340
Sociology:
1320
Psychology:
1255
Architecture, Building and Planning:
1255
Performing Arts:
940
Electrical And Electronic Engineering:
790
Mechanical Engineering:
740
Biosciences:
575
Sport and Exercise Sciences:
405
Social Policy:
310
English Studies:
275
Civil Engineering:
95
Materials and Technology:
50
Foreign students by nationality Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023
India:
1600
China:
555
Nigeria:
495
Pakistan:
220
Bangladesh:
70
Malaysia:
55
Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China):
40
Ghana:
35
United States:
30
Iran:
30
Egypt:
30
Vietnam:
25
Zimbabwe:
25
Sri Lanka:
25
Taiwan:
25
Tanzania:
20
Kenya:
20
United Arab Emirates:
20
Saudi Arabia:
15
Philippines:
15
Qatar:
15
Nepal:
15
Oman:
10
South Africa:
10
Canada:
10
Thailand:
10
Indonesia:
10
Korea (South):
10
Occupied Palestinian Territories {formerly West Ba:
5
Israel:
5
Kuwait:
5
Lebanon:
5
Japan:
5
Syria:
5
Yemen:
5
Jamaica:
5
Montserrat:
5
Sint Maarten (Dutch part):
5
Brazil:
5
Libya:
5
Norway:
5
Russia:
5
Switzerland:
5
Turkey:
5
Ukraine:
5
Angola:
5
Cameroon:
5
Gambia, The:
5
Bahrain:
5
Morocco:
5
Rwanda:
5
Sierra Leone:
5
Zambia:
5
Afghanistan:
5
Brunei:
5
Albania:
5
Singapore:
5
Source: Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on January 2023

Campuses of Birmingham City University

Millennium Point Campus
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Curzon Building Campus
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Parkside Building Campus
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Margaret Street
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City South Campus, Edgbaston
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Vittoria Street
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South and City College Birmingham
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School of Acting, Bournville
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Main Site
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National Institute of Conductive Ed
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Aston Villa Foundation
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City Centre Campuses
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Birmingham School of Art, Margaret Street
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BMet (Matt Boulton)
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Other universities in Birmingham:

FAQ

Birmingham City University ranks #66 in England UK in our meta ranking of 123 university rankings. See rankings of all 382 universities in England UK.

Birmingham City University ranks #3 in Birmingham in our meta ranking. See rankings of all 8 universities in Birmingham.

Birmingham City University is listed in The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian League Table, CUG The Complete University Guide, THE World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, US News: Best Global Universities and more. See all 17 rankings of Birmingham City University.

Birmingham City University achieved #11 in . This is the university’s highest ranking in the 123 rankings tracked on our website. See all rankings for Birmingham City University.

Birmingham City University achieved the highest ranking for Arts Visual & Performing. It is ranked #1 in The Guardian University League Tables by Subject (Film Production and Photography). See all subject rankings for Birmingham City University.

A large number of university rankings include surveys among academics on reputation. In our meta ranking of 123 university rankings Birmingham City University ranks #3 among universities in Birmingham and #66 among universities in England UK. See all rankings of Birmingham City University.

In our meta ranking Birmingham City University ranks #66 among all universities in England UK and University of Oxford ranks #1. See all rankings of universities in Birmingham. Apart from rankings you may also want to see the ratings from students who attended the universities.
271 Bachelor and Masters - Course Catalogue
Admission advice for international students