The School of Media at Birmingham City University is a hub of creativity and innovation. It is a place where students learn and actively create and question, preparing to dive into the dynamic world of media. Boasting fantastic facilities, including the renowned HuffPost Centre for Journalism, this school focuses on moulding students into industry-ready professionals.
The School of Media takes a hands-on approach, blending classroom learning with exciting work placements, ensuring graduates step confidently into their media careers. Courses cater to undergraduates, postgraduates, and professionals, delivering key skills the industry demands. Collaboration is key at BCU. The school actively partners with businesses and other universities, offering students opportunities for workplace experience in creative companies.
Learn more about why Birmingham City University is the perfect place to boost your career in media below. If you want to study media courses and journalism in the UK, enquire today.
Why Study Media at Birmingham City University?
Whether pursuing an undergraduate course or a postgraduate degree in media, Birmingham City University has a programme to suit your interests.
1. In-depth course curriculum
Whether you're passionate about journalism, media and communication, media production, music business, sports journalism, or data journalism, Birmingham City University's School of Media courses are crafted to equip you with cutting-edge skills and real-world insights.
For journalists, the BA (Hons) Journalism and BA (Hons) Sports Journalism programmes offer agility and independence in reporting, providing the knowledge required to excel in the field. If your interests lie in the broader spectrum of media, the BA (Hons) in Media and Communication explore production, theory, and professionalism, setting a solid platform for further study or industry entry.
For postgraduate students, the MA in Data Journalism offers interactive storytelling skills, vital for a growing number of media-related jobs. The MA Media Production course provides a clear progression pathway for those looking to kickstart or enhance their careers in television and radio.
These courses aren't just about theory; they're designed to prepare you for the real challenges of the media industry, making Birmingham City University the ideal place to turn your passion into a profession.
2. Ranking and reputation
Birmingham City University (BCU) stands tall in education, ranked 17th in the UK for media and film studies by the Guardian University Guide 2024. Beyond rankings, BCU has earned acclaim at events like the 2022 Multicultural Business and Community Champion Awards, showcasing its impact. Recognised as Higher Education Provider of the Year in 2022 at the Education Awards, BCU's reputation for excellence makes it a top choice for those seeking a quality education and a pathway to success.
- Led by experienced faculty
A stellar team of experienced faculty guides your media journey at Birmingham City University.
|
Faculty Member |
Position/Role |
Expertise |
|---|---|---|
|
Ross Hawkes |
Journalism Pathway Lead |
Sports writing, sub-editing, page design, news reporting, web editing, digital programme leadership |
|
Dave Harte |
Deputy Head of English and Media |
Associate Professor in Journalism and Media Studies; expertise in hyperlocal news websites |
|
Dr Sarah Wood |
Head of English and Media |
Research interests in feminism and science fiction |
|
Dr Trust Matsilele |
Senior Lecturer in Journalism |
Interdisciplinary research in changing journalism ecologies, recruitment practices, technology |
3. Placements and internship opportunities
Birmingham City University's media courses prioritise employability by blending practical expertise with rigorous academic knowledge. Graduates consistently excel in media-related roles, securing positions like social media editor, reporter, and trending video editor. The curriculum fosters industry connections, offering insights from guest speakers, industry projects, and hack days with influential names like the BBC and The Times.
Placements provide hands-on experience, with students working at renowned organisations such as the BBC and Trinity Mirror. Noteworthy successes include graduates securing journalism jobs even before completing their degrees, showcasing the programme's effectiveness in preparing students for immediate career success. The School of Media's commitment to practical learning and industry collaboration solidifies its reputation for producing job-ready graduates.
4. Variety of scholarships
Birmingham City University (BCU) warmly welcomes international students, offering merit-based scholarships to recognise and reward academic talents. A scholarship of up to £2,000 is available for undergraduates, directly deducted from the first year's tuition fees. This financial support is determined by your academic background, ensuring that your hard work is acknowledged.
Similarly, international postgraduate students can benefit from merit-based scholarships. The partial scholarship, up to £2,000, is applied towards tuition fees. The award amount is contingent on your academic achievements, ranging from £2,000 for first-class degree holders to £1,000 for second-class (lower division) or 2:2 degree holders.
5. Great facilities
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge facilities at Birmingham City University, shaping your learning experience in a state-of-the-art environment. With a substantial investment of £340 million, the City Centre Campus hosts the £62 million fully digital Media Centre. Explore extensive studio and workshop spaces boasting four TV studios, six radio studios, and broadcast-standard edit suites.
- Digital Media Centre: A £62 million hub equipped with extensive studio and workshop space.
- TV Studios: Four studios, three capable of live multi-camera production, interconnected for versatility.
- MILO Motion Control Camera: Exclusive technology, syncing CGI with live images for advanced productions.
- Studio A: The UK's largest university TV studio, ideal for diverse show formats.
- Post-Production Suites: Four Avid editing suites for film and TV projects, specialising in Audio Finishing and Colour Grading.
- Dubbing Suites: Full broadcast-standard suites with ProTools desks for ADR and Foley recording.
- Green Screen Studio (Studio B): A three-story high studio with a motion control camera for CGI integration.
- Studio C: A 1900 sq ft studio with separate production and sound galleries, ensuring optimal acoustics.
This exceptional infrastructure ensures students access state-of-the-art resources, providing a comprehensive and hands-on media education at Birmingham City University.
- Accommodation
Birmingham City University offers diverse student accommodations tailored to individual preferences. Whether you prefer a lively city centre atmosphere or a tranquil setting, there's an option:
- University Locks: Convenient city living next to the Curzon building on the City Centre Campus with easy transportation access.
- Jennens Court: Ideal for on-campus living adjacent to Millennium Point on the City Centre Campus, providing proximity to city amenities.
- The Heights: A 10-minute walk from the city centre, offering convenient living for City Centre Campus students.
- Lakeside: Vibrant student community, modern comforts, and an ideal student living experience.
- Staniforth House: A 10-minute walk from the City Centre, providing City Centre Campus students a convenient city living environment.
- Queen's Hospital Close: Located on Bath Row, a 20-minute walk to City South Campus, with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and bars.
- Bentley House: A 10-minute walk from the City Centre, suitable for City Centre Campus students seeking a convenient city living experience.
- Beech Gardens: A 15-minute walk from Birmingham City University South Campus, offering an ideal student living environment with spacious garden areas.
- The Old Fire Station: Conveniently located a 5-minute walk from the City Centre, perfect for students seeking a unique city living experience in a distinctive setting.
These varied accommodation options ensure that Birmingham City University students can find the perfect living arrangement to suit their preferences and needs while pursuing their studies.
- Library
Birmingham City University boasts a diverse library network tailored to specific faculties. The expansive Curzon Library serves Business, Law, Social Sciences, Arts, Design, Media, and Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment. The Mary Seacole Library offers a rich collection and specialised Health, Education, and Life Sciences support. The School of Art Library at Margaret Street supports fine art courses, while the School of Jewellery Library in the Jewellery Quarter caters to jewellery, silversmithing, and horology programmes. These strategically located libraries ensure students have comprehensive access to resources aligned with their disciplines, enhancing the learning experience across various faculties at the university.
Entry requirements and tuition fees
For admission to Birmingham City University's media courses, entry requirements include a minimum of 28 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma or BBC/112 UCAS points in A Level and Advanced VCE, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. Up to four subjects are considered, including A/S Levels or Level 3 equivalents.
The Journalism BA (Hons) has an international fee of £16,085, while the Media Production MA has an international fee of £17,710. These fees reflect the cost for international students pursuing these courses at the university.
Study at Birmingham City University
If you want to study for a media degree at Birmingham City University, contact SI-UK for a free consultation today.
Media at BCU FAQ
What makes Birmingham City University a great choice for media studies?
Birmingham City University is an excellent choice for media studies due to its cutting-edge facilities, experienced faculty, and diverse course options. In addition, BCU is ranked 17th in the UK for media and film studies, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.
What career opportunities can I expect after studying media at Birmingham City University?
Graduates from Birmingham City University's media programmes often land roles such as social media editor, reporter, or trending video producer. The university's strong links with industry giants like the BBC and Sky and practical-focused courses enhance the chances of success in the dynamic media field.
Are there any internship or work placement opportunities for media students?
Birmingham City University promotes practical learning, and media students have internships and work placement opportunities. The university collaborates with major media outlets like the BBC and Trinity Mirror, providing valuable industry experience and enhancing students' employability.
Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available for students?
Birmingham City University offers merit-based scholarships for international students. Undergraduates may receive up to £2,000, while postgraduates can get a partial scholarship of up to £2,000 based on academic performance. These scholarships help ease the financial burden for students pursuing their education.
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