Investment into campuses, equipment and resources
CLEARING 2026
A university built around your ambitions
Starting university is a big milestone - and at University College Birmingham, we’re right there with you.
We’re a close-knit, supportive community where learning is hands-on and shaped by the real world. You’ll work alongside lecturers and industry experts, gaining experience that builds confidence and sets you apart.
We put knowledge to work and you won’t just leave with a degree - you’ll learn how to use it, apply it, and turn it into a future you’re proud of.
From UCB to industry
Our graduates are turning their ambitions into successful careers across a range of industries. From founders to future leaders, discover how UCB alumni are making their mark.
James Whiting MBE
Co-founder of The Skinny Food Co
International tourism and business graduate
James co-founded The Skinny Food Co in 2018. In less than five years, The Skinny Food Co went on to make the top 20 in the Sunday Times 100 rankings, as well as appearing twice in the annual FEBE Growth 100 list of the fastest-growing privately-owned businesses in the country.
That success has earned James plenty of industry recognition, including being named in Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 list in 2021, before receiving his MBE in the New Year Honour’s list in January 2026.
Darcy Laceby
Co-founder of Absolute Collagen
Food and Nutrition BSc (Hons) Graduate
At just 28, Darcy is the co-founder of Absolute Collagen, a Certified B Corporation company with a turnover of more than £20 million and a £45 million valuation.
“University College Birmingham allowed me to pursue a degree in something that I am passionate about. This, in turn, allowed me to bring the beginnings of Absolute Collagen into the classroom to explore further.”
In 2022, Darcy featured in Forbes 30 under 30 list.
Photo credit: Absolute Collagen / LinkedIn
Duane Saunders
Sports therapist to global football stars
Sports Therapy BSc (Hons) Graduate
After building experience as a sports therapist and lecturer, Duane now leads medical support at the highest level as Head of Medical for the Guyana men’s national football team. In this role, he coordinates an expert medical team, helping elite athletes stay fit, recover from injury and perform at their best on the international stage.
From preparing players for FIFA World Cup and Olympic qualifiers to supporting major international tournaments, Duane’s career began at University College Birmingham, where he gained the practical skills and confidence to thrive in a competitive industry - and turn ambition into global success.
International students
Discover why international students love studying at University College Birmingham, learn more about our admissions process and entry requirements and check out our amazing range of scholarships.
"
Here, students aren’t just a number. We get to know them as individuals, understand their goals, and support them every step of the way.
Kathryn Hayat
Associate Professor, Head of Department (Business and Enterprise)
"
Here, students aren’t just a number. We get to know them as individuals, understand their goals, and support them every step of the way.
Kathryn Hayat
Associate Professor, Head of Department (Business and Enterprise)
Latest news and insights
Academics shine in new publications - strengthening research led teaching and student…
How our published academics are inspiring students to do the same.
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University lecturer showcases research on visual storytelling at LABRC 2026
Arwen Zheng shares her visual storytelling research at transdisciplinary conference.
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University celebrates double GRAFTA shortlisting
Award shortlisting recognises the impact of HLSM Plus and Graduate Re‑Tune in boosting graduate employability across Birmingham.
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Star graduates celebrated with ‘30 Under 30’ Acorn hospitality award
Two enterprising UCB graduates have been recognised as rising stars of the hospitality industry at the 2026 Acorn Awards.
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Rethinking the MBA for a new generation of leaders
Why the pace and scale of change mean organisations can no longer rely on experience alone - they need adaptable, reflective leaders.
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University's Sustainability Strategy 2025–2030 launched after landmark live event
Successful event boasted 63 registrants and attendees from Jamaica and Nepal.
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Mickey Mouse to moon-based cuisine: Bumper placement roundup 2026
Placements are at the heart of what we do here at UCB, and plenty of our students experience a valuable year in industry.
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A ‘grand’ birthday present to mark World Cocktail Day
Hospitality and tourism students explore their cocktail creativity.
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University College Birmingham reshaping employer engagement for the region’s future
The new Business and Employer Engagement Team, designed to work for employers and students alike.
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Sports Therapy graduate making a difference on the court and in the community
Dominic Hanna’s career began supporting athletes, but he has discovered a side to his work he never expected.
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Bringing industry practice to life: a weekend at Liverpool Comic Con
How Leah Ratcliffe brings Comic Con to the classroom.
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New Two-Day Degree launched to remove biggest barriers to study
University College Birmingham has launched its Two-Day Degree study model for September 2026, opening doors to higher education…
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Early Childhood Studies and Teach Early Years Magazine – a key collaboration
A series of articles will shine a light on the courses and our students' work.
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University’s social work provision receives exemplary Social Work England approval
Report positions University College Birmingham as the leading national benchmark in social work education.
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Malvern Hills: where student insight meets industry impact
Students boast destination tourism success.
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THREE powerful reasons. TWO valuable events. ONE great day.
Two events on one day bring students, staff and stakeholders together.
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Employer scholarships launched to break down barriers for Birmingham students
University College Birmingham has launched the first eight of a suite of new, fully-funded scholarships for stude…
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Prioritising potential, not paperwork: University lifts support allowance to £6,000
The Cost of Living Allowance is rising to £6k for new students.
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Food and nutrition degree receives accreditation from top professional body
University College Birmingham has achieved formal accreditation from the Association for Nutrition (AfN), making it…
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Digital forensics under investigation by cyber security students
A former FBI agent and digital forensics specialist visits as a guest speaker.
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The Roux Scholarship brings chef Adam Smith back home
Alumnus Adam Smith returns as one of the judges for this prestigious competition.
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Cyber security students make national competition regional finals
A team of University College Birmingham undergraduates cracked a complex mock cyber incident in the nail-biting regional fina…
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AWS Academy to equip students with in-demand cloud computing skills
Students will gain access to cloud-focused modules, hands-on learning activities and AWS Academy resources as part of their…
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Hospitality leaders explore why young people should go into today's industry
University College Birmingham teamed up with the Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Midlands to invite leading figure…
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New partnership expands access of award-winning joint pain programme
New partnership gives opportunities for students, as well as providing accredited training.
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University College Birmingham awarded £900,000 capital funding investment
OfS funding will fuel projects designed to enhance our student experience.
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Professor and Dean of STEM celebrated as ‘Built to Inspire’ mural unveiled
DfE campaign celebrates the work of Rosa Wells.
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New Year's Honour kicks off exciting 2026 for graduate James
An entrepreneurial University College Birmingham graduate who built his own multi-million-pound business has high hopes for 2026 a…
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Awards, accreditation and away days: bumper health roundup 2025
We reflect on an amazing year for all staff and students at our Departments of Health and Sport.
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University’s “future-ready” health education to drive delivery of 10-year NHS plan
University College Birmingham’s new learning and teaching strategy is set to play a critical role in meeting…
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University hailed best training provider runner-up at aviation industry awards
University College Birmingham is flying high after being hailed runner-up for best training provider at the avia…
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Contextual admissions – your personal path to progress
University College Birmingham launches it's contextual offers scheme, widening participation for under-represented students.
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University’s Guild of Students officers add their voice to national debate
UCB Guild of Students join a national debate on the post-16 white paper.
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