Department of Digital
School of Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction
Welcome to our Department of Digital
Thank you for taking the time to check out what we offer at University College Birmingham, the highest-ranking university in the region as voted by students at the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Our student support is the best in the region too, according to students, as is our provision for international students and postgraduates.
If you are looking at joining us to carve out a career in digital, here is a glimpse into our student and staff community - with insight into the placements and enrichment we offer - to see if we are right for you.
Kanwal Rauf
Head of the Department of Digital
Welcome from Kanwal Rauf
Demand for tech experts in the UK and globally is growing and our digital courses in everything from computing to cyber security, one of the most in-demand tech roles, are led by specialists in the field. I, myself, have worked in industry and at many UK colleges, so know the importance of hands-on industry experience and the highest quality training to prepare students for employment in the field.
Our students benefit from a dynamic learning environment where coursework champions the practical application of knowledge and skills, all aligning to the top ten skills currently being demanded by employers and IT firms. And we really do have stand-out facilities, including suites of top-spec computers and a dedicated cyber security lab to develop your advanced knowledge and skills.
With high graduate salaries and plenty of progression routes, there's never been a better time to be starting a career in the digital field. We look forward to welcoming you to our department.
*Kanwal has worked in higher education for over a decade, including as a course lecturer and manager for computing, media and games
“If you're anything like me, you'll have always been fascinated by how things work and are built, and if you are joining our university, you really will get the very best, most advanced training, with access to incredible networks and opportunities."
What’s happening
University launches government-funded pilot to upskill adult learners
The Introduction to Cyber Security and Introduction to Digital Marketing courses are part of the Modular Acceleration Pro…
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New business and computing access courses launched to open path to university
University College Birmingham has stepped up its support for adults who want to move up in their education journe…
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Shania Sheldon
Shania was seriously contemplating studying maths at degree level when she was introduced to coding and instantly “clicked” with computer science at University College Birmingh…
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University brings computer science to life to encourage girls into tech careers
Girls from city schools are set to perform a virtual reality patient healthcheck, take part in a ‘Wall Street’…
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International winner and Uni of the Year runner-up in student choice awards
University College Birmingham has won the International award and was crowned University of the Year runner-up in t…
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National Cyber Security Show
Our students visited the 2023 National Cyber Security Show at the NEC in Birmingham, learning more about the industry and receiving valuable insight from employers. Scroll for more >>>
National Cyber Security Show (cont'd)
Our students were given industry insight on work experience opportunities, career development and how to achieve their future goals in the cyber security field.
Siemens cyber workshop
Guest speaker Michael Burke delivered a Siemens OT Cyber Security training workshop at the GBSIoT hub for our students. The session was not only truly enjoyable and informative, but highlighted the potential synergy and relationship between industrial (OT) cyber security and IT cyber security.
Beyond the classroom
At University College Birmingham, we offer education and training that goes far beyond everyday classes and lectures. We are committed to providing additional enrichment opportunities for our students, from industry trips and expert visits to linkups with local charities, entry into competitions and much more.
Scroll through the slides to find out more about what's been going on recently in our department:
Edward Bird
Deputy Dean (Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction)
Meet Edward Bird
My role across the School of Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction is quite broad, with responsibilities for quality, teaching and learning as well as curriculum development and innovation, ensuring that we are at the cutting edge of our subject sectors.
The school is developing rapidly and there has been a huge amount of interest in our courses both at college and university level. We are currently expanding our postgraduate offer to include an MSc in Computer Science and MSc in Engineering Management, both from September 2023.
We have worked closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Institute of Technology and employers to ensure that all of our courses offer excellent opportunities for students to progress into fulfilling careers in STEM or further study.
*Edward has a background in software and web development
Our teaching and learning
Whether you want to become an IT expert or cyber security specialist, or work in another digital-focused career, our aim is simple - to turn you into a stand-out professional. We have an award-winning reputation for the highest quality courses and a learning experience that sets us apart from bigger universities.
Our degrees are designed to develop you personally and professionally, with graduate advantage, employability and enrichment sessions threaded throughout the curriculum, sitting alongside really interesting theory modules. Our partnership with the University of Warwick, a top-ranking Russell Group university, also brings extra opportunities including access to guest speakers and additional resources.
Theory
Our courses are developed and taught by experienced lecturing staff, meaning they can draw on their industry expertise and years of experience to make scenario-based discussions, debates and concepts come to life, supporting the linking of theory to practice.
You will learn so much from our lecturing teams, who are passionate about their profession and eager to inspire and nurture the next generation of IT professionals.
We also have many invited guest lecturers from industry participate in our courses, sharing their knowledge and experiences to enhance your learning.
Students also have a lot to bring and as a team, we will also learn a lot from you! We encourage you to share your perspectives and viewpoints, especially when reflecting on your own life and placement experiences.
Practical
Placements are key to success as employers want you to have real experience. We have excellent links with industy so we can allocate you to a diverse range of placements.
This exposure to different learning environments opens opportunities for you when you qualify. And you will receive real-life training in our IT suites and Cyber Security Lab.
Support
Our support is exceptional, so much so, our students voted to make us the winner of the Student Support award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022 and we came a close second in 2023. In 2024, we were voted the best for student support in the West Midlands.
Throughout your studies, you will not only have a personal tutor, but a link tutor during placements and module leaders to support you through academic modules. And we have a whole range of additional support services available, providing you with as much or as little support as you need to succeed in your degree. Our smaller teaching groups enable all students to grow and flourish, with strong peer support and friendship.
Our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2021-24 is key to how we approach the educational journey, focusing on three main pillars that set out our commitment to your learning and teaching experience while you are studying with us.
- Pillar 1 – Provide accessible and inclusive teaching and learning across a wide range of vocationally-led courses
- Pillar 2 – Develop next generation opportunities and skills through innovative, future-focused curriculum and pedagogy
- Pillar 3 – Shape local and global sectors, promoting sustainable futures and global citizenship
IT suites and cyber lab
We have invested £200 million into our university facilities so you can learn in outstanding training environments approved by industry.
Students on our digital courses learn in our top specification computing rooms with course-specific software, while our Cyber Security Lab gives students te chance to learn and participate in cyber-related activities in a controlled environment. Located in Camden House, the computing suites and Cyber Security Lab enable students to experiment and experience a range of scenarios safely using a discrete network.
You will also have access to our Digital Creative Studio featuring industry-standard media equipment.
Our courses
Computer Science BSc (Hons) / FdSc
Open the doors to a future in the modern world of technology. Our Computer Science degree lets you explore the latest cutting-edge topics in the computing i…
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Cyber Security BSc (Hons) / FdSc
Become part of the fight against cyber attacks and cyber crime by taking this cutting-edge course. Our degree will give you key cyber security skills and up-t…
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Introduction to Cyber Security
Open the doors to a future in the modern world of technology. Our Cyber Security short course lets you explore the latest cutting-edge topics in the cyber indus…
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Computer Science MSc / PGDip
Start up an advanced career in the digital and IT sector with our postgraduate computing course. Learning in cutting-edge facilities, you will study everything fr…
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We look forward to seeing you on campus
As you prepare to join us, here's a refresher on some of the essentials: