The University of Central England in Birmingham (UCE) is a thriving, urban institution and one of the country’s newest universities, established in 1992. Despite its new title, the University has played a prominent role in higher education for over a hundred years.

UCE is diverse in every sphere. Its students come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, vary greatly in age and cover a number of nationalities, thus making an important contribution to the academic and cultural life of the University.

UCE’s International Admissions Office takes a special interest in the needs of overseas students and each year an increasing number of students come from non-EU countries. At present there are students from more than 70 countries outside the EU with significant numbers from the Far East, Norway, Africa and the Indian sub-continent.

There are many reasons why international students choose to study at UCE: modern teaching facilities; fixed fees for the course duration; guaranteed accommodation for the course duration; vocational courses to help maximise employment potential; free English language support; and a range of international student support services.

Academic strengths
UCE is committed to providing programmes of academic excellence in modern, well-equipped surroundings. Quality course provision is of paramount importance to UCE and rigorous systems are in place to evaluate and improve the quality of its students' experiences.

UCE offers a wide choice of innovative courses covering a range of subject areas, grouped into seven faculties: Birmingham Institute of Art and Design; the Business School (including Computing); Education (including Teacher Training); the Technology Innovation Centre, offering courses in engineering and computer technology; Health and Community Care; Law, Humanities, Development and Society; and Birmingham Conservatoire.

UCE is proud of it strong links with industry and the professions, which facilitate a highly vocational approach to higher education. Many of UCE’s courses offer the option for students to undertake work experience placements in the UK, further enhancing graduate employability.
Facilities
The University’s Information Services department operates a central library and seven satellite libraries with over 400,000 volumes, where students have ‘open access’ to all computing facilities. The University has halls of residence on three of its sites and all international students are guaranteed a place for the whole duration of the course.

Student Services provides a wide range of guidance and support services to ensure students make the most of their time at university. Support includes administrative services, careers advice, a chaplaincy, child care, counselling, disability services, financial advice, a student job shop and health care services.

Advisers are available for individual discussion of any aspects of career planning. They can help students on any matter, from deciding on appropriate careers, to helping design an effective CV.

Student life
The Union of Students at UCE provides everything necessary for fun and fulfilling student days and nights. It offers a wide variety of student-friendly services, including sporting, social and special interest activities; support, advice and information on just about any issue; and represents students’ interests throughout the University and beyond.

UCE's location in the lively city of Birmingham guarantees students access to the very best in entertainments, facilities and attractions.