University College Birmingham - History

History

The college was originally founded as part of Birmingham's Municipal Technical School in the 19th century, but became a separate College of Bakery, Catering, Domestic Science and Associated Studies (later Birmingham College of Food and Domestic Arts) under the control of Birmingham City Council in 1957. It moved to its present site in Summer Row in 1968 and was renamed Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies (BCFTCS) in the 1980s to reflect the breadth of courses it by then offered. Its name was changed again, to University College Birmingham (UCB), in 2007.

As part of a general re-organisation of further education in the United Kingdom, the college became independent of council control on April 1, 1993. Continued expansion led to the college being re-classified as part of the higher education sector from August 1, 2002, although it continues to offer further education courses as well. Its degrees are awarded by the University of Birmingham.

The college opened a second teaching building in 2001 at Richmond House, in nearby Newhall Street which houses its hairdressing and beauty salons and sports therapy suites, both of which are open to the public. Further Education courses in sport and tourism are also taught there. In 2008, UCB opened its new multi-million pound Postgraduate Centre at George Street - a dedicated teaching and research facility for its postgraduate students.

In addition, the college has Halls of Residence, with space for 872 students, at The Maltings and Cambrian Hall, which are both situated just off Broad Street, the main entertainment district in the city. The new development at The Maltings also includes a sports hall, shop and student bar.

Currently the college has 13,970 students in total, including 440 postgraduates, 3,195 undergraduates and 10,335 further education students, around 10% of whom are from outside the United Kingdom. UCB was rated as 'outstanding' by OFSTED in 2009. It is also one of the few universities or colleges in the UK with Hospitality Assured status. It also currently holds the Beacon Status, Catey Education and Training Award, Investors in People, Charter Mark and the Matrix award.

The college was granted the right to award its own degrees by the Privy Council in November 2007, giving it the status of a university college. In January 2008 this was reflected when it was renamed University College Birmingham.