Birmingham City University (BCU) is investing more than £500,000 into upgrading photography, film and media kits for students.
The funding will deliver significant upgrades to industry-standard equipment and refurbish the sets in two of the five studios in the University’s Parkside building, as BCU looks to capitalise on the West Midlands’ rapidly expanding creative sector.
Ranked among the UK’s top 10 institutions for Film and Photography courses for three consecutive years (2024–2026), BCU continues to build on its reputation for excellence in creative education.
“It’s an exciting time to be studying film, photography, media and journalism at BCU,” said Dr Matthew Day, head of Department of English and Media.
“The investment in new equipment and studio sets will bring new creative opportunities for our students and give them more opportunities to grow and develop their ideas.”
Dr Day added: “These enhanced resources complement the strength of our teaching quality, workshops, the breadth of our industry speakers, and our sector-leading partnerships.
“We are committed to ensuring our students graduate with the skills, expertise and professional experience needed to succeed in the creative industries.”
The upgrades mark one of the University’s biggest investments in Film, Photography and Media programmes since the Parkside building opened in 2014.
The range of new equipment includes:
With access to the latest professional equipment, students will be able to develop the skills they need to meet the needs identified in the Government report on growing creative industries in the UK.
Chun Yin Chan, a BA Digital Film Production student, said: “BCU has given me the space and tools to experience the professional industry first-hand. This investment means I will be able to use high-end technology to tell my own stories and will also get me ready for future employment opportunities.”
