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The University of Central England in Birmingham (UCE) is located in Birmingham, England. The main campus is at Perry Barr.
It has one of the largest faculties of art, design and media education in the United Kingdom.
Birmingham Polytechnic
Before it became a university, by statute on March 6 1992, it was City of Birmingham Polytechnic, run by Birmingham City Council.
Although Birmingham had had a polytechinic from 1843-1853, this one was created in 1971 from five colleges:
- Birmingham College of Art (originally the Birmingham Government School of Design, founded in October 1843
- Birmingham School of Music (developed as a department of the Birmingham and Midland Institute in around 1859)
- Birmingham College of Commerce (originally a branch school of the Birmingham Central Technical College, which went on to become Aston University
- South Birmingham Technical College (opened in 1961)
- North Birmingham Technical College (formerly Aston Technical College).
In 1975, three further colleges were absorbed:
- Anstey College of Physical Education (founded as a private college for women in 1897
- Bordesley College of Education (founded a local education authority (LEA) Day Training College for women teachers in 1963).
- City of Birmingham College of Education (founded as an LEA Emergency Teacher Training College in 1948).
In 1988, another was added:
- Bournville College of Art.
Incorporation
On April 1 1989, the Education Reform Act made this and all polytechnics independent corporations with charitable status.
University status
The Further and Higher Education Act was given Royal Assent on March 6 1992, allowing all polytechnics to adopt the title of 'university'
The name University of Central England in Birmingham was approved by the Privy Council on the June 16 1992.
In 1995, yet another two colleges were absorbed:
- Birmingham and Solihull College of Nursing and Midwifery
- West Midlands School of Radiography.
Merger proposals
In November 2003, the UCE asked neighbouring Aston University to consider a merger. This was rejected, as was a separate proposal to merge with the University of Birmingham.
Faculties
The UCE now has 9 faculties:
- Birmingham Conservatoire
- Birmingham Institute of Art & Design
- Built Environment
- Business School
- School of Computing & Information
- Education
- Health & Community Care
- Law & Social Sciences
- Technology Innovation Centre
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