BIMM University
Birmingham, United Kingdom
BIMM University
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Founded
2001
Institution Type
Private University
Total Students
9,000+
Campuses
9 Locations
Discover BIMM University: The UK's Creative Industries University
Discover BIMM University: The UK's Creative Industries University
BIMM University is a private institution specialising in music, film, performing arts, and creative technology. Originally founded in 2001 as the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, it was granted full university status by the UK Department for Education in 2022, making it one of the UK's newest universities dedicated to the creative industries.
The Birmingham campus, opened in 2017 by Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, is situated on Floodgate Street in the vibrant Digbeth creative quarter. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in music performance, songwriting, music production, music business, event management, and music marketing, all taught by industry-practitioner lecturers.
BIMM University is the second largest provider of creative industries higher education in the UK, serving over 9,000 students across nine campuses in the UK, Ireland, and Germany. The university was granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers by the Privy Council in 2019 and is registered with the Office for Students.
Key Milestones
- 2001: Founded as the Brighton Institute of Modern Music by Damian Keyes, Kevin Nixon, Bruce Dickinson, and Sarah Clayman.
- 2017: BIMM Institute Birmingham campus opens, expanding the university's reach to the Midlands.
- 2019: Granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers by the Privy Council, enabling BIMM to award its own degrees.
- 2022: Awarded full university status by the Department for Education and renamed BIMM University.
Academic Schools and Programmes at BIMM University
Academic Schools and Programmes at BIMM University
BIMM University is organised into specialist academic schools, each focusing on a distinct area of the creative industries. The university offers more than 30 degree programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, developed in close collaboration with industry professionals to ensure graduates are career-ready.
BIMM Music Institute
The flagship school offering specialist music courses across campuses in Birmingham, London, Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Dublin, and Berlin. Programmes focus on performance, production, songwriting, and music business.
- BA (Hons) Professional Musicianship
- BA (Hons) Music Business
- BA (Hons) Songwriting
MetFilm School
Dedicated to film, television, and online media education. Students graduate as industry-aware screen storytellers ready to work across contemporary film and media platforms.
- BA (Hons) Film Production
- MA Filmmaking
- MA Screenwriting
Performers College
Established over 30 years ago, Performers College offers elite performing arts training across campuses in Brighton, Birmingham, Essex, and Manchester with a focus on dance, acting, and musical theatre.
- BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
- BA (Hons) Dance
- BA (Hons) Acting
MetStudios
The UK's fastest-growing school for games, animation, and VFX, with campuses in London, Berlin, Brighton, Bristol, Leeds, and Manchester, equipping students for careers in the digital creative landscape.
- BA (Hons) Game Design
- BA (Hons) Animation
- BA (Hons) Visual Effects
Northern Ballet School
Partnered with Performers College Manchester, Northern Ballet School is an international centre of excellence in training for classical ballet and musical theatre, producing technically skilled and artistically accomplished performers.
- BA (Hons) Dance (Classical Ballet)
- Diploma in Professional Dance
- BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
BIMM University Berlin
Located in Germany's cultural capital, BIMM Berlin offers English-taught Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in music, filmmaking, acting, and games within a thriving international creative community.
- BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production
- BA (Hons) Film Production
- MA Music Production
Admission Requirements for BIMM University
Admission Requirements for BIMM University
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationsMinimum 2 A-levels at grade C or above, or BTEC equivalent at Level 3. UCAS tariff points vary by course (32-96 points).
- IB DiplomaInternational Baccalaureate Diploma accepted with overall score of 24-27 points depending on course.
- English LanguageIELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent approved English language qualification. Scores must be no older than two years.
- Audition / PortfolioPerformance courses require an audition (in person or via Zoom). Production and film courses may require a portfolio submission.
- Application MethodApply via UCAS or directly through the BIMM website. International students can apply directly online.
Postgraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationsA relevant undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent professional experience in the creative industries.
- English LanguageIELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent. Test scores must be no older than two years at the start of the course.
- Portfolio / AuditionA portfolio, showreel, or audition may be required depending on the programme. Details provided upon application.
- Personal StatementA personal statement outlining your creative ambitions, relevant experience, and reasons for choosing BIMM University.
- ReferencesAt least one academic or professional reference supporting your application.
Submit your UCAS application by this date to be considered equally alongside all other applicants.
Last date for UCAS applications. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Direct applications to BIMM are accepted after this date for the upcoming academic year.
Final enrolment deadline to avoid disruption from missed early assessments. Late enrolments considered case-by-case.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at BIMM University
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at BIMM University
BIMM University offers competitive tuition fees within the creative arts education sector. Fees vary depending on your residency status, course level, and campus location. The university also provides scholarships and bursaries to support talented students.
| Fee Category | UK / Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,790 | GBP 15,950 |
| Postgraduate Tuition (per year) | Contact university for current fees | Contact university for current fees |
| Diploma Programmes (per year) | GBP 6,950 | Contact university for current fees |
| Deposit Required | Required upon accepting offer | Required before CAS is issued |
| Total | GBP 9,790 per year (UG) | GBP 15,950 per year (UG) |
Early Confirmation Discount
International students who accept their offer and pay their deposit early can receive a tuition fee discount for each year of study. This scholarship is automatically applied upon enrolment.
- Amount: GBP 2,000 per year
- Eligibility: Overseas applicants ineligible for home fee status
- Condition: Cannot be combined with other discounts or scholarships
Creative Futures Alumni Discount
BIMM University alumni who return for postgraduate study receive a tuition fee discount as recognition of their continued creative development within the BIMM community.
- Amount: GBP 1,000 (UK) / EUR 1,000 (Ireland/Germany)
- Eligibility: Graduates of any BIMM University programme
- Applies To: Full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes
Campus and Facilities at BIMM Birmingham
Campus and Facilities at BIMM Birmingham
BIMM Music Institute Birmingham is located on Floodgate Street in the Digbeth creative quarter, a short walk from Birmingham Moor Street and New Street stations. The purpose-built facility houses state-of-the-art recording studios, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues equipped with industry-leading technology.
Industry-standard recording studios equipped with specialist production equipment for hands-on music creation and production coursework.
Dedicated performance spaces where students can rehearse, perform, and develop their stage craft in a professional concert environment.
Purpose-built teaching rooms with specialist workstations for music business, marketing, event management, and digital music production courses.
Housing and Student Support
Accommodation
BIMM University does not provide its own on-campus accommodation. However, the university partners with student housing providers to help students find suitable private accommodation in Birmingham.
- Partnership with Amber student accommodation provider
- Private halls of residence near campus
- Accommodation guides covering areas, transport, and budgeting
Student Services
Each BIMM campus has a dedicated Student Services Team offering support on health and wellbeing, housing, finance, learning support, and general student life queries.
- Health and wellbeing support services
- Financial guidance and tuition fee advice
- Learning support and academic assistance
Student Life at BIMM University Birmingham
Student Life at BIMM University Birmingham
Student life at BIMM University blends creativity, community, and career-building in a way few traditional institutions can match. Birmingham's vibrant music scene, cultural diversity, and affordable cost of living make it an exciting base for aspiring creative professionals.
Birmingham: A City of Musical Heritage and Creative Energy
Birmingham: A City of Musical Heritage and Creative Energy
Living and Studying in Birmingham
Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city, renowned for its strong musical heritage as the birthplace of Black Sabbath, Electric Light Orchestra, and The Streets. The Digbeth area where BIMM is located is the city's thriving creative quarter, home to independent venues, galleries, and a growing community of artists and musicians.
Musical Heritage
Birmingham has produced legendary artists across genres from heavy metal to grime. Venues like the O2 Institute and Sunflower Lounge offer regular live music opportunities.
Affordable Living
Compared to London and other major UK cities, Birmingham offers a significantly lower cost of living while providing all the amenities of a major metropolitan centre.
Excellent Transport Links
BIMM Birmingham is a short walk from Moor Street and New Street stations, with direct rail connections to London in just over an hour and easy access to the wider Midlands region.
Cultural Diversity
Birmingham is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK, offering a rich mix of food, arts, and community events that inspire creativity and broaden perspectives.
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Notable Alumni and Industry Connections
Practical Information for Prospective Students
Practical Information for Prospective Students
For International Students
BIMM University is a registered UKVI sponsor and can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The International Admissions and Immigration teams provide guidance throughout the visa application process.
BIMM offers a Pre-sessional English Programme for students who need to improve their English before starting their course. Various approved English language tests are accepted for admission.
International students may access the FINS European loan scheme for up to EUR 25,000, regional discounts, and the Early Confirmation Discount of GBP 2,000 per year for overseas applicants.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
BIMM University Recognition and Rankings
BIMM University Recognition and Rankings
As a specialist creative arts institution, BIMM University does not typically appear in traditional global university rankings such as QS or Times Higher Education, which focus on broad-discipline institutions. However, BIMM has earned significant recognition within the creative industries and music education sector for its practical, industry-focused approach and strong graduate outcomes.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Music Performance | Billboard | Top Music Business Schools (4th consecutive year) |
| Creative Industries Education | UK Department for Education | Full University Status Awarded 2022 |
| Degree Awarding Standards | Privy Council / QAA | Taught Degree Awarding Powers (2019) |
| Quality Assurance | Office for Students (OfS) | Registered Provider |
Features
BIMM focuses especially on music, film & TV, performing arts, creative technology, theatre, screen media, etc. Their courses are designed to directly meet current industry demands.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
38‑42 Brunswick St West\nHove\nEast Sussex\nBN3 1EL\nUnited Kingdom \nbimm.university
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