Being named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times and The Sunday Times GoodUniversity Guide 2015-16 places Birmingham as the UK’s number one university for securing a graduatelevel job and comes just two years after being named University of the Year in 2013-14. These coveted accolades recognise a transformative time in our history characterised by our bold, ambitious strategy and innovative approach to the challenges facing the sector. The University is a pioneer in sector-leading initiatives, including our ‘Birmingham Fellows’ programme, which has so far seen around 70 of the world’s best early career academics join us; and the much-emulated unconditional offers strategy for exceptional students. We have a clear vision for the future, ambitious leadership, world-leading academic strengths and a secure financial base. With an annual turnover of more than £700 million, we use our financial strength to invest in the intellectual and physical future of the University. This judicious planning has enabled us to pursue an ambitious 10 year capital development programme of c. £1bn. Some £300 million has been invested in the Birmingham campus over the past three years and our staff, students and wider community are already benefiting from a number of signature buildings, including a best-in-class library, a major sports centre, a dedicated postgraduate centre, outstanding new student accommodation, and a state-of the-art student services hub. We have now embarked on a further capital investment that will exceed £600 million over the next five years. Development is moving apace to establish a stunning Green Heart parkland area at the centre of our campus, a Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, a Hotel and Conference Park, Life Sciences Park, and many other facilities to benefit our academic and student communities. The spirit of innovation which is a key feature of the University’s history continues today, exemplified by the new University of Birmingham School; providing an outstanding academic education for the city’s young people and serving as a centre of teacher education in the region. Birmingham is a leading member of the Russell Group and a founder member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities (www.universitas21.com) of which our Vice-Chancellor is the current Chair. The University’s Strategic Framework and 2026 vision can be found here www.birmingham.ac.uk/strategic-framework/Overview/birming- ham-2026.aspx
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