University of Central England to change its name

The University of Central England in Birmingham is to change its name, and has put forward three options for staff, students and the public to consider.

The university announced in June that the choice is between Birmingham City University, Birmingham Chamberlain University and Birmingham Metropolitan University. A final decision is expected later this year.

Why change?

The university says the current name does not make it clear enough where it is. "Central England" can mean different things to different people, and many prospective students, especially from overseas, do not realise that the university is in Birmingham.

All three of the proposed names put Birmingham first, which the university hopes will give it a stronger identity at home and abroad. It wants to be seen as a university of and for the city, with close links to local businesses, schools and communities.

The name has already been tinkered with in recent years. In 2005 the university began calling itself UCE Birmingham for marketing purposes, while keeping its full name for official use. That approach was dropped in March, after the arrival of a new vice-chancellor, and the full name was brought back for all purposes while a longer-term change was considered.

The three options

Birmingham City University would echo the city council and reflect the university's roots in the old City of Birmingham Polytechnic. Birmingham Chamberlain University would honour Joseph Chamberlain, the Victorian mayor who transformed the city and led the campaign for the founding of the University of Birmingham. Birmingham Metropolitan University would follow the example of several other former polytechnics, such as Manchester Metropolitan and Leeds Metropolitan.

Each option has its own appeal. A Chamberlain name would draw on one of the best known figures in the city's history, though the University of Birmingham, whose clock tower is named after him, already has strong links with his memory.

A long history

The university's roots go back to 1843, when the Birmingham Government School of Design was founded. It became part of the City of Birmingham Polytechnic in 1971, which brought together five colleges, including the Birmingham School of Music and the College of Art and Design.

The polytechnic was granted university status in 1992, along with other polytechnics across the country, and took the name University of Central England in Birmingham. Its main campus is at Perry Barr, with other sites around the city, including the School of Art on Margaret Street and the Birmingham Conservatoire in the city centre.

Today it has more than 20,000 students and is particularly well known for art and design, music, nursing, teacher training and the built environment.

What happens next

A name change is not a simple matter. It needs the approval of the Privy Council, and the university will have to change its signs, websites, stationery and branding across all of its sites.

Staff and students are being encouraged to have their say before a decision is made. Former students will also be watching with interest, as their certificates carry the old name.

Whatever the outcome, the university hopes its new name will make it easier to attract students and build a stronger reputation for Birmingham as a place to study.