Your College Bulletin - 29 January 2026
With our LGBTQ+ History Month calendar and Lunar New Year celebrations, February is packed full of events and activities. Your next College Bulletin will be published on 18 February, so we’ve crammed this one with everything you need to know over the next three weeks:
- Meet your new student experience officer, Jack Walton
- Get crafty this Lunar New Year
- Focus on your future with Be Experienced
Plus, read on for a chance to win tickets to comedy at the Lapworth.
News
It’s time to have your say
You’ll have received an email explaining how you can shape UoB with the National Student Survey. Please take 10 minutes to tell us what you love about your degree and how we can do even better, you could be in with a chance of winning some exclusive goodies! Complete the NSS
Introducing Jack Walton
Say hello to Jack, your new Student Experience Officer in the schools of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Psychology. He’s here to support you and make your voice heard. Meet the Team
Lunar New Year Celebration
Join us on Wednesday 25 February from 12.30-2pm for a calligraphy workshop to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Sign up here
Become a PGT College Rep
Represent PGT voices in key meetings, build confidence, and gain standout experience for your CV by becoming our College of Life & Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Taught Rep. Apply by 6 February
Research Spotlight
Prof. Lesley Batty's Inaugural Lecture
Wednesday 11 February, 4-6pm | WG5, Aston Webb Building
Join us as we explore how fieldwork can guide and inform your career, and why it remains so important to modern teaching in a digital age. Enjoy tasty refreshments after the lecture in the Lapworth. Book your place
Congratulations to Prof. Vincent Gauci
Vincent Gauci, Professorial Fellow at the University of Birmingham in the school of GEES, has been elected Fellow of the British Ecological Society for research excellence.
His research and teaching contribute to addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing society. Read the whole story
What's on in Psychology?
Psyched@UoB
Monday 2 February | Gisbert Kapp and The Link
Join staff, students, and alumni for tailored sessions and networking opportunities to boost your employability and get ahead with your career.
- Year 2 UG - Exploring Work Experience options as a School of Psychology student 11am-12pm | GKAP-N225
- Year 3 UG - What next? Exploring your options after you graduate | 1-2pm | GKAP-N329
- Year 1 UG - Get Ahead with your career - 5 top tips for 1st year students | 2-3pm | GKAP-N328
Refreshments and networking will take place in The Link from 1.30-2.30pm. Keep an eye on Canvas and Instagram for updates.
Psychology in Practice: a talk with Debra Malpass
Wednesday 4 February | Gisbert Kapp NG15
Join Debra Malpass as she returns to the University to share her career journey across senior research roles, alongside her work with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Register to attend
Level-Up Sessions
Supporting undergraduates from ethnic minority backgrounds and first-generation students, both home and international, our Level-Up Sessions will help you improve your skills of argumentation, writing style, and flow. Bring your coursework draft or plan to Room 337, 52 Pritchatts Road, on any of the dates below:
- Monday 2 February, 12-2pm
- Monday 16 February, 12-2pm
- Monday 23 February, 12-2pm
- Monday 16 March, 12-2pm
For information, please email Dr. Francesca Brencio on f.brencio@bham.ac.uk
Supporting you
New year, new support
We’ve got you covered with everything you need to succeed in 2026. Our new Brum 101 series breaks down the essentials and UoBe Ready is here to support you through your academic experience. You’ve got this!
Crisis support from the Guild
The Guild Community Pantry is back, providing a free one-off food parcel if you’re in need. Download the Community Cookbook and find out more about how to access support with the Guild.
Take control with Pivotal Recovery
Supporting students who are experiencing Problematic Porn Use (PPU). Learn more about the Pivotal Recovery Course and sign up here.
Reach out to Report + Support
Access specialist support from friendly responders if you or someone you know has been subjected to any form of harmful behaviour. Explore your support
Support for International Students
To help you navigate the range of wellbeing services available, we’ve created five informative videos in Mandarin, including subtitles. Explore our Mental Health Support pages
Opportunities
Lunch with Raffaela Goodby
Our next Lunch with a Leader session takes place on Wednesday 4 March. Raffaela Goodby, Chief People Officer at Birmingham’s Women's and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, and founding member of Aston University STEM Multi Academy Trust will join us. Apply by 2 February
Operation Wallacea Webinar
5 February 6pm | Online
Discover Operation Wallacea (Opwall) field courses at the Knepp Estate in West Sussex, developed to help you navigate the anticipated explosive growth in career opportunities in wildlife management and climate change in the UK. Register here
Boost your career
Turn curiosity into career confidence
Throughout February, Be Experienced brings together opportunities, advice, and events to help you try things out, meet employers, and take meaningful steps towards your future career.
Explore what’s on for a chance to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher and find your path. Be Experienced
Navigating a Career in Sports Media and Broadcasting: Alumni Panel Event
Tuesday 10 February, 4-6pm | Alan Walters Building, G11
Join us for this exciting alumni panel event explore how you can pursue a career in sports media and broadcasting. Find out more
LGBTQ+ Mentoring Scheme
Our LGBTQ+ mentors support you in navigating the workplace. Apply before 30 January.
Postgraduate Taught Corner
Time for a Change?
Looking to move into a different career field, but not quite sure how to get your foot in the door? Plan your next move and make the most of your valuable transferrable experience with our online sessions.
Navigating a Career Change
Wednesday 4 February 2026, 1.30-2.30pm | Online Sign up here
Applying for jobs when you’re changing careers
Tuesday 10 February 2026, 1-2.30pm | Online Sign up here
Introduction to the Birmingham Award for Postgraduates
Wednesday 21 January, 2-3pm | Online
Find out how you can boost your CV with the employer recognised Birmingham Award. Register here.
Postgraduate Research Corner
BEAR Training
Advanced Research Computing provides a variety of workshops and short courses to help you develop your IT skills and make the most of technology available for your research. Discover what’s on offer.
3 Minute Thesis: There is still time to enter
Time is running out to join the 3MT competition. Refine your presentation skills, connect with peers, and raise your research profile, plus receive personalised feedback and support. Register before 8 February
Your Library
The University Library offers a wide range of training opportunities and support specifically designed for researchers like you. Explore your support
PGR section on Report + Support
This section has been developed specifically for you to provide a confidential and accessible way to raise concerns about behaviour or other aspects of the postgraduate experience. Report + Support
Applying for UK Jobs - CVs, Cover Letters and Forms
Monday 9 February, 4-5pm | Online
We’ll focus on what UK employers expect and help you avoid common mistakes. Register now
Global Connections Alumni Panel: Establishing a Career in the UK
Wednesday, 18 February, 2-3.30pm | Teaching and Learning Building, Lecture Theatre 2
Explore a range of themes, including searching for jobs in the UK, talking to employers about visas during the recruitment process and in employment, and adapting to the UK work culture. Find out more
Student Spotlight
LGBTQ+ History in Birmingham
Explore our city’s fascinating and vibrant LGBTQ+ history, with Student Content Shaper Ruby. Explore Birmingham's History
Got something to share? We’d love to hear from you! Send a photo and a 50 word summary of where UoB has taken you to lesstudentcomms@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Dates for your diary
For a full list of what’s on, see our Student Events pages.
BioSoc Talks: Life as a Chief Scientific Adviser
Friday 30 January, 12-1pm | Biosciences NG08
How science informs policy and public health with Professor Robin May and Professor Tim Dafforn
LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Drop In
Monday 2 February, 12.30 - 4pm (last drop in 3.30pm) | Wellbeing Lodge, by North Gate
Led by Birmingham LGBT and supported by Umbrella, offering free, confidential sexual health services and rapid HIV testing. No appointment necessary: just drop-in.
Football, Flags and the Far Right: A Conversation on Politics and Race Relations in Birmingham
Wednesday 4 February, 6-8pm | The Exchange
Join the Being Brummie podcast team for a panel discussion of football and race relations in the second city. Football kits encouraged! Book your spot.
Public Health Transition in the 21st Century: Building Resilient Health Systems to Achieve the SDGs
Monday 9 February, 5.30pm | UG05, Murray Learning Centre
Join Prof. Monir Islam, former director at the WHO, for a guest lecture exploring why resilient and equitable health systems are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Parents and Carers Group
Wednesday 11 February 2026 – 2-3.30pm (Online)
Are you caring for a child or relative whilst studying? Join our friendly, therapeutic group for support, encouragement, and practical tips. Sign up to join the next session.
China Institute’s New Year Concert
Wednesday 11 February, 6.30-8pm | Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
Tickets are only £5 and are limited to two per person. Book tickets here.
BioSoc Talks: GAI in the workplace
Thursday 12 February, 2-3pm | Biosciences NG08
Join MSci Biochemistry Alumni Abi Weaver as we explore how the rapid pace of technology is impacting careers.
Mystery Movie Night: Valentine's Day Special
Thursday 12 February, 7pm | Lapworth Museum
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a surprise film at the Museum. Book tickets
And finally...
Stress-busting with Sport
6 months sports memberships are available for all categories at Sport & Fitness and Tiverton, and a new student-only gym space is now open on the Vale.
Marks Release
Don’t forget to access your Semester 1 marks via the student gateway from 12pm on Thursday 12 February. Access the student gateway
Module Choice Fair for Undergraduates
The Module Choice Fairs within LES will be held towards the end of February. Keep an eye on your Student Handbook for more information closer to the time.
100% Badgers, 100% Free
We’ve teamed up with the Lapworth Museum to offer you a chance to win two free tickets to Matt Hobs’ sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show 100% Badgers on Thursday, 26 February at 5.30pm. Fill in your details and we’ll draw the lucky winner on Wednesday 4 February. Enter the Prize Draw