His view of a university was of a scholarly community wherein the focus should be on training the mind to think rather than the simple diffusion of knowledge.

[3] In 1965, the Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, George Patrick Dwyer, donated land in Bartley Green that was once the site of Athol House Farm for the purposes of building a teacher training college.

[13] Vice-Chancellor, Scott Davidson, commented on the government's decision in a published article Times Higher Education Supplement.

[13] Professor Davidson noted how 'As a smaller university, we issued less than 20 CASs over the last 12 months, meaning just two rejections was enough to trigger the 10% threshold.

[14] Industry observer, Jack Grove, commented that the revocation of the university's Tier 4 licence was a 'ridiculous decision' [15]

On 13 February 2018, the university vice chancellor, Professor Scott Davidson, opened the year of events with a drinks reception at the Bartley Green campus.

Davidson told visitorsIt’s incredible to look back over our evolution since we first opened our doors in 1968 as a teacher training college.

Whilst we still have a strong reputation within that field, I’m proud that we are now able to offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and foundation degree courses and welcome students and staff of all religions.

[18] Rehearsals took place in the university chapel while the final performance was held in Birmingham Symphony Hall.

[25] In 2016, the chapel was refurbished and a large extension added to the south side of the building to provide additional teaching spaces.

[26] Students have a number of choices for where to eat on Campus in addition to shops and takeaway restaurants on Genners Lane.

[28]In 2013, the university invested £20 million in developing parts of the campus, including a new library and entrance named the St Chad Building.

[29] These were opened by Olympic athlete Kristian Thomas and nominated for the Education category BD Architect of the Year Award, 2012.

Opened in 2016, the centre offers counselling services to students and local residents as well as a range of outreach activities.

A piece entitled 'The Globe', designed by Planet Art in nearby West Bromwich, was installed outside of the new library building in May 2012.

[42] A statue of John Henry Newman, designed and created by Tim Tolkien, is in the Ryland Quad of the campus.

Phase one included a £22 million investment in a new hall of residence, teaching block, social spaces and coffee bar.

Her rival, Douglas Osborn (Con) defended the designs claiming 'the site has character...any extras would end up being paid for by the young people through the fees'.

[63] Many of the university's courses are recognised by professional bodies such as the Chartered Management Institute, BASES and British Psychological Society.

In addition, Drama, English Studies and History all scored 100% for 'Overall Satisfaction' and were rated number 1 in the country in their subject areas.

[72] On 9 September 1992, Mother Teresa visited the college campus with Cardinal Basil Hume and greeted students and staff.

Students and staff from the university participated in a ceremonial mass held by Pope Benedict XVI at Cofton Park, Birmingham in 2012.

[74] The university has awarded honorary doctorates to a number of public figures and intellectuals including John Sentamu, Eamon Duffy and Edward Bond.