'Boost your career by studying in the Midlands and you’ll be learning in the heart of England. With historical treasures, beautiful countryside and thriving urban towns the Midlands is a place where old meets new and is a welcoming and diverse region.'
Culture and innovation
The English Midlands span the area from Herefordshire and Shropshire in the west to Linconshire in the east. Ruled by the Anglo Saxons for centuries, the Midlands was originally known as the Kingdom of Mercia.
The Midlands is home to Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK, and the region's towns and cities are known for their heritage and industrial attractions. Lincoln has a superb collection of medieval architecture, while Coventry is known for its famous St Michael’s Cathedral.
The region is also home to some of the best entertainment venues and events in England. From music venues like the Engine Shed in Lincoln to the culinary delights of Birmingham’s Balti Triangle, there is plenty to see and do. The annual Global Gathering music festival in July is also highly popular with students from all over the country.
There has recently been large-scale investment in the Midlands, and developments such as Lindongate in Lincoln have created popular areas of restaurants, shops, hotels and bars. The Midlands is also the inspiration for popular literature and art. J.R.R Tolkien lived next door to Sarehole Mill in Birmingham and it is said that it inspired him to write The Lord of the Rings. Are you a film fan? Movies such as The Da Vinci Code and Pride and Prejudice have been filmed in the region.
A world of learning
Birmingham, the capital of the region is often known as the ‘workshop of the world’. In the Midlands, industry boomed over several centuries in places such as Derby and Leicester. Many learning institutions in the region have links with manufacturing and industry. The National Space Centre, in Leicester, for example, has partnerships with the Universities of Nottingham and Leicester.
While many students who study in the region are interested in business and industry, the area is also culturally rich and attracts students studying the arts and humanities. Those interested in dance will enjoy the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Nottingham's theatres are popular with drama enthusiasts. If literature is your passion then head to Stoneleigh Abbey in Warwickshire for a Jane Austen tour.
Activities and days out in the Midlands
There is plenty to keep you busy as an international student in the Midlands. Why not try some of the following:
- Visit Coventry which was the centre of the British motor industry during the twentieth century
- Check out Birmingham’s flea market in the Custard Factory for some unusual arts and crafts
- Indian food is hugely popular all over the Midlands. Do you dare to try a strawberry curry?
- Visit the Coventry transport museum and see Thrust2, a world-record winning car
- Learn about Lincoln’s Iron age history. The city dates back to the 1st Century BC
- Take a day trip to Sherwood Forest, home to the famous outlaw Robin Hood. You can hunt for gold in his main hideout, the Major Oak
- Visit the town of Melton Mowbray, famous for its traditional pork pies and cheese, on market day.
The Midlands’ thriving cities are also surrounded by beautiful landscape and countryside, making it popular with those who enojy the outdoors.
For more information on the West Midlands visit the Heart of England website.
For more information on the East Midlands visit the Discover East Midlands website.
Study in the Midlands
With a huge range of universities, colleges and courses, the Midlands is an ideal place to study. Home to some of the top - and most popular - learning institutions in England, the Midlands is a diverse and academically rich place to begin your career. For more information on applying and settling in as an international student visit your universities homepage.
Useful links
Visit Heart of England - www.visitheartofengland.com
Discover East Midlands - www.discovereastmidlands.com
