Birmingham City University the highest intake of international students in the Birmingham area. For 2009 entry, applications rose by 37 per cent from 2008, one of the biggest increases at any university. There are almost six applications per place and course entry requirements range from 200 to 300 UCAS points for all honours programmes; other courses' requirements vary. Birmingham City University Students' Union is located at the City Centre Campus. There are several reception offices located at all the university's campuses. It is affiliated with the National Union of Students, and all students are automatically members of the union. Student media comprises a
Master's degree in Europe takes three years (with the exception of the teaching courses, where a bachelor's degree lasts for four years). The master's degrees are either fully integrated five-year programmes (admission does not require undergraduate degree) leading up to a graduate degree, or two-year courses at graduate level which require an already completed undergraduate degree. Following the graduate level, education is given at the doctoral level, usually through a four-year research fellowship leading to a PhD. Before the implementation of this system, various titles were given in accordance with the field of study and the length of the course. For instance, a three-year