In the countdown to Christmas 2020 we’ve been sharing festive-themed academic research videos and insights as well as fun and family-friendly activities. You can catch up on social media at #UoBChristmas@birminghamalum or find the highlights below.
Watch our fascinating videos
Bringing Birmingham to You at Christmas : What you need to know about Christmas Cracker Jokes
Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a truly terrible joke inside your cracker. But what’s the science behind these groan-worthy gags? Professor of English Language, Susan Hunston shares everything you need to know about Christmas cracker jokes in this mini ‘Bringing Birmingham to You’ festive edition.
Bringing Birmingham to You at Christmas: 5 myths about the Nativity
The story of how Jesus was born is well known, but have we got our facts right? Was he really born in a stable? Join Professor Candida Moss, Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology, as she looks at the greatest misconceptions surrounding the Christmas nativity.
Thank you!
First year Medicine student Elizabeth thanks all of our generous donors who have given over the year. You’ve helped disadvantaged students, supported innovative research, and more.
Virtual Carol Service 2020
As we can't be together on campus, the University Chaplaincy and the Music Department hosted a pre-recorded virtual carol service this year, which means even more people could join in across the world!
Twas The Night Before Christmas
This Christmas, proud alumni, students and staff read you Twas The Night Before Christmas, bringing you our very best wishes towards the end of this challenging year. See how many faces you recognise as we celebrate our frontline workers, dedicated students, stars of the arts and entertainment world (including Tamsin Greig and Lennie Ware) hardworking academics and many others.
Stories from our campus community
The Great Hall has seen many events, challenges and milestones in its long history. It was a hospital during the First World War and has recently been a Covid testing facility for students, helping many to safely travel home for Christmas.
We are immensely proud of the students, staff and alumni who volunteered to help their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic this year. Meet some of our superheroes.
Congratulations to all our winter graduates and welcome to your alumni community! Our Three Wise Brummies discuss the importance of leading with empathy, listening to different perspectives and saying yes to daunting opportunities.
English Literature graduate Jessica Whitworth, who founded My Green Christmas with Mathematics grad Joshua Wood in 2019, selling an alternative to traditional Christmas crackers and cards, give their advice to budding entrepreneurs.
Take part in our family friendly craft activities and quiz
Christmas bauble
A special UoB themed ornament to hang on your tree. Share a picture of your ornament with #UoBChristmas to help us create a sense of community for all our alumni around the globe!
Get your pencils ready - Santa Claus is coming to Brum. Following the success of our campus lockdown colouring pages, print out and enjoy a calm moment with our festive campus scene. Why not take a photo of your artwork and be part of our gallery by using the hashtag #UoBChristmas?
Whether you’re a seasoned quizzer or a recent convert, for most of us 2020 has been the year of the quiz. So if you think you know the University history and heroes, test your knowledge and enter to win a Brumhaus print in our campus quiz.
Reading a book with the family by a roaring fire, tree twinkling in the corner and snow falling outside. It's an image worthy of a festive card, but what is the importance of reading together and why is it extra special at Christmas time? Dr Nicola Smith from the School of Education and some of our alumni teachers tell us more about the joy of Christmas reading and recommend some of their favourite books.
Many of us will be looking forward to tucking into holiday favourites like chocolates and cheese. Did you know that the University of Birmingham's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences is home to the largest Chemical Engineering-based food research group in the UK? The group been busy working to develop techniques allowing manufacturers to produce food that is still delicious but has less sugar, fat and salt.
