Overview

The University of Birmingham is a prestigious institution that has consistently been ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide, according to several international rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2022, the university is ranked 90th, placing us 14th amongst UK universities. It is also ranked 12th out of the 100 UK universities in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which use 13 performance indicators to provide a comprehensive and balanced comparison between institutions.

In the Shanghai Jiao Tong University World Rankings, we are positioned in the top 101–150 (calculated rank 126th) out of 500 universities and established as the 12th out of the 36 UK universities to appear in the top 500. In addition, US News and World Report ranked us 91st in the world out of more than 1,500 universities across 81 other countries that are considered in the table and 9th out of the 87 UK universities ranked. At the University of Birmingham, they take pride in their high-quality fundamental research, research addressing our time’s challenges, and innovative, research-integrated teaching.

History

The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 and is located in Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK after London. The university has a rich history of academic excellence, having established a reputation for high-quality research and innovative teaching over more than a century. The university was initially known as the University of Birmingham College of Commerce and was established to provide higher Education for the people of Birmingham. It was one of the first “civic universities” in the UK, which was a university founded in major cities to provide accessible education to people from all backgrounds.

Since its foundation, the University of Birmingham has grown significantly and has over 30,000 students from more than 150 countries. It has a diverse range of academic departments and research centers and is recognized as one of the top universities in the UK and worldwide. The university has also been involved in many important research projects, including developing the first portable kidney dialysis machine and discovering the tungsten element. The University of Birmingham remains at the forefront of research and innovation. It is committed to providing students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.

Ranking and Achievements

  • Ranked 20th in the Times University Guide 2023
  • Ranked 27th in the Guardian University Guide 2023
  • Ranked 91st in the QS World University Rankings 2023
  • Ranked 108th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

Departments & Faculties

  • Accounting – Birmingham Business School
  • African Studies and Anthropology
  • Alta Bioscience
  • Anthropology
  • Applied Health Research (Institute of)
  • Art History, Curating and Visual Studies
  • Arts and Law, College of
  • Astronomy
  • Biosciences
  • Birmingham Business School
  • Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education
  • Birmingham Energy Institute
  • Birmingham International Academy (BIA)
  • Birmingham Law School
  • Business – Birmingham Business School
  • Cancer and Genomic Sciences (Institute of)
  • Cardiovascular Sciences (Institute of)
  • Centre for Human Brain Health
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology
  • Clinical Sciences (Institute of)
  • College of Arts and Law
  • College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
  • College of Life and Environmental Sciences
  • College of Medical and Dental Sciences
  • College of Social Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Dentistry
  • Department of Management – Birmingham Business School
  • Department of Social Policy and Social Work (SPSW)
  • Development Studies – see International Development Department
  • Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs
  • Drama and Theatre Arts
  • Earth Sciences – see School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • East European Studies – visit the Centre for Russian and East European Studies
  • Ecology – see School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Economics – Birmingham Business School
  • Education
  • Education and Social Justice
  • Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences, College of
  • English Language and Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • English, Drama and Creative Studies, School of
  • Environmental Science – see School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • European Languages and Culture
  • Film and Creative Writing
  • Finance – Birmingham Business School
  • Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Global Ethics
  • Government, School of
  • Graduate School
  • Health Services Management Centre
  • History, Department of
  • History and Cultures, School of
  • History of Art
  • Immunology and Immunotherapy (Institute of)
  • Inflammation and Ageing (Institute of)
  • International Development Department
  • Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural Heritage
  • Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music, School of
  • Languages for All
  • Law
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Life and Environmental Sciences, College of
  • Local Government Studies (INLOGOV)
  • Management, Department of
  • Marketing – Birmingham Business School
  • Mathematics
  • MBA – Birmingham Business School
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medical and Dental Sciences, College of
  • Medieval History
  • Mental Health (Institute for)
  • Metabolism and Systems Research (Institute of)
  • Metallurgy and Materials
  • Microbiology and Infection (Institute of)
  • Modern History
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Natural Sciences
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy, Theology and Religion, School of
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Political Science and International Studies
  • Psychology
  • Railways
  • Religion
  • Shakespeare Institute
  • Social Policy, School of
  • Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology
  • Social Sciences, College of
  • Social Studies
  • Social Work and Social Care
  • Sport
  • Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Strategy and International Business – Birmingham Business School
  • Students Union (Guild of Students)
  • Teacher Education
  • Theology and Religion
  • University of Birmingham Sport

Courses

Student Statistics

  • Undergraduate – 65%
  • Postgraduate –35 %
  • Full-time students –86%
  • Part-time students –14%
  • UK students– 72%
  • EU students-4%
  • International students –24%
  • Female – 58%
  • Male –42%

Breakdown of Fees Structure

Fee Undergraduate Postgraduate Taught Postgraduate Research
Band 1 (Class) £21,000 to £21,780 £21,150 to £22,950 £20,340 to £21,480
Band 2 (Intermediate) £22,500 to £24,600 £23,850 to £25,740 £22,380 to £24,660
Band 3 (Laboratory) £25,860 to £28,560 £26,640 to £28,530 £26,040 to £28,980
Band 4 (Clinical) £46,320 n/a n/a
Birmingham
International Academy
TBC n/a n/a

Scholarships

The University of Birmingham offers a variety of scholarships for UK, EU, and international students to reward exceptional achievement and to help ensure that financial concerns do not constrain students.

Facilities and Services

The University of Birmingham is committed to providing all students with a supportive and inclusive environment. As such, the university offers various support services and resources to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally. Academic support is available to students through several channels, including academic advisors, subject-specific tutors, study skills workshops, and the Academic Skills Centre. These resources can help students with everything from essay writing and research skills to exam preparation and time management.

The university also provides various well-being services to support students’ mental health and well-being. These services include a confidential counselling service, mental health and well-being workshops, and access to resources such as online self-help guides and apps. Furthermore, besides academic and well-being support, the University of Birmingham supports students with disabilities or specific learning needs, including access to assistive technology, note-taking services, and one-on-one support from disability advisors.

Facilities & Services

The University of Birmingham has all the resources and support to ensure you most of your time in Birmingham, wherever you come from. There is a dedicated student support teams that can provide information and advice on funding, disability support, and health and wellbeing. The International Student Team also provides international students with knowledgeable and committed advisers who have concerns about immigration, UK jobs, healthcare, finances, and personal and academic support. All services are completely free of charge.

Learning support involves online study skills training that helps students prepare for university studies. In addition, academic advancement, welfare problems, and skills growth are assisted by personal tutors. The Academic Skills Centre and Birmingham International Academy are also offering research and English language support, as well as individual counseling and community workshops. In order to help and encourage you to access the information that you need to excel in your Master’s, central and departmental facilities and training are available throughout your studies.

The University Medical Practice (UMP) is near the campus that provides services including reproductive health, guidance on travel, vaccines, and more. A primary contact point, along with an online service, is provided by the Student Center.

Student Life

There are countless opportunities to get involved in student life at Birmingham. Whether you’re interested in sports, music, drama, or volunteering, there’s something for everyone. The university boasts a wide range of clubs and societies, with over 300 to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that interests you. One of the highlights of student life in Birmingham is the range of events and activities on offer.

There’s always something going on, from guest lectures by world-renowned experts to live music performances and theatre productions. And if you’re a sports fan, you’ll love cheering on the university’s teams, who compete at the highest level in various sports. Beyond the campus, the city of Birmingham itself is a fantastic place to live and study. With its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse population, there’s always something new to discover. Birmingham has something for everyone, from world-class museums and galleries to bustling markets and delicious food.

Accommodation

international students are guaranteed a place in accommodation at the University of Birmingham for at least their first year of study. If they wish, it could be possible for students to stay in accommodation at the university for their entire time in the UK. The university has three villages of accommodation and a range of housing provided by partners all close to campus. Options include single study bedrooms with shared bathrooms, en suite study bedrooms, and self-contained studio apartments. With access to a range of food sources, both self-catered and versatile catered dining choices are provided.

There is also plenty of private rented accommodations close to Birmingham University and the Living team of the university can help to explore these choices and provide students with the best housing advice during your time in Birmingham.

Transport

The University of Birmingham is situated in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham, which benefits from good public transportation links. Several bus routes run through the campus, connecting it to the city center and surrounding areas. The university is also close to several train stations, including Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International, which provide connections to destinations throughout the UK.

The university has some cycle routes and facilities for students who prefer to cycle. This includes secure bike storage facilities, showers, and changing rooms for cyclists.

The university also offers a free shuttle bus service for students between the Edgbaston and Selly Oak campuses. This service runs during term time and is convenient for students to travel between the two sites.

For students who have disabilities or specific mobility needs, the university also offers a range of support services. This includes accessible transport options, such as adapted buses and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and support and guidance on planning accessible journeys.

FAQ

Is University College Birmingham a good university?

According to the NSS, the University of Birmingham is among the top universities for ‘personal development’ of students.

What is University College Birmingham ranking?

A variety of our undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as some higher level apprenticeships, have been accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university ranked eighth in the UK by The Guardian 2023 league table.

What is University College Birmingham famous for?

University College Birmingham, located in the heart of the UK’s second-largest city, is highly regarded by employers and industry for providing career-focused education and training.

Why should I choose University College Birmingham?

A growing campus with exceptional facilities for developing industry skills, unrivalled placement opportunities, and award-winning faculty. Just a few of the reasons why we are so popular with students looking for exciting, vocational courses that will launch their careers.

Is the University of Birmingham Tier 1 university?

The University of Birmingham is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, with a reputation for changing lives and transforming society. Birmingham. The university is a Russell Group founding member with a beautiful, green campus, excellent teaching and facilities, and a vibrant and welcoming community.

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