University of Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Founded
1900
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
40,000+
Nobel Laureates
10
Discover the University of Birmingham: A Pioneer of Civic Education
Discover the University of Birmingham: A Pioneer of Civic Education
Founded in 1900 with a Royal Charter from Queen Victoria, the University of Birmingham was England's first civic university, established so that students from all backgrounds could be accepted on an equal basis. It grew from the legacy of Queen's College (founded 1825) and Mason Science College (established 1875), becoming the first English redbrick university to receive its own royal charter.
Today, the University of Birmingham is a founding member of both the Russell Group of leading UK research universities and the international network Universitas 21. With 10 Nobel Laureates among its staff and alumni, the university has contributed to landmark discoveries including the Higgs Boson and Gravitational Waves.
The university's 672-acre Edgbaston campus is home to over 40,000 students from more than 150 countries, alongside a Dubai campus established in 2018. Birmingham has invested over GBP 1 billion in its campus infrastructure, research facilities, and sports amenities in recent years, reinforcing its position as a leading global institution.
Key Milestones
- 1900: Granted Royal Charter by Queen Victoria, becoming England's first civic university
- 1946: Became the first UK university to offer a degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences
- 2017: Opened the state-of-the-art Sport and Fitness Centre with a 50m swimming pool and modern gym facilities
- 2022: Served as the main athletes' village for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, hosting 3,500 athletes
Academic Structure and Colleges
Academic Structure and Colleges
The University of Birmingham restructured its academic departments in 2008 into five colleges, each composed of numerous specialist schools. This structure supports over 350 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate programmes across a wide range of disciplines, from medicine and engineering to arts and social sciences.
College of Arts and Law
Encompasses a broad range of humanities and legal disciplines, including the Birmingham Law School and the Shakespeare Institute. The college is known for its strong research in English literature, history, and languages.
- English Literature
- Law (LLB)
- History
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Offers highly regarded programmes in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the physical sciences. The college maintains strong industry connections and provides hands-on learning opportunities through placements and research projects.
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Covers biosciences, geography, earth sciences, psychology, and sport and exercise sciences. The college is home to globally ranked programmes in sport-related subjects and pioneering environmental research.
- Psychology
- Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Biosciences
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
One of the largest medical schools in Europe, training over 450 medical students each year. The college works closely with the NHS and partners with teaching hospitals across the region for clinical placements.
- Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
- Dentistry (BDS)
- Biomedical Science
College of Social Sciences
Home to Birmingham Business School, the oldest business school in England, as well as departments covering education, government, and social policy. The college is renowned for its International Development Department and research impact.
- Business Management
- Economics
- Education
Birmingham Business School
As the oldest business school in England, Birmingham Business School offers internationally accredited programmes in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. It holds accreditations from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
- MBA
- Accounting and Finance
- Marketing
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application MethodApply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- Typical A-Level OfferAAB to A*AA depending on the programme
- IB Diploma32 to 36 points depending on the programme
- IELTS RequirementMinimum 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band (varies by programme)
- Application FeeGBP 22.50 (single choice) or GBP 27.00 (multiple choices) via UCAS
Postgraduate Admissions
- Application MethodApply directly through the University of Birmingham online portal
- Degree RequirementA good honours degree (typically 2:1 or equivalent) from a recognised institution
- IELTS RequirementMinimum 6.0 to 7.0 overall depending on the programme
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, references, personal statement, CV, and sample work (where applicable)
- Tuition Fee DepositRequired before a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is issued
Main UCAS application deadline for most undergraduate programmes for the following September entry
Early UCAS deadline for Medicine, Dentistry, and related clinical programmes
Most postgraduate taught programmes accept applications on a rolling basis; early application is recommended
Scholarship deadlines vary by award; check the university website for specific dates and eligibility criteria
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees at the University of Birmingham vary by programme and student status. The university offers a range of scholarships and financial support to help international students manage the cost of their education. More than GBP 7.5 million in scholarships is available for international students.
| Fee Category | UK/Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 22,850 - GBP 50,360 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | GBP 10,900 - GBP 37,800 | GBP 24,130 - GBP 37,800 |
| MBA Programme | Contact university | GBP 37,800 |
| Estimated Living Costs (per year) | GBP 10,255 | GBP 10,255 |
| Total | Varies by programme | GBP 33,105 - GBP 60,615 |
Global Masters Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships available to international students applying for postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham, recognising academic excellence and potential.
- Award Value: Partial tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: International students with an offer for a postgraduate taught programme
- Application: Separate scholarship application required after receiving an offer of admission
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Funded jointly by the UK government and the University of Birmingham, these scholarships support students from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue Master's study in the UK.
- Award Value: Full tuition fees plus living costs coverage
- Eligibility: Students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries demonstrating financial need
- Application: Highly competitive; strong academics and a compelling personal statement are essential
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Birmingham's main Edgbaston campus spans 672 acres just three miles southwest of Birmingham city centre. It features a striking mix of historic redbrick architecture, modern research facilities, and a 12-acre Green Heart parkland. The campus is uniquely served by its own railway station, University station, making it the only university campus in mainland Britain with this distinction.
The iconic 100-metre Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, affectionately known as Old Joe, is the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world and a symbol of the university
The new main library opened in 2016 alongside the 12-acre Green Heart parkland, created as part of a GBP 500 million campus redevelopment plan
Opened in 2017, the Sport and Fitness Centre features a 50m swimming pool, modern gyms, squash courts, climbing wall, and studios used during the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
The university offers a variety of halls of residence across the Edgbaston campus, with guaranteed accommodation for first-year students. Options range from catered to self-catered, with en-suite and shared bathroom configurations.
- Multiple halls of residence including The Vale and Tennis Courts
- Guaranteed housing for first-year undergraduate students
- Estimated accommodation cost of approximately GBP 10,255 per year
Dining and Campus Services
The campus offers a wide range of dining options from cafes and restaurants to a weekly farmers' market, the first accredited university farmers' market in the UK. Students also benefit from the Guild of Students social spaces.
- Multiple cafes, restaurants, and food outlets across campus
- Weekly accredited farmers' market on campus since 2007
- Guild of Students bar, social spaces, and event venues
Student Life at Birmingham
Student Life at Birmingham
Student life at the University of Birmingham is vibrant and diverse, centred around the Guild of Students, one of the largest student unions in the UK. With over 500 clubs and societies to choose from, students can explore a wide range of interests from academic and cultural groups to sports and volunteering opportunities.
Birmingham: The UK's Second City
Birmingham: The UK's Second City
Living in Birmingham
Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city, home to over 1.1 million people and renowned for its cultural diversity, thriving arts scene, and rich industrial heritage. The city offers students an affordable cost of living compared to London, excellent transport connections, and a lively social scene with world-class restaurants, music venues, and cultural attractions.
Transport Hub
Birmingham is centrally located with excellent rail connections; New Street Station offers direct trains to London in just 1 hour 20 minutes, and the campus has its own University railway station
Cultural Diversity
One of Europe's most multicultural cities, Birmingham is home to communities from across the globe, offering diverse cuisine, festivals, and cultural experiences throughout the year
Arts and Entertainment
The city boasts the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Symphony Hall, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts on campus, and a thriving nightlife and music scene in areas like Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter
Affordable Living
Compared to London and other major UK cities, Birmingham offers a significantly lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality education without excessive expenses
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of Birmingham Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The Birmingham International Academy offers Foundation Pathways and pre-sessional English courses to help international students meet entry requirements and prepare for degree-level study at the university.
The university provides dedicated immigration advice to help international students with Tier 4 student visa applications, CAS issuance, and ongoing compliance support throughout their studies.
More than GBP 7.5 million in scholarships is available for international students, including the Global Masters Scholarships, Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships, and country-specific awards.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Birmingham World Rankings
University of Birmingham World Rankings
The University of Birmingham consistently ranks among the top 100 universities globally and is recognised for its research excellence, teaching quality, and graduate employability. It performs strongly across multiple international ranking systems and has particular strengths in sport-related subjects, dentistry, English, theology, and education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sport-related Subjects | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #9 |
| Dentistry | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 50 |
| English Language and Literature | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 50 |
| Education | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 50 |
Features
The University of Birmingham is a beautiful redbrick university, with a leafy green campus, located in the city of Birmingham, just over 150km north of London. Established in 1900, Birmingham has been challenging and developing great minds for more than a century. Characterised by a tradition of innovation, research at the University has broken new ground, pushed forward the boundaries of knowledge and made an impact on people’s lives. A founding member of the Russell Group and Universites 21, the University of Birmingham is a prestigious, world-leading educational institution, which provides an exceptionally high level of teaching.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - July
Location
Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
