Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London is a world-class research and teaching institution, a vibrant centre of academic excellence and London’s only specialist provider of evening higher education and their academic reputation also attracts many traditional full-time postgraduate students. Over 19,000 students study here every year, joining a community that is as diverse and cosmopolitan as London’s population.

Birkbeck is different: our classes are held in the evening, so you can work, volunteer or do your own thing during the day. You don’t have to choose between getting a job or going to university – you can do both. Set up nearly 200 years ago, we have plenty of experience in supporting your evening study. We joined the University of London over 100 years ago, so when you finish your studies with us, you gain a prestigious University of London qualification. If you have the commitment and ability to study, we’ll find a way to make it happen.

Thousands of international students choose to study with us because of our reputation for being a world-class research and teaching institution based in central London. We award globally recognised University of London qualifications – a mark of quality and excellence. Graduates and staff of the University of London include 74 Nobel Laureates, 52 presidents and prime ministers, and numerous international luminaries.

According to the 2008 RAE results, Birkbeck ranks in the top 25% of UK multi-faculty HEIs. The RAE rated the quality of research in a range of subjects at 159 Higher Education Institutions in the UK and all 17 Birkbeck submissions had at least 60% of their research classified as ‘internationally recognised, whereas 11 of 17 had the majority of their research categorised as ‘internationally excellent’ and ‘world leading’.

Birkbeck is recognised for providing the highest quality teaching that is informed by the outstanding research excellence. This is proven by a number one position in the UK’s National Student Surveys. In 2007, Birkbeck beat every higher education institution in London for overall student satisfaction.

 

Location

London, England (UK)

Our main campus is in Bloomsbury, central London (WC1), a bustling, student-centred area that’s home to a number of universities and colleges of the University of London. We are situated in one of the world’s greatest concentrations of libraries – including the British Library and Senate House Library. We are also close to world-famous museums and galleries, including the British Museum and the National Gallery. The West End, Soho, Covent Garden and King’s Cross are on our doorstep, so you can take full advantage of London’s world- famous shops, restaurants, bars, theatres and clubs, before and after your evening classes. Everything that London has to offer is here for you to enjoy.

 

Schools & Faculties

  • School of Arts
  • School of Business, Economics and Informatics
  • School of Law
  • School of Science
  • School of Social Sciences, History and Philosophy

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Rankings

Rankings Subjects / Topics Resources
#43 University in the UK – Engineering Time Higher Education 2011
#Top 250 University in the UK Time Higher Education  2017

Why this University

INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND RESEARCH

Birkbeck is one of the world’s leading research universities. Our academics shape our courses with up-to-date understanding of advances in knowledge and the most cutting- edge research in their fields. At Birkbeck, you will be taught by active researchers and renowned academics engaging with the world as expert practitioners in biomedicine, finance, journalism, literature, media and myriad other fields. Our research is cross-disciplinary, innovative and socially and politically engaged.

Our Rankings

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 73% of our research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Half of Birkbeck’s submissions were placed in the top 20 nationally, with Psychological Sciences fifth in the UK, Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences sixth and Biological Sciences 11th.

In the 2020 QS World University Rankings, Birkbeck is ranked 328th in the world. By subject, we are ranked among the top

100 universities worldwide in English and Philosophy, and in the top 200 in History, Psychology, and Arts and Humanities.

STUDENT CENTRAL

The University of London has more than 120,000 students and Student Central is here for them all. Our students automatically become members of Student Central, next door to Birkbeck in Bloomsbury. Student Central offers excellent and affordable facilities including a gym, swimming pool, three bars, a café. It also hosts live gigs, sports groups and societies.

HIGHEST GRADUATE SALARIES

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the UK, one year after graduation. Graduates with a Birkbeck degree are the 11th highest earners overall among UK graduates and seventh highest in London for the subjects the College teaches, according to The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes (LEO) salary data, published by the Department for Education.

FUTURES: CAREERS, ENTERPRISE AND RECRUITMENT

Most of our students use their days to work or gain useful experience to get a head start on other graduates in a highly competitive job market. Our in-house service, Birkbeck Futures will support you throughout your time at Birkbeck, offering free careers support and resources, to help you progress your career and support your personal and professional development. Birkbeck Talent, our own in-house careers service is one of the best in the sector with a track record in linking students with employers.