Want to be a part of the Russell Group of universities? The University of Birmingham is for you. Many people aspire to attend one of the Russell Group of Universities. Imagine being a founding member of the Russell Group of Universities; it sounds crazy, right? Many people know the University of Birmingham’s reputation, and the application procedure will be challenging. But don’t worry; in this blog, you will get all the answers to your queries. So let’s get going!
University of Birmingham: History
The University of Birmingham was England’s first urban university, established in 1900 as the Mason Science College, named after Sir Josiah Mason, Victorian Industrialist and Philanthropist. In 1900, the institution was given the Royal Charter by Queen Victoria, officially known as the University of Birmingham. Since then, the university has led the way with research discoveries and Noble Prize-winners.
About the University of Birmingham
As a founding member of the famous Russell Group, the university consistently ranks among the top 100 in the world and the top 14 in the United Kingdom. More than 30,000 students from 150+ countries apply for admission to the University each year. The University of Birmingham is located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, England. The University’s luscious green and spacious Birmingham campus is situated across 672 acres of land, and there is also a campus in Dubai. The campus offers a variety of beautiful, flexible spaces for students to study, relax, and chill, including the main library, sports centre, a Green Heart parkland, a Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, and a Teaching and Learning Building.
University of Birmingham Rankings
- QS World University Rankings 2022 – 90th rank and ranks 14th among the UK universities.
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 – 108th rank out of 14000 universities across the globe.
- US News and World Report – 91st in the world out of more than 15000 universities and 9th out of 87 UK universities.
Why should you apply to the University of Birmingham?
The University of Birmingham currently has over 34,000 students, with approximately 10,000 international students from nearly 150 countries. Birmingham’s central location in the United Kingdom makes it easy to get around, and Birmingham International Airport serves many destinations worldwide. Some reasons why you should study at the University of Birmingham are:
- Industrial links – various opportunities for working on industrial placement projects.
- Global impact – the university is ranked 1st in the UK for dentistry. It has globally impacted the health and lifestyle industry by trading products for conditions such as diabetes and heart diseases.
- Vibrant student campus – welcoming a cosmopolitan campus with various cultural and social events to fit your interests.
- Success rates – 96% of graduates find work or continue their education after graduation.
- Research excellence – 81% of the university’s research was rated internationally excellent and had 87% global impact.
The University of Birmingham Notable Alumni
TV personalities, Hollywood actors, and sports stars have graduated from the University of Birmingham. Here is a list of the university’s most notable alumni:
- Geoffrey MA Tao-li – Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Hong Kong
- David Gill – Chief Executive Manchester United
- Chris Addison – Comedian
- Tim Curry – Actor and producer
- Paul Manning – Gold medalist, professional cyclist.
Top Courses at the University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham courses range over 350 undergraduate courses and 600 postgraduate and research programmes. We have also added part-time and foundation courses for you to check out. Some top courses provided at the University of Birmingham are:
Undergraduate Degrees
- Computer Science
- Business Management
- Software Engineering
- Accounting and Finance
- Biomedical Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Degrees
- International Business
- Management
- Medicine and Surgery
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- Economics
Research Degree
- Art and Design
- Built Environment
- Computing Research
- Digital Media Technology
- Doctorate of Business Administration
Foundation Courses
- Architectural Technology
- Art and Design
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Cyber Security
- Digital Animation
- Fashion Branding and Communication
- Film and Screenwriting
- Graphic Design
- Public Relations
Part-time Courses
- Acute Care
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Construction Management
- Data Journalism
- Forensic Psychology
- General Practice Nursing
- Healthcare
- Law
Eligibility criteria and requirements for admission in University of Birmingham
Here we delve into the important prerequisites and qualifications that aspiring students need to meet in order to embark on an enriching academic journey at the University of Birmingham. Whether you’re a prospective undergraduate or postgraduate applicant, we will provide a clear understanding of the standards set by the university, ensuring you’re well-prepared to take the necessary steps to get into the University of Birmingham. Eligibility criteria and Documents Required
The exact entry requirements for the course you want to take will usually be more detailed than the basic standards provided by the university and will include the minimum grade requirements. More details are available on their entry requirements page.
Documents required to apply for the University of Birmingham are as follows:
Undergraduate Courses
- Add original and certified copies (must be in English or have certified translation)
- English Proficiency test results
- Recommendation Letters
- Essays
- Portfolio (if required)
- Immigration documents
- Financial records
Postgraduate Courses
- Add original and certified copies (must be in English or have certified translation)
- Personal Statement
- Contact details of two references
- Proof of English language skills
- Sample work depending on the course
- Financial Records
- Immigration documents
- Portfolio (if needed)
How to apply for the University of Birmingham courses?
Applying for courses at the University of Birmingham involves several steps. From choosing a course and completing the application form to accepting the offer and doing your visa preparations, students have to follow it all. Keep in mind that application processes may vary slightly depending on the course and whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate applicant.
Undergraduate Courses
- Find your course online and consider the entry requirements.
- Then, you must apply for an undergraduate degree using the UCAS platform. You can apply for a master’s degree using their online site.
- Check that you have all of the necessary supporting papers.
- Depending on the course, you may be required to submit additional documentation such as a personal statement, a CV, a portfolio, and translation tests.
- When you apply, you may be asked to provide two referees who can testify to your academic and professional abilities.
- The UG application fee is in line with UCAS fees, which are £20 for one course and £25-£26 for each additional course.
- The University will then begin processing your application.
You can check out the UCAS 2023 update to learn more about UCAS.
Postgraduate Courses
- Find your course online and consider the entry requirements.
- Some courses will charge a £50 application fee.
- Complete the online application form and upload your documents.
- If you are applying for Teacher training, LLB for Graduates or Social Work, you must apply through UCAS.
- Check the entry requirements; PG programmes usually require a good honours degree.
How much does it cost to study at the University of Birmingham?
Tuition Costs
The University charges an annual tuition fee, which includes membership in the Guild of Students and covers the cost of your tuition, exams, and graduation. At the commencement of your programme, fees are due. Your programme of study and the level at which you enrol will determine the amount of your tuition. If the University extends an offer to you, your offer letter will include the annual tuition cost. The Tuition fee for Undergraduate programmes ranges from £20000 – £24000 and £25000 – £32000 for postgraduate programmes.
Cost of Living
Living in Birmingham can be expensive, but students can save money with proper budgeting. It is advised to keep a budget of £2000 – £3000 per month for your personal expenses that include: food, rent, internet, leisure activities, stationery and travel. The area of your student accommodation in Birmingham will also affect your cost of living, so choose accordingly.
Check out our guide to the cost of living in Birmingham for detailed information.
University of Birmingham Scholarships
There are various options for the University of Birmingham scholarships. These have certain eligibility criteria and will mainly cover your university tuition fee, maintenance allowance, and travel costs. Some international scholarships offered by the university include Chevening and Birmingham Partnership Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, Gen Foundation Scholarships, and University of Birmingham Sports Scholarships.
University of Birmingham Placements
Almost all the courses offered by the University of Birmingham are globally recognized, providing students with amazing employment opportunities. The university offers a great opportunity for placements in various areas, including research laboratories, medical communications, business management, economics, and marketing. Students can also choose to take up shorter internships over the summer, called the summer research project. The university also offers bursaries to students for such opportunities.
Student Accommodation near University of Birmingham
Students can choose from a myriad of accommodation options near the University of Birmingham. Some of these properties include Compass, 22, Umberslade Road, Volume Works, Duncan Smith HouseStaniforth House, and Vita Student Pebble Mill.
Career Opportunities with University of Birmingham
When it comes to career and employment, the University of Birmingham offers wonderful opportunities to students. 85.3% of the university’s students were in graduate-level jobs or further training six months after graduating, in the top 10 of the Russell Group of universities. And the QS World University rankings have ranked the University of Birmingham 61st in the world for employer reputation. From participating in research projects and working with an alum mentor to undertaking summer internships and gaining work experience, students can take their careers to the next level and ensure success after university.
University of Birmingham Reviews
There are several reasons why the University of Birmingham is gaining so much popularity among students. The university offers a lush green, spacious campus, a multicultural environment, an extensive academic program, and top-notch research opportunities, making it a top choice for students.
Look at these raving reviews from students about the University of Birmingham.
“University of Birmingham has a lovely green campus, with lots of clubs and societies to join. All the facilities are modern and there are lots of study areas which are spacious. There are several food options available on campus if you are ever needing to grab something between lectures too.”
“UOB has wonderful support for international students, with wellbeing and academic resources. There are tons of study spaces on campus equipped with computers, wifi, charging ports, and plenty of places to recharge with a snack.”
“Beautiful university campus, great place to study, great people, great community, lots of subjects taught here, and a great mix of societies and cultures. People from all over the world come to study here. There is a real sense of community.”
That was a lot of information to process, but you can always bookmark this blog and return to read it later. We sincerely hope you are successful in your application and can pursue your ambition of enrolling at the University of Birmingham and studying in the UK. Now go ahead and apply! Your student life in Birmingham at the University will be full of studies and events; make sure to utilise it to the fullest. Good Luck! At amber, we understand your problems regarding finding a suitable student accommodation, and hence we provide some amazing student accommodation in Birmingham to make your path less stressful.
