Overview

The University of Birmingham (informally known as Birmingham University or UOB) is a public research university in Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom. It became the first English municipal or “red brick” university to earn its own royal charter in 1900, succeeding Queen’s College, Birmingham (formed in 1825 as the Birmingham School of Medicine and Surgery) and Sir Josiah Mason Science College (opened in 1875). The university’s current design was inspired by Cornell University. It is a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities as well as the Russell Group of British research universities.

The university is home to the Cadbury Research Library, Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern manuscripts, Lapworth Museum of Geology, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Shakespeare Institute and a 100-meter Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, which is a prominent landmark visible from many parts of the city. Former British Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, the British composer Sir Edward Elgar, and eleven Nobel laureates are among the university’s professors and graduates. Over 350,000 people worldwide are members of the university’s Alumni Association, including notable individuals like Matthew Goode (Actor) Chris Addison (Comedian) Victoria Wood (Comedienne), and many others.

History

Ranking & Achievements

The University of Birmingham stands as one of the leading institutions in the UK. According to US News & World Report, it maintains a prominent position among UK universities. In its most recent 2023 rankings, the university is placed at 89, signalling an upward trajectory from 2022. In THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking for 2023, the University of Birmingham holds the 108th spot globally. Additionally, in the QS World University Ranking for 2024, the university is positioned at 84 worldwide. University of Birmingham rankings in 2024 are as follows:

• QS – World University Ranking: #84
• The Complete University Guide – University Ranking UK: #14
• The Guardian – University Rankings: #37
• Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings: #101

Course Rankings:

According to the University of Birmingham’s subject ranking for 2023, numerous courses offered by the university are recognised as top-tier globally. In 2023, QS ranked the University of Birmingham’s MIM (Masters in Management) programme within the 51-100 range for Accounting & Finance, maintaining its position from 2022. Similarly, the QS Mathematics Rankings placed the university’s MS (Masters of Science) programmes in the 101-150 range for 2023. Furthermore, the University of Birmingham’s MSN (Masters in Nursing) course secured a global ranking of 51-100 by QS in 2023. Additionally, the university’s MS programmes in Engineering and Technology were ranked at 114 in 2023, further demonstrating their popularity and excellence both nationally and internationally. Given below are the University of Birmingham course rankings in 2024:

Business & Management Studies Courses

• The Complete University Guide – Business and Management Studies UK: #19
• The Guardian – Business and Management: #36
• The Guardian – Guardian Economics Rankings: #18

Nursing Courses

• The Complete University Guide – Nursing Rankings: #15

Engineering Courses

• The Complete University Guide – Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering: #8
• The Complete University Guide – Chemical Engineering Ranking: #6
• The Complete University Guide – Civil Engineering Ranking: #21
• The Complete University Guide – Electrical and Electronic Engineering: #8
• The Complete University Guide – Mechanical Engineering Ranking: #12
• The Guardian – Civil Engineering: #31

Medicine & Health Sciences Courses

• The Complete University Guide – Medicine Rankings: #19
• The Guardian – Guardian Medicine Rankings: #26

Law Courses

• The Complete University Guide – Law Rankings: #22
• The Guardian – Guardian Law Rankings: #32

PhD/MPhil/MSc Finance (Research)

Tution Fee

£ 23,520Annually

Duration36 Months

DegreePh.D

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 7

BSc Accounting and Finance

Tution Fee

£ 24,660Annually

Duration36 Months

DegreeBachelors

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88

BSc Money Banking and Finance

Tution Fee

£ 24,660Annually

Duration36 Months

DegreeBachelors

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88

MSc Money Banking and Finance

Tution Fee

£ 30,330Annually

Duration12 Months

DegreeMasters

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 6.5

MSc Financial Technology

Tution Fee

£ 31,779Annually

Duration12 Months

DegreeMasters

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 7, TOEFL: 95

MSc Accounting and Finance

Tution Fee

£ 31,779Annually

Duration12 Months

DegreeMasters

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 7, TOEFL: 95

MSc Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics

Tution Fee

TBC

Duration12 Months

DegreeMasters

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88

BSc (Hons) Geography and Urban and Regional Planning

Tution Fee

£ 20,760Annually

Duration36 Months

DegreeBachelors

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 6, TOEFL: 80

Mres Research in Human Geography

Tution Fee

£ 21,360Annually

Duration12 Months

DegreeMasters

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 6, TOEFL: 80

MRes Late Antiquity

Tution Fee

£ 21,840Annually

Duration12 Months

DegreeMasters

IntakeSep

Exam ScoreIELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88

Facilities & Services

The UOB has two main campuses that span 672 acres at Edgbaston and Sally Oaks. The university also maintains campuses in Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge, Coniston (Cumbria), and Ansty (Coventry). The university also has a well-developed campus in Dubai International Academic City. The university’s campus is constantly buzzing with events and activities. A winter festival held on campus during the winter and a summer ball featuring live music and a fair during the summer are two notable events. Additionally, the university frequently hosts student socials, sporting events, and family fun days. Club evenings, workshops, fairs, debates, and other social events are all regularly scheduled by the Guild of Students. More than 500 student organisations are supported by the Guild of Students at the university. From Acapella, Anime & Manga, Harry Potter, Pokemon, Shakespeare, and kickboxing, to Archeology, Neuroscience, and Psychology, the student organisations and societies cater to a wide spectrum of interests. The university offers 55 sports clubs in addition to ranking in the top 7 in UK university sports. To get a better look into other university’s amenities, here are some more details about the University of Birmingham facilities listed below –

• Modern sports facilities, exercise centres, a student hub, and world-class athletic facilities are all found on the main campus.
• Renowned pieces by famous artists including Monet, Manet, and Renoir may be found at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. This location hosts activities like lunchtime concerts, evening talks, and literature seminars.
• One of the first specialised geological museums in the UK is located at the university; it is called the Lapworth Museum of Geology.
• A 450-seat theatre in the Bramall Music Building hosts performances all year round, such as concerts and comedy acts.
• Winterbourne House and Garden, an English botanic garden and heritage site, is another component of the Edgbaston campus.

Fees & Scholarship

Acceptance Rate

The University of Birmingham’s acceptance rate stands at 46%% with around  37990+ students enrolled at the university, making it the seventh-largest student body in the UK (out of 169). The University of Birmingham acceptance rate is slightly competitive as compared to other universities in its proximity. Given below is a table highlighting different universities’ acceptance rate nearby UOB.

 Entry Requirements

UOB accepts admissions for undergraduate programmes through the UCAS system. Candidates can submit their applications directly through the university website for postgraduate programmes. The application fee for undergraduate students is £22 and £50 for postgraduate students. Here are some of the University of Birmingham entry requirements that students need to keep in mind before applying to the university –

Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

• Official academic transcripts from previous institutions
• Minimum overall academic score of 65% – 70%
• Mark sheets
• Academic Letters of Recommendation (LORs) in UK
• Personal statement

Graduate Admission Requirements:

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree with a first class or an excellent upper second class
• Academic Transcripts and degree certificates
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• 2 reference letters or 1 academic letter of recommendation
• Work samples and research proposal (for research programmes)
• Resume/CV
• Passport details, if relevant

English Proficiency Test Scores Requirements

To enroll in a programme at the University, you must exhibit a sufficient level of English proficiency. This can be demonstrated through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent qualifications. The table provided below specifies the required grades in IELTS corresponding to the subject area you intend to study. Typically, English tests or qualifications should be taken within two years prior to the start date of your programme.

Fees

• Accounting & Finance: £19,320 – £30,001
• Medical & Pure Sciences: £18,120 – £27,740
• Business Management & Entrepreneurship: £18,450 – £31,500
• Computer Science & Technology: £19,320 – £26,640
• Nursing & Medicine: £9,810 – £25,740
• Engineering: £4,596 – £25,740
• Law & Legal Studies: £18,120 – £21,240
• Psychology: £18,450 – £23,400

Scholarship

Given below are some of the scholarships at the University of Birmingham:

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Birmingham near University of Birmingham that are fully equipped for your needs. These student accommodations offer a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Birmingham is influenced by a number of variables, most of which are influenced by your spending habits and financial situation. To live comfortably in Birmingham, it is recommended to have a monthly budget of between £971 – £1,019 (excluding tuition). Glance through the table below for a detailed rundown of the various expenses that students face –

Location