Birkbeck College

The main teaching facilities at Birkbeck are concentrated in the centre of London, around Woburn Square and Gordon Square in Bloomsbury. A newer campus has also opened in Stratford with the aim of widening participation and easing competition for spaces at the main site. The number of programmes offered at this second site is growing steadily.    

Background and History

Founded in 1823 as the London Mechanic's Institute, Birkbeck has changed name and location multiple times, but has always remained a centre for part-time and flexible studies in the capital. Teaching for the majority of its courses takes place at night, allowing students to study alongside full time employment. The college became part of the University of London in 1920, and in 2009 incorporated itself with the Faculty of Lifelong Learning, which had previously been part of the School of Continuing Education.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: Birkbeck's nearest tube stations are Russell Square and Euston Square, while national rail services are a short walk away via Euston and King's Cross-St. Pancras.     By Road: Driving to Birkbeck is not advisable given the traffic in Central London and the congestion charge in the area. Local and national bus services are available from Euston station.     Accessibility: Most college facilities are wheelchair-friendly and tailored accommodation is available for those with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MRes, MPhil, PhD

Entry Requirements

Birkbeck offers some of the most flexible entry requirements of any university in the UK, with all applicants considered on merit, as opposed to qualifications they may or may not have. Applicants under 21 are expected to have formal qualifications such as A-levels, BTEC or the International Baccalaureate; exact grades are flexible. For applicants over 21, no formal qualifications are necessary and any relevant experience will be considered.

University Accommodation

Birkbeck does not have any dedicated halls of residence, instead helping students find accommodation through the University of London Housing Service. It does have a number of reserved places at the UoL intercollegiate halls, though these are reserved for full-time international students.  

Private Accommodation

Central London offers the most expensive postcode in the country, but good rental deals can be found via the UoL and certain private halls of residence in the area. Most students live outside of the city centre and commute to evening classes.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

The college ranks highly for courses in english, history, history of art, earth sciences, economics and politics. It is also well known as a centre for crystallographic research.  

Tuition Fees

Fees for all undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students, postgraduates and foundation courses vary, more information can be found on the university website.     Financial Support: Students are eligible for a means-tested reduction in fees through the National Scholarship Programme, as well as means-tested cash bursaries through the college.

Academic Facilities

Birkbeck has excellent academic facilities through its membership of the University of London, including a well-stocked library, widespread IT provision and a number of teaching and research laboratories. The university's research centres for structural biology, crystallography and genomics are world-class.

Other on-site Amenities

Student flexibility being central to the Birkbeck ethos, both campuses feature nurseries and the usual cafeterias, bars and social spaces typical of any university. The Bloomsbury campus sits next door to the University of London Union, with its excellent gym, swimming pool and numerous clubs and societies.  

Medical and Social Care

Birkbeck does not have a dedicated medical centre, but students are invited to use a GP surgery on Gower Street. The university's Student Union also runs counselling services.    

What's on in the Area

Bloomsbury is an area of London known for its theatres and galleries and museums, hosting the British museum among others. Covent Garden is close and Soho is a short walk away, offering one of the liveliest gay scenes in the world. The Stratford campus has less to offer in the way of nightlife, but the legacy of the Olympic games means the site is well provided for in terms of public sporting facilities.  

Moving on

The University of London has the largest careers service in the country. This may not be overly significant for many students who are working while they study, but it's good to have the option available!

Notable Birkbeck lecturers have included T.S. Elliot and Anthony Beever. Birkbeck consistently ranks among the list of UK universities with the highest level of student satisfaction. 99% of undergraduates at the university are classed as mature students.  

Is Birkbeck right for you?

There's no better place to be if flexibility and part-time learning are what you're looking for, and for those without formal qualifications Birkbeck is an excellent way into higher education. The resulting concentration of mature students, lack of halls and evening classes means the college may not suit students coming straight from A-levels, however.