The University of Birmingham

Address and Location

Located in the heart of the UK, the University of Birmingham offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere on the doorstep of one of the country's most bustling cities. Facilities are spread over five campuses in the Edgbaston and Selly Oak areas of the city.  

Background and History

Founded in 1900 by Joseph Chamberlain, the University of Birmingham has been testing bright minds for over a century. As the UK's first civic university, UoB led the way in welcoming students from all religious backgrounds. Now home to organisations including the Cadbury Research Library and Barber Institute of Fine Arts, the university has grown into one of the largest and best in the country.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: The only UK university with its own station, the easiest way to reach UoB is by train. Most cross-country rail services stop at Birmingham New Street. From there, take the ten minute journey to University Station, which is five minutes' walk from the centre of campus.

By Road: The university campus is accessible from any direction.

When approaching via the M6, leave at Junction 6 (signposted Birmingham Central) and take the A38(M). Continue on and the university will appear on your right.

From the south west, leave the M5 at Junction 4 (signposted Birmingham SW) and join the A38 for 8 miles.

If entering the city from the M40, turn south on the M42 and leave at Junction 1, heading north on the A38. The university is located 8 miles ahead.

The university has three main car parks: North, South and Pritchatts Road. If visiting the university for an open day, note that spaces fill up quickly. You may want to consider using the Park Ride service at King Edwards School playing fields.

Accessibility: The University of Birmingham is committed to promoting equality, diversity and fairness for all students. The university's Disability Support Service holds individual consultations to assess the needs of each student.

What's on Offer

BSc, MSc, MPhil, PhD, DBA, MSc, MBA

Entry Requirements

The University of Birmingham has high entry standards, with most courses requiring 400+ UCAS points. All candidates must be individually accepted by a course Admissions Tutor. In addition, the university requests that all students have at least GCSE English and Mathematics, both grade C or above.

University Accommodation

The university provides first-year students with accommodation at several sites around the campus. All halls of residence are within a 30-minute walk of university facilities and offer a range of catered and self-catered options.

Private Accommodation

Alongside the wealth of private rental options for second and third years, the university rents three, four and five-bedroom accommodation in the Selly Oak area of the city. A dedicated accommodation team are on hand to help students find suitable housing.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Academic standards at the university are high. In the past, Research Assessment Exercises have found UoB to be the West Midlands' top university. Birmingham's primary care researchers have been ranked number one in the UK, as has the university's department of Sport and Exercise Science.  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students, postgraduates and foundational courses vary. Financial Support: A wide range of scholarships, grants and bursaries are available to university applicants.

Academic Facilities

The university is home to 10 libraries. For the past 35 years, the main HSMC facility has built itself a solid reputation for its specialist collection of reference material and dynamic information services. Computing facilities within the School of Computer Science are available for use by registered staff and students, 24 hours a day.

Other on-site Amenities

The university's Munrow Sport Centre features a swimming pool, badminton courts, fitness suite and fully-equipped gym. Alongside the typical on-campus restaurants, bars, banks and shops, students have access to a hair salon, travel agent and monthly farmers' market in University Square.

Medical and Social Care

The University of Birmingham Student Guild organises a range of university-wide events and offers a comprehensive student support service. The Guild also organises careers fairs and volunteering opportunities. A local optician offers eye examinations, and childcare facilities are available on several of the university campuses.

What's on in the Area

With more university students than any other UK city outside London, Birmingham is the perfect place for a night out on the town. The choice of high-quality eateries and bars in the city is exceptional, with something to suit all budgets. Being in the heart of the Midlands means that weekend day trips to other cities are possible.

Moving On

The Careers and Employability Centre is available to all students. Through a varied programme of careers advice, interview practice and other services, the centre aims to boost students' chances of finding jobs upon leaving university. It works: UoB has an excellent record for graduate employability.

Eight of the university's alumni have gone on to win the Nobel Prize, including Francis Aston, Lord Robert Cecil and Sir John Vane.At almost 100m high, the university clock tower 'Old Joe' is the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world. Its clockface alone is large enough to drive/fly a double-decker bus through.

Is the University of Birmingham the place for you?

Boasting an excellent academic reputation, the University of Birmingham is unique in its mix of bustling city and friendly, small-town campus. For comparison try Manchester or Leeds, or Aston University if you know that Birmingham is the place for you.