University of Birmingham

Overview

The University of Birmingham is a British red brick university located in the city of Birmingham, England. Founded in Edgbaston in 1900 as a successor to Mason Science College, and with origins dating back to the 1825 Birmingham Medical School, it was the first of the so-called 'red brick' universities to receive a Royal Charter (and thus official university status). The University of Birmingham is a member of the Russell Group of research universities and a founding member of Universitas 21. It currently has over 18,000 undergraduate and 11,000 postgraduate students, making it larger than the other two universites in the city; Aston University and Birmingham City University. In 2006-07 it was the 4th most popular English university by number of applications. In the same year the annual income of the University of Birmingham was £389m, with an expenditure of £372m. The University of Birmingham was founded over 100 years ago. Whatever a student’s chosen subject they will benefit tremendously from the experience of studying at Birmingham. Students secure a well-respected degree which is recognised throughout the world, and also benefit from the friendly, multicultural community that exists on the University of Birmingham’s beautiful campus. 

Ranking

The Times Higher Education Supplement placed the University of Birmingham 11th in the UK and 65th in the 2007 world university rankings table. The University of Birmingham was ranked 30th in Europe in the Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. It is rated 5th in the UK for research quality in the most recent Research Assessment Excercise (2001), with 32 departments holding a 5 or 5* rating. The Guardian University Guide describes it as "Large, prestigious, and rather grand" 

Services for International Students

The University of Birmingham’s Student Support and Counselling Service offers help and advice to students. It is staffed by a team of professionally-trained counselors who help students deal with any difficulties they may be experiencing – be they educational or emotional. The International Students Advisory Service also provides trained and dedicated advisers for international students who have queries relating to immigration, working in the UK, healthcare, finance, personal and academic support. Both services are free of charge and all matters are handled in the strictest confidence. 

Accommodation

International students are guaranteed a place in University of Birmingham accommodation for at least their first year of study, as long as they accept as a firm choice and return their application form by the given deadline. It may be possible for students to stay in University of Birmingham accommodation for the whole of their time in the UK if they wish.
In halls of residence, students have their own study-bedroom but share other facilities. Breakfast and evening meals are provided in the Hall. Self-catering flats consist of five or more individual study bedrooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Private bathrooms are also available in some flats.
If students prefer, there is plenty of privately rented accommodation close to the University of Birmingham and the University's Housing Services Office will help them if they decide to explore this option.
Detailed information about accommodation at Birmingham can be found at the Housing Services website at www.housing.bham.ac.uk

Campus

The main University of Birmingham campus at Edgbaston, where most of our teaching and other facilities are situated, is spacious and attractive with lawns, trees and a lake. It was the first campus university in England and one of the first 'red brick' universities - Birmingham is said to be the origin of the term 'red brick university'. Our Selly Oak campus is situated on a beautiful garden site a short bus-ride from the main campus. 

Health centre

University Medical Centre: a long established group practice of doctors working from purpose-built premises on the edge of campus in Edgbaston. Whilst they have a close relationship with the University of Birmingham and cater mainly for students and staff, they are fully independent as a 'normal' general practice.

Welfare support

The University of Birmingham is one of the most popular UK study destinations for international students. With over 4,000 students from nearly 150 different countries, you won't be alone – and you'll be helped by a comprehensive support network from within the University of Birmingham and the international office. 

Location

Birmingham is a major European city, is a lively, friendly and multicultural city. It is home to some spectacular Victorian and contemporary architecture and all the facilities you would expect of a modern and thriving metropolis - venues for art, music, theatre and sport, excellent nightlife, great shopping and eating, including the world famous Bullring Centre. The city also benefits from being surrounded by beautiful countryside. Its position in the heart of England makes it the perfect base from which to explore the UK and Europe; the city is less than two hours away from London by road and rail, and has its own international airport. Warwick, Stratford, the Peak District and Wales are also all within easy travelling distance.

Entry requirements

For undergraduate admissions, the University of Birmingham accepts many different types of qualifications from the UK and overseas. All candidates must offer good grades in either A'levels, International Baccalaureate, a recognised Foundation Programme or an equivalent overseas qualifications. Specific requirements may vary depending on the subject you wish to study.

For entry to University of Birmingham postgraduate programmes, candidates must offer the equivalent of a good honours degree. In general you must achieve a level equivalent to a first or upper second class honours degree, although specific requirements may vary from one course to another.

Further details about entry requirements for overseas students can be found on the University of Birmingham International Office web site.

English Language
All candidates are required to have a good level of written and spoken English before taking up a place at the University of Birmingham. English language requirements vary from course to course. As a guideline, most students will be expected to have achieved a MINIMUM score as follows :

For Engineering and Science courses - IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550/213/80 (IBT)
For Business, Health Sciences, Education, Humanities and Social Science courses - IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 580/237/93
For Medicine, Dentistry and Law - IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 600/250/100 (IBT)
URL: www.bham.ac.uk