Official emblem of University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

Birmingham, United Kingdom Founded 1900 World Rank #148

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: University of Birmingham
Acronyms: BHAM
Founded: 1900
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: None
World Rank: #148
Rank in United Kingdom: #10
Motto: Per Ardua ad Alta
Colours: Blue, gold and red
University of Birmingham central facility
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Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Birmingham (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), West Midlands.

Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, University of Birmingham (BHAM) is a very large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. University of Birmingham (BHAM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 123-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

BHAM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Find University of Birmingham on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.

Address: Edgbaston
Postal Code: BI5 2TT
Other Sites: University of Birmingham Dubai
Phone: +44 (121) 414 3344
Fax: +44 (121) 414 3971
Social Media:

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for University of Birmingham: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.

Academic Year: September to June
Recognition: Privy Council
Accrediting Agency: OfS, QAA
Admission Requirements: General Certificate of Education(GCE) or equivalent with passes in 3 subjects at Advanced ('A') level or a combination of 'A' and Advanced Supplementary ('AS') passes; Adequate standard of literacy and numeracy
Student Enrollment: 30
Academic Staff Range: 2,000-2,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) European University Association (EUA) Russell Group Universitas 21 (U21) Universities UK

Academic Structures

University of Birmingham's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.

Unit 6 items
  • Birmingham Business School
  • College of Arts and Law
  • College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
  • College of Life and Environmental Sciences
  • College of Medical and Dental Sciences
  • College of Social Sciences

Degrees

Whether you're considering bachelor's, master's, or doctoral study at University of Birmingham, qualifications are sorted by level. Stackable credentials (microcredentials adding up to full degrees) appear separately where available.

Bachelor's 13 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Business Administration
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Fine Arts
  • Health Sciences
  • Information Sciences
  • Law
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Performing Arts
  • Philosophy
  • Social Sciences
Master's 14 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Business Administration
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Information Sciences
  • Law
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Performing Arts
  • Religion
  • Social Sciences
  • Technology
  • Welfare and Protective Services
Doctoral 42 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Accountancy
  • African Studies
  • American Studies
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Canadian Studies
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Dentistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • Economics
  • Education
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • Film
  • Finance
  • Geography
  • Heritage Preservation
  • History
  • Law
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Oncology
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Religion
  • Sports
  • Theatre
  • Theology
  • Writing

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Privy Council.

Arts and Law (College) 14 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • American Studies
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Canadian Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • English
  • History
  • Law
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Religion
  • Theatre
  • Theology

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering and Physical Sciences (College) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Life and Environmental Sciences (College) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Psychology
  • Sports

Common Career Paths

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Climate Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medical and Dental Sciences (College) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Demography and Population
  • Dentistry
  • Health Sciences
  • Immunology
  • Medicine
  • Oncology

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Clinical Researcher
  • Healthcare Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social Sciences (College) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Government
  • Management
  • Social Policy
  • Social Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

University of Birmingham's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.

564 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

MBA (Full-time)
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 261 programmes

Accounting and Finance MSc
Finance, Banking & Insurance

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc / PGDip
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice (International) MSc
Pharmacy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship MSc

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) MSc / PGDip / PGCert

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Clinical Practice (Midwifery) MSc / PGDip / PGCert
Midwifery

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Clinical Practice MSc / PGDip / PGCert

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Computer Science MSc
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Engineering Management (Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation) MSc
AI & Machine Learning

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Advanced Engineering Management (Construction Management) MSc
Civil Engineering & Construction

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 261.

Doctorate 54 programmes

Applied Mathematics PhD
Mathematics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Arabic Studies PhD / MA by Research

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Atmospheric Sciences and Air Pollution PhD
Natural Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Biosciences PhD
Biological Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Chemical Engineering PhD / MSc (Res)
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Chemical Engineering with Integrated Study PhD
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Chemistry PhD / MSc (Res)
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Civil Engineering PhD / MPhil
Civil Engineering & Construction

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Comparative Literature PhD
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Computer Science PhD
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 54.

Professional Doctorate 8 programmes

Clinical Psychology Doctorate ClinPsyD
Clinical Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctor of Social Work DSW
Social Work

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science DSportExSci
Sport and Exercise Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Forensic Clinical Psychology Doctorate ForenClinPsyD
Clinical Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate (CPD Route) ForenPsyD
Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate ForenPsyD
Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Formulation Engineering EngD
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Practical Theology Doctorate DPT
Islamic & Quranic Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Foundation 1 programme

Foundation in Professional Golf Studies
Business & Management · On-campus

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate 15 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics PGCert (Online)
Linguistics & Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in PGCert Higher Specialist Work in Mental Health Services (AMHP)
Health Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (QTS) - Primary PGCE
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (QTS) - Primary SEND PGCE
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (QTS) - Primary with Mathematics Specialism PGCE
Mathematics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Engineers Teach Physics PGCE
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - English PGCE
English Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Geography PGCE
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - History PGCE
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Mathematics PGCE
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 15.

Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme

Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy High Intensity PGDip
Health Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to University of Birmingham

How to apply to University of Birmingham — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Use the programme finder to browse University of Birmingham's 564 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Programme-level requirements at University of Birmingham typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    University of Birmingham processes applications through www.birmingham.ac.uk. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (121) 414 3344. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Birmingham

The questions below summarise University of Birmingham's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

When did University of Birmingham open?

University of Birmingham traces its founding to 1900 (approximately 126 years ago).

Where can I find University of Birmingham?

The institution is located in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

What is University of Birmingham's control type?

University of Birmingham is a public institution.

How many students does University of Birmingham have?

The institution has a student body of 30,000-34,999.

How is University of Birmingham ranked?

University of Birmingham holds rank #148 globally and #10 in United Kingdom.

What degrees does University of Birmingham offer?

Programmes at University of Birmingham cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

What is University of Birmingham's academic structure?

University of Birmingham has 6 academic units.

Who recognises University of Birmingham?

Yes, University of Birmingham is recognised by OfS, QAA.

How do I find University of Birmingham online?

The institution's website is www.birmingham.ac.uk.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom

Below: the United Kingdom's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for University of Birmingham's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

Universities sharing European University Association (EUA) affiliation with University of Birmingham offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities close to University of Birmingham typically fall within the same regional student-transit zones, where transit discounts and shared passes reduce living costs across the cluster.

Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Other universities in the United Kingdom that teach Natural Sciences & Mathematics appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against University of Birmingham. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.

Universities Compared with University of Birmingham

Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to University of Birmingham. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.

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