History
The University grew out of the radical vision of our first Chancellor, Joseph Chamberlain. Founded in 1900, Birmingham represented a new model for Higher Education. It waws England’s first civic university, a place where students from all backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis. More than 100 years on, the Birmingham campus has grown to 672 acres, and we also now have a campus in Dubai.
Education
When you choose Birmingham, you are choosing to study at an outstanding University, renowned for changing lives and transforming society. It offers over 600 taught Masters and Masters by Research opportunities that will enable you to develop your career and pursue your interests.
Research
We foster a culture where world-leading research can thrive. Our committed staff work with researchers who seek to shape the future to facilitate new knowledge and impact. We value diverse perspectives, and collaborative research with our peers, external partners and communities, knowing they unlock ideas and solutions that can change the world.
Career
We are reforming the career framework and support we offer to academics at all stages of their career through our Birmingham Academic programme, with the aim of supporting colleagues to develop and maintain an academic culture of intellectual stimulation and high achievement, whilst fostering a deep affinity with the institution.
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
80 4
2024
84 7
2023
91
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
93 8
2024
101 7
2023
108
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
151
2023
151 -50
2022
101
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
94 -5
2023
89
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Housing services
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Library services
Our libraries are an important academic and research resource in the UK. We hold over 1.5 million print and 898,000 online books, and more than 133,000 print and online journals. Our staff provide advice, training and specialist support to help students and staff at all stages of their learning and research journey.
Medical services
The University Medical Practice (UMP) is on the edge of our Edgbaston campus and caters for our students and staff. Please visit the University Medical Practice website for further information about their services, opening times and contact details.
Campus life
Our beautiful, green campus is a short train ride or a 30-minute canal walk from Birmingham city centre. We have a wide range of historic and modern spaces for our students, staff and visitors to enjoy, as well as museums and galleries. We also have a vast array of facilities for hosting drinks receptions, conferences and, of course, major events and sporting fixtures such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. If you’re planning to visit us, look at what we have to offer and plan your visit.
Sports facilities
The University has two international standard hockey pitches, flexible 3G pitches which can be used for 5-a-side and 11-a-side football, as well as netball and tennis courts, and a 400m athletics track at Edgbaston Park Road.
Become a Birmingham Lion and choose from 62 sports clubs offering something for all fitness and ability levels.
