University of Birmingham
Description of University of Birmingham
One of the most famous universities in the UK, Birmingham University, was founded in 1900 and from the very beginning was aimed at teaching business disciplines. It serves as a kind of follower of the Royal College of Birmingham, which was founded in 1828. In 1902 a special Department of Commerce was established here, and for the first time in the UK it became possible to obtain a degree in business. In 1989, there was a merger in the Department of Accounting and Finance, which led to the establishment of a successful and popular Business School. Today the structure of the university includes, in addition to the Business School, the school of continuing education and 18 faculties, where you can get the specialties in demand in the modern world.
The total number of students reaches 24,000 students, many here and foreign students - about 4,300 people from 147 world countries. In many areas, Birmingham University is considered to be the leader in its country and one of the world's flagships:
- Environmental studies
- Biology
- Business
- Computer Science
- Engineering specialties
- Music
- Law and international relations
- Political science
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Economics
- Mechanical engineering
- Means of communication and the mass media
- The right
- Chemistry
- Sociology.
The research areas of the university are considered to be among the best in the country: approximately 30 of them received the highest scores as a result of a national audit (5 out of 6 possible), and four received the highest mark. There are also a lot of "stars" among the scientific directions: about 65% of the total (about 50 courses) received scores of 5 out of 6, and 7 earned the highest score of 5 * (whereas in the whole country the indicator of such successful courses in universities is at the level about 39%).
The University belongs to the prestigious group The Russell Group: it is the union of the 20 most powerful, popular and prestigious universities in the UK. It is the Russell Group that accounts for 56% of protected dissertations and 65% of scientific grants. In addition, the University of Birmingham is the founder of the international group Universitas 21, which also includes the universities of Nottingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh, the best universities in New Zealand, the USA, Australia, Sweden, Canada, Singapore, China and South Korea. This opens up to the students the widest opportunities for internships and practical studying in other countries, joint research and project work with students from around the world.
The campus of the University of Birmingham occupies a vast territory about 10 minutes by electric train from the city center, and the station is located directly on the base of the university, which is very convenient for students.
After graduating, he can use the International Graduates Scheme (IGS) program and stay in England for 1 year. This course has been in operation since May 2007 and provides a valuable opportunity to test the knowledge and skills gained in practice - but it is important to have time to apply for the program within 1 year after graduation.
What challenges might international students face at UK universities?
The usual challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and teaching style are common. Homesickness and language barriers can also be issues.
However, UK universities strive to support international students.
Faculties and colleges
The University of Birmingham has five specialized colleges:
- Art, law,
- Engineering, Physical Sciences,
- Life sciences, environmental sciences,
- Medical, Dental Sciences,
- Social Sciences.
A number of centers, schools and institutes are located away from its main campuses:
- The Shakespeare Institute at Stratford-upon-Avon is a postgraduate centre dedicated to the study of William Shakespeare, the literature of the English Renaissance,
- Ironbridge Institute – offers postgraduate courses, professional development in heritage,
- The School of Dentistry is the oldest dental school in the UK, located in the centre of Birmingham,
- The Raymond Priestley Centre is located near Coniston in the Lake District, which is used for outdoor activities and fieldwork.
Scientific achievements
The University of Birmingham has been involved in many historic scientific breakthroughs and inventions: the discovery of the basic features of starch, insulin, cellulose molecules, the development of the atomic bomb, immune cell transplantation and skin grafting, among many others.
Today, the university is also actively conducting research in areas important to society: healthcare, legal security, ecology and sustainable development, artificial intelligence and many others.
Things to know about
Some interesting facts about the University of Birmingham:
- The campus of the institution served as a training camp for the Jamaican track and field team before the 2012 London Olympics.
- The university opened the first autonomous dental hospital and school,
- Some laboratories at the University of Birmingham are testing for Covid-19 for local residents,
- The campuses of the University of Birmingham are hedgehog-friendly - the entire open area is equipped in such a way as not to frighten wild animals and not to interfere with their natural habitat.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in University of Birmingham
Undergraduate (Bachelor) Degrees
The program for obtaining the first degree and the diploma of higher education is designed for students from 18 years of age who have completed the secondary school and preparatory program of the Foundation. Also, students who have international certificates of the Sixth Form: A-level or IB programs can apply for the bachelor's degree.
Depending on the chosen specialty, the duration of studying is 3-4 academic years. Beginning classes in October, the documents are usually accepted until May 30.
The university offers a wide range of programs and directions: only about 49 specialties.
Postgraduate Degrees at the University of Birmingham are represented in a variety of ways, divided into different faculties and departments:
- Birmingham Business School (12 specialties)
- School of Social Sciences (20 specialties)
- School of Law (7 specialties)
- School of Public Policy (15 destinations)
- School of Humanities (4 specialties)
- School of Historical Studies (6 destinations)
- School of Engineering (6 courses)
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (2 courses)
- School of Chemistry
- School of Computer Science.
All master's programs fall into two categories: study (Taught) and research (Research and PhD):
- Taught last for an academic year (12 months)
- Research and PhD are designed for 2-3 years.
In general, students can enroll in master's programs from 21 years and older. Classes begin in October, and documents are accepted until July 15.
PhD Programs
- Age – from 23 years old,
- The term of study is three years.
Research programmes at PhD level involve the execution of original academic research that students will undertake under the expert guidance of academics from Birmingham. Students will be supported by a research community consisting of world-renowned researchers and talented fellow researchers, and research skills training will be organized for them.
The student is encouraged to apply for any of the PhD programmes and propose their own research, which will be "self-funded" by the student themselves, the sponsor or other sources. Another learning option is to choose one of 140 subject areas and join an already organized study, offering a new perspective on solving a problem.
Some of the subject areas available for study at the University of Birmingham are:
- Accounting, Finance,
- Biological sciences,
- Aerospace Engineering,
- African Studies, Anthropology,
- Chemical Engineering,
- Civil engineering
- Business, Management,
- Computer science, data science,
- Stomatology
- Writing,
- Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology,
- Design Management,
- English, Linguistics,
- Food safety,
- Mathematics.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Each student can get a place in one of the student residences - each is beautifully furnished and equipped with everything necessary for comfortable living, and the journey time to the university will be about 10-30 minutes of easy walking. Please note that the room rate is charged separately. The price of studying and accommodating also includes food, personal pocket expenses, transportation costs, teaching materials, books and manuals .
Subjects and sports
Activities University of Birmingham
For students in their spare time, there are numerous sports sections, clubs and teams. A specially created Student Union directs the work of more than 100 compatriots, craft workshops, clubs and communities of interest, so that every student can find a job for himself and his soul.
Advantages
- In England, this is the fourth largest university;
- Classical British education, which is considered exemplary throughout the world, balanced and effective educational programs;
- Valuable, highly-cited diploma: graduates with ease find work, including in high and managerial positions;
- Enormous research opportunities, numerous centers and laboratories, many of which were opened directly by staff;
- An incredibly large selection of specialties for studying - more is offered only at Cambridge University;
- It is part of the prestigious Russel Group;
- Is the founder and active member of the prestigious educational organization Universitas 21; also consists of the EUA, Universities UK, ACU, Sutton 13;
- According to Times Higher Education-2014 - the best educational institution.
It is possible to list the merits and features of the university for a very long time. You can mark a huge campus (330 hectares is occupied only by the main territory), list successful and famous alumni (including two British prime ministers, numerous leaders and top managers, ministers of world countries, 8 Nobel Prize winners) or remember what values ​​belong to the university and available for review to students: original works of Van Gogh, Rubens, Botticelli, Monet, Picasso. The territory is divided into its large Botanical Garden and even has its own railway station, an observatory is working, and the Business School is the oldest in England (it was founded in 1902).
In 2008 the university reorganized its educational system: the number of faculties was limited to 5, which in turn were divided into schools - this is the formula now used by many higher education institutions in the world. A special Birmingham Fellowship has been established, and studies of world significance are being conducted (for example, in finding a panacea for cancers). The competition in the university an average of 9 people per place, but students each time prove that they are worthy of studying here: it was the students of Birmingham University who invented the first microwave device (1940) and the modern look of big tennis!
Facilities and equipment at University of Birmingham
Over the past 5 years, the university has spent more than £ 70 million on renovation of buildings and residences, the construction of new educational facilities, and the computer and technical equipment of the campus has also been updated. Birmingham University is proud of its huge library: it has more than 2.5 million books and 3 million manuscripts of different value, plus each department has its own library with specialized literature, teaching aids and books.
A separate computer network has been built and established here, the total number of points reaches 16 thousand! High-speed internet is available in all campus locations, including each residence room.
The sports infrastructure is also excellent: there are numerous fields and grounds for team games and individual classes (both outdoors and indoors), a spacious swimming pool, more sports sections, clubs and teams.
Admission dates and extra charges
The cost of the programs of the University of Birmingham is:
- preparation for IELTS, 4 weeks = 2530 £
- summer school of English: 3 weeks = 705 £, 6 weeks = 1410 £
- academic courses, 1 trimester (11 weeks) = 2530 £
- Presessional Course (pre-session courses): 6 weeks = 1410 £, 10 weeks = 2350 £, 15 weeks = 3525 £, 20 weeks = 4700 £
- International Foundation Program (business, art, social and human sciences) = 9880 £ / course
- International Foundation Program (engineering sciences, exact sciences, natural courses - physics, chemistry) = 12800 £ / course
- Bachelor's (business, humanitarian courses) = 9880 £ / academic year
- Bachelor's degree (engineering and natural sciences) = 12800 £ / academic year
- Master's (business) = from £ 12250 to £ 13600 / year
- Master's (humanitarian courses) = 9880 £ / year
- Master's degree (engineering and natural sciences) = 12800 £ / academic year
- MBA = 17200 £ / year.
Enrolment process
The admission procedure for foreign candidates consists of several stages:
- Choosing a specialty and program, clarifying dates, requirements for admission,
- Filling out the application, providing the required documents,
- Payment of registration fees,
- Receiving a positive response from the admissions committee,
- Passing an interview, possible entrance exams,
- Receiving an official letter of readiness for enrollment,
- Payment of part or all of the cost of the program,
- Arrival at campus: completion of orientation activities, accommodation in residence and start of training.
Perspectives
According to statistics, about 87.2% of graduates of the University of Birmingham got a job or continued their academic path within 15 months after graduation, which allowed the university to enter the top ten universities of the Russell Group. In the international ranking QS World University, the university ranks 84th in terms of graduate employment.
Among the graduates of the University of Birmingham are 10 Nobel Prize winners: Sir John Vane, Francis Aston, Sir Paul Nurse, Maurice Wilkins and others.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
The requirements for applicants are higher the more difficult the course they are applying for.
1) Preparatory programs (for graduates of Russian schools)
- Age from 17 years
- Secondary education certificate with an average score of 4.5
- The results of the English language test (IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 520), for applicants for legal specialties higher - IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550.
2) Undergraduate
- Age of 18 years
- Test results in English: for the Faculty of Law - IELTS 7.0 (from 6.5 in each block) , TOEFL 600 (computer test - from 250), TWE 4.0. Engineering and science specialties - IELTS 6.0 (from 5.5 in each block), TOEFL 550 (computer test - from 213), TWE 4.0. Social, computer or business specialties - IELTS 6.5 (from 6.0 in each block), TOEFL 580 (computer test - from 237), TWE 4.0.
3) Master
- Age from 21 years
- Test results in English: for the Faculty of Law - IELTS 7.0 (from 6.5 in each block), TOEFL 600 (computer test - from 250), TWE 4.0. Engineering and science specialties - IELTS 6.0 (from 5.5 in each block), TOEFL 550 (computer test - from 213), TWE 4.0. Social, computer or business specialties - IELTS 6.5 (from 6.0 in each block), TOEFL 580 (computer test - from 237), TWE 4.0.
The general list of documents required for transfer to the admission committee includes:
- A completed application form
- Bank account statement or other confirmation of financial solvency
- Reference letters (from teachers, director, class teacher)
- Certificate of passing an international test in English (accepted by IELTS and TOEFL, passing scores are indicated above)
- A motivation letter written by the applicant himself
- Translation of a certificate from a high school or a bachelor's degree (for graduate students) with marks certified by a notary. If you plan studying for the degree of PhD, you need to also formulate the theme of your future research (thesis) and prescribe the main stages of the work.
Please note that you can send the main package of documents before the time of the language test: the results of the exam in English can be sent later if the admissions committee finds your academic knowledge sufficient. Hardly defined deadlines for filing applications, like deadline, are not fixed - places are filled in as the applications are considered.
Scholarships University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham has international scholarships with a total fund of up to £3 million. Scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding achievements in studies and extracurricular activities.
Scholarship programs are complemented by funding opportunities from selected colleges and partners, such as Chevening and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. These awards not only recognize outstanding achievements, but also reflect the university's commitment to making world-class education accessible to more students from all over the world.
Some of the scholarship programs are:
- KAPLAN Bachelor's Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievement,
- Open Society Foundation Grant Program,
- Roberto Rocca Scholarship,
- Sports awards,
- World Bank Fellowship Program.
Literature and references
- University of Birmingham — Wiki
- University of Birmingham
- University of Birmingham — THE - Times Higher Education
- University of Birmingham — Complete University Guide
- University of Birmingham — U.S. News & World Report L.P.
- University of Birmingham
- University guide 2023: University of Birmingham — the Guardian
- University of Birmingham develops new diagnostic for traumatic brain injury
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM LAUNCHES NEW DUBAI RESEARCH CENTRES
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about University of Birmingham
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
