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University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham's main red brick building

University of Birmingham

A highly ranked red brick university located in the heart of England. The University of Birmingham has a great reputation with employers. 

Why choose the University of Birmingham? 

Top 15 in the UK 

Complete University Guide 2025

Top 80 in the world

QS World University Rankings 2025

Russell Group member 

Prestigious UK research group 

The University of Birmingham ranks highly in a wide range of subject areas, so you can follow your dreams to your ideal degree.

Ready to find a degree at the University of Birmingham? 

4th

in the UK for Physics and Astronomy

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
12th

in the UK for Mathematics

Guardian University Guide 2025
16th

in the UK for Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Complete University Guide 2025 
23rd

in the UK for Law 

Complete University Guide 2025

Take a closer look at the University of Birmingham


Here’s why our students love Birmingham 

Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city. It’s hugely multicultural, with food and festivals from all over the world, so it’s easy to make connections here. 

Historic design document of the University of Birmingham

Birmingham is a place where you can thrive  

With more than 100 years of academic excellence behind it, the University of Birmingham is where you can build your future with a degree that employers respect.

Let’s choose your route to the University of Birmingham 

If you want to study at the University of Birmingham but don’t yet meet the entry requirements, then you can take a degree preparation course on campus in Birmingham, or at our International College in London, and progress to the University. 

OPTION 1

On campus

University of Birmingham foundation pathways

  • On-campus degree preparation courses  
  • Live and study in Birmingham from day one  
  • Guaranteed entry to a University of Birmingham degree*  

OPTION 2

Off campus

Kaplan International College London

  • Degree preparation courses in London  
  • Experience life in London before moving to Birmingham for your degree    
  • Guaranteed entry to a University of Birmingham degree*  

OPTION 3

Online

Degree preparation online

  • Study a degree preparation course online with Kaplan Pathways
  • Guaranteed entry to your chosen on-campus University of Birmingham bachelor’s or master’s degree*
  • Explore your degree options via digital degree preparation on our Degree Finder

*When you pass your degree preparation course at the required level with good attendance.  

You may also be eligible to apply for degree admission to the University of Birmingham without the need for a preparation course.

Life on campus

The main campus is in Edgbaston, just a 10-minute train ride to the city centre, so you can enjoy a traditional campus environment in a major metropolitan destination. 

The University of Birmingham is set on a beautiful, historic campus, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. 

10,000+ 

international students from 150 countries 

#1 most-targeted university 

in the UK by graduate employers (High Fliers 2024) 

One of the best places to live in the UK

Digbeth & Stirchley areas of Birmingham are named in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2023 

2nd in the UK

in the UK for £ spent on facilities by the University per student (Complete University Guide 2025) 

250-acre 

scenic campus 

Silver award 

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 

Download useful information

(28MB, PDF)

Includes:

  • University of Birmingham guide 
  • Degree preparation course information 
  • University of Birmingham flyer 
  • Kaplan International College London brochure 

Any other questions

Where is Birmingham?

Birmingham is right in the centre of England, in a region known as the Midlands. It’s a diverse, welcoming city with lots to see and do. With transport links like a train station and even an international airport, it’s easy to explore the UK and beyond. 

Canal towpath in central Birmingham
We are Birmingham

What is there to do?

Lots! You can shop until you drop at the Bullring shopping centre, catch a concert or a comedy show at the Utilita Arena, or head to the bars and clubs of Broad Street. 

City, Urban, Cityscape
The city of Birmingham

What is it like for international students? 

Birmingham is a great destination for international students. It’s one of the UK’s most multicultural cities, where you can join in on the annual Eid celebrations, or try the food at the Birmingham Caribbean Festival.