The University of Birmingham is one of the most prestigious centres of higher education in the UK and the second most popular university in the West Midlands. Established in 1825 as Birmingham School of Medicine and Surgery, the university is home to over 23,000 students, making it the 7th largest in the UK.
Birmingham is a founding member of the Russell Group with a glorious 276-acre green campus site, the second-largest city in the UK. In total, there are over 350 undergraduate courses, 600 postgraduate taught courses, 140 research courses and over 450 PhD opportunities to choose from. Today, this vibrant institution welcomes a thriving community of 26,000 students, including 5,000 international students. With an impressive 31% of its academic staff hailing from overseas, Birmingham proudly cultivates one of the country's most diverse and globally-oriented campuses.
Learn more about why you should choose the University of Birmingham below, and if you would like to apply, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
Five Reasons to Choose the University of Birmingham
1. Rankings and global reputation
The University of Birmingham is a global institution driven by ambition and takes immense pride in its consistent placement among the top 100 universities in the world. Since its establishment in 1900, the university has fostered a reputation for conducting high-quality, impactful research that addresses the pressing challenges of our time. Moreover, the university’s innovative approach to teaching integrates research into the learning experience, ensuring that its students receive a world-class education.
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Birmingham is ranked in the top 110 places out of 1,400 universities worldwide. Among the 100 universities ranked in the UK, the university stands in the top 20. In the QS World University Rankings, Birmingham is ranked in the top 100.
2. Graduate employability and placements
The University of Birmingham is reputed for its excellent placement records. It is 5th in the UK for graduate prospects. The University has collaborated with several businesses and brands, organising regular workshops and seminars to offer students an opportunity to understand the industry. Multiple internship opportunities are also given to students to get acquainted with real-time professional challenges and their solutions.
Through regular workshops and seminars, the university offers its students a chance to gain insights into the industry. Moreover, the university also provides numerous internship opportunities, allowing students to tackle real-world professional challenges and develop practical solutions.
3. Amazing city location
One of the best things about the University of Birmingham that students like is its location in the heart of Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK.
The main campus is a few minutes from the iconic Edgbaston Cricket Stadium and the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The city of Birmingham is known for its rich history and heritage buildings that students can witness during their stay at the university campus. The city also benefits from its proximity to London, a global financial capital. It becomes easy for students to explore London and other major cities in the country..
Birmingham International Airport is conveniently located nearby, facilitating effortless travel to mainland Europe. As the youngest city in Europe, Birmingham boasts a population where nearly 40% are under the age of 25. With over 8,000 acres of parks and open spaces, the city is recognised as one of the greenest in the UK.
4. Research influence
The University of Birmingham's research standard and global influence are an aspect where it has always excelled. It is a founding member of the international network of research universities, Universitas 21.
It has been involved in several scientific breakthroughs, including Nobel laureate Norman Haworth’s research that helped find the structure of maltose, lactose, and cellobiose. Birmingham’s Department of Physics played a significant role in the development of cavity magnetron. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), the university showed impressive performance and was placed 13th out of 129 institutes on GPA.
With the contributions of its 10 Nobel Laureates, Birmingham has addressed global challenges and made pioneering discoveries that have revolutionised our understanding of the world.
5. Support for international students
Birmingham is home to over 8,700 international students from over 140 countries, making it one of the most diverse universities in the country. In addition, 31% of the university’s academic staff are from outside the UK. The International Student Team supports and counsels current and future international students at the university, including immigration support, visa advice, and assistance at the campus. Guild of Students, the students’ union of the University of Birmingham, is also known to facilitate a smooth experience for international students.
The University of Birmingham believes in pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and making a meaningful impact on society. Through its dedication to research, teaching, and global engagement, the university strives to be a beacon of excellence in higher education.
Study at the University of Birmingham
Are you considering studying at the University of Birmingham? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India to get all your questions answered regarding university courses, campus life, and entry requirements.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
