University of Birmingham
A highly ranked, global red brick university located in the heart of England. The University of Birmingham has a great reputation with employers.
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Why choose the University of Birmingham?
Top 15 in the UK
Complete University Guide 2026
Top 80 in the world
QS World University Rankings 2026
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?
in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
in the UK for Mathematics
in the UK for Civil Engineering
in the UK for Law
Accounting and Finance
24th in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
Top 80 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Biological Sciences
17th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
Top 125 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Business and Management Studies
15th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
Economics and Econometrics
17th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 125 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)
Geography and Environmental Science
12th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
Top 100 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Materials Technology
4th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
Top 70 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Pharmacy and Pharmacology
17th in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
Top 100 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Psychology
18th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
Top 70 in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 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.
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.
Top 3 reasons to choose Birmingham
- Birmingham has a fantastic global reputation
- You’ll study on a beautiful, 250-acre campus close to the city centre
- It’s where you can join a truly multicultural community
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.
- A degree preparation course (also known as a pathway course) helps you improve your English language level, academic skills, and subject knowledge.
- If you pass your degree preparation course at the required level and with good attendance, then you are guaranteed entry to your chosen degree at university.
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 7-minute train ride to the city centre from the University’s own railway station. 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 approximately 150 countries, and 31% of academic staff from overseas
#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
Top 10 in the UK
for £ spent on facilities by the University per student (Complete University Guide 2025)
250-acre
beautiful, green campus with a wide range of historic and modern spaces
Top 15 in the UK
for sustainability (Qs World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025)
Download useful information
(28MB, PDF)
Includes:
- University of Birmingham guide
- Degree preparation course information
- 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.
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.
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.
