Birkbeck University of London

HISTORY: In 1823, Dr George Birkbeck and his supporters launched London’s first-ever Mechanics’ Institution, dedicated to the education of working people. This foundation meant that, for the first time, artisans and craftsmen could learn about science, art and economics. Seven years later, the Institution took a further radical step by becoming one of the first colleges to admit women as students. By 1858, Birkbeck was the first choice for students who wanted a university education but who could not afford to study full-time. This role was formalised in 1920, when Birkbeck University officially became part of the University of London.

LOCATION: Birkbeck has 2 sites, one in central London, near halls of residence and near main line stations - Euston and Kings Cross and one in east London, Stratford. Most full time degree programmes are taught at the Central London campus.

RANKING: Birkbeck, University of London is ranked between 351-400th in the Times Higher Education university rankings. Birkbeck is not ranked in the Shanghai Jiao Tong rankings and is not a member of the Russell Group of universities.Birkbeck, University of London is ranked 69th in the National Student Survey Satisfaction rankings.

INTERNATIONAL: Students from over 120 countries study at Birkbeck. There are approximately 500 international students in total, representing 5% of the total student number.

SIZE: Latest figures indicate there are approximately 9,760 students in total at Birkbeck. There are around 4,680 undergraduates and around 5,080 postgraduates.

EMPLOYMENT: 91.7% of Birkbeck students were in employment or further education 6 months after graduating (source:HESA). However, a breakdown of post-graduation employment by course, showing the split into professional/managerial positions, rather than general employment figures, is available from Unistats an independent source of university data. For more information, please visit the REF Information page.

FACILITIES: As a student at Birkbeck, you can join the Energybase Health and Fitness Club at the University of London Union, next door to Birkbeck in central London. Membership of Energybase includes unlimited use of the fitness suite, swimming pool - the largest swimming pool in central London - and classes. In order to join, you need to become a member of University of London Union, this is free for full and part time students studying at Birkbeck. Also, as a member of ULU Birkbeck students can join in with over 40 clubs/associations run by the union.

ACCOMMODATION: Birkbeck has allocated spaces at the University of London’s 8 halls of residence. These halls are predominantly catered and one hall, Lillian Penson offers both catering and self catering options. Tenancies run from the beginning of the first term and include all holidays up to the end of the 3rd term. Whilst most universities now guarantee first year students a place in university accommodation, preference is given to full time international students and no guarantee of a place can be given.The lowest price for a single room with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities is £217.63 per week.An example price for catered accommodation is £235.13 per week at Connaught Hall.

COST: International undergraduate tuition fees: Fees for full time undergraduate courses across Arts & Humanities, Business and Science are £14,560.

SUBJECT AREAS: REF (Research Excellence Framework) was an independent government review conducted into the quality of research at UK universities and published in December 2014. This information highlights subjects of specialism within each university. We have listed all subject areas where at least 60% of the research conducted in these specific fields has been graded 3 or 4 stars. (4 stars being the highest ranking REF award). For more information, please visit the REF Information page.

ONLINE COURSES: Birkbeck offers some online degree options in the department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and a range of online certificates: Geology (BSc with Distance Learning option), Planetary Sciences with Astronomy (BSc with Distance Learning option), Earth Sciences (BSc with Distance Learning option), Environmental Geology (BSc with Distance Learning option). Birkbeck also has a strong commitment to part time/evening degree study programmes.

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