Birkbeck, University of London

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301?350 st
THE World University Rankings 2025
408 th
QS World University Rankings 2025
213 th
EDUCOM University Rankings 2025
Price: 7929 EUR 7929 EUR
Contact +44 (20) 7631 6000

Founded

1823

Description

The philanthropist George Birkbeck founded the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823 to provide education to working class men in the capital.

In what was considered radical at the time, the Institute allowed artisans and craftsmen to learn about science, art and economics. Seven years after it first opened its doors, the Institute began to admit women - one of the first institutions in the country to do so.

By 1858 Birkbeck had become a popular choice for students who wanted a university education but who could not afford to study full-time

Remaining integral to Birkbeck’s ethos – now part of the University of London – is the belief that higher education should be available and accessible to those from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Today it is London’s only specialist provider of evening higher education, offering flexible learning to 18,000 students who predominantly study for their courses on a part-time basis and fit them around employment and family life.

Birkbeck is also a renowned research institution: 73% of its research was rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.

The university consists of five schools in total, comprising 19 different academic departments.

Its main campus in the heart of Bloomsbury is located close to other leading London universities, world-class research resources, as well as museums and art galleries, including the British Museum, the British Library and the Wellcome Collection.

In 2013 the university expanded, opening a new £33million campus in Stratford, east London.

The university has links with a number of higher education institutions worldwide – including Hong Kong Shue Yan University, the University of Sao Paolo and Columbia University in New York – which allow for research collaborations among faculty and the opportunity for overseas students to combine their studies with a degree at Birkbeck.

The university also has its own professional in-house recruitment agency called Birkbeck Talent, which helps connect students with London’s top employers for internships and jobs on graduation.

Among Birkbeck’s most notable alumni is Ramsay MacDonald, the first Labour Prime Minister, the poet and playwright TS Eliot, social reformer Annie Besant, and Isaac Rosenberg, the First World War poet who was killed in the battle of the Somme.

Specific details

Category of Education Business and Economics, Computer Sciense and IT, Life Science and Biology, Social Science, Law, Physical Science, Arts and Humanities, Education, Psychology

Location

United Kingdom
Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London , WC1E 7HX, London, United Kingdom

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Comments (6)

Guest
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The lecturers are brilliant and thought provoking. Facilities are good too and you also get access to Senate House Library. Social life is a little more difficult to achieve and the typical student experience is missing. This is because most...

The lecturers are brilliant and thought provoking. Facilities are good too and you also get access to Senate House Library. Social life is a little more difficult to achieve and the typical student experience is missing. This is because most people work during the day and then attend lectures in the evening. This makes it convenient for full time employees but perhaps shouldn't be the first option for 18 year olds who will miss out on a typical student life.

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Editor 77
Guest
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In some case it’s a good school because you can work during the day and go to school in the evening to make the best out of your career and excel. One thing I did not like is the pass mark which is 50, which is a bit tight for people like me...

In some case it’s a good school because you can work during the day and go to school in the evening to make the best out of your career and excel. One thing I did not like is the pass mark which is 50, which is a bit tight for people like me working full time and going to school at the same time. All in all I’ll say Birkbeck pushes you to do your best.

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Editor 77
Guest
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If it is a good environment that you are looking for with good and accessible lecturers and staff, I recommend this university. The overall age of the students is quite high, that means that many possess qualifications and work experience in...

If it is a good environment that you are looking for with good and accessible lecturers and staff, I recommend this university. The overall age of the students is quite high, that means that many possess qualifications and work experience in different areas. This will add up to diverse topics on sporadical discussions that may occur.

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Editor 77
Guest
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The university is brilliant in the sense of lecturers I had. They were passionate about topics they taught and some went the extra mile and brought in as many guest speakers as they could who specialised in fields related to the module/degree. I...

The university is brilliant in the sense of lecturers I had. They were passionate about topics they taught and some went the extra mile and brought in as many guest speakers as they could who specialised in fields related to the module/degree. I would say its better for people who want to work and earn money alongside studying as you don't get the student life and social experience you would do elsewhere as everyone is tired after a long say and lectures in the evening, leaving little room to meet people and make friends. The student union has a lot of work to do as well so to engage with students better and make them feel welcomed to events.

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Editor 77
Elita
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I have studied a Master's in Marketing Communication in 2016-2017. I have opted for a one year study program but you can even opt for a part-time expanding your program in two years. I found the classes interesting and well structured, professors...

I have studied a Master's in Marketing Communication in 2016-2017. I have opted for a one year study program but you can even opt for a part-time expanding your program in two years. I found the classes interesting and well structured, professors helpful and present when needed. The school environment and public spaces such as, the library, canteen, bar, outdoor are very well structured and friendly. Classes are from 6 to 9 PM so this is the perfect uni for you if you are already working.

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Editor 77
Guest
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I loved the lecturers and the conversations happening. Two key points one should take into consideration if they're fresh out of college or under the age of 22 when applying for their first degree is that 1. Unless you're already a confident...

I loved the lecturers and the conversations happening. Two key points one should take into consideration if they're fresh out of college or under the age of 22 when applying for their first degree is that 1. Unless you're already a confident person, its difficult to become active with the SU and join societies. 2. It's difficult to have a social life and make friends as everyone is usually working during the day and then going straight to classes and tired by 8/9PM.

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Editor 77
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