Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London was founded in 1823 by George Birkbeck with the aim of opening higher education to anyone with the ability and drive to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance. It is a member institution of the University of London and is best known for its evening teaching, which allows many students to combine study with employment and other commitments. Full-time, part-time and online study options are available at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

The college is based in Bloomsbury in central London, alongside Senate House and several other University of London institutions. It teaches more than 7,000 students across the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, law, psychology and the sciences, and many of its students study alongside established careers. Birkbeck has a strong research profile for an institution of its size: in the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 83 per cent of its submitted research was assessed as world leading or internationally excellent. The college maintains a long tradition of socially engaged, cross-disciplinary scholarship and places particular emphasis on widening access, flexible learning and a diverse, inclusive academic community.

Information for International Students

Birkbeck has more than 1,000 international students from over 100 countries. A central international team advises prospective applicants on entry requirements, applications and deadlines, and the college provides free visa guidance, including support with Student visa applications and sponsorship documentation. For most undergraduate and postgraduate courses the typical English language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component, although some courses set different levels.

Pathway programmes are delivered by OnCampus London, part of Cambridge Education Group, which has operated on the Birkbeck campus since 2010. Its routes include an Undergraduate Foundation Programme, International Year One programmes in subjects such as business and computing, pre-master's study, and a combined pre-sessional and in-sessional English programme. Students who meet the progression requirements can move on to a wide range of Birkbeck degrees. Many Birkbeck undergraduate degrees are also available with an integrated foundation year.

The college provides guidance on halls of residence, apartments and private housing in London. Settling-in support includes a Global Buddies scheme linking new students with alumni mentors, webinars and question and answer sessions for international applicants, and peer contact through Unibuddy. Graduates may be eligible for the Graduate Route."