University of Birmingham
Fast Facts
Location
- Birmingham, England
Number of students
- 37,000+ of which 10,000 international from 120 countries
Faculties
- Arts and Law
- Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Life and Environmental Sciences
- Medical and Dental Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
Notable Alumni
Alongside 10 Nobel Laureates, associated with the University of Birmingham, other well-known alumni of the University include:
- Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin- Former British Prime Ministers
- Sir Edward Elgar – Composer
- Desmond Morris – Zoologist and Author
- Jim Ratcliffe – Chairman and CEO of INEOS Group
- Simon Le Bon – Lead vocalist of Duran Duran
- Fernando Zavala – Former Prime Minister of Peru
- Perry Christie – Former Prime Minister of the Bahamas
- Rodolfo Neri Vela – Mexican Scientist and NASA Astronaut
- Yanis Varoufakis – Greek Economist and politician
Member of the Russell Group
Key strengths in teaching and research
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Political Science and International Studies
- Physics and Astronomy
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Sports and Exercise Sciences
Research
The 2021 REF* confirmed that Birmingham has 15 areas ranked in the Top 10 in the UK for 4* research (Research quality that is world-leading). They include Physics, Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care, Social Work and Social Policy, Engineering and Law.
*The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is an internationally recognised system for assessing the quality of research at UK universities. How universities perform in the REF determines the amount of research funding they receive.
QS World University Rankings, 2024
The Complete University Guide, 2025
UK High Fliers – The Graduate Market, 2024
Location
If you’re going to be an international student, where better than Europe’s youngest city?
With its friendly, diverse community, Birmingham is a modern, global hub within easy reach of the green English countryside. A centre for arts, culture, shopping and entertainment, the city is also home to the largest creative and financial sectors outside London. The perfect place to connect, grow and thrive.
On the university campus you will find historic domed, red-brick buildings alongside modern teaching facilities and laboratories. With all the amenities of a small town, you’ll find shops, bars, and cafés, plus medical and dental surgeries, sports facilities and even a train station.
Spotlight on Research
As a research-intensive university, Birmingham is committed to research that is making a major impact on global society and is pioneering in terms of its originality and distinctiveness, significance and rigour.
Connecting Cultures
Connecting Cultures research promotes and connects diverse cultures, fosters social inclusion, shared ownership, and a sense of belonging. The aim is to change people’s lives and bridging gaps through innovative projects that celebrate diversity.
Life-Changing Technologies
Industrial products are vital to life as we know it, from cars and aeroplanes to food and its packaging. But to meet the UK’s 2050 net-zero target, we must revolutionise the manufacturing technologies and processes enabling industries to accelerate decarbonisation.
Thriving Planet
Poor air quality is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death, and Birmingham experts monitor air pollution in detail at one of three UK Air Quality Supersites. Similarly, access to clean water is a critical climate issue, with University of Birmingham researchers investigating nano- and microplastics in rivers and providing models to help governments address global water security inequalities.
Global Health
Health and wellbeing are essential, yet the healthcare landscape is evolving, with longer lifespans, complex chronic conditions, and rising non-communicable and mental health diseases. Climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated health inequalities globally, challenging healthcare providers to adapt to technological changes and ensure equitable access to quality care.
Fairer World
Globally, millions still face threats to justice, including educational inequity, poor healthcare access, gender inequality, and political conflict. Our research aims to address these challenges for a better, fairer future.
Spotlight on the University
Did you know?
- Standing 100 meter tall in the centre of the campus, the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower (a.k.a. Old Joe) is the tallest free-standing clock tower in the world.
- The University’s Barber Institute of Fine Arts was purpose-built for the study of art history in the UK, back in 1932. This Art Deco building contains work by artist such as Botticelli, Gainsborough, Turner, Manet, Gauguin, Degas, Magritte and Van Gogh.
- The university is the only university in the UK with its own train station and it takes 7 minutes to get into the centre of Birmingham.
- The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, trained on campus when Team Jamaica used the campus as their pre-Olympics training camp for the 2012 London Olympics.
Employability
- In 2024, the University of Birmingham has been recognised as the 1st most targeted university for graduates by leading employers* The University of Birmingham’s Careers Network organises more than 300 employer events on campus each year, as well as subject specific graduate recruitment fairs and events.
Source: birmingham.ac.uk
Financial Support & Scholarships
The University of Birmingham has various scholarships available for international students. In addition, each country may offer different scholarships and/or student loans. For further information please contact the Inova Education team. We are experts in this field and will help you identify what may be available to you.
