Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

Birkbeck is proud to be among the top 350 research-intensive universities in the world. Most international students choose to study with Birkbeck because of its reputation as a world-class research and teaching institution based in central London.

Birkbeck award globally recognised University of London qualifications—a mark of quality and excellence. The University's graduates and staff include 74 Nobel Laureates, 52 presidents and prime ministers, and numerous international luminaries. Birkbeck joined the University of London 100 years ago and, in 2023, celebrated 200 years of providing higher education.  

Students from over 120 countries study at the University, so you’ll find yourself surrounded by committed, enthusiastic students from all backgrounds, careers and cultures, ages from 18 to 80 plus. Unique evening teaching means you can study alongside London’s working professionals and pursue internship or part-time work opportunities during the day. This will not only help you finance your studies but also means you can explore job opportunities and enhance your career prospects. You can use a professional recruitment service, Talent, which works with some of the UK’s top employers to help Birkbeck students find relevant work experience and advance in a competitive job market.

Services for International Students

Birkbeck, University of London, organises a number of orientation events for international students, ranging from college-wide to department-specific. The general International Orientation Week runs for the first week of each year and features talks on study skills and trips around London. Pre-entry preparation and post-induction and support programmes are also available.

Ranking

• 408th in QS World University Rankings 2025
• 301–350th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

Accommodation

International students benefit from a guaranteed scheme for room allocations in halls of residence. Most halls are located in Bloomsbury, minutes away from the college, and offer a wide range of options, from catered to self-catered studios. 

Should you prefer to live in privately rented accommodation in London, you will have free access to the University of London’s professional Housing Service, which can help you find the best type of accommodation for you. To find out more, visit bbk.ac.uk/accommodation.

Location

There is nowhere better to study than London. The main campus is in Bloomsbury, central London, a bustling, student-centred area home to several universities and colleges of the University of London. The University has its own cafés, coffee shops, and a bar, as well as an award-winning cinema at 43 Gordon Square that offers free screenings.

Birkbeck is also situated in one of the world’s greatest concentrations of libraries – including the British Library and Senate House Library – and they have their own richly resourced, newly refurbished library. World-famous museums, including the British Museum and the National Gallery, is also close by, whilst The West End, Soho, Covent Garden and King’s Cross are on Birkbeck's doorstep, so you can take full advantage of London’s world-famous shops, restaurants, bars, theatres and clubs. Everything that London has to offer is here for you to enjoy.

Most teaching takes place at the main campus in Bloomsbury, but some programmes are offered at the University Square campus in Stratford East London, an innovative and energetic hub for entrepreneurs and creatives. Both campuses offer excellent facilities, transport links and support services.

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