Birkbeck, University of London

Based in the heart of London, Birkbeck has established a reputation for providing its postgraduate students with an engaging, exciting learning experience, and positive feedback from its community of professional alumni is testimony to the university’s continued success.

With a history that dates back almost 200 years, Birkbeck, University of London offers a unique learning experience which delivers a competitive program of nearly 300 postgraduate courses exclusively in the evenings. This means that students can work or focus on other commitments during the day. Birkbeck’s wide range of courses can be studied full-time or part-time, and some are studied through distance learning.

Birkbeck is well known for the quality of its research output, and supports a community of around 700 postgraduate students with a dynamic and academically enriching research environment. It features 42 research centres and nine research institutes, organised within the following five academic faculties:

• School of Arts
• School of Business, Economics and Informatics
• School of Law
• School of Science
• School of Social Sciences, History and Philosophy

Birkbeck’s students benefit from a wide range of facilities including a newly-refurbished five-story library, a cinema and art gallery, various sports facilities and a range of cafes.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (2014), 73% of Birkbeck’s research was deemed to be ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Great! Very happy I chose Birbeck.”

“Very positive.”

“Perfect for balancing work and social life, allows for good independent study.”

Helping bridge the transition between study and work is a key part of Birkbeck’s programme. The university’s unique evening timetable allows postgraduate students to work around full-time jobs or study to improve their careers. For career advice, postgraduate students can use the Careers and Employability Service to obtain crucial one-to-one advice, workshops and events. The service can also be accessed after graduation.

Further help is provided by the university’s dedicated recruitment agency service, Birkbeck Talent, which maintains connections with over 150 of the UK’s best companies and employers to help students find work, both while studying and after graduating. Bespoke support is offered to students interested in enterprise and entrepreneurship, and there is also an extensive mentoring programme with corporate partners from business, law and beyond.

On top of this, Birkbeck works with The Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network and a number of PhD Doctoral Training Programmes to offer MPhil and PhD students training and support in their careers post-study. This strong emphasis on career support has won Birkbeck a host of praiseworthy reviews.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Weekly mails with opportunities is very helpful.”

“Great careers department.”

“Career fairs, help from supervisors.”

Birkbeck’s bespoke timetable provides a flexible approach to studying. Whatever commitments students face can be fitted into daytime hours as courses are held in the evenings. This means that students with full-time jobs can combine learning with earning.

The university is known for the variety of subjects it offers across 150 MA, MSc and LLM courses, most of which are taught degrees, and many integrate blended and distance learning. Birkbeck also offers research degrees (MRes, MPHIL and PHD) in more than 40 subject areas.

In terms of professional development, all postgraduate students develop their research projects under the guidance of a supervisor, who assists them with planning research, setting targets for work completion and preparation for thesis submission.

In addition to having a supervisor to guide them, all MPhil/PhD students are offered Training Needs Analysis to help identify their career development requirements. This means they are supported throughout their studies, and gives a huge advantage in terms of career prospects.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“My personal tutor/head of programme has made the experience great for me.”

“Evening university means more hours in the lab to have independent study.”

“Good support, facilities, teachers, research.”

The Birkbeck Students’ Union is a student-run organisation that is the representational body of the learning community, and a hub of many extra-curricular social activities.

The Students’ Union acts as the voice of its membership, protecting each student's rights, and serving as a platform for engagement and dialogue with the university faculty. Socialising is an important part of student life, and Birkbeck’s Students’ Union runs several lively clubs and societies to expand the student experience beyond the classroom. The university has a total of three cafes, and a student bar at the Malet Street campus, allowing plenty of opportunities for essential catch-ups.

There is also fully-equipped fitness centre next door to the Birkbeck building, Energybase gym, which boasts the largest swimming pool in central London. The university also hosts regular cinema screenings, and if students fancy something more, the university is within easy walking distance of Oxford Circus and Soho, and everything that London has to offer.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Very active and useful.”

“it is good from what I have seen so far.”

“Very well managed and very good at maintaining communication between uni and union.”

Thanks to the university’s unique evening timetable, many of its postgraduate students are already living in London, working by day and studying in the evening. Many choose to live at home or in private accommodation, but some full-time students choose to live in the University of London intercollegiate halls, including its new Garden Halls, right on Birkbeck's doorstep.

Birkbeck offers free professional housing advice for students looking into the private housing sector. Students are encouraged to visit the University of London Housing Services to find out more.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“All great.”

“It's worth the money.”

“Very safe, I'm living in Ealing and it's a really nice area.”

On its Bloomsbury campus, Birkbeck offers access to state-of-the-art advanced research laboratories and facilities across its academic departments. To support students’ learning, a recently-refurbished five-floor library hosts a selection of peaceful study spaces and essential IT facilities as well as thousands of course-relevant books, journals and digital resources. Students can also take advantage of access to the University of London’s network of shared study spaces and libraries.

In addition to Birkbeck’s lively Students’ Union, the university has plenty of places for socialising, such as cafes, a bar, cinema and art gallery. In addition, Birkbeck students have full access to Student Central, the University of London Students’ Union, with its affordable sports facilities, bars and cafes.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Library resources are good.”

“‘Just right, considering use of space and resources.”

“Great!!! Love the library!”

It cannot be denied that a major attraction to studying at Birkbeck is its unbeatable central location. The main campus lies at the heart of London’s intellectual district, surrounded by many world-leading universities and research centres. The building is within easy walking distance of internationally famous museums and galleries, such as the British Museum and British Library.

London’s shopping and cultural regions such as the West End, Soho, Covent Garden and King’s Cross are right on the doorstep, for easy access to shops, restaurants, bars, theatres and clubs before and after classes. Commuting to and from lectures couldn’t be easier, since the university is only a short walk from many of London’s most connected tube stations (such as Russell Square, Tottenham Court Road and Euston) and main-line public transport networks.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Close to loads of stuff!”

“Local amenities are nice. Can't go wrong with free food!”

“Perfect location due to ease of access to museums and transport”

Studying a degree at Birkbeck is a brilliant opportunity to explore the many extra-curricular activities and events organised by the Students’ Union. The university supports a wide range of student-run clubs and societies, where students are able to learn new skills and make lasting and lifelong friendships.

There are a variety of competitive and inclusive sports teams to join, as well as language groups, and special interest societies where students can share their hobbies with like-minded individuals. Students also gain free access to the many University of London societies via Student Central, bringing opportunities for socialising and networking with students from other universities within the University of London.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Amazing.”

“French students feel really welcomed.”

“There are several clubs and associations”

Simultaneously managing work, studies, family and social life can be a challenge, and Birkbeck understands the need for effective student support services to ensure the academic success and personal development of its learning community. Students who feel they might benefit from counselling can attend Birkbeck’s Wellbeing Centre, which provides a free and confidential service. There’s also a Mental Health Service which gives support and advice, and specialist support for those with disabilities or dyslexia.

Academic support services are available as face-to-face and online support, including hands-on IT training sessions, academic writing courses, and learning development tutors who co-ordinate academic help.

Birkbeck, University of London students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Very supportive so far.”

“Good support from supervisors and lecturers.”

“Really good.”

Tuition fees vary on a course-by-course basis, depending on choice of subject and study format. Full information can be found on the university website, under individual course descriptions.

As evidenced by their unique format of evening classes, Birkbeck believes that access to education should be available to students from all backgrounds. The university is committed to providing a financial support service which ensures that all postgraduate students are able to focus their energy on their course of study, and secure the funding needed to continue their work without undue stress or worry. Birkbeck offers flexible payment options and an annual hardship fund which aims to provide a level of security to those who may experience a change of circumstances while studying.

Birkbeck also offers generous financial support to students on low incomes, including a Birkbeck Postgraduate Bursary and help with childcare costs.

There is a 10% discount on tuition fees available for members of any union that is recognised by the TUC, and for Birkbeck graduates wishing to do their postgraduate course at the university, although students are eligible for only one of these discounts.

Since its foundation in 1823, Birkbeck has built a world-class reputation for excellence in research output and teaching quality, with a large and active research community.

Students are taught across 19 departments located in one of five schools:

• Arts
• Business, Economics and Informatics
• Law
• Science
• Social Science, History and Philosophy

The university hosts more than 40 specialist research centres, working across its schools and departments, encouraging multi-disciplinary collaboration and peer-reviewed publication. Birkbeck has been highly commended in the latest Research Excellence Framework in 2014, which placed it 30^th in the UK for research output, with 73% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. At least half of Birkbeck’s submissions placed within the top 20 nationwide, with a particularly high ranking of 5^th in the UK for Psychological Sciences, 6th in Earth and Environmental Sciences and 11^th in Biological Sciences.

Admission requirements for postgraduate courses vary on a course-by-course basis, although generally an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area is expected. This being said, there are a number of alternative pathways to entry, and the university’s admissions team considers each application on its individual merit. Prospective students with significant work experience or alternative qualifications approved by the University of London are encouraged to submit an application, and are advised to contact the university for any queries regarding the application process.
 

Birkbeck has a global reputation for operating at the cutting edge of research, with almost 300 taught and research postgraduate programmes and more than 40 specialist research centres. Around 90% of its academic lecturers are actively involved in research, bringing industry-relevant insights and expertise to their evening classes.

The university has invested time and resources in fostering ongoing professional relationships with many other domestic and international institutions, and has firm connections with the wider research community. The Birkbeck Graduate Research School supports its postgraduate students, offering courses and transferable skills training for students at all stages of their PhD, as well as providing opportunities to share ideas and expertise across disciplines.

Birkbeck offers around 150 taught programs at Master's degree level, nearly all of which take place in the evenings between 6pm and 9pm. Many are also offered through distance learning, and some are partly or fully taught in the daytime. Full-time evening taught Master's degrees are typically one year long, while part-time degrees are usually offered over two years.

Part-time taught Master’s degrees usually involve attending one to two evening classes per week during term time, while full-time study usually requires attending two to three evening classes per week. Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas are also offered over one to two years for graduates who wish to study at Birkbeck, without studying a full Master's degree.

With an extensive range of courses on offer, from Accounting and Financial Management to social sciences and psychosocial studies, students are part of a diverse learning community. Birkbeck's teaching structure is designed to facilitate enterprising and motivated students with existing daytime commitments.

A selection of Birkbeck’s postgraduate courses are available via distance learning, which brings a huge level of flexibility in terms of time management, and the ability to complete studies online, from anywhere in the world. Tuition is delivered through the university’s online learning portal, where students can access course material and receive feedback from their tutors on assignment and coursework.

There are some distance learning courses which require attendance of weekend workshops at the Birkbeck campus, and prospective students are advised to consult the university website for full details of course attendance requirements before submitting an application.

Birkbeck supports a postgraduate learning community of around 700 full-time students, and research degrees can be completed full-time over two to four years, or part-time over four to seven years. The university offers a variety of integrated PhD degrees, which include a compulsory year of taught modules and students benefit from face-to-face contact with the faculty team of highly qualified and widely experienced teaching staff, many of whom have worked and taught overseas and are able to communicate their experience and research methodologies to students from all backgrounds.