University of Birmingham

Overall, I’ve had a really positive experience studying at the University of Birmingham, especially as a postgraduate student. The highlights of my MA History course have been the teaching, excellent facilities, and a campus that genuinely feels like a student community.

The teaching on the MA History course is a real highlight. Lecturers create an environment of genuine passion for their subjects and fields of interest, and seminars are small and discussion-focused, which allows you to engage closely with both staff and other students. Lecturers are clearly specialists in their fields and are very approachable, particularly when it comes to essay planning, specific and detailed feedback, and dissertation supervision.

Postgraduate research can be demanding, and it’s easy for the workload to feel intense at times. However, the university provides a lot of support to make it manageable, including personal tutors, supervisors, office hours, wellbeing services, and academic guidance. These structures really help students stay on track and make the most of their studies.

The university’s facilities are excellent, particularly for History students. The Main Library has extensive print and digital collections, with strong access to online databases and archives that are essential at postgraduate level. There is also an interlibrary loan service, meaning the university can often source books and materials from other universities if they are not available on site, which I’ve found particularly useful for specialist research. There are also plenty of quiet and collaborative study spaces across campus, which is especially helpful during busy assessment periods, as well as reliable IT support.

The campus itself is one of the university’s strongest features. It is green, well laid-out, and feels like a dedicated student space, while still being well connected to the city. Having a train station on campus makes it easy to commute and explore Birmingham, which is a diverse and lively city with lots to offer students.

The university also offers a lot to balance academic study, including a wide range of Guild societies covering everything from arts and crafts to almost any sport you can think of. The social side of societies is very active, with regular events and popular midweek and weekend socials.

I really enjoyed the social aspect of living in university accommodation. Vale Village feels very safe and has a lovely green environment with a lake and plenty of spaces to walk, all just a 15-minute walk from campus. Shackleton Hall has its own bar, shop, and study spaces, which make it convenient for daily life. You can also choose an ensuite in some halls, which is a nice option. Maintenance is efficient, so any issues with showers, heating, or facilities are quickly resolved. Selly Oak accommodation is also safe and well-connected, giving a good balance between convenience and independence. Some halls can be more expensive than others, so budgeting is important. Students can choose which accomodation they would like to move into, and there is flexibility throighout the year to move rooms if there is an issue.