Nonprofit

University of Birmingham

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About Us

Established in 1900, The University of Birmingham is a large public research-intensive university located on a 276-acre campus site in Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK. As a founding member of the elite Russell Group, we are consistently ranked amongst the top 20 in UK national league tables and amongst the top 100 universities globally. Birmingham is the most targeted university by top employers in the UK (The Graduate Market in 2020/21), demonstrating our dedication to your future. With over 600 postgraduate programmes, we offer a broad range of subjects and specialisms to enable you to peruse and develop your interests. The University is structured into five colleges, each of which is divided into a number of schools and departments offering a diverse range of programmes.

The decision to undertake a postgraduate qualification is a significant one. At Birmingham, you can be assured that you will receive expert teaching and supervision alongside sector-leading professional and academic careers services and support for your health, wellbeing and personal development.

Within a lively, inclusive community and a strong research culture, we will engage, motivate, support, and challenge you.

You can expect to engage in debates, theories, and concepts. We have the strength and variety of programmes to suit your individual needs and interests, backed by academic expertise and influence, support and facilities of a research-intensive global university. At Birmingham, you will join a stimulating postgraduate community of students and researchers. We offer over 600 taught Masters opportunities to choose from, and 140 research courses, which enable you to develop your career and pursue your interests. 

Choose Birmingham and you will join one of the UK’s largest postgraduate communities, with over 14,000 postgraduate students making up more than 40% of the total student population.


Use our course finder to explore your options.

-Postgraduate Taught Study at Birmingham

-Postgraduate Research

As well as searching our listed PhD programmes above, if you're looking for a funded research opportunity, our FindAPhD database lists our advertised, funded PhD projects. If you're looking to propose your own research, you can use our supervisor search to find potential supervisors with suitable research interests once you have identified your research course.


Postgraduate explained

Taught Programmes

Postgraduate taught programmes are usually one year in length. They are assessed by a combination f coursework, examination and dissertation and lead to the award of a Masters qualification. If you wish to further your knowledge, prepare for a research degree, gain vocational qualifications or change career, then a taught Masters could be the right programme for you.

We offer a wide range of taught Masters programmes, usually in the form of a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc). However, they can also include programmes such as the Master of Education (MEd), Master of Engineering (MEng) and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Research Programmes

Postgraduate research programmes involve the completion of original academic research. They also include research skills training that will equip you to become an independent researcher, capable of advancing knowledge in your field.

A combined research and taught Masters, such as the MRes, will provide you with both taught modules to increase subject knowledge, and the opportunity to complete a research thesis.

A research Masters, such as the MSc by Research, is a chance to investigate a topic from your undergraduate study in greater depth and is a great way to demonstrate your ability to undertake independent research.

Doctoral degrees, such as the PhD, are the highest level of academic qualification.



International Study

By choosing to study at Birmingham, you can be part of an outstanding university, renowned for changing lives and transforming society. Be part of our international community, with over 10,000 students from approximately 150 countries. There are currently 230 students from 39 US states studying with us, benefitting from our three-year undergraduate degrees, one year Masters, and three to four year PhDs. In the recent 2021 The US News & Global Ranking the University of Birmingham is up 4 places, ranked #92 in Best Global Universities and #10 in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom.

International student help

USA country page


Our Campus

With magnificent architecture and a green, leafy site, our campus provides an inspirational environment for your studies.

Explore our campus


How to apply

Applying to our postgraduate course is an easy, online process. Formal applications are made directly to us using our online course finder, but the process will vary depending on your programme and it has been advertised.

How to apply for postgraduate taught and research programmes

Find out about the PhD process


Applying

We understand how important a decision it is when choosing the right course and university. To make it easier for you we have gathered together some useful information to help you in your decision about studying at the University of Birmingham.

Information for applicants


Our vision is to encourage and inspire you in your independent research, enabling you to thrive by equipping you with skills, knowledge and confidence to make a major impact on global society, in whatever field you pursue.

If you have questions or want to explore something in-depth, we have lots of resources available inline. You can take part in online events, ask questions to our current students and alumni and read our students’ blogs to get an insight into postgraduate study, as well as join in with our virtual open week to get a taste of Birmingham.

Please reach out to the international team if you have any questions about the University of Birmingham. Northamerica@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Established in 1900, The University of Birmingham is a large public research-intensive university located on a 276-acre campus site in Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK. As a founding member of the elite Russell Group, we are…

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