Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London, is a public research university founded in 1823 by Dr George Birkbeck. It was originally established as the London Mechanics’ Institute to provide evening education to working people. Birkbeck is part of the University of London and specialises in flexible and part-time higher education, particularly evening courses for adult learners. In 2023, Birkbeck celebrated its 200th anniversary.

The university’s main campus is located in Bloomsbury, central London, and includes facilities such as the Malet Street building, Cambridge House, and the newly integrated Birkbeck Central. Birkbeck also has a presence on Euston Road. The institution offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across three main faculties: Business and Law; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Science. These faculties include schools of business, law, creative arts, historical studies, social sciences, computing, natural sciences, and psychological sciences.
 

Birkbeck has over 8,000 students, including around 1,000 international students from over 100 countries. Courses are designed for students who wish to combine study with work, care, or other responsibilities. The Birkbeck Graduate Research School supports a wide range of MPhil/PhD programmes.
 

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 83% of Birkbeck’s research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university has received awards, including the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2005 for brain research.
 

Birkbeck is governed by a senior team including Vice-Chancellor Professor Sally Wheeler, with support from deputy vice-chancellors and faculty officers. The university follows a five-year corporate strategy, Vision 2021–26, which focuses on flexible learning, research impact, sustainability, and digital infrastructure.

Birkbeck has a notable history of welcoming diverse learners and fostering lifelong learning. It has produced Nobel Prize winners, scientists, political leaders, artists, and authors. The Birkbeck Students’ Union provides support, societies, and activities for all students.

Birkbeck, University of London, was founded in 1823 as the London Mechanics’ Institute by Dr George Birkbeck, a physician and educator committed to providing education to working people. 

On 11 November 1823, he addressed around 2,000 people at the Crown and Anchor Tavern in the Strand, supported by notable figures including Jeremy Bentham, Henry Brougham, and John Hobhouse. The formal establishment of the London Mechanics’ Institute followed on 2 December 1823, aiming to make scientific and practical knowledge accessible to artisans and working individuals.
 

In 1825, the Institute moved to Southampton Buildings on Chancery Lane. By 1830, it became one of the first institutions in the United Kingdom to admit women as students. In 1866, the Institute was renamed the Birkbeck Literary and Scientific Institution. In 1885, it relocated to the Breams Building in Fetter Lane and, in 1907, adopted the name Birkbeck College. The College became a constituent college of the University of London in 1920 and received its Royal Charter in 1926.
 

During both World Wars, Birkbeck remained active. In the Second World War, it was the only central London university to stay open throughout the Blitz. In 1952, Birkbeck moved to its current site on Malet Street, officially opened by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Over the next decades, Birkbeck expanded its academic departments and introduced several new disciplines.
 

In 2007, Birkbeck expanded its teaching provision to Stratford, East London. In 2012, the College gained its own degree-awarding powers but continued to award University of London degrees. The Vision 2021–26 strategy was launched to adapt to new challenges, focusing on digital learning, flexible study, and research engagement.

In recent years, Birkbeck opened Cambridge House at 373 Euston Road and acquired Birkbeck Central, enhancing its integrated Bloomsbury campus. It also adapted to post-Brexit and post-Covid conditions by introducing lifelong learning accounts, flexible course options, and blended delivery models. 

As of 2025, Birkbeck remains a part of the University of London and continues to specialise in evening and part-time education, with over 8,000 students and a strong commitment to accessible, research-led learning.

Birkbeck offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, MPhil/PhD, and short courses. Most courses are taught in the evening, allowing students to work or manage other responsibilities during the day. The university is organised into three faculties: Business and Law; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Science. Each faculty is made up of specialised schools offering both academic knowledge and practical training.

The Faculty of Business and Law includes the Birkbeck Business School and Birkbeck Law School. Business courses cover topics such as management, accounting, finance, economics, and marketing. These courses are suitable for those interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, or working in private and public sectors. Law courses include LLB, LLM, and specialist programmes in areas like criminal law, international law, and human rights. The faculty also offers joint degrees, part-time and full-time options, and executive education programmes.
 

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences includes schools in Creative Arts, Culture and Communication, Historical Studies, Social Sciences, and the Birkbeck Centre for Counselling. Subjects include English, media, film, history, politics, philosophy, art history, archaeology, criminology, geography, sociology, and psychosocial studies. Courses are designed to provide both academic theory and skills for real-world application. The Counselling Centre offers clinical and psychosocial training and qualifications.
 

The Faculty of Science consists of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, the School of Natural Sciences, and the School of Psychological Sciences. It offers degrees in computer science, data science, mathematics, artificial intelligence, environmental science, biology, earth sciences, and planetary science. Psychology programmes cover cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and mental health studies. All science courses are supported by research-led teaching and modern lab facilities.
 

Birkbeck also provides short courses, certificates of higher education, and foundation degrees, which are suitable for learners who want to explore a subject before committing to a full degree. Many of these are available through modular enrolment, which means students can study individual modules and later convert them into a formal qualification.
 

MPhil and PhD programmes are offered across all faculties, supported by the Birkbeck Graduate Research School. Supervision is available in a wide range of areas, and research students benefit from workshops, training sessions, and academic networks.

Courses at Birkbeck are flexible and designed for adult learners, career changers, and those returning to education. Teaching is supported by online platforms, recorded lectures, and evening classes to help students balance study with other commitments.

• QS World University Rankings 2025: Ranked 408th in the world
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: Ranked 301–350 globally
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): Ranked 801–900
• REF 2021: 83% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent

According to recent data, over 90% of Birkbeck graduates are in employment or further study within six months of completing their degree. Many students see promotion or career change shortly after graduation. Graduates from business, law, and science courses particularly report strong outcomes in employment. Birkbeck’s focus on flexible learning helps learners apply skills in real time, making their transition into work seamless.

• Home — Birkbeck, University of London| Birkbeck, University of London
• Birkbeck, University of London| Wikipedia
• Birkbeck, University of London| University of London
• Birkbeck, University of London: Rankings, Courses, Fees| Shiksha
• Birkbeck, University of London| Facebook · Birkbeck, University of London
• Birkbeck, University of London Employees, Location, Alumni| LinkedIn · Birkbeck, University of London
• Birkbeck, University Of London | India - Study Abroad Experts| gostudyin.com
• Birkbeck, University of London (@birkbeckuol)| Instagram · birkbeckuol
• Birkbeck, University of London| Masters Portal
• Birkbeck, University of London| YouTube · Birkbeck, University of London
• Birkbeck, University of London| UCAS
• Birkbeck, University of London| Times Higher Education
• Birkbeck, University of London: Acceptance Rate, Fees | Yocket Study Abroad