Birkbeck, University of London is a public research university located in Bloomsbury, central London. The university offers more than 170 programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels in fields such as business, law, data science, psychology, humanities, and social sciences. According to QS World University Rankings 2026, Birkbeck is ranked #388 globally.
The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate admissions through two intakes:
- October (Primary): Most UG and PG programmes
- January (Limited): Selected PG and research programmes (MSc Bioinformatics)
Birkbeck is known for its evening and part-time teaching structure designed to support working professionals and mature students. As per unofficial sources, the university has an estimated acceptance rate of 76%, indicating a moderately selective admission process. The university attracts students from over 120 countries.
Key Highlights
- Year of establishment: 1823
- Popular programmes: MBA, MSc Marketing, MSc Advanced Computing, MSc Chemical Research, MRes Chemical Research
- Average UG tuition fees: £22,540 per year (₹24 lakh)
- Average PG tuition fees: £17,175–£22,980 per year (₹19 lakh – ₹25 lakh)
- Estimated cost of living in London: £16,000–£20,000 per year (₹17 lakh – ₹22 lakh)
- Scholarships: Birkbeck Global Futures Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
- Rankings & Recognition:
- QS World University Rankings 2026: #388 globally, #41 in the UK
- TIME Magazine World’s Top Universities 2026: #247 globally
Currency conversion used: 1 GBP = 125.73 INR as of March 25, 2026.
- Birkbeck, University of London Admissions Deadlines
1.1 Birkbeck, University of London Admission Requirements
1.2 Birkbeck, University of London Additional Requirements
- Birkbeck, University of London Popular Courses
- Birkbeck, University of London Campus
- Birkbeck, University of London Accommodation
4.1 Birkbeck, University of London On-Campus Housing
4.2 Birkbeck, University of London Off-Campus Housing
- Birkbeck, University of London Cost of Living
- Birkbeck, University of London Scholarships
- FAQs
Birkbeck, University of London Admissions Deadlines
Birkbeck offers admissions through two intakes: October and January. The October intake is the primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The January intake is limited and available for selected postgraduate and research programmes such as MSc Bioinformatics and MRes Bioscience.
October 2026 (Primary Intake)
Undergraduate Admissions:
- Equal consideration deadline: 14 January 2026
- Final deadline: 30 June 2026
Postgraduate Admissions:
- No fixed deadline (rolling admissions)
- Apply by end of May 2026 for October 2026 start
- Deadlines vary by programme
January 2027 (Limited Intake)
- Limited to selected postgraduate programmes only
- No fixed deadline (rolling admissions)
- Applications typically close in late 2026
- Deadlines vary by programme
Also Read: Application Deadlines for UK Universities
Birkbeck, University of London Admission Requirements
| Particulars | Undergraduate Requirement | Postgraduate Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | - Class 12- 70%+ | - Bachelor’s degree- 55–60%+ |
| English Language Proficiency | - IELTS 6.5 overall | - IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall |
*Note:
- Some research programmes such as PhD in Management may require higher IELTS scores (7.0 or above).
- Work experience may be required for programmes such as MBA and MSc Management with International Business.
- Mature students and applicants with non-traditional qualifications may also be considered.
Birkbeck, University of London Additional Requirements
Apart from academic transcripts and English language proficiency requirements, international applicants to Birkbeck may need to submit additional documents depending on the programme. These may include:
- Personal Statement
- Academic or Professional Reference
- Portfolio (for creative programmes)
- Interview (for selected postgraduate or research programmes)
- Research Proposal (for MPhil / PhD programmes)
Birkbeck, University of London Popular Courses
Birkbeck, University of London offers 170+ undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines such as business, computing, law, psychology, and humanities. Some of the popular programmes are listed below.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Fees (GBP/ INR) |
Tips for International (Indian) Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc Marketing (80 Views) |
1 year | £22,980 (₹ 29 lakh) |
- Highlight any marketing or business projects |
| MBA (78 Views) |
1 year | £22,980 (₹ 29 lakh) |
- Minimum 3 years relevant work experience - Highlight professional achievements |
| M.Sc Management with Business Strategy and the Environment (60 Views) |
1 year | £23,790 (₹ 30 lakh) |
- Highlight strategy or sustainability projects |
| BA Classics (58 Views) |
3 years | £18,500 (₹ 23 lakh) |
- Basic knowledge of Greek or Latin preferred |
| MRes Chemical Research (58 Views) |
1 year | £20,850 (₹ 26 lakh) |
- Contact supervisor before applying - Submit research proposal |
| MRes Structural Biology (58 Views) |
1 year | £20,850 (₹ 26 lakh) |
- Contact supervisor before applying - Submit research proposal |
| MSc Advanced Computing (58 Views) |
1 year | £22,980 (₹ 29 lakh) |
- Strong programming background - Highlight coding or tech projects |
| MSc Developmental Sciences and Neurodiversity (55 Views) |
1 year | £20,850 (₹ 26 lakh) |
- Highlight psychology or education related projects |
| MA Journalism (50 Views) |
1 year | £22,980 (₹ 29 lakh) |
- Submit writing samples or portfolio |
| M.A Classical Civilisation (43 Views) |
1 year | £20,850 (₹ 26 lakh) |
- No prior Greek or Latin required |
Birkbeck, University of London Campus
Birkbeck’s main campus is situated in Bloomsbury, Malet Street and Woburn Square. It is a well-known academic district in London. The university also operates an additional study centre in Stratford, East London.
- Compact campus with libraries, lecture theatres, and study spaces
- Surrounded by major academic institutions, including University College London
- Close to cultural institutions such as the British Museum and British Library, with access to museums, galleries, and research centres
- Well connected through the London Underground and major rail networks
- Easy connectivity to major airports including Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport
What Do Students Say About Studying at Birkbeck?
Based on student reviews on Reddit and Quora, Birkbeck offers a flexible learning environment with evening classes that support part-time work. The central London location provides access to internships and job opportunities. The campus environment is described as academically focused and mature. Some students mention limited study space during peak exam periods.
Birkbeck, University of London Accommodation
Birkbeck, University of London offers limited on-campus accommodation for international students. The university also provides guidance on private housing options in London.
Birkbeck, University of London On-Campus Housing
Birkbeck offers limited on-campus housing options. Some accommodation is provided through partnerships with University of London intercollegiate halls such as International Hall and Garden Halls. The table below lists key details of available housing options.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application | University of London Accommodation Portal |
| Student Capacity | Limited (quota-based allocation through intercollegiate halls) |
| Accommodation Types | - En-suite rooms - Standard/shared rooms - Studios or apartments (select halls) - Accessible rooms |
| Average Fees | £7,500 – £16,000 (₹ 10 – ₹ 20 lakh) per year |
| Housing Priority | - First-year fulltime undergraduate students - International students - Early applicants |
*Note: On-campus housing is competitive. Applicants should apply early after accepting the offer.
Birkbeck, University of London Off-Campus Housing
Many students choose to live off-campus in nearby areas across central and North London. Based on student discussions on platforms such as Reddit and student communities, shared accommodation is a common and preferred option.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular residential areas | - Bloomsbury - King’s Cross - Fitzrovia - Camden - Islington - Zone 2 areas such as Hackney and Stratford |
| Common accommodation types | - Private room in shared houses/flats - Shared rooms (2–4 roommates) - Studio or 1bedroom apartments - Purpose built student residences (private providers) |
| Average monthly rent (per person) |
- £550 – £900 (₹70,000 – ₹1 lakh) shared/private room - £1,100 – £1,800+ (₹1– ₹2 lakh) studio/1 bedroom |
These options are popular amongst international students because:
- More affordable, especially through shared housing
- Good transport connectivity to campus
- Access to shops, daily amenities, and student communities
- Greater flexibility and independence
Off-campus accommodation is commonly found through university housing support, Facebook groups, SpareRoom, Rightmove, Zoopla, and University of London Housing Services.
Birkbeck, University of London Cost of Living
The monthly cost of living for international students at Birkbeck, University of London varies depending on accommodation and lifestyle. These estimates are based on official data as well as student experiences.
| Type of Housing | Rent (per month) | Other Expenses (per month) | Monthly Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | £750 – £1,600 (₹94,000 – ₹2 lakh) |
£300 – £600 (₹38,000 – ₹75,000) |
£1,050 – £2,200 (₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh) |
| Off-Campus / Private | £550 – £1,800+ (₹69,000 – ₹2 lakh+) |
£400 – £800 (₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh) |
£950 – £2,600+ (₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh+) |
Also Read: Cost of Living in London
*Note:
- Other expenses include groceries, local transport, utilities, phone/internet, and personal expenses.
- International students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (₹98,000).
Birkbeck, University of London Scholarships
To make studies more affordable, the university offers various scholarships for international students. Some of the key scholarships are listed below.
| Scholarship | Duration | Award / Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship | 1 year (first year) |
£1,000 – £5,000 (₹1– ₹6 lakh) |
UG & PG students (merit-based) |
| Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship | 1 year (first year) |
Amount varies | Students from: - India - Bangladesh - Nepa l- Pakistan - Vietnam |
| Birkbeck Access to Postgraduate Study Scholarship | 1 year | £3,000 (₹3 lakh) |
PG students (merit-based) |
| GREAT – Birkbeck Scholarship | 1 year | £10,000 (₹13 lakh) |
PG students |
| Chevening Scholarship (external) | 1 year | Full tuition + living stipend (₹19 lakh+) |
PG students |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship (external) | Varies | Covers major study costs | PG / Research students |
*Note:
- An admission offer is required before applying for most scholarships.
- Eligibility may vary by programme, academic merit, and nationality.
- External scholarships such as Chevening and Inlaks have separate deadlines.
- Funding may be available for MPhil and PhD programmes through studentships.
Also Read: Scholarships for Indian students studying in the UK
As per student experiences shared on Quora and Reddit, scholarships at Birkbeck are competitive. The process is considered straightforward for students with strong academics. Most scholarships are partial fee reductions. Full scholarships are limited.
Birkbeck, University of London is one of the few major UK universities offering evening and part-time teaching. The university has a strong focus on research. With a range of scholarships offered to international students, Birkbeck is considered relatively affordable compared to other universities in central London. Overall, Birkbeck, University of London is a practical option for mature students and working professionals, supporting academic growth and long-term career goals.
FAQs
Ques: Is Birkbeck a good university for Indian students?
Ans: Yes. Birkbeck suits Indian students looking for flexible study options. Popular subjects include data science, psychology, business, and law. The part-time structure allows students to work alongside their studies.
Ques: Is accommodation guaranteed?
Ans: No. On-campus housing is limited. Students should apply early through the University of London accommodation system.
Ques: Can students work while studying at Birkbeck?Can students work while studying at Birkbeck?
Ans: Yes. The evening timetable is designed for working students. Many international students work part-time during the day.
Ques: Does Birkbeck offer scholarships for Indian students?
Ans: Yes. Common options include the Birkbeck International Excellence Scholarship (£1,000–£5,000 / ₹1–₹6 lakh) and the GREAT Birkbeck Scholarship (£10,000 / ₹13 lakh for PG). Some students also apply for external scholarships such as Chevening.
Birkbeck, University of London Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
M.B.A 24 months | Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (30th Jun 2026) | INR 22.5 L/Yr GBP 17,960 /Yr | 60%, TOEFL: 79, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 62 | |
M.Sc Marketing 1 year | Application Deadline For October 2026 Intake (7th Jul 2026) | INR 28.1 L/Yr GBP 22,410 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.5) | |
M.Res Structural Biology 1 year | Application Deadline For October 2026 Intake (7th Jul 2026) | INR 26.2 L/Yr GBP 20,850 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.5) | |
Application Deadline For October 2026 Intake (7th Jul 2026) | INR 30.6 L/Yr GBP 24,390 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.5) | ||
B.A Classics 3 years | Application Deadline For October 2026 Intake (7th Jul 2026) | INR 28.3 L/Yr GBP 22,540 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.5) | |
M.Res Chemical Research 1 year | Application Deadline For October 2026 Intake (7th Jul 2026) | INR 26.2 L/Yr GBP 20,850 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.5) | |
M.Sc Advanced Computing 1 year | Application Deadline For October 2026 Intake (7th Jul 2026) | INR 28.8 L/Yr GBP 22,980 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.5) | |
Course Start Date (1st Sep 2026) | INR 27.9 L/Yr GBP 22,230 /Yr | Grade: 55%, TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 62 | ||
M.A Journalism 1 year | Application Deadline For October 2026 Intake (7th Jul 2026) | INR 26.2 L/Yr GBP 20,850 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.5) | |
Application Deadline For October 2026 Intake (7th Jul 2026) | INR 28.8 L/Yr GBP 22,980 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.5) |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Master of Science [M.Sc] Psychology
Master of Research [M.Res] Computer Science
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
Overall 326 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 388 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Birkbeck, University of London Reviews
2 Reviews Found
Likes
- Laboratory setting and high end equipment.
- Research environment and seminars.
- Accessible facilities like library, storage, electron microscopy etc.
Dislikes
- Syllabus - felt a bit redundant since we had already covered a lot of these topics in my undergrad
- Some of the professors - preference thing probably but some professors were not good at lecturing.
- Little to no social events
Campus Life
- Main Campus (Bloomsbury, Central London)—The heart of campus lies between Malet Street, Torrington Square, Gower Street, Russell Square, Tavistock Square, and Gordon Square—housing lecture theatres, the main library, Birkbeck Cinema at 43 Gordon Square, the Peltz Gallery, cafés, and administration buildings
- Euston Road Site—Refurbished teaching space added in 2021
- Student Central (formerly University Central)—A nearby fitness and social hub offering gym and pool access and extensive student society spaces via the University of London partnership.
- Former Stratford Campus—Part-time courses offered in East London until mid-2021; now closed
Fees
- I am not in an hostel so I am not aware of that. The total fee was 19780 pounds, which can be paid either semester-wise or multiple semesters together. You can transfer the fee amount through a valid VISA card by direct card transfer or bank transfer if that's fine too. Flywire is also accepted, I think. Initially my expenses were a bit high because i didn't know how to budget but now it averages out to 1000 to 1100 pounds a month (800 for rent and bills, the rest on food and travel)
Likes
- Everything was very good. I came here for exposure and I did achieve that. Meeting with people from all over the world and even the faculties made the learning different.
Overview
The University of London is one of the renowned colleges in London getting into this college was one my dreams and it came true when I completed my master's in management at the university.
Campus Life
The campus life was amazing too, it had all its facilities qualified from renowned universities as well. Very supportive and the libraries were advanced to use.
Birkbeck, University of London Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.9 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Leo Murray Entrepreneurship Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 13 L/Yr$14,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 92,880/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Saltire Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 7.4 L/Yr$8,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
Birkbeck, University of London Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | ||||
| GRE | 302.5 | - | - | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments
Found 1 Comment
BBK offers various scholarships. However, check the available scholarships, their benefits, and eligibility for the BBK Scholarships.