Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.
- October 2024: Birkbeck, University of London ranks 301 in the latest THE World University Rankings from THE Times Higher Education, UK.
- September 2024: Publication of NTU Rankings by Subject (Economics & Business). Ranking position #251.
- September 2024: New edition of NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers . Birkbeck, University of London ranked #1051.
- August 2024: Birkbeck, University of London ranks 801 in the latest ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking from ShanghaiRanking Consultancy.
of Birkbeck, University of London
among 379 universities in England UK
based on 21 different rankings
Historic rankings in TOP global university rankings
Subject rankings
Agriculture
-
-
- #34
- #624
-
- Earth Sciences
-
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
[Published 22 July, 2024]
Education
-
-
- #27
- #201
-
- Education
-
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
[Published 27 October, 2023]
-
-
- #27
- #290
-
- Education
-
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
[Published 22 July, 2024]
-
-
- #38
- #401
-
- Education
-
QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 10 April, 2024]
Languages & Literature
-
-
- #25
- #251
-
- Linguistics
-
QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 10 April, 2024]
Law
-
-
- #21
- #126
-
- Law
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 19 October, 2023]
Natural Sciences
-
-
- #36
- #1175
-
- Chemistry
-
Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject
[Published 15 June, 2024]
-
-
- #23
- #301
-
- Earth Sciences
-
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
[Published 27 October, 2023]
Social Studies & Humanities
-
-
- #38
- #401
-
- Economics
-
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
[Published 27 October, 2023]
-
-
- #27
- #151
-
- Geography
-
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
[Published 27 October, 2023]
-
-
- #15
- #41
-
- History
-
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
[Published 22 July, 2024]
-
-
- #20
- #151
-
- History
-
QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 10 April, 2024]
-
-
- #14
- #51
-
- Philosophy
-
QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 10 April, 2024]
-
-
- #25
- #239
-
- Philosophy
-
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
[Published 22 July, 2024]
-
-
- #11
- #100
-
- Psychology
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 19 October, 2023]
-
-
- #14
- #101
-
- Psychology
-
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
[Published 27 October, 2023]
-
-
- #23
- #151
-
- Psychology
-
QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 10 April, 2024]
-
-
- #24
- #272
-
- Psychology
-
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
[Published 22 July, 2024]
-
-
- #25
- #151
-
- Social Sciences
-
THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 19 October, 2023]
-
-
- #52
- #451
-
- Social Sciences
-
NTU Rankings by Subject
[Published 01 September, 2024]
-
-
- #34
- #251
-
- Sociology
-
QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 10 April, 2024]
Highest subject rankings for Birkbeck, University of London
Student Ratings for Birkbeck, University of London
based on 999 student ratings
Google ratings |
|
4.0 (based on 327 student ratings) | |
Facebook ratings |
|
4.2 (based on 672 student ratings) |
“The majority of seminars and lectures are given at times I would consider fairly late in the evening, between 6pm and 9pm in most cases. You can expect to see the same faces around campus most of the time, which I liked because you tend to cross paths with people from your course and you naturally hang out and study together as a result.”
“One of the best features for me has been the university’s location, as there are plenty of students in the area due to a number of other universities also being located nearby. This gives the area a young and energetic vibe. I have to give special thanks to their career services team, who helped me organise my CV in the best way possible given my limited experiences at the time.”
About Birkbeck, University of London
PROS
- Evening and weekend timetable options for those who already have lots of obligations to keep up outside of their academic life.
- Some students mention that BBK university is characterized for its superb cultural diversity and central location.
- Students tend to agree that professors give the support that learners need, including repeating class topics when required, or giving feedback appointments.
CONS
- Many students complain about how the student union could do more to promote social events, as there is not a lot to get involved with on campus.
- There’s not much of a nightlife scene, which may be important for those looking for the traditional university experience.
Key facts
- Foundation year:
- 1823
- Telephone:
- +44 20 7631 6000
- Address:
-
- Malet Street
- WC1E 7HX, London
- England UK
- Website:
- https://www.bbk.ac.uk
- Social:
- Nobel prize laureates:
- Maurice Wilkins (Birkbeck, University of London, 1962)
- Sir Alexander Fleming (Birkbeck, University of London, 1945)
- George Paget Thomson (Birkbeck, University of London, 1937)
- Arthur Harden (Birkbeck, University of London, 1929)
- Owen Willans Richardson (Birkbeck, University of London, 1928)
- Archibald V. Hill (Birkbeck, University of London, 1922)
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
-
- 6.5
- Mphil / PhD
THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education
Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 54 students of Birkbeck, University of London participated in the survey.
Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for Birkbeck, University of London in comparison to the average for all UK universities.
Overall score: 74.5
Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London
- undergraduates:
- 4800
- postgraduates:
- 2810
- Total:
- 7610
- Business and Management:
- 1285
- Psychology:
- 1175
- Law:
- 765
- Computing:
- 640
- History:
- 565
- English Studies:
- 490
- Biosciences:
- 390
- Economics:
- 320
- Languages and Area Studies :
- 315
- Politics:
- 295
- Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies:
- 235
- Mathematical Sciences:
- 190
- Philosophy:
- 160
- Creative Arts and Design:
- 105
- Sociology:
- 100
- Education and Teaching:
- 70
- Performing Arts:
- 55
- Chemistry:
- 40
- Archaeology:
- 35
- Anthropology:
- 30
- Social Policy:
- 5
- United States:
- 125
- China:
- 100
- India:
- 50
- Saudi Arabia:
- 30
- Pakistan:
- 25
- United Arab Emirates:
- 25
- Japan:
- 20
- Canada:
- 20
- Turkey:
- 20
- Switzerland:
- 20
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China):
- 20
- Russia:
- 15
- Taiwan:
- 15
- Nigeria:
- 15
- Brazil:
- 15
- Korea (South):
- 15
- Indonesia:
- 10
- Singapore:
- 10
- Iran:
- 10
- Malaysia:
- 10
- Albania:
- 10
- Australia:
- 10
- Vietnam:
- 10
- Lebanon:
- 10
- Qatar:
- 10
- Morocco:
- 10
- Iraq:
- 5
- Israel:
- 5
- Kuwait:
- 5
- Bahrain:
- 5
- New Zealand:
- 5
- Syria:
- 5
- Trinidad and Tobago:
- 5
- Argentina:
- 5
- Chile:
- 5
- Tunisia:
- 5
- Azerbaijan:
- 5
- Belarus:
- 5
- Georgia:
- 5
- Moldova:
- 5
- Norway:
- 5
- Cameroon:
- 5
- Egypt:
- 5
- Ghana:
- 5
- South Africa:
- 5
- Uzbekistan:
- 5
- Uganda:
- 5
- Afghanistan:
- 5
- Bangladesh:
- 5
- Cambodia:
- 5
- Kazakhstan:
- 5
- Nepal:
- 5
- Philippines:
- 5
- Sri Lanka:
- 5
- Thailand:
- 5
- University College London #4 (0.38 Km)
- SOAS, University of London #47 (0.09 Km)
- University of the Arts London #64 (1.07 Km)
- University of Westminster #73 (1.03 Km)
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London #92 (0.12 Km)
- UCL Institute of Education #297 (0.2 Km)
FAQ
Ranking publishers
The Times/CAO, HEA
The Times and The Sunday Times
- Published:
- 20 September, 2024
The Guardian News and Media Limited
- Published:
- 07 September, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -The Guardian League Table:
- Student to Staff Ratio: 15%
Entry Standards: 15%
Expenditure per Student: 5%
Continuation 15% (non-medical subjects) OR 5% (medical subjects)
NSS - Teaching: 8%
NSS - Assessment & Feedback: 8%
NSS - Overall Satisfaction: 4%
Career Prospects: 15%
Value added: 15%
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 14 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CUG The Complete University Guide:
- Entry Standards 12.5%
Student Satisfaction 18.75%
Student-Staff Ratio 12.5%
Research Quality 12.5%
Research Intensity 6.25%
Academic Service Spending 6.25%
Facilities Spending 6.25%
Graduate Prospects 12.5%
Degree Completion Rate 12.5%
Rogers Digital Media
- Published:
- 10 October, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -MacLeans University Rankings: Comprehensive:
- Students 28%
Faculty 24%
Resources 20%
Reputation 15%
Student support 13%
U-Ranking
RUY
América Economía
Perspektywy
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Published:
- 09 October, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:
- 30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Published:
- 23 November, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:
- Employability (survey) 100%
- Published:
- 19 October, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings by Subject:
- 37.4% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
37.6% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
15% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)
- Published:
- 27 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World Reputation Rankings:
- Research Reputation 66,6%
Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Published:
- 25 January, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:
- Proportion of international students 25%
Proportion of international staff 25%
Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25%
University’s international reputation 25%
- Published:
- 14 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Young University Rankings:
- Teaching 30%
Research (volume, income and reputation) 30%
Citations 30%
International outlook (staff, students, research) 7.5%
Industry income (knowledge transfer) 2.5%
- Published:
- 17 April, 2024
- Published:
- 27 March, 2024
- Published:
- 12 June, 2024
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Published:
- 04 June, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
- Academic Reputation 40%
Employer Reputation 10%
Faculty/Student Ratio 20%
Citations per faculty 20%
International Faculty Ratio 5%
International Student Ratio 5%
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
- Employer reputation 30%
Alumni outcomes 25%
Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25%
Employer/Student Connections 10%
Graduate employment rate 10%
- Published:
- 10 April, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings By Subject:
- Academic Reputation: 50%
Employer Reputation: 30%
Research Citations Per Paper: 10%
H-index: 10%
- Published:
- 10 July, 2024
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
RUF
Sapiens Research
National Institutional Ranking Framework
Careers360
Us News
- Published:
- 24 June, 2024
Urap
- Published:
- 19 December, 2023
- Published:
- 22 July, 2024
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Published:
- 15 August, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
- **Quality of Education 10%**
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
**Quality of Faculty 40%**
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
**Research Output 40%**
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
**Per Capita Performance 10%**
- Published:
- 27 October, 2023
Forbes
Payscale
- Published:
- 04 September, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only):
- Ranking is based on ROI
- Published:
- 04 September, 2024
Washington Monthly
The Princeton Review
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Published:
- 03 July, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
- Scientific Impact
Number of Publications
Collaboration
Open Access
Gender Diversity
Scimago Institutions
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
- Research 50%
Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Published:
- 13 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
- **Research Performance: 40%**
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
**Quality of Education: 25%**
**Alumni Employment: 25%**
**Quality of Faculty: 10%**
MONEY
Nature Index
- Published:
- 15 June, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector:
- Article count (AC)
Fractional count (FC)
Weighted fractional count (WFC)
- Published:
- 15 June, 2024
NTU ranking
- Published:
- 01 September, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
- **Research Productivity: 25%**
- \# Articles last 11 years: 10%
- \# Articles current year: 15%
**Research Impact: 35%**
- \# Citations last 11 years: 15%
- \# Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average \# citations last 11 years: 10%
**Research Excellence: 40%**
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- \# Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- \# Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
- Published:
- 01 September, 2024
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
- **Teaching: 40%**
- Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- World Teaching Reputation: 8%
**Research: 40%**
- Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
- Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
- Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- World Research Reputation: 8%
**International Diversity: 10%**
- International Faculty: 2%
- International Students: 2%
- International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
- Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
- International Level: 2%
**Financial Sustainability: 10%**
- Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
- Institutional Income per Student: 2%
- Papers per Research Income: 2%
- Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
- Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:
- Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20%
Citation per papers 20%
Papers per academic and research staff 20%
International research reputation 20%
Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
- Teaching Reputation 50%
Research Reputation 50%
StuDocu
- Published:
- 30 January, 2023
4icu
- Published:
- 07 February, 2024
- Published:
- 07 February, 2024
Webometrics
- Published:
- 12 July, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
- Visibility 50%
Excellence 35%
Transparency 10%
Presence 5%