Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck is a world-class research and teaching institution, a vibrant centre of academic excellence and London’s only specialist provider of evening higher education. They encourage applications from students without traditional qualifications and have a wide range of programmes to suit every entry level. The academic reputation also attracts many traditional full-time postgraduate students.

There are 20,000 students studying there every year.

According to the 2008 RAE results, Birkbeck ranks in the top 25% of UK multi faculty HEIs.

The RAE rated the quality of research in a range of subjects at 160 Higher Education Institutions in the UK. Initial analysis shows Birkbeck submissions from Earth Sciences, Psychology, History, Classics and Archaeology and History of Art, Film and Visual Media were rated in the top 5 nationally. All 17 Birkbeck submissions had at least 60% of their research classified as 'internationally recognised', whereas 11 of 17 had the majority of their research categorised as 'internationally excellent' and 'world leading'.

Birkbeck is recognised for providing the highest quality teaching that is informed by our outstanding research excellence. This is proven by the number one position in the UK’s National Student Surveys. In 2007, Birkbeck beat every higher education institution in London for overall student satisfaction.

Birkbeck, University of London, sometimes referred to by its former (and still legal) name Birkbeck College or by the abbreviation BBK, is a constituent college of the University of London. At the undergraduate level, it aims at working people who want to study for degrees in the evenings (adult education). At the postgraduate level, it offers many Master's degree programmes that can be studied either part-time or full-time, though nearly all teaching is in the evening. It also admits full-time (as well as part-time) students for PhDs. Its staff members have diverse research reputations. It also offers many continuing education courses leading to extramural certificates and diplomas, as well as other short courses.