Birkbeck, University of London, was founded more than 200 years ago, with the aim of offering higher education to those with the potential and determination to succeed, whatever their background or circumstances.
About Birkbeck, University of London
Today, it is considered one of the most cosmopolitan universities in the UK, with a vibrant, diverse student population that contributes so much to the exciting and stimulating learning environment. The university focuses on flexible learning, offering on-campus and online study facilities that enable students to progress without any interference in their personal or professional life.
Birkbeck, University of London – Table of Contents
- About
- Ranking
- Courses Offered
- Facilities And Infrastructure
- Required Documents
- Intake
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Process
As a member of the prestigious University of London, Birkbeck awards globally respected qualifications. It is known for its world-class teaching and research, particularly in cross-disciplinary, innovative, and socially engaged fields.
The institution has a distinguished and unconventional history rooted in expanding educational access. Its foundation dates back to 11 November 1823, when Dr George Birkbeck delivered an influential speech advocating education for working people. Following this, the London Mechanics’ Institute was created on 2 December 1823, introducing an unprecedented opportunity for artisans and craftspeople to study science, art, and economics.
Birkbeck, University of London Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions
Birkbeck has consistently been at the forefront of progressive educational change. In 1830, it was one of the first colleges in the UK to welcome women-almost four decades before either Oxford or Cambridge.
The 1858 ratification of the University of London’s Charter granted students from all backgrounds the right to take degree examinations and further secured Birkbeck’s position as a provider of accessible higher education. By 1920, Birkbeck formally became part of the University of London, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to evening study.
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Birkbeck, University of London – Ranking
Birkbeck was ranked #388 globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, up 20 places from the previous year, placing it in a strong position within the more than 1500 ranked universities. It came in at #41 within the UK.
The university did exceptionally well in international indicators, most of which had near-perfect results for international faculty, international student representation, and student diversity. Its citations-per-faculty score also reflects strong research output. This ranking therefore indicates the university’s robust research environment, academic reputation, and commitment to delivering a high-quality student experience.
Birkbeck’s mission is to offer flexible, part-time higher education which meets the changing personal, social and career needs of adult students in London and beyond. It works to promote access to high-quality research and learning, particularly among groups underrepresented in higher education.
It seeks an integrated portfolio of research-led courses; enhancement of interdisciplinary research cultures; a persistently inclusive learning community; and growth of sustainable partnerships within London and beyond. Its commitment to flexibility means that it will continue to adapt to new opportunities in both higher and further education.
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Courses Offered and Duration & Cost of Study in Birkbeck, University of London
MA AI and Creative Media
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,230 GBP, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree (2:2) or an equivalent qualification in any subject.
- Applicants without standard qualifications are also considered based on their skills, knowledge, and work experience.
- Formal entry requirements may be waived if the applicant shows strong academic potential.
- All relevant qualifications and experience, including those still being completed, should be listed on the application form.
- Applying early is recommended because it allows applications to be reviewed sooner and helps to secure the place.
MSc Accounting and Finance
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 24,390 GBP, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 12,195 GBP (Per Year), Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree in finance, accounting, business, or any quantitative field.
- Professional or other qualifications gained through approved written examinations are also accepted.
- Each application is reviewed individually, and professional qualifications or relevant work experience will be considered positively. Mature learners are encouraged to apply.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those are yet to complete.
PG Cert Applied Data Science
Course Details
Study Mode: part-time Online
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 6,950 GBP, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any subject except computer science.
- Applicants with lower academic qualifications still be considered if they have significant IT industry experience.
- Each application is assessed individually, and professional qualifications or relevant work experience will be considered positively. Mature learners are encouraged to apply.
- Include all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
MSc Business Analytics
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 11,490 GBP, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification.
- The course is suitable for graduates new to business analytics. Since it is highly quantitative, some background in quantitative skills is helpful.
- Applicants without prior statistics knowledge will be offered a short introductory statistics course.
- Applications are assessed individually, and professional qualifications or relevant work experience are considered positively. Mature learners are encouraged to apply.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
- Early application is recommended to allow time for processing. Current qualifications do not need to be completed before applying.
MSc Computer Science
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- The programme is designed for students new to computer science.
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in any subject except single-honours computer science is required.
- Applicants with lower academic qualifications still be considered if they have significant IT industry experience.
- Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
- Include all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
Criminal Law and Criminal Justice MA/LLM
Course Details
Study Mode: part-time Online
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 11,490 GBP per year, Course starts in January.
Study Mode: full-time Online
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in law, humanities, or social sciences. Other honours degrees are also considered.
- Each application is reviewed individually, and professional qualifications or relevant work experience are considered positively. Mature learners are encouraged to apply.
- Include all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
- Apply early to secure a place. Students can apply even if current qualification is not yet complete.
Criminology MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: part-time Online
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 10,425 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: full-time Online
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 20,850 GBP per year, Course starts in January.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 10,170 GBP per year, Course starts in December.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in the humanities, social sciences, or law.
- Applications are assessed individually, and professional qualifications or relevant work experience are considered positively. Mature learners are encouraged to apply.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
- Apply early to secure the place. Students can apply even if the present course is not completed.
Data Analytics and AI MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) or an MSc in computer science, with substantial programming content—preferably in an object-oriented language.
- Joint honours computing graduates also qualify if they have completed significant programming work or have equivalent professional IT experience.
MSc Data Science
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- The programme is for graduates new to computer science.
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in any subject except single-honours computer science is required.
- Applicants with lower academic qualifications will be considered if they have significant IT industry experience.
- Suitable applicants will be invited to take an online aptitude test.
- Results are usually provided within 10 working days.
- The test can only be taken once per academic year.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively
Educational Neuroscience MA, MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year, Course starts in October to July
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Course starts in October to July
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in psychology, social science, cognitive science, speech/communication science, neuroscience, or a related field.
- Applicants with a good degree in education but no background in psychology or science must complete the Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology before applying for the MA/MSc Educational Neuroscience.
- A background in both cognitive neuroscience and education is ideal.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
MSc Finance and Data Analytics
Course Details
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 24,390 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- This degree is for graduates new to data analytics.
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification is required.
- The course is highly quantitative, so some prior experience with quantitative skills is helpful.
- Applicants with limited statistics experience will be offered a short introductory statistics course.
- Students can apply even if students have not yet finished their current qualification.
MSc Finance and Economics
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 24,390 GBP per year, Course starts in September.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 12,195 GBP per year, Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a directly relevant or quantitative subject, or an equivalent international qualification.
- Degrees in other subjects are considered individually.
- Applicants with lower academic grades are accepted if their work experience or training shows equivalent ability.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
Finance and Economics MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 24,390 GBP per year, Course starts in September.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 12,195 GBP per year, Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a directly relevant or quantitative subject, or an equivalent international qualification.
- Degrees in other subjects are considered individually.
- Applicants with lower grades are accepted if their work experience or training shows equivalent ability.
- Entry requirement details and equivalencies are available for over 120 countries.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
History of Art with Collections Management MA
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 20,850 GBP per year, Course starts in September.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 10,425 GBP per year, Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above).
- Students with degrees outside the arts and humanities can take the one-year part-time Graduate Certificate in History of Art and Architecture as a conversion course.
- Completing the Graduate Certificate with Merit normally guarantees a place on this programme.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
History of Photography with Curating MA
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 10,425 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 20,850 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience (such as professional work).
- Students with a degree outside history of art can take the one-year part-time Graduate Certificate in History of Art and Architecture as a conversion course.
- Completing the Graduate Certificate with Merit normally guarantees a place on this programme.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
Human Resource Management MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 11,490 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- At least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in social sciences or a business-related field.
- Applicants without a first degree are considered if they have suitable professional qualifications and at least five years of significant management experience.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
International Business Management MA
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 10,425 GBP per year, Course starts in January.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 20,850 GBP per year, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification.
- Entry requirement details and equivalencies are available for over 120 countries.
- Professional or other qualifications gained through approved written examinations are also accepted.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
Law with Law and New Technologies LLM
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 10,425 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 20,850 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in law, humanities, or social sciences
- Other honours degrees and equivalent international qualifications are also considered.
- Relevant qualifications, professional training, Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
Management with Business Innovation MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 12,195 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 24,390 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
- Include all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
Management with Marketing MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 12,195 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 24,390 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
- Include all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
Master of Business Administration MBA
Course Details
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) and usually at least three years of relevant work or professional experience.
- Exceptional candidates with less experience considered.
- Applicants without an honours degree are accepted if they have substantial work experience.
- Applications are assessed individually. Professional qualifications and relevant experience are considered positively.
- List all relevant qualifications and experience on the application form, including those still in progress.
Web Design and Development PG Cert
Course Details
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 6,950 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- Graduates in any field with IT skills and at least one year of experience in media development, design, arts, content creation, or market/consumer research are eligible to apply.
- Also eligible are non-graduates with IT skills and with at least three years of work experience.
- Individual applications are welcomed, and prior relevant qualifications or work experience are viewed favorably.
- In the application form, include relevant qualifications and experience. Also note those who wish to gain during the programme. Mention motivation and interest in web design, user experience, and development.
- Early application is recommended. Students can apply even if the applicant has not yet finished their current qualification.
AI, Ethics and Society MA (Artificial Intelligence)
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 20,850 GBP per year Course starts in January.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 10,425 GBP per year, Course starts in January.
Entry Requirements
- A second-class honours degree (2:2) or an equivalent qualification in any subject.
- Applicants without formal qualifications are also welcome, as the university considers skills, knowledge and work experience.
- In application, list about qualifications and experience, including those that are still completing.
- Apply early so student applications can be reviewed sooner and can enroll on time.
- Applicants can start applying even if supplicants have not yet finished current studies.
MSc Advanced Computing
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 11,490 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need a 2:2 or above, or an MSc in computer science.
- Joint honours computing graduates may qualify if they have strong programming experience or relevant IT industry experience.
- Each application is assessed individually; professional qualifications and work experience will be considered.
- If applicants meet the requirements and a suitable supervisor is available, they will be invited for an online or in-person interview.
- Apply early so that applications can be reviewed quickly so that students can enroll sooner.
- Students can apply even if they have not yet finished their current qualification.
Analytical Bioscience Msc
Course Details
Study Mode: part-time
Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 10,425 GBP per year, Course starts in January.
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1year, Tuition fee: 22,850 GBP per year Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need a 2:2 or higher in a scientific subject.
- Students with lower qualifications may still be accepted if they have relevant work experience or start with the Postgraduate Diploma and later upgrade to the MSc after good exam results.
- Each application is assessed individually, and professional qualifications and work experience will be considered positively.
- In the application, list all qualifications and experience, including those that are still completing.
Applied AI (Artificial Intelligence) MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 22,980 GBP per year Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 11,490 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need a 2:2 or higher in a scientific subject.
- Students with lower qualifications may still be accepted if they have relevant work experience or start with the Postgraduate Diploma and later upgrade to the MSc after good exam results.
- Each application is assessed individually, and professional qualifications and work experience will be considered positively.
- In the application, list all qualifications and experience, including those that are still completing.
Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence MA, MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 20,850 GBP per year Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 10,425 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need a 2:2 or higher in a scientific subject.
- Students with lower qualifications may still be accepted if they have relevant work experience or start with the Postgraduate Diploma and later upgrade to the MSc after good exam results.
- Each application is assessed individually, and professional qualifications and work experience will be considered positively.
- In the application, list all qualifications and experience, including those that are still completing.
Finance MSc
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1 year, Tuition fee: 25,200 GBP per year Course starts in October.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 12,600 GBP per year, Course starts in October.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants need a 2:2 or higher in a scientific subject.
- Students with lower qualifications may still be accepted if they have relevant work experience or start with the Postgraduate Diploma and later upgrade to the MSc after good exam results.
- Each application is assessed individually, and professional qualifications and work experience will be considered positively.
- In the application, list all qualifications and experience, including those that are still completing.
Financial Economics
Course Details
Study Mode: full-time
- Duration: 1year, Tuition fee: 24,390 GBP per year Course starts in September.
Study Mode: part-time
- Duration: 2 years, Tuition fee: 12,195 GBP per year, Course starts in September.
Entry Requirements
- The standard requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant or quantitative subject from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification.
- Degrees from other subjects may be considered individually.
- Applicants with a lower degree classification may be accepted if they have suitable work experience or training.
- Entry requirements and equivalencies are available for over 120 countries.
- Professional qualifications and relevant work experience are considered positively.
Other Courses offered in Birkbeck, University of London
Analytical Chemistry MSc, PG Dip
Applied Linguistics and Communication MA
Applied Statistics staMSc, PG Cert
Applied Statistics and Financial Modelling Msc
Archaeology and Heritage MA
Art History
Astrobiology MSc
Bioinformatics MSc, MRes
Chemical Research
Classical Civilisation MA
Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology MA, MSc
Contemporary History and Politics MA
Creative Industries Management and Policy MA, PG Cert, PG Dip
Criminology MSc
Curating and Collections Management PG Cert
Developmental Science and Neurodiversity MA, MSc
Digital Business MSc
Digital Media Culture MA
Economics MSc
Environment and Sustainability MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip
Global History: Empires, States and Cultures MA
Health and Clinical Psychological Sciences MA, MSc
Official site For Birkbeck, University of London: Click Here
Facilities And Infrastructure in Birkbeck, University of London
- Modern Urban Campus with contemporary teaching and learning spaces located in Bloomsbury, central London.
- State-of-the-art lecture theatres and classrooms, designed for evening learning with digital teaching tools and audio-visual technology.
- Birkbeck Library provides extensive academic resources, study zones, digital collections, research materials, and quiet study spaces.
- 24/7 Study Spaces in various buildings to support flexible study schedules.
- Specialized Research Centers & Laboratories for psychology, computer science, biological sciences, and social sciences research.
- High-performance computers, software access and research support tools.
- Student Learning Support Centre: academic counseling, assistance with writing and developing skills.
- On-campus Student Hub offering student services, academic advice, and administrative support.
- Cafés and Social Areas designed for relaxation and group networking.
- Access to University of London facilities, including libraries, study spaces, sports, and student unions across all its member institutions.
- Professional Development & Career Services Centre offering placements, internships, career counselling and employer events.
- Disability & Wellbeing Services to support students with personalized needs and welfare resources.
Required Documents For Admission in Birkbeck, University of London
- A scan of a valid passport (as proof of identity).
- Official certificates or transcripts from all previous academic qualifications.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not a first language (e.g. IELTS) or an equivalent proof.
- A personal statement describing applicant academic ability, experience, and motivation for the course.
- Reference letters (usually one academic and one professional, if required by the programme).
- An up-to-date CV / curriculum vitae showing work experience.
- If applicant documents are not in English, applicants must provide certified translations.
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Intake For Birkbeck, University of London
- Most postgraduate courses start in October.
- Many courses also have a January intake for certain programs.
- For international students needing a student visa:
- For the October intake, the application deadline will be in July (for some).
- For the January intake, the application deadline is November (for those under specific visa-documentation rules).
Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Birkbeck, University of London
- Typically, a second-class honours degree (UK 2:1 or 2:2) or an equivalent international qualification is required for postgraduate study.
- If the first degree is not in a subject directly relevant to the chosen postgraduate course, applicants need to complete a qualifying programme.
- Applicants with lower-than-2:2 degrees may still be considered if they can demonstrate strong work experience, relevant training, or academic potential.
- Certain professional qualifications are accepted (e.g., MIBiol, MBCS, other recognized bodies), sometimes with a requirement for a preparatory study programme.
- For MPhil/PhD, Birkbeck often requires the equivalent of a good UK Master’s degree.
- English language proficiency is required if English is not a first language; accepted tests and minimum scores depend on the course.
Admission Process For Birkbeck, University of London
- Choose the course — First, find a postgraduate programme as per applicant interests
- Apply online — students apply directly to Birkbeck through their Applicant Portal.
- Fill in personal and academic details — Provide information about applicant previous qualifications and work experience.
- Upload supporting documents — Upload transcripts, certificates, proof of identity, and English language test results (if needed) via the portal.
- Write a personal statement — Explain motivation, academic ability, and how the work experience relates to the course.
- Provide references — Some courses require references; Birkbeck will ask for them when needed.
- Review and decision — After applying, Birkbeck will check if applicants need to attend a test or interview (depending on the course).
- Offer — If accepted, the applicant will receive either a conditional or unconditional offer.
- Enrollment — Once accepting the offer, Birkbeck sends instructions for enrolment.
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