Birkbeck, University of London guide: Rankings, open days, fees and accommodation
Overview
Birkbeck is different. At a time when the social scene comes alive in most other universities, Birkbeck students are usually to be found sitting down to classes. This is because many of its students are working or dealing with family commitments through the day, making evening study the most convenient and practical option open to them. Most teaching at Birkbeck takes place between 6pm and 9pm, with some courses also taught between 2pm and 5pm. Not content with this flexibility, the university is in the process of rolling out new HyFlex technology that will allow students to better engage with classes remotely for the times when getting to campus is not possible. Birkbeck's campus is in Bloomsbury, in the heart of London's West End and close to the headquarters of the University of London, of which Birkbeck is part. The university is one of only three universities in this guide which do not feature in our rankings, due to the largely part-time student population and the university's highly flexible approach to studying - both admirable features but ones which make it hard to compare Birkbeck with other institutions. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, full-time and part-time programmes and its course portfolio is evolving all the time.
Paying the bills
Birkbeck runs budgeting workshops, a monthly food pantry, and offers expert guidance on getting the most out of the student loans system. Direct financial support from the university includes a cash bursary worth £800 to full-time students from homes with an annual income of less than £25,000 to help with the practical costs of study such as travel, printing and textbooks. The bursary drops to £450 for those from homes with income ranging from £25,000 to £39,999. Both are paid pro rata for part-time students. Following a needs-based assessment, students (usually from homes with less than £25,000 annual income) can access up to £4,000 in help with living costs through the Birkbeck financial support scheme. Further targeted support comes from the Access to digital learning fund (up to £500 towards the costs of laptops and broadband), a hardship fund (for those whose circumstances change unexpectedly, for example with redundancy, and worth up to £1,000), and a summer support fund (up to £600 towards meeting living costs during the summer vacation). Most students live at home but there are places available in the University of London's intercollegiate halls. Prices in 2025-26 range from £8,128 for a 40-week contract in small single room with shared bathroom in International Hall to £20,940 for a 50-week let in a large single ensuite room in Garden Halls.
What's new?
Birkbeck is continuing with its heavy investment in digital infrastructure, installing the latest HyFlex technology into almost all of the university's classrooms to enable students to join classes online and take part in them fully alongside those in the classroom itself. This is a key development for flexibility and accessibility in a university where around half the students are mature learners over the age of 21 when they begin their course, fitting their studies around work and family commitments. The roll out of the new technology will be completed in time for the 2026-27 academic year with some students able to use it from the academic year beginning in October 2025. Further digital enhancements have been made with the opening of a new virtual reality and immersive learning suite to enhance the scope of teaching using the latest software and technology. A capital investment programme is improving the physical surroundings, too, with the creation of two new student lounges in the main campus buildings, which will provide multi-purpose spaces where students can collaborate and interact, as well as creating additional teaching spaces. Five new degrees are planned for 2026-27: computer science and cybersecurity, environment science, criminology with psychological studies, business management with pathways, and a new BA in arts and humanities, all offered with and without a foundation year.
Admissions, teaching and student support
Birkbeck does not have a contextual offer scheme but proves that diversity on campus is achievable by other means. Many of its students do not have 3 A-levels or equivalent; experience gained through work and other training routes is recognised and central to decisions to admit students to courses. Birkbeck provides a range of degrees with a foundation year to ensure that students without the requisite qualifications can get a foothold in higher education, many then progressing to the first year of their chosen degree. Recognising their different demographic, Birkbeck is big on supporting students in their transition to university, particularly those unfamiliar with what going to university is like. The On Track summer programme for new students allows them to meet fellow students and lecturers ahead of term beginning, while the complementary Get Ahead, Stay Ahead programme is a pre-entry study skills course which runs every September. A long-running peer mentoring scheme works with all first year and foundation year students, matching students with similar subject interests, which helps to keep progression rates to a second year of study high. For students who do experience mental health difficulties, Birkbeck puts an accent on providing practical support rather than therapeutic interventions to enable students to continue with studies. Course delivery mixes in-person and online, and the ability to study effectively online is about to go up a notch (see What's new? above). Live lectures are recorded wherever possible to allow students to catch up on anything they missed, and teaching is supported by high-quality interactive materials in Birkbeck's virtual learning environment.