Top Universities in Birmingham: Courses, Rankings & Student Living

Birmingham has become one of the UK’s prime spots for higher learning. There are renowned universities in Birmingham that offer flexible learning options with well-equipped libraries and study areas. The welcoming environment and career advancement opportunities make Birmingham one of the key study destinations in the UK. The city has a supportive community, premium student accommodation and plenty of resources to handle university life. Whether you are looking for the best areas to live or luxury student accommodation in Birmingham, the city is well-equipped to handle all your needs.

In this blog, let’s take a closer look at the list of universities in Birmingham and what makes them great choices for international students. 

A Student’s Guide to the Top Universities in Birmingham, England

University of Birmingham 

The University of Birmingham is among the top universities in Birmingham, UK and ranked 80th in the QS World University Ranking 2025. It is a public research university with five major campuses.  Four of these campuses are located in Birmingham, including Edgbaston, Selly Oak, Satellite, and the School of Dentistry. The university has an international campus, which is located in Dubai, providing a global educational opportunity to students.

Top Courses and Programmes at the University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is open for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Students can opt for taught or research-based programmes. The knowledge gained through these courses creates a fantastic opportunity for students to take their careers to the next level. There are around 350 undergraduate courses, including programmes in Aerospace Engineering, Biosciences, Dentistry, as well as Business and Management. 

The University of Birmingham offers around 600 taught Master's programs and 140 research courses, including Cancer Studies, Chemical Engineering, and Economics. It also supports online courses, which is another highlight of education at the University of Birmingham. It provides flexible learning opportunities for students and allows them to learn new skills while balancing work or other commitments. 

Turn Your Education into Experience: Practical Exposure at the University of Birmingham. 

• Internships - The University of Birmingham offers immense internship opportunities for students and graduates. Students can opt for B-Experienced Internships, UoB Graduate Internships, and Virtual Internships.
   
• Student society - A student society is formed by students of the university who share common academic, professional, and cultural interests. There are countless student societies, including the Astronomical Society, BAME Group, Civil Engineering Society, and Games Development.
   
• Research centres - Students can also apply to research programmes and contribute to impactful projects. The Autism Centre for Education and Research, B-Film, Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage, and Birmingham Centre for Neurogenetics are popular research centres at the university. 
• Volunteering opportunities - Students, staff or alumni of the University of Birmingham can make use of their time and skills to support the community. 

Top student accommodation near the University of Birmingham

• Athena Studios - Located just 0.3 miles away from the University of Birmingham, Athena Studios promises luxury with its range of spacious studio rooms. The property even includes modern amenities like a games room, outdoor area, and an onsite maintenance team.
• Battery Park - Awesome for students who are looking for privacy and comfort. Battery Park provides cosy en-suite rooms with private bathrooms attached. The property also features premium amenities, including bike storage and laundry facilities. This Birmingham student hall also has excellent safety measures with secure door entry and CCTV surveillance.

• Metchley Hall - Luxury student accommodation designed for studio and shared living. Metchley Hall is well-equipped with studio rooms, 1-bed and 2-bed flats. The property offers premium services to enhance the living experience with amenities like an on-site gym and a spacious outdoor area.

Aston University

Aston University is one of the top universities in Birmingham, England. The university was started in 1895 as Birmingham Municipal Technical School and became the UK’s first College of Advanced Technology in 1956. In 1966, Aston University gained university status and has built a reputation for high-quality teaching since then. The university has a main campus known as the Aston Triangle, located in central Birmingham.

Top Courses and Programmes at Aston University

Aston University provides 76 undergraduate degrees, including a BSc in Accounting and Finance and a BEng in Biomedical Engineering. Students pursuing Postgraduate courses can opt for MBA, Taught Courses, and Research Degrees. 

Turn Your Education into Experience: Additional Opportunities at Aston University 

• Internship - Aston University provides additional learning opportunities to students. You can apply for short internships or participate in the university’s Insight Experience. The internships at Aston University can span from 2 to 12 weeks. Many students can opt for these summer internships to gain industry experience and improve their skillset. Whether you are looking for student halls in the summer or for the full year, these are some of the best student accommodation in Birmingham.
• Student Societies -Over 130 student-led groups exist, including the Afro-Caribbean Society, ALT Protein, and Book Club Society. These groups help students build a community of like-minded individuals while studying in Birmingham.
• Research Centres - Aston University supports high-quality research through its dedicated research centres like the Advanced Service Group, Aston Centre for Growth, and the Centre for Business Prosperity. This benefits students in developing technical skills and research methodology. 

Top Birmingham student accommodation near Aston University

• Lucas Studios - It is a phenomenal student housing option located just 0.1 miles away from Aston University. Students staying at Lucas Studios can stay in high-end studio rooms that have all the facilities for a comfortable stay. The property also includes amenities like a rooftop terrace, free Wi-Fi, and bike storage.
• iQ Penworks House - The property is famous for its elegant en-suite and studio rooms, like Bronze En Suite Plus and Copper Studio. iQ Penworks House also provides awesome amenities that take care of all your needs. Students can access all-inclusive utility bills, laundry, and bike storage. 

Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University is a public university located in the heart of the city. It started as the Birmingham College of Art in 1843 and became a polytechnic institute in 1971. It received university status in 1992, and today it is among the top universities in Birmingham, UK. Birmingham City University has two main campuses: the City Centre Campus and the City South Campus. 

Higher Learning Opportunities at  Birmingham City University?

Students at Birmingham City University can apply for undergraduate programs including Built Environment, Architecture, and Fashion. The university also offers postgraduation courses that help students to hone their skills. Popular postgraduate programs include Art Management, Computing, Law, and Media. 

Internships, Research and Student Clubs at Birmingham City University

• Internships -  Birmingham City University has a range of placements with varying durations from a few weeks to an entire year. Students can apply for micro placements, long term internships or embedded placements. This free service helps students gain additional skills and prepares them for the expectations of the workplace.
   
• Student Society - Students at Birmingham City University automatically become members of the Student’s Union. BCUSU offers 100 societies including Faith and Culture, Media and Creative, and Sports Clubs.
• Research Centres - Students get the opportunity to contribute to impactful high-quality research in areas like Art, Architecture and Design, Human Rights, and Music Education. 

Top student accommodation in Birmingham near Birmingham City University 

• Harriet Martineau - It is an ideal option for students looking for ensuite rooms or shared flats. Students are ensured of a safe and secure environment with onsite security, secure door entry, and CCTV. Harriet Martineau also provides modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, contents insurance and 24 hour support.

• Lakeside - It is just located 0.2 miles away from Birmingham City University. Lakeside assures convenient living with premium amenities like laundry, bike storage, and contents insurance. 
• The Old Fire Station - Students looking for shared accommodation can book a room at the Old Fire Station. Amenities like pool table, library, and parcel service make students life enjoyable.  

Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)

Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) is located in the city centre. It is a partner college that helps international students prepare for the degree program at Birmingham City University (BCU). BCUIC offers pathway courses for those who need extra support to meet requirements at BCU. 

Best Courses at  Birmingham City University International College?

This is a great place for students to prepare for further education at some of the top universities in Birmingham. The institution provides a professional learning experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Architecture, Built Environment, Engineering, as well as Art and Design are popular programmes for undergraduate studies. Postgraduate programmes include Law, Media, Design, and Fashion. 

Top student accommodation near Birmingham City University International College

• Jennens Court -  This Birmingham student hall is a great choice for students who want a short commute to the campus. Jennens Court offers both studio and ensuite rooms at reasonable prices. This property also provides impressive amenities like an outdoor courtyard, on-site maintenance and a laundry facility. 
• Mary Sturge - This is a fantastic Birmingham student hall located near the city centre. Mary Sturge offers cosy rooms, including Premium Ensuite - Range 2 and Premium Ensuite - Range 1. The property promises a convenient stay by providing amenities like bike storage, printing service, and an on-site maintenance team. 

• Chamberlain Place - It is a phenomenal student housing with ensuite rooms, studios, and apartments. The amenities at Chamberlain Place help students to relax and boost productivity. Students can utilise the on-site gym, laundry and cinema. 

Apart from the above-mentioned list of universities in Birmingham, students can also explore other elite educational centres like University College Birmingham, Birmingham Newman University, and Aston Business School.  

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