Birmingham University Student Population: How Many?

The University of Birmingham is a large institution, with a student population of over 38,000, according to the university itself. This figure includes 24,885 undergraduate students and 13,825 postgraduates. This makes it the 10th largest university in the UK by student population.

The university's main campus is located in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham, and it also has a campus in Dubai.

Undergraduate and postgraduate student numbers

The University of Birmingham is a large university, with a student population of 38,000, of which 24,885 are undergraduates and 13,825 are postgraduates. This makes it the 10th largest university in the UK in terms of student numbers. The university has a diverse student body, with 5,000 international students and 31% of its academic staff coming from overseas. The undergraduate population is growing rapidly, with applications increasing more than they are nationally or for comparable universities.

The university has a long history of firsts. It was the first civic university in the UK, and it remains committed to working with a diverse range of stakeholders. It was also the first university to establish a fully comprehensive secondary school and the first Russell Group and Global Top 100 university to open a campus in Dubai. The University of Birmingham is proud of its high-quality teaching and facilities, and it offers a wide range of course combinations to its students. It is also committed to delivering a first-class experience for its students in all aspects of their university life.

The University of Birmingham's main campus is located in the Edgbaston area of the city. It houses the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, which is the world's tallest free-standing clock, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which exhibits original work by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet. The university also has a campus in Dubai, which can accommodate up to 2,900 students.

The University of Birmingham's ranking

The University of Birmingham is ranked 13th in the UK according to the 2025 University League Table. Globally, it is ranked 91st by the 2022 U.S. News & World Report and 94th in the Best Global Universities ranking. The university is also ranked 10th in the UK and 31st in Europe.

The University of Birmingham is also ranked 1st in the UK for graduate prospects by the Complete University Guide in 2015. It is placed 85th in the world for employer reputation in the 2021 QS World University Rankings. The university is ranked 11th in the UK for employability by the Guardian University Guide in 2021.

The University of Birmingham is ranked highly in several subjects. These include:

• Physics & Astronomy
• Chemical Engineering
• History of Art, Architecture & Design
• Town & Country Planning and Landscape Design
• Materials Technology
• Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies
• Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering
• Theology & Religious Studies
• Communication & Media Studies
• Nursing & Midwifery
• Pharmacology & Pharmacy

The University of Birmingham has five colleges, each with its own specialisations and areas of renown. These colleges are:

• College of Life and Environmental Sciences
• College of Medical and Dental Sciences
• College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• College of Social Sciences
• College of Arts and Law

The number of international students

The University of Birmingham is a diverse and inclusive community with a student population of over 38,000, including 5,000 international students. This makes up around 13% of the total student body. The university has a long and proud history of being the first to do many things and remains committed to working with a diverse range of stakeholders. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is also reflected in its academic staff, with 31% of staff being international.

The university is dedicated to providing a first-class experience for its students, offering exceptional academic programmes that encourage bold, independent thinking. This includes providing opportunities for students to internationalise their degrees, with around 450 undergraduates completing a year abroad as part of their course. The University of Birmingham was also the first Russell Group and Global Top 100 university to open a campus in Dubai, contributing to its significant international presence.

The university's main campus is located in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham, which is known for being one of the greenest cities in the UK. The campus houses the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, the world's tallest free-standing clock, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which exhibits original works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet.

The University of Birmingham is a world-class research institution, ranking in the top 100 globally and attracting significant research funding. In 2019/2020, the university's research funding totalled £220 million, and it aims to double this amount by 2026. The university's research strengths span a broad range of areas, including psychology, history, education, and chemical engineering.

The number of staff

The University of Birmingham is a large employer, with over 8,000 staff members. The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and has a programme of activity to increase diversity, address under-representation, and remove structural barriers to individual success. The university supports flexible and hybrid working.

The university's 8,000+ staff are spread across five colleges:

• College of Life and Environmental Sciences
• College of Medical and Dental Sciences
• College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• College of Social Sciences
• College of Arts and Law

Each college has a distinctive identity and areas of renown, and each Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of College is a member of the University Executive Board.

The university is one of the UK's most successful institutions in attracting research funding. In 2019-2020, the university won £220 million in research funding and is looking to double its research income by 2026. The university's research is mostly internationally excellent or world-leading, and it enjoys robust industrial partnerships.

The university has a clear vision, ambitious leadership, world-leading academic strengths, and a secure financial base. With an annual turnover exceeding £650 million, the university is investing in its future with a £1 billion estates plan, which includes a new library, sports centre, teaching and learning building, and health innovation campus.

The University's annual income

The University of Birmingham is a financially prosperous institution, with an annual income of over £900 million. In the 2023-24 financial year, the university achieved its highest-ever income of £945 million. This substantial income is primarily derived from tuition fees and research grants, with the former constituting approximately £456 million and the latter over £200 million. This financial success has placed the university on a solid footing, allowing it to maintain its momentum and work towards its goal of becoming a global top 50 institution.

The University of Birmingham's annual income is comprised of several key sources. Tuition fees, which make up a significant portion, are expected to generate £456.3 million in the 2024-25 financial year, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year. Additionally, the university receives substantial income from research grants and contracts, totaling £205.2 million in 2023-24. This research income is a testament to the university's success in securing funding for its research endeavors.

Furthermore, the University of Birmingham also generates income from funding body grants, investment returns, and donations. In the 2024-25 financial year, funding body grants are projected to contribute £109.5 million, while investment income is estimated to reach £13.4 million. The university also benefits from donations and endowments, which are expected to amount to approximately £9.3 million.

The University of Birmingham's annual income is further bolstered by its endowment funds, which totaled £155.8 million in the 2024-25 financial year. These endowments contribute to the university's overall financial stability and help support its long-term goals.

The University of Birmingham's financial success has allowed it to make significant investments in its infrastructure and academic offerings. With an annual turnover exceeding £650 million, the university has embarked on an ambitious £1 billion estates plan, which includes the development of new academic buildings, student facilities, and green spaces. This commitment to investing in its future ensures that the University of Birmingham remains a competitive and attractive option for prospective students and staff.

In summary, the University of Birmingham's annual income surpasses £900 million, positioning it as a financially robust and ambitious institution. With a diverse range of income sources, the university has the resources to continuously enhance its facilities and maintain its position as a leading global university.

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