The University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham

• is well established as a world-class University
• is one of the leading research-based universities in the United Kingdom
• teaches and undertakes research in all the major disciplines
• attracts students of high ability
• has academic staff of distinction, many recognised as international leaders in their fields
• has an annual income of more than £270 million.

An emphasis upon research in all schools is one of the distinctive characteristics of the University.

History

The University was founded in 1900 by the citizens of Birmingham who wanted their own university to train and educate the people who would create and manage the burgeoning businesses and industries of the Midlands.
It was natural, given the nature of Birmingham's industry, that the University should, from the start, teach the major scientific and engineering disciplines. It was also the first UK University to establish a Faculty of Commerce and incorporate a medical school, both of which are still successful schools today. The modern University is equally distinguished in the humanities, education, social sciences and law.

Research

In the most recent (2001) UK Research Assessment Exercise, the University of Birmingham was the fifth most successful university in the UK for research excellence. Thirty-two research areas were rated at the highest levels indicating research of national and international excellence.

To support research and scholarship, the University has a library of two million books and three million manuscripts and archival items. A high-speed campus network connects thousands of interworking computers and servers used by staff and students with each other and with the Internet. The University of Birmingham is a founding member of Universitas 21, an elite group of top research universities throughout the world.

International University

The University is one of only twenty-five European institutions to be awarded the distinction of a Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence by the European Commission, in recognition of interdisciplinary expertise in European Affairs.

As a major European institution of higher education, the University attracts students and staff from around the world. Each year there are over 4,000 students from more than 100 countries.

For further information about the University of Birmingham please go to:

http://www.postgraduate.bham.ac.uk/

Tags: What You Should Know About UK's Universities