Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London is a world-class research and teaching institution, a vibrant centre of academic excellence and London's only specialist provider of evening higher education. Our internationally renowned academics foster an intellectually challenging learning environment - making Birkbeck a natural destination for serious postgraduate students.

Birkbeck has been London's only specialist provider of evening higher education since it was founded in 1823. An established expert in the field of evening education, Birkbeck is geared to supporting the needs of students who are juggling careers or family commitments with postgraduate study. Most of our postgraduate programmes are also available full-time. This is an increasingly popular route for students wishing to complete their studies in a shorter, more intensive period.

Birkbeck awards prestigious, internationally recognised University of London qualifications and provides postgraduate education of the highest quality. In its most recent institutional audit, the College received the highest recommendation in its academic standards by the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

As a Birkbeck student you get an unrivalled teaching and learning experience. Birkbeck has consistently ranked number one in the UK National Student Surveys. In 2005 we were voted number one for quality of teaching; and in 2006 and 2007 we ranked number one in London for overall student satisfaction.

Our academic reputation attracts over 7000 degree students a year - more than half of whom are on taught master's degrees (MA/MSc) or are taking research degrees (MPhil/PhD). Our student community is as diverse as London's population, and the mix of backgrounds and nationalities make for dynamic discussions in class and a truly cosmopolitan London experience for students.

Birkbeck provides the serious academic culture of a world-class research university. Our academics are specialists in their fields and engaged in cutting-edge research which directly informs curriculum development and teaching.

• Over 90% of Birkbeck academics participated in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) - the highest rate for any multi-faculty institution in London, and the fifth highest in the UK.
• More than 80% of the research carried out at Birkbeck is rated as being of international importance.
• 12 of our Schools ranked 'Best 5*' or 5: Crystallography (Structural Biology), Earth Sciences, Economics, English, German, History, History of Art, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, and Spanish.
• In 2006 Birkbeck's Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development was awarded a prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for excellence in higher education research.
• In The Sunday Times University Guide (2007), academics ranked Birkbeck in the top 15 of UK research-led institutions.
• In addition, Birkbeck beat such universities as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and University College London (UCL) to become the top higher education institution in a league table of research funding success. (April 2006. Research Fortnight analysis comparing Birkbeck with other higher education institutions - excludes research institutes).

Birkbeck offers over 100 taught postgraduate programmes in arts, science and social science subject areas. Almost all of our taught postgraduate programmes are offered on a part-time basis so you can study for a master's degree in the evening over two years. However, if you would prefer to study full-time, youll find we have much to offer you. Most of our taught master's degrees are offered full-time, taking one year to complete.

You can gain an internationally-recognised University of London doctorate at Birkbeck. All of our Schools offer research opportunities. We offer both full-time and part-time research opportunities in over 30 subject areas, all leading to University of London MPhil / PhD qualifications. Our academic staff have a wealth of experience and expertise to support you.

Birkbeck welcomes applications from international students for its full-time and online postgraduate programmes. Students from the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals may also apply for Birkbeck's part-time programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Located at the heart of academic London, Birkbeck offers access to a wealth of world-class research resources. The Birkbeck Library is spread across five floors of a new extension building. Richly resourced, it provides a quiet and comfortable environment for serious academic study. The Library is open seven days a week in term-time, till late in the evenings. Next door to Birkbeck is Senate House Library - one of the UK's major academic libraries, and the world-famous British Library is only a 10 minute walk away. Birkbeck students also have access to other University of London libraries and specialist collections. We provide a range of academic learning support and English language programmes, and excellent networked IT services.