Universities in Birmingham: Student Life, and City Highlights

As of 2025, there are five universities in Birmingham. If we consider the wider Greater Birmingham area, the number increases to nine. If you have ever wondered, “How many universities in Birmingham?”—now you know the straightforward answer. Yet the city’s appeal to students is about far more than just the quantity of its higher education institutions. In this guide, we will delve into why Birmingham stands out among the UK’s top student destinations. From detailed information on each university to insights into cost of living, local culture, and the wide range of career prospects, this article will walk you through everything you need to know.

Whether you are interested in pursuing a cutting-edge engineering degree, a creative arts programme, or a path in business and finance, Birmingham’s universities offer a broad variety of disciplines. Beyond academic life, the city provides a lively atmosphere for students, with an array of cultural events, buzzing nightlife, green parks, and countless internship opportunities. Over the next sections, we will discuss each of Birmingham’s five degree-awarding universities, highlight key institutions that operate in partnership with them, and explore a handful of universities in the Greater Birmingham area. We will also take a closer look at student living costs, accommodation tips, and how to make the most of your time in the city. Ultimately, if you are contemplating Birmingham as your place of study, you will find a host of reasons that make it an excellent choice.

About Birmingham

Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city, hosting a population of around 1.15 million people within the city limits and over 2.5 million in the broader metropolitan area. Located in the West Midlands region, it has long been recognised as a major hub for manufacturing, finance, and cultural exchange. The city is well connected by motorways such as the M6, M5, and M42, and boasts efficient rail connections via Birmingham New Street—one of the busiest train stations in the country. Birmingham Airport, situated south-east of the city centre, offers both domestic and international flights, making it convenient for students travelling from within the UK or abroad.

Cost of Living

Birmingham is generally considered more affordable than London and some other parts of southern England. Typical monthly expenses for a student might include:

• Rent (one-bedroom flat in the city centre): £750–£900
• Rent (shared accommodation or student halls): £450–£650 per person
• Utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet): £100–£150 per month
• Transport (monthly pass): Approximately £60–£70
• Groceries and dining: £150–£250 per month

While costs can vary depending on lifestyle, these figures should help you estimate your monthly budget. Many students choose to live in shared housing near their university campuses to split expenses and make the most of city-centre activities.

Student Accommodation

Birmingham has a wide range of options when it comes to student accommodation. Each of the five universities in the city offers its own halls of residence, typically located either on or close to the main campuses. For those who prefer a bit more independence, private student halls are also popular; these often come with added facilities like on-site gyms, communal lounges, and study spaces. Alternatively, some students opt to rent private flats or houses in popular student areas such as Selly Oak (near the University of Birmingham), Edgbaston (adjacent to several institutions), or the city centre (ideal for quick access to nightlife, cultural venues, and part-time job opportunities).

Main Attractions

Beyond academics, Birmingham caters to diverse interests:

• Bullring and Grand Central: The city’s premier shopping destinations, conveniently located by Birmingham New Street station.
• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: Home to a world-class collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and various historical exhibitions.
• Canals and Waterside Walks: Birmingham famously boasts more miles of canal than Venice, offering scenic walking routes.
• Cadbury World: A short journey away in Bournville, this is a favourite local attraction that celebrates the city’s chocolate-making history.
• Parks and Green Spaces: Places like Cannon Hill Park and Sutton Park provide a breath of fresh air and are ideal for sports or a weekend picnic.

Part-Time Jobs and Career Prospects

The city’s economy is diverse, encompassing sectors like finance, law, creative industries, advanced manufacturing, and technology. For students seeking part-time work, there are ample opportunities in retail, hospitality, and customer service, particularly in and around the city centre. Many large corporations also maintain headquarters or branch offices in the region—Deloitte, HSBC, and Jaguar Land Rover among them—offering competitive graduate schemes. Once you finish your studies, Birmingham’s status as a leading business hub means there is no shortage of career paths, whether you aim to join a multinational corporation or launch a start-up.

Universities in Birmingham with Degree Accreditation

Birmingham is home to five main universities that hold the right to award degrees. In addition, there are several higher education institutions offering foundation and specialist programmes validated by partner universities. Below, we will explore both categories in detail.

1. University of Birmingham

• Founded: 1900
• Students: ~38,000
• Faculties: Engineering and Physical Sciences, Medical and Dental Sciences, Life and Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Law
• *Ranking: #22 in the UK (2025)
• Tuition Fees: £9,250 per year
• Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK

Renowned for its research-intensive environment and global reputation, the University of Birmingham frequently appears in top league tables. The campus is a blend of historic redbrick architecture and modern research facilities, offering an inspiring setting for academic growth. Students benefit from a thriving Student Guild, active societies, and broad career services. This university is especially known for its strong placement programmes in partnership with leading industries in the West Midlands.

2. Aston University

• Founded: 1966 (origin dating back to 1895)
• Students: ~15,000
• Faculties: Business, Engineering & Applied Science, Health & Life Sciences, Languages & Social Sciences
• *Ranking: #35 in the UK (2025)
• Tuition Fees: £9,250 per year
• Location: Aston St, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK

Aston University is located just a short walk from the heart of Birmingham’s city centre. Renowned for its focus on employability, Aston is particularly well regarded for business, engineering, and life sciences. The compact campus fosters a close-knit community, and students can tap into an extensive professional network through Aston’s strong connections with local and international businesses.

3. Birmingham City University

• Founded: 1992 (origin tracing back to 1843)
• Students: ~26,000
• Faculties: Arts, Design and Media, Business, Law & Social Sciences, Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health, Education and Life Sciences
• *Ranking: #107 in the UK (2025)
• Tuition Fees: £9,250 per year
• Location: 15 Bartholomew Row, Birmingham B5 5JU, UK

Birmingham City University (BCU) caters to a broad range of academic interests, from creative arts to business and health-related programmes. It has invested heavily in modern facilities, such as state-of-the-art TV studios for media students and advanced workshops for engineering disciplines. BCU’s city-centre and Jewellery Quarter campuses allow easy access to cultural hotspots, making it a vibrant place to study.

4. Birmingham Newman University

• Founded: 1968 (university status in 2013)
• Students: ~2,800
• Faculties: Education, Humanities, Social Sciences
• *Ranking: #90 in the UK (2025)
• Tuition Fees: £9,250 per year
• Location: Genners Ln, Birmingham B32 3NT, UK

Newman University is a smaller, faith-based institution emphasising community values and focused learning. It is especially noted for teacher training programmes, social sciences, and humanities. With smaller class sizes and a close-knit environment, Newman offers a supportive atmosphere where students can interact closely with faculty and peers.

5. University College Birmingham

• Founded: 1968 (gained full university title in 2012)
• Students: ~7,500
• Faculties: Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Tourism, Business, Education, Sport, Creative Services
• *Ranking: #130+ in the UK (2025)
• Tuition Fees: £9,250 per year
• Location: Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JB, UK

Once primarily known as Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, University College Birmingham (UCB) is now recognised for its strong industry links, especially in fields like hospitality and culinary arts. It partners with major hotel chains and restaurants for placements, internships, and research initiatives. A central location means students have quick access to the city’s numerous cultural and commercial attractions.

Birmingham’s Universities at a Glance

*Ranking data is based on The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Institutions Without Degree Privileges

Apart from the five main universities, Birmingham hosts a range of specialist colleges and academies that offer higher education programmes validated by partner universities. These can be an excellent choice if you prefer a more focused learning environment or specialised curriculum.

Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet)

• Specialisation: Business, Health & Social Care, Creative Arts, Engineering (Higher National Diplomas and foundation degrees)
• Degrees Awarded by: In partnership with local universities (often Birmingham City University) and external awarding bodies
• Location: Jennens Rd, Birmingham B4 7PS, UK

Birmingham Metropolitan College has multiple campuses across the city, with the main site near Millennium Point in the Eastside district. It provides vocational and foundation degree courses, giving students an opportunity to transition into full bachelor’s programmes at partner universities.

South & City College Birmingham

• Specialisation: Music & Performing Arts, Construction, Computing, Business, Health & Social Care
• Degrees Awarded by: Usually validated by larger universities, such as Birmingham City University
• Location: High Street Deritend, Birmingham B5 5SU, UK

South & City College Birmingham operates various centres around the city, including a dedicated music and performance campus in Digbeth—Birmingham’s creative quarter. The college’s close links with industry give students hands-on experience, making it an attractive path for those interested in vocationally oriented qualifications.

Universities Outside Birmingham But in Greater Birmingham Area

While the city itself is home to five universities, the broader region around Birmingham—often referred to as the Greater Birmingham area—includes additional institutions. If you are happy to commute or live slightly farther from the city centre, these universities can also be excellent choices.

University of Wolverhampton

• Location: Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK

Wolverhampton is about 17 miles from central Birmingham, and its university offers a variety of programmes in business, science, and creative arts.

Coventry University

• Location: Priory St, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK

Although Coventry is a separate city, it is roughly 19 miles east of Birmingham. Coventry University is well regarded for engineering, design, and business courses, attracting both domestic and international students.

University of Warwick

• Location: Coventry CV4 7AL, UK

Warwick is often counted within the broader West Midlands area and is highly ranked nationally. Its strengths include research, business, and science, making it a strong contender for those who do not mind a short commute.

By including Wolverhampton, Coventry University, and the University of Warwick (among others in the region), the total count of universities in the Greater Birmingham area goes up to nine. These institutions are close enough to be considered part of the metropolitan landscape, and many students in these universities regularly visit Birmingham for social events, internships, and part-time work.

Conclusion

In summary, Birmingham boasts five universities within the city itself, each with its own specialisms, campus culture, and unique community. When you expand your horizon to the Greater Birmingham area, you will find nine universities to choose from, many of which rank highly in national league tables and offer a wide range of degrees.

When selecting the right institution for you, it is worth considering multiple factors. Reputation and rankings can be important, but do not overlook aspects such as course specialisation, facilities, tuition fees, and location. Make sure you also examine the university’s placement and career support services, as these can be pivotal in securing internships and job offers.

So, why is Birmingham such a good place to study? It combines academic excellence with a strong multicultural environment, a vibrant arts scene, and abundant career prospects. The city is more affordable than several other UK hotspots, and its central location within England makes travel easy. If you are looking for a place where you can truly experience the best of student life—academically, socially, and professionally—Birmingham might well be the perfect fit.

FAQ: Studying in Birmingham