Birkbeck, University of London guide: Rankings, open days, fees and accommodation
Overview
Birkbeck is one of only three universities that we profile which do not feature in our rankings. One of the constituent colleges of the University of London, Birkbeck is included in this guide because of its excellent provision of accessible, flexible and innovative higher education, but those qualities and the large number of part-time students that comes with them makes it very hard to compare Birkbeck to other institutions. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, full-time and part-time programmes, with daytime classes now being offered alongside Birkbeck's traditional evening teaching times. The university's course portfolio is evolving all the time and the majority of Birkbeck's growing student body undertake their studies alongside responsibilities outside of education - the university has a high population of mature students. To serve that population better, Birkbeck has made significant developments in the way it delivers teaching, with the introduction of new HyFlex technology set to revolutionise the way that students can engage in lessons remotely.
Paying the bills
Birkbeck runs budgeting workshops and offers expert guidance on getting the most out of the Student Finance England system. Direct financial support from the university includes a cash bursary worth £800 to full-time students from homes with an annual income of less than £25,000 to help with the practical costs of study such as travel and textbooks. The bursary drops to £450 for those from homes with income ranging from £25,000 to £39,999. Both are paid pro rata for non-full-time students. Following a needs-based assessment, students can access up to £4,000 in help with living costs. There is also a hardship fund to combat short-term financial issues which may arise as a result of, for example, redundancy, illness or domestic problems, and financial aid for those needing help with the cost of childcare. Birkbeck further incentivises its students with a series of percentage discounts on tuition fees for alumni who are considering continuing their learning journey at the university. For those who need them, there are rooms available in the University of London's intercollegiate halls, and the university also offers students support when it comes to finding private accommodation in the pricey capital.
What's new?
With Birkbeck's new HyFlex technology (set to begin rolling out this year), the university will be able to synchronise online and in-person teaching to enable students to participate fully in lessons remotely, working alongside students on-site in Bloomsbury. All staff are set to receive training on how to design and teach their modules to ensure they are HyFlex-appropriate. The university hopes the introduction of this technology will solidify its position as one of the most inclusive and flexible places to study in the country. It has committed to developing virtual reality and immersive learning facilities, too. It is hoped that these can provide students with practical, technical and external learning experiences that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive or impossible to access. Birkbeck is also constantly evolving its portfolio of courses, and it is set to launch no less than 19 new degree programmes this year alone. Another six are due to go live next September, including BScs in natural sciences and management, both with foundation years. There will also be new courses in entrepreneurship and innovation, and environment, culture and communication, both with and without a foundation year.
Admissions, teaching and student support
Flexibility is the watchword at Birkbeck, a university where in-person and online learning co-exist happily. Given the profile of many of its students - who are often juggling jobs, children and other adult responsibilities - the ability to offer an immersive and flexible curriculum is key. Live lectures are recorded wherever possible to allow students to catch up on anything they missed, and pre-recorded content is shared, meaning live classes focus on interactive learning between tutors and students. Teaching is supported by high-quality interactive materials in Birkbeck's virtual learning environment. The university prides itself on being able to cater for students entering higher education through non-standard pathways, and in some cases without formal entry qualifications. It provides a range of degrees with a foundation year to ensure that students without the requisite qualifications can access higher education and gain the essential skills they need to succeed, not just at university, but in their chosen post-Birkbeck careers, too. Both the On Track summer programme and the Get Ahead, Stay Ahead programme, which runs every September, are designed to ensure all new learners are familiar with the expectations and realities of university education. Birkbeck also has a comprehensive mental health service for all students, with an emphasis on practical support rather than therapeutic interventions. It ensures the service is confidential, impartial, non-judgmental and culturally sensitive, with staff who are highly skilled and experienced.
