University of Birmingham - College of Arts and Law

We offer excellent support to postgraduates - from libraries and research spaces to extra-curricular activities and funding opportunities. Discover the perfect environment to study and thrive.

The University of Birmingham

For more than a century, the University of Birmingham has been pursuing and sharing knowledge through outstanding teaching and world-leading research. We are the original ‘redbrick’ University, part of the prestigious Russell Group; our thriving student population enjoys a wide range of courses, and exceptional campus and research facilities.

The 10 Nobel Laureates we count among our staff and alumni have contributed to some of science’s greatest discoveries, including in recent times the Higgs Boson and Gravitational Waves. Our research provides innovative solutions to the challenges we face in our city, our region and across the globe.

The city of Birmingham

Birmingham isn’t just where you’ll study - it’s where you’ll start a new chapter. It’s a city to make your own, a second home full of opportunities, and a place to create lasting memories.

As the UK’s top regional city for quality of life, and with almost 40% of its population under 25, Birmingham is one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in Europe. It's the perfect setting to shape your future.

With a buzzing cultural scene, a vibrant community, and a rich history, it’s no wonder so many of our students choose to stay long after graduation.

Most of our programmes require a 2:1 undergraduate degree or above. Please refer to individual course webpages for specific entry requirements.

You can find further admissions guidance on our website.

To study in the UK on a full time course that is longer than 6 months duration, you will need to apply for a Student Route visa.

The Student Route visa is appropriate for students that can prove their ability in English language, have enough funds to support themselves and are able to meet the other eligibility entry requirements, under the points-based system.

You can find out more on our visa guidance webpage

• We're one of the Top 100 universities for Arts and Humanities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)
  
  
• 1st for Communications and Media Studies in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Number 1 Philosophy department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).
• One of the top 50 for English Language and Literature in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)
  
  
• One of the top 100 Modern Language departments in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Join a global community and discover a course that matches your interests and aspirations with our huge range of postgraduate programmes in the College of Arts and Law.

Study options

We offer full time or part time study for many of our courses. We're proud to offer many courses by distance learning so you can access our exceptional teaching and resources from anywhere in the world.

Looking to study for a shorter period? Some of our courses offer PGCert and PGDip qualifications.

Innovative postgraduate degrees

Benefit from our interdisciplinary approach with opportunities to develop your skills. Whichever programme you pick, you’ll expand your knowledge and be ready for your next career step.

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 and 2025, High Fliers report.

Ways you can enhance your career prospects include:

• Placement opportunities on the MA Film and Television: Research and Production
• Optional public history placement module on our MA History courses
• Practice-based dissertation options on MA International Law, Ethics and Politics

First-class facilities

Take your learning to the next level at Birmingham. Benefit from our incredible facilities available to College of Arts and Law students including:

• The Film Editing Suite: Access content creation and podcasting studios, professional cameras, and filming equipment with beginner friendly training by media technicians.
• The Barber Institute of Fine Arts: Our on-campus art gallery with paintings spanning seven centuries, from Botticelli to Monet and Van Gogh. The History of Art and Art History and Curating programmes are taught in the Barber for direct access to artwork. [The galleries of the Barber Institute are currently closed due to essential building works. Teaching will recommence in the galleries from autumn 2027.]
• Bramall Music Building and our Music Hub offering state-of-the-art performance, concert and rehearsal spaces.
• Shakespeare Institute: Our Shakespeare Studies students access a wealth of resources and a dedicated library at our Shakespeare Institute, based in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
• Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum including over 2,000 archaeological objects and an environmental archaeology collection.

Experts in distance learning

You don’t need to be in Birmingham to make the most of our outstanding teaching and research. Study from anywhere in the world through our range of distance learning options.

With over 25 years’ experience delivering distance learning courses, we’ll make sure you’re supported from day one.

You won’t be alone in your studies – on our taught programmes you’ll connect with your peers through our Virtual Learning Environment. If you choose a postgraduate research degree by distance learning, you’ll access remote research supervision meetings.

“I studied International Heritage Management as a distance learning student. My time at the University of Birmingham had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional.” – Josh, MA International Heritage Management by Distance Learning alumnus and Senior Operations and Events Executive at Historic Royal Palaces.

Birmingham Law School

For almost a century Birmingham Law School has led the way in legal education and research. Today, we continue to provide our students with innovative, challenging, and research-driven education.

We are a truly global, civic and diverse community reflected through our staff and students who have important impacts around the world through research, teaching and enterprise.

The Shakespeare Institute

An internationally renowned research institution based in the heart of Shakespeare's beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon. Established in 1951 to push the boundaries of knowledge about Shakespeare studies and Renaissance drama. Study in Stratford-upon-Avon or online.

The University of Birmingham is engaged in an exciting collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). This pioneering project is the result of the longstanding relationship between the RSC and the University of Birmingham which amongst other things has seen the reinstatement of the iconic RSC studio theatre, The Other Place.

• The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 and 2025, High Fliers report.

First-class facilities

Take your learning to the next level at Birmingham. Benefit from our incredible facilities available to College of Arts and Law students including:

• The Film Editing Suite: Access content creation and podcasting studios, professional cameras, and filming equipment with beginner friendly training by media technicians.
• The Barber Institute of Fine Arts: Our on-campus art gallery with paintings spanning seven centuries, from Botticelli to Monet and Van Gogh. The History of Art and Art History and Curating programmes are taught in the Barber for direct access to artwork.
• Bramall Music Building and our Music Hub offering state-of-the-art performance, concert and rehearsal spaces.
• Shakespeare Institute: Our Shakespeare Studies students access a wealth of resources and a dedicated library at our Shakespeare Institute, based in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
• Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum including over 2,000 archaeological objects and an environmental archaeology collection.

Our campus

Find your place, in a place like no other. With historic buildings, modern facilities and green surroundings, our Edgbaston campus is a place to be inspired. Its home to a diverse, global community of students.

You’ll find shops, bars, and cafés, plus medical and dental surgeries, sports facilities, and even our own train station to transport you to the heart of the city in just seven minutes.

The city of Birmingham

Birmingham isn’t just where you’ll study - it’s where you’ll start a new chapter. It’s a city to make your own, a second home full of opportunities, and a place to create lasting memories.

As the UK’s top regional city for quality of life, and with almost 40% of its population under 25, Birmingham is one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in Europe. It's the perfect setting to shape your future.

With a buzzing cultural scene, a vibrant community, and a rich history, it’s no wonder so many of our students choose to stay long after graduation.