History, Affiliations, and Rankings
The then "London Mechanics' Institute" was founded by Sir George Birkbeck, a physician and graduate from the University of Edinburgh, in 1823 at a meeting at the Crown and Anchor Tavern on the Strand. An opening up of the University of London's examinations for its degree was a result of changes in its structure in 1858. Since then, it has become the primary institution for part-time university education. A central University of London college, Birkbeck was the only one to remain in London during World War II. The University has academic affiliations with the Association of Commonwealth Universities, European Universities Association, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and Universities UK. The Birkbeck University Of London secured the ranking of #332 in the QS World University Rankings. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University #886 in Best Global Universities.
Infrastructure, Campuses, and Courses
In addition to teaching hospitals, laboratories, and scientific institutes, the university's campus includes numerous research institutes. Aside from the School of Arts, a Department of Humanities and English can be found on site. Additionally, it houses student residence halls and provides them with all the necessary facilities. The university decided to expand its campus and faculties in order to accommodate the growing number of students. An additional campus was opened in East London in 2013. The campus now houses many institutes. The university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. It is known that the school of humanities is one of the most prominent faculties at the university. In total, they have 19 departments for studies including the Department of Criminology, Department of History, Department of Mathematics, Department of Planetary Sciences, Department of Media, Film & Cultural Studies, Department of Applied Linguistics and Communication, and the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems.
Accomplishments and Alumni
Among the famous alumni of Birkbeck, University of London are politicians, business people, athletes, and more. Some notable alumni include, Bear Grylls (Television presenter), Ramsay MacDonald (First Labor Prime Minister of the United Kingdom), Aaron Klug (Nobel Prize in Chemistry), Eric Hobsbawm (Famous Historian), and Daisy Ridley (Renowned Actress).
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
Birkbeck is proud of its diversity and appreciates its contribution to student life. They recognize the advantages and strengths of a diverse, inclusive workforce, culture, and student body, and embrace and celebrate differences between people. By following the example of the founder George Birkbeck, the College believes that education should be accessible to everyone, by providing an inclusive working and learning environment for students and staff, so that all may achieve their full potential. Ladbrokes Coral, Penguin Random House UK, Classic Cars, DA Languages, Adecco and other corporations recruit students from Birkbeck.
