What Students Say
Likes
- Laboratory setting and high end equipment.
- Research environment and seminars.
- Accessible facilities like library, storage, electron microscopy etc.
Dislikes
- Syllabus - felt a bit redundant since we had already covered a lot of these topics in my undergrad
- Some of the professors - preference thing probably but some professors were not good at lecturing.
- Little to no social events
Scholarship Received
Vice Chancellor scholarship
1,500
Course Curriculum
8
- Syllabus - Theory felt a bit redundant since we had already covered a lot of these topics in my undergrad. Practical though was amazing and a huge step up.
- Some of the professors - preference thing, probably—were not good at lecturing.
- Timings were usually 6pm to 9pm
- On average our class had 17 people across all modules.
Admission Experience
- Utrecht university, Groningen: Waitlisted because they needed 4 years of bachelor's and I had only 3 (because of the Indian education system). That was mostly the case everywhere I applied except UK universities. In the UK I had applied for Glasgow University, and I had gotten a confirmation as well but they were a bit later in responding than this university so I went ahead with Birkbeck University.
- One-year full-time course and connections.
- The admission process was really smooth and very helpful from the start. They asked for general academic documents and general bank statements for the VISA application. They helped a lot with managing documents for the Visa requirements and application and were prompt in responding.
- They only needed my transcript and IELTS 7.5. Other than that general document, that's it.
- I took the September intake because it was the closest to my graduation period and i didn't want to wait practically a year for the January intake. The process was 2 months long, starting from the end of May, and for me it ended at the end of July when i got my visa. After that it was just travelling and formalities. I got the acceptance letter within 2 weeks of application
Faculty
8
- I am not sure about the ratio but i would 4 students under 1 professor seems right. Everyone has a different methodology of teaching so a general commentary isn't fair. I absolutely loved the method of 2 professors and the lab manager who make us think rather than know the theory and encourage problem-solving and practical learning. I am not sure about the job scene either because I haven't completed my course yet but I have been helped in making new connections and networking by my supervisor.
Campus Life
8
- Main Campus (Bloomsbury, Central London)—The heart of campus lies between Malet Street, Torrington Square, Gower Street, Russell Square, Tavistock Square, and Gordon Square—housing lecture theatres, the main library, Birkbeck Cinema at 43 Gordon Square, the Peltz Gallery, cafés, and administration buildings
- Euston Road Site—Refurbished teaching space added in 2021
- Student Central (formerly University Central)—A nearby fitness and social hub offering gym and pool access and extensive student society spaces via the University of London partnership.
- Former Stratford Campus—Part-time courses offered in East London until mid-2021; now closed
Part Time Jobs
- Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)/TA roles: These are mostly for postgraduate or PhD students. For example, in the School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, GTAs (0.5 FTE, ~17.5 hrs/week) earn between £18,572 and £21,183 per annum (pro rata, roughly £20–£24k FTE).
- Associate Tutor (TA-equivalent) roles: Paid at £59.91 per contact hour (Grade 6, inclusive of preparation, marking, holiday pay, and London allowance)
- Research Assistant (RA) / Departmental Assistant (DA) positions vary by department; exact numbers aren’t public, but several roles are listed each term on Handshake and the Careers portal.
- Indian students often gravitate toward roles offering flexibility and decent pay: Retail assistants (H&M, Boots)—~£9–£12/hr wayupabroad.com +12 leapscholar.com +12 uninist.com +12 reddit.com Hospitality roles (baristas, wait staff, event staff)—£8–£14/hr, with tips included reddit.com +2 eduvouchers.com +2 ieltsidpindia.com +2 Library/reception/admin assistants (on campus)—£9–£13/hr Tutoring—£15–£25/hr (sometimes more in specialised areas) theguardian.com +10 upgrad.com +10 uninist.com +10 Gig/Freelance work (delivery, dog-walking, writing) —£12–£18+/hr reddit.com +1 leapscholar.com +1 Minimum wage (age-based) ranges from £7.49 to £12.21/hr; most students earn £9–£15/hr in part-time roles.
Placement
6
- ~85% of Birkbeck graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (HESA, Graduate Outcomes)
- Among part-time students, Birkbeck ranks #1 in London for employment or further study six months post-graduation
- Average salary one year after graduation: £32,700 (2021–22 cohort)
- Computing graduates earn around £50,189 five years after graduation
- Business graduates, 15 months out: average £35,000 (typical range £26k–£42k)
- Finance and management grads after 15 months typically earn £26,000 (range £23k–£30.5k) and £31.5k after five years
Accommodation
Off Campus
6
- I had a friend living in London so i moved with him and 1 more roommate into a 3-bedroom apartment. we found the place on Spareroom. Monthly rent is 800 pounds, all bills included. I am not sure but if people can afford it, then student accommodation is usually the best. My accommodation is about 40 mins away (20 mins walk to the nearest station and 23 mins by train).
Exams
- IELTS was the only exam needed.
- Required documents included Letter of recommendation, Transcripts and a certificate of degree (a provisional certificate works too).
- Just a general interview during the initial phase of the application conducted virtually and mandatory for everyone to cross-verify the details and application form. Nothing related to the academics.
Fees
- I am not in an hostel so I am not aware of that. The total fee was 19780 pounds, which can be paid either semester-wise or multiple semesters together. You can transfer the fee amount through a valid VISA card by direct card transfer or bank transfer if that's fine too. Flywire is also accepted, I think. Initially my expenses were a bit high because i didn't know how to budget but now it averages out to 1000 to 1100 pounds a month (800 for rent and bills, the rest on food and travel)
Scholarship
- I got the Vice Chancellor scholarship, which is granted to every international student for 1500 pounds. I am not aware of any other scholarships other people may have gotten since for my course we don't have a ton of international students. The vice chancellor grant was 1500. For PhD students there is the Commonwealth scholarship but i am not aware about the reward amount
