For almost 100 years Birmingham Law School has made a major contribution to teaching and scholarship and is one of the top law schools in the UK. Birmingham's academics are leaders in the fields and the authors of many key works used by practitioners today. The latest Research Excellence Framework confirmed that 96% of their research is judged to be internationally recognised. 

Based in the City of Birmingham, the University benefits from having an outstanding campus in the UK's second city. Birmingham Law School is housed in its own attractive building, part of the original redbrick of the University, in the heart of a spacious, leafy campus.

Birmingham is a truly global university producing world-leading research. The University benefits from mutual partnerships with a wide range of international institutions and host a large international community of researchers and students. The University's law students come from all around the world and there is a vibrant mix of people, nationalities and cultures within the Law School which greatly enriches the learning and teaching environment. The school's wide range of legal programmes, depth and flexibility in module choice and extra-curricular support for students ensure the offer of an outstanding educational experience.

The University of Birmingham is one of the most popular British universities for Canadian students choosing to study law overseas. There are currently over 80 Canadian students studying at Birmingham - the majority of whom are on the LLB for Graduates programme. Law students have the option to study a module in Canadian Consitutional Law. There is also the Birmingham Law School Canadian Society and a University Canadian Society which brings together Canadian and non-Canadian students alike, in order to assist with career transition and promote Canadian culture.

As well as having one of the UK's oldest and largest student-run law societies, the Holdsworth Club, the Law School also offers the Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER) which radically extends the provision of extra-curricular activities to enhance students’ employability and increase their experience of law in action: including pro bono, mooting and debating. In the LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards in 2018 Canadian student Catherine Ruta won the Best Contribution by an Individual Student for her work as Pro Bono Group Chair.

There are a full range of careers events available to students, which are useful for supporting their job search in any country, from sessions on preparing job applications, to support obtaining work experience in England, and visits to leading firms, along with the annual law fair. There is also a specific careers programme for Canadian students including an annual Canadian Careers Conference. The Law School has many alumni who have gone on to successful legal careers in Canada.
 

Facilities

The University of Birmingham is investing over £600 million in transforming its campus between 2016–2026. On the main Edgbaston campus there are many facilities and services, and students do not have to go far to reach the library, study spaces, cafes, bars, shops, and food stalls. 

At the centre of campus is the impressive Green Heart parkland spanning over 12 acres, as well as the beautiful red brick Aston Webb building, Great Hall, Elgar Concert Hall, the brand new Teaching and Learning Building and Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower in Chancellor’s Court. 

The campus also boasts a state-of-the-art Sports Centre including; a 50m swimming pool, a large multi-sport hall, a range of activity and fitness studios, a very extensive gym, six glass-backed squash courts and various other facilities.

The University of Birmingham’s Student Support Hub offers help and advice to students. Teams of professionally-trained counsellors can assist students with any difficulties they may be experiencing from. The International Student Team also provides trained and dedicated advisers for international students who have queries relating to immigration, working in the UK, healthcare, finance, personal and academic support. All services are free of charge.
 

Accommodation

International students are guaranteed a place in University of Birmingham accommodation for at least their first year of study, if they apply by the 31stof July. There are a range of accommodation options available around the University, from halls of residence to private homes. There are three University-owned accommodation villages based around the campus, plus privately-owned Partner Accommodation, featuring a range of room types including en-suite, shared bathroom, self-catered and Meal Plan and a flexible catered option.

All accommodation is within 2 miles of campus and there are excellent transport links. The University's ‘Living’ team will help if this is your first time living away from home to explore your accommodation options to give the best housing advice to students during their time at Birmingham.
 

Location

The main campus is located in the beautiful leafy suburb of Edgbaston, only a 7-minute train journey from Birmingham city centre. The University has great bus links and has its own train station called ‘University’, meaning journeys into the city are cheap and fast. 

Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK and as a result, there is always something to see and explore – from modern art galleries, artisan bakeries, and award-winning street food to botanical cocktail bars, beautiful country parks, and global sporting events. Birmingham will host the commonwealth games in 2022. Birmingham is Europe’s youngest city, meaning you will be surrounded by like-minded people.

Birmingham is a major European city, and home to some spectacular Victorian and contemporary architecture as well as venues for art, music, theatre and sport, excellent nightlife, great shopping and eating, including the world-famous Bullring Centre. The city also benefits from being surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Its position in the centre of England makes it a convenient base from which to explore the UK and Europe; the city is less than two hours away from London by road and rail, and has its own international airport. Warwick, Stratford, the Peak District and Wales are also all within easy travelling distance.
 

History 

The University was founded in the year 1900 by Joseph Chamberlain, a prominent Birmingham politician and imperialist. The University was England’s first civic university, where students from all religions and backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis.

Birmingham has continued to be a university unafraid to do things a little differently, and in response to the challenges of the day. It was a founder member of the National Union of Students and the first university in the country to:

• be built on a campus model
• establish a faculty of commerce
• incorporate a medical school
• offer degrees in dentistry
• create a women’s hall of residence
• have a purpose-built students’ union building

During the First World War, the Great Hall (where graduation ceremonies and other important events take place) was used as a hospital. The Great Hall and most of the other original buildings are still standing over a hundred and twenty years later.

Ready to apply? Get in touch with one of our Canada Law from Abroad Advisors today!