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The 27 best things to do in Birmingham

From winding canal walks to some of the country’s finest restaurants, these are the best things to do in Birmingham

Birmingham is a vast place, and you’ve got to know where to look. But among its miles of gorgeous canals and awesome greenery, you’ll find characterful pubs, fascinating museums and some of the best restaurants in the country.

Here you’ll find heavy metal music, a nationally adored chocolate company, the world’s biggest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, several high-flying football teams (need we go on?) and more. It doesn’t have a bit of everything – it has a lot of it. Ready to explore? Here are the best things to do in Birmingham right now.

RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Birmingham 🍻 The most charming pubs in Birmingham 🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham

This guide was recently updated by Birmingham-based writer  Lauren Potts .  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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Top things to do in Birmingham

1.  Explore Brindleyplace and the canal quarter

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What is it?  Birmingham’s vibrant canal quarter is home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, the  National Sea Life Centre  and the  Ikon Gallery .

Why go?  The oft-quoted ‘more canals than Venice’ claim is a bit misleading – Birmingham is  much, much bigger – but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on a walk around the canal quarter. It’s a real Cinderella part of town, having been hugely redeveloped and crammed full of restaurants and bars.

Don’t miss:  Use the historic  Roundhouse  building as a base from which to explore by boat, bike or foot.

2.  Satisfy your sweet tooth at Cadbury World

What is it?  England’s number-one chocolate-focused attraction. 

Why go?  For the best views of Brum’s chocolate factory, arrive by train (13 minutes from New Street) and take a deep breath – a sweet haze envelopes the red-brick, olde-worlde Bournville village, which was designed and built for the workers of England’s flagship chocolate brand. Cadbury World is the public bit of the factory: tours include a deep dive into the history of cocoa, a 4D cinema and a ride in the self-styled ‘Beanmobile’.

Don’t miss:  Have your Wonka experience in the demonstration area (yes, molten chocolate is involved; yes, you get to drink it). The world’s biggest Cadbury store also awaits, boasting concoctions unavailable anywhere else.

3.  Mooch around the Jewellery Quarter

What is it?  Pack a full day – and night – of fun in this increasingly popular part of town, where you’ll find everything from exhibitions to nightclubs.

Why go?  With more than 200 listed buildings and more than 250 years of history, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter should be on any Brum itinerary. According to English Heritage, Europe’s largest cluster of jewellery businesses is a ‘national treasure’. Museum nerds will love the  Museum of the Jewellery Quarter , the  Pen Museum  and  Newman Brothers Coffin Works . And with all the pubs, restaurants, galleries and independent boutiques here, there’s something for everybody else too.

Don’t miss:  If you’re making a night of it, check in to  BLOC , close to the ever-popular JQ nightclub. Try  Jam House , or if you have something even later and livelier in mind, Brum’s up-for-it generation descend upon the  Actress & Bishop  from about 1am, with no intention of making it a quiet one.

4.  Find tropical plants, birds and butterflies at the Botanical Gardens

What is it?  Fifteen acres of ornamental gardens, glasshouses and exotic birds in indoor and outdoor aviaries.

Why go?  The Botanical Gardens ’ exotic world of tropical plantlife makes for an excellent family day out. The glasshouses are filled with all manner of strange flora, while the lawns and shrubbery outside are perfect for a stroll during the sunnier months.

Don’t miss:  The butterfly house full of tropical insects from as far as the Philippines, Central America and tropical parts of Africa.

5.  Soak up the views from Orelle

What is it? A French fusion restaurant with some extraordinary views across the UK’s Second City.

Why go? Perched on the 24th floor of the imposing 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham simply doesn’t have anywhere else like Orelle . Huge floor-to-ceiling windows mean the city fans out below in all directions, while at night its twinkling lights look even more evocative. The food isn’t cheap but it’s well made and beautifully presented, but really, you’ve come here for the views, so drink them in. 

Don’t miss:  If you don’t want to eat, there are a few seats at the well-stocked bar available but bear in mind they’re first come first serve, and obviously busier at weekends. 

6.  See contemporary art at Midlands Arts Centre

What is it?  Known to locals as the MAC, the Midlands Arts Centre has spent six decades celebrating contemporary art at its light and airy venue on the edge of Cannon Hill Park - one of Birmingham’s most popular green spaces.

Why go?  The MAC is a one-stop-shop for art, film, and hands-on courses that showcase creativity, culture and the community, with an ever-changing programme of events. Those wanting to explore the surrounding 80 acres of Victorian parkland can take in the listed bandstand, a 16th Century timber house, a lake full of swan-shaped pedalos and a 36-hole mini golf course.

Don’t miss:   MAC’s on-site food and drink choices are plentiful. Its restaurant, Kiln , was transformed during the pandemic and now offers a bright and modern space, with a bar down below. 

7.  Discover city secrets on a walking tour

What is it?  If the weather holds out, there is no better way to see Birmingham than on foot.

Why go?  There are some excellent guided walking tours, from  Positively Birmingham ’s Edward Burne-Jones pre-Raphaelite art tour to  Get Your Guide ’s  Discovering Birmingham Walking tour through the historic Jewellery Quarter.

8.  … or, for the energetic, a running tour

What is it?  Founded by an air steward with a passion for running in cities all over the world, Run of a Kind offers those with a bit of energy a great alternative way to get to know the city.

Why go?  With runs between 5km and 11km for beginners and those a bit more confident, the team sprint across Birmingham on a whistlestop tour of landmarks and hidden gems, including legendary LGBTQ+ venues, notable architecture and eye-popping street art.

9.  Fill up at one of Birmingham’s Michelin-starred restaurants

What is it?  Seriously good Michelin-starred dinners with a real range of price points. 

Why go?   Purnell’s ,  Simpsons ,  Adam’s ,  Carters ,  Opheem  and – if you’re prepared to head just outside the city –  Peel’s , will all bamboozle you with their culinary delights. And with more high-end independents opening all the time, you could get in before the Michelin inspectors do. A quiet food revolution has been rumbling through Brum – now’s your time to sample it.

10.  Sample sours and stouts on the Stirchley Beer Mile

What is it? A journey through the creative craft beer joints dotting the Stirchley neighbourhood.

Why go? Stirchley might look like ordinary suburbia at first glance, but it hides a plethora of taprooms serving an eyewatering amount of styles. Enjoy waterside pints at Glasshouse and Birmingham Brewing , while Attic Brew Co’s spacious site is good for large groups and Cork and Cage do a fine line in lambics and gueuzes. Newcomers Deadbeat bring a low-key dive bar vibe.

Don’t miss:  If you’re hungry, then Eat Vietnam’s wonderfully rich noodles, curries and small plates are the perfect way to soak up all that beer.

11.  Lend an ear to the city’s homegrown musical talent

What is it?  While London and Manchester will always get more attention when it comes to music, Birmingham has given the world its fair share of talent, including UB40, Duran Duran and Black Sabbath – and it’s still bubbling up at the present with a thriving local music scene.

Why go?  Whether it’s house at The Mill , indie at The Sunflower Lounge , the Night Owl ’s northern soul or jazz at The Jam House , you’ll find something interesting within walking distance of the high street. 

12.  See the inspiration for ‘Lord of the Rings’ at Moseley Bog

What is it?  A green idyll on the fringes of the city on the site of an old millpond. 

Why go?  Wander around this nature reserve full of plants, animals and insects, gnarled old trees and gorgeous carpets of bluebells each spring. The site is also of great archaeological interest, having two burnt mounds, the remains of an old mill dam and the foundations of Victorian greenhouses.

Don’t miss:  Book a JRR Tolkien-themed tour at Sarehole Mill , on the fringes of the bog: the ‘Lord of the Rings’ author grew up around Moseley Bog in the 1890s, and it’s said to be the inspiration for hobbit hangout The Shire. 

13.  Tour the hallowed grounds of Villa Park

What is it?  Take a tour of Aston Villa’s hallowed ground, or even catch a game. 

Why go?  There aren’t many football grounds in the world like Villa Park. The 42,000-capacity stadium has been home to the Villa since 1897, and it has an aura that few sporting institutions can match, especially when the Holte End is packed out and chanting along. Sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour or catch the boys in claret and blue play a Premier League game. 

Don’t miss:  Fancy a real treat? You can watch the match in comfort at  Eighty Two , the plush centre of football hospitality at Villa Park. 

14.  Meet the city’s creatives at the Custard Factory

What is it?  A restored Victorian factory, now a hub for creatives and independent businesses. 

Why go?  Alfred Bird invented custard powder in Birmingham in 1837, but these days, the old Custard Factory is a studio complex at the heart of Birmingham’s creative community. It’s home to many artists and is full of galleries, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and the  Mockingbird Cinema . With its graffiti-strewn walls and regular arts events, the whole area is well worth a few hours of mooching.

Don’t miss:  Look out for regular open studio events to meet the designer-makers who make this place so special. 

15.  Go behind-the-scenes at Edgbaston cricket ground

What is it?  The home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, plus numerous England fixtures. 

Why go?  There’s nothing as quintessentially English as a game of cricket, and Birmingham boasts one of the very best places to watch one. Edgbaston is renowned as one of the country’s most atmospheric international test grounds. 

Don’t miss:  Take a  tour of the stadium  to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Warwickshire and England changing room, the field, the media centre and more. 

16.  Sink a pint in grand Victorian pub The Bartons Arms

What is it?  A grand Victorian pub with original stained glass, engraved mirrors and snob screens.

Why go?   The Bartons Arms is a rare treasure among the mean streets of Newtown. Established in 1901 as a Victorian gin palace, it’s still beautifully ornate with original features such as Minton tiles, a grand horseshoe bar and a stunning wrought iron staircase climbed by the likes of Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin.

Don’t miss:  Book a tour or choose a pint from its fine range of Oakham ales and something spicy from the Thai menu.

17.  Time travel at the Birmingham Back to Backs

What is it? A quirky window into the living conditions of ordinary Brummies over the last 200 years.

Why go? Flanked by the colourful Hippodrome Theatre on one side and the lively LGBTQ+ bars of Hurst Street on the other, the Birmingham Back to Backs are in an unlikely location for a heritage site. But this communal courtyard with back-to-back houses is where ordinary folk once lived and guided tours take visitors on a journey from 1840 to 1970, to see how homelife evolved long before Nextflix and smartphones.

Don’t miss Not only does Court 15 Books have some fine second hand books for sales, there’s also regular free exhibitions upstairs.

18.  Fill your bags at one of the city’s iconic shopping destinations

What is it?  A marketplace since the twelfth century, Birmingham is still a city for shoppers. 

Why go?  The  Bullring  is now a giant mall incorporating the iconic Selfridges building (looking like a part-amorphous blob, part-crash-landed UFO). Across town, the  Mailbox  is a classier joint with the likes of Harvey Nichols and Emporio Armani.

Don’t miss:  Most interesting are the independents, which you’ll find scattered all over town and in places like the splendid  Great Western Arcade .

19.  Wine and dine at the Grand Hotel

What is it?  A Grade II-listed Victorian hotel in the city centre

Why go?  The legendary Grand Hotel reopened in the summer of 2020 following an 18-year closure and a painstaking multi-million-pound restoration. The building has hosted a plethora of historical figures, from Winston Churchill to Malcolm X, and now you can explore its striking Victorian and art deco interiors, including the jaw-dropping Grosvenor Ballroom and a new rooftop garden terrace.

Don’t miss:  The brand new outdoor terrace in the central courtyard. 

20.  Discover the treasures of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

While the current exhibition in the Gas Hall is open for visitors, t he main museum and art gallery building is currently closed for refurbishment.

What is it? BMAG is full of treasures – from Anglo-Saxon gold to more contemporary pieces. 

Why go?  Housing the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world and occupying one of the city’s finest buildings, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is not to be missed. Head up to the third level for a detailed, hands-on history of Birmingham and its people. 

Don’t miss:  The domed Round Room is often the location for free musical performances. Make time for a slice of cake at the refurbished Edwardian Tea Room.

21.  See world-class theatre at the Rep

What is it?  The Rep is the jewel in the crown of Brum’s theatre scene; it’s a lively venue with an emphasis on diverse programming.

Why go?  A production house for well over a century, it’s got more decades under its belt than the National Theatre in London or its West Midlands neighbours the RSC. And with major-league director Sean Foley in charge, it shows no sign of slowing down.

Don’t miss:  While there’s edgier programming the rest of the year, its annual production of ‘The Snowman’ is a delightful seasonal cuddle.

22.  Fill up on thalis at Raja Monkey

What is it?  A South Indian restaurant with a canteen vibe. 

Why go?  If you  really  want to dine like a Brummie, then a trip to a curry house is mandatory. The Balti Triangle – located south of the city centre – is famed for its long-established restaurants, but we suggest you head to Raja Monkey. This Hall Green spot serves thalis and street-food snacks like dosa and uttapam with cheerful informality. 

Don’t miss:  Try the thalis for a taste of what's on offer.

23.  Marvel at the Birmingham Royal Ballet

What is it?  One of the five major ballet companies in the UK producing jaw-dropping shows. 

Why go?  The tenure of Carlos Acosta as artistic director is a major coup for Birmingham Royal Ballet . The company has an illustrious history, but the celebrated Cuban dancer has implemented bold plans to re-energise it. Expect plenty of risks and surprises, plus a mix of classic revivals and ambitious partnerships.

Don’t miss:  A single second of the action. No, seriously.  

24.  Treat your ears to a concert at Symphony Hall

What is it?  Opulent concert hall that is home to the  City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra . 

Why go?  This grandiose venue was opened in 1991 and has delivered a rich programme of gigs and concerts ever since. Fun fact: it was recently voted as having the seventh-best concert-hall acoustics in the entire world. 

Don’t miss:  If you don’t know your Schubert from your Haydn, ease yourself in by visiting during the festive December programme. The Hall looks even better for candlelit carols.

25.  See the largest collection of British motorcycles at the National Motorcycle Museum

What is it?  The world’s largest collection of British motorcycles.

Why go?  A must-see for all petrolheads, this Bickenhill museum has more than 1,000 different motorcycles, dating back to an 1898 Beeston Humber Tricycle. There are also plenty of pretty serious modern superbikes.

Don’t miss:  Book a guided highlights tour with an experienced guide to get a behind-the-scenes look. 

More great things to do in Birmingham

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14 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Birmingham, UK

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley visited England in the spring of 2022 exploring The Midlands, including the city of Birmingham.

Birmingham is Britain's second largest city , and its location in the West Midlands makes it a great place to begin exploring popular tourist spots such as the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills areas. It's especially fun to embark on tours by canal boat : Birmingham's canals were a byproduct of the Industrial Revolution, and today this extensive canal network is used mostly for pleasure boating.

The city has a larger canal system than Venice. Little wonder then that one of the top free things to do in Birmingham is exploring the preserved canals and historic buildings of the iconic Gas Street Basin .

These days, the city is best known for its jewelry and food stuffs, as well as its numerous cultural activities and festivals, and, most recently, for having hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games. A popular annual event here is the world's largest St. Patrick's Day Parade .

To ensure you can cram as much as possible into your itinerary, be sure to refer to our list of the top attractions and things to in Birmingham, England.

See also: Where to Stay in Birmingham

1. Explore Victoria Square & the City Center

2. see the birmingham back to backs, 3. visit the roundhouse & gas street basin, 4. take a tour of birmingham museum & art gallery, 5. see the blooms at birmingham botanical gardens, 6. get smart at thinktank, birmingham science museum, 7. take the family to the national sea life centre birmingham, 8. wander the jewellery quarter, 9. enjoy a concert at st. philip's cathedral, 10. barber institute of fine arts, 11. take a fun trip to the nec & resorts world birmingham, 12. see the cute creatures at birmingham wildlife conservation park, 13. satisfy your sweet tooth at cadbury world, bournville, 14. step back in time at black country living museum, dudley, where to stay in birmingham for sightseeing, birmingham, united kingdom - climate chart.

The heart of Birmingham revolves around the pedestrian-friendly Victoria Square, an area that can be explored via the Birmingham City Centre Path. Along the way, you'll discover the attractive old Town Hall , built in 1832 and a masterpiece of Victorian architecture. Resembling a Roman temple, this impressive structure features 40 ornate Corinthian columns made of Anglesey marble.

It's been the center of the city's music scene since hosting the first performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah in 1847. Nowadays, its impressive Symphony Hall, with its world-class acoustics and stunning auditorium, regularly features A-list singers and performers and is also home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Adorning the forecourt are two memorials, one to Queen Victoria and another to inventor James Watt. The Renaissance-style Council House , built in 1874, with its famous "Big Brum" clock (a slang phrase for Birmingham) is close by.

Other old-city sites to visit include pedestrian-only Chamberlain Square and the Central Library. The library is home to the largest Shakespeare collection outside the United States, boasting 50,000 volumes in 90 languages.

Well worth visiting and within easy walking distance of the city center, the Birmingham Back to Backs attraction is a unique collection of the small back-to-back homes once so prolific throughout the city. Built around a central courtyard — in this case, Court 15 — in the mid-19th century, these homes offer a unique insight into the often difficult conditions in which the working classes lived.

Interesting displays also provide an insight into these workers' important contribution to city life. Other highlights include a traditional 1930s sweet shop, along with a souvenir shop, or participating in one of the fun workshops held here regularly.

For a first-rate tourist experience, consider booking one of the attraction's two cottages for an overnight stay. Admission is by guided tour only.

Address: 50-54 Inge Street, Birmingham

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs/

Birmingham is justifiably proud of its industrial heritage. Nowhere is this more evident than along its extensive canal network. Highlights of this remarkably well-preserved canal system include the Roundhouse.

Built in 1874 and originally used as a storehouse and stables, this horseshoe-shaped building today makes for a perfect base from which to explore the canals, whether on foot or from one of the fun guided kayak and bike sightseeing tours available. A small museum on-site shows the development and later preservation of the building.

After a pleasant waterside stroll along Canalside Walk , you'll find yourself in Gas Street Basin. Constructed as an inland port for horse-drawn barges hauling cargo, this wide basin's surrounding old warehouses have been carefully restored and now house everything from restaurants to cafés and boutique shops.

Address: 1 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham

Official site: https://roundhousebirmingham.org.uk

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, opened in 1885, is considered one of the finest such museums outside of London. Its art treasures include a collection of works by Pre-Raphaelite painters, as well as artwork from the 17th to 19th centuries and sculptures by Rodin and James Tower.

There are also interesting displays related to the city's history, including archaeological finds dating back to the Stone Age, along with the impressive Pinto Collection with its 6,000-plus toys and other items made of wood. A gift shop is located on-site, and if you're interested in a great high tea experience, the exquisite Edwardian Tearooms is worth a visit.

If there's time in your schedule, pay a visit to The Ikon Gallery , a contemporary art museum located in a heritage building that's worth exploring.

Address: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham

Official site: www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag

Another great tourist attraction that should be included on your West Midlands travel itinerary is The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Spread across 15 acres in the affluent suburbs of Edgbaston, these 19th-century gardens are easy to get to from the city center and home to countless species. A visit is very much like stepping back in time, thanks to the perfectly preserved Victorian-era glasshouses and other period park features.

It's particularly well known for its collection of bonsai trees, including one that's over 250 years old. In addition to the more than 7,000 plants from across the globe, you'll also enjoy seeing a variety of wildlife, including rare tropical birds and a butterfly house. Other on-site amenities include a gift shop, a tearoom, plus playgrounds for the kids.

Address: Westbourne Road, Birmingham

Official site: www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Families traveling with budding young scientists won't want to miss Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum. This award-winning museum includes a large number of fascinating science-related exhibits, many of them hands-on and interactive.

Highlights include an impressive collection of steam-powered machines, from locomotives to tractors, as well as industrial machinery, many related to Birmingham's important role as an industrial center through the centuries. Other fun displays include a chocolate packaging machine and the Spitfire Gallery, with its authentic WWII-era aircraft (including one of 10,000 Spitfires made locally).

Be sure to also visit the Science Garden, with its human-sized hamster wheel and kids' adventure playground. The Thinktank Planetarium, with its fascinating tours of the stars and planets, is another great way to keep the whole family entertained.

Address: Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham

Official site: www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank

One of Birmingham's most-visited tourist attractions, the National SEA LIFE Centre is home to an impressive 60-plus exhibits related to marine life. Pride of place goes to the aquarium's massive million-liter ocean tank, with its unique underwater tunnel, which allows visitors an uninterrupted view of the diverse sea life on display, including everything from reef sharks to giant turtles.

All told, some 2,000 critters call the aquarium home, including numerous rare seahorses, giant octopi, lobsters, crabs, and stingrays. The attraction's big stars, though, are its playful otters (look out for Mango and Starsky), along with its penguins.

Housed in the impressive Penguin Ice Adventure habitat, these fascinating creatures are fun to watch as they frolic. A 4-D cinema is also on site and offers regular educational programming. If time and budget permit, book one of the fun behind-the-scenes or penguin-feeding experiences.

To make a full family day out of it, pop across the canal to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre . In addition to plenty of hands-on building brick experiences to enjoy, there's a fun 3-D cinema, an indoor playground, along with a café and a LEGO shop.

Address: The Water's Edge, Brindley Place, Birmingham

Official site: www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/

The Jewellery Quarter is an area of Birmingham that is steeped in tradition. Here, more than 200 jewelers' workshops and silversmiths produce 40 percent of Britain's jewelry, chiefly in the vicinity of the Clock Tower on the corner of Vyse and Frederick Streets and around the Georgian church of St. Paul's.

Be sure to visit the area's top sightseeing spot, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter , which offers an insider's look at the trade in the fascinating Smith & Pepper Factory. Also worth checking out is the nearby Hall of Memory opposite Baskerville House, erected in 1925 to commemorate the 14,000 city men who lost their lives in WWI, and St. Paul's Square with its attractive church.

If time permits, be sure to pop over to the Pen Museum . Situated in the Jewellery Quarter's old pen factory, this first-rate museum showcases the city's former role as a hotbed of pen making along with the history of writing instruments. A special treat is having the opportunity to make your own steel nib using the same machinery and techniques used in the 19th century. Also fun is the reproduction Victorian schoolroom, where guests can practice their penmanship using traditional quills.

Address: Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham

Official site: www.jewelleryquarter.net

Built in 1715, St. Philip's Cathedral, the third smallest in England, began life as a parish church and was elevated to its present status in 1905. The cathedral was gutted during a bombing raid in 1940, but foresight saw its famous stained-glass windows by Burne-Jones (1884) removed a few weeks prior.

Returned to their rightful place when the cathedral was rebuilt in 1948, these significant treasures are now a highlight of any trip to Birmingham. Be sure to check the cathedral's website prior to your visit for details of talks, seminars, exhibits, and concerts.

Another religious structure worth visiting is St. Martin's Church . Dating from the 13th century, it also features windows by Burne-Jones.

Address: Colmore Row, Birmingham

Official site: www.birminghamcathedral.com

Located close to Birmingham University, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts houses an excellent collection of art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Highlights include masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Bellini, Tintoretto, Rubens, Rembrandt, Watteau, Manet, Monet, Gainsborough, Constable, and Degas.

The building itself should also be explored, especially for its excellent statue of George I. If time permits be sure to check out the institute's schedule of classical lunchtime and evening concerts. Guided tours are available, and a shop and café are located on-site.

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Official site: http://barber.org.uk/

A visit to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Resorts World Birmingham makes for a fun day out. They are located a 25-minute train ride east of Birmingham, near the city's airport. Opened in 1976 and one of the country's largest and most important exhibition centers, the NEC regularly hosts musical concerts and a wide variety of consumer shows.

The real fun, though, takes place next door at Resorts World Birmingham . Opened in 2015, this large entertainment complex offers plenty of fun things to do for all ages. Designed to resemble a cruise ship, the attraction's seven-story-tall centerpiece is home to numerous restaurants, shops, a spa, and a hotel. If you've time, book a sumptuous afternoon tea in the ritzy Sky By The Water restaurant, so named for its great views over the complex grounds and its large lake.

A must-visit for families, the new Bear Grylls Adventure offers plenty of exciting experiences. Located between the NEC and Resorts World Birmingham, this thrilling indoor/outdoor attraction features everything from an assault-style climbing course to high ropes, axe throwing, archery, and even a shark dive, to name but a few.

Address: Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham

Official site: www.resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk

A fun creature-focused attraction that's well worth seeing for those traveling with kids is the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park . This city-run attraction on the edge of Cannon Hill Park is a small zoo that's home to a variety of animals including red pandas, lemurs, and meerkats.

Established in 1964, the zoo has also become important for its research and breeding programs. A variety of fun experiences are available for kids, including some that allow unique hands-on experiences based around the care and upkeep of a variety of the gentler species.

At the very least, be sure to check the zoo's website for details of feeding times, when you can often see these cute creatures at their liveliest.

Address: Pershore Road, Birmingham

Official site: www.birmingham.gov.uk/conservationpark

Located in Cadbury's Bournville manufacturing site, just a short drive from Birmingham, Cadbury World is one of the area's largest and most popular attractions. It welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year. With a focus on fun, visitors get to discover the history of chocolate, as well as the manufacturing process through a number of excellent themed interactive exhibits.

Along the way, guests learn the story of the Cadbury business, one of the world's largest confectioneries, as well as having a chance to enjoy theme-park-like attractions suitable for families. A highlight is exploring the Bull Street attraction with its replica shops reminiscent of the 1820s.

Be sure to also try your hand at making your own confectionary, as well as getting in some shopping in the world's largest Cadbury's sweet shop. Afterwards, be sure to spend a little time exploring the picture-perfect village of Bournville itself, built by the Cadbury family after 1860 specifically to house their large workforce.

Address: Linden Road, Bournville

Official site: www.cadburyworld.co.uk/

In the town of Dudley, just nine miles west of Birmingham, The Black Country Living Museum occupies a 26-acre site and offers visitors a vivid insight into the history of mining (hence the "black"). An old mine shaft and reconstructed turn-of-the-century industrial community consisting of 50 authentic buildings, many of them dismantled and rebuilt on the property, can be explored.

It's also fun to wander around the neighboring network of canals, a part of the adventure that takes place in an authentic narrow boat once used to transport coal.

Other highlights of this fascinating open-air museum include the chance to interact with costumed guides well-versed in the histories of the local people. There are also plenty of unique shopping opportunities, vintage trams, buses, and commercial vehicles, as well as a traditional English fun fair from the 19th century.

Located between Birmingham and Coventry, Sarehole Mill Museum is an old water mill that dates back to the mid 1500s. Located on the River Cole in Hall Green, it's fun diversion if you're able to get here, and contains fascinating exhibits on its history, as well as one that deals with J.R.R. Tolkien, who as a child lived only a few hundred yards away.

Address: Tipton Road, Dudley

Official site: www.bclm.co.uk

If you're looking to spend a few days sightseeing in Birmingham, we recommend these centrally located hotels in Birmingham located close to popular museums and tourist attractions such as the National Sea Life Centre:

Luxury Hotels :

• The luxurious Hyatt Regency Birmingham is a high-rise hotel in the city center that's well worth staying at, featuring excellent city views, contemporary décor, spa facilities, an indoor swimming pool, and whirlpool.
• Another good luxury option is the Genting Hotel , a four-star property that offers a mix of rooms and suites, a restaurant with great views over the city, and a spa.
• The Edgbaston should also be on your list and is a delightful boutique hotel featuring elegant en-suite bedrooms, a great restaurant, and a posh afternoon tea.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• The wonderfully named Staying Cool at Rotunda is a great centrally located mid-range-priced hotel offering a sleek design, serviced apartments, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable beds, and incredible city views. Fresh fruit for juicing is a nice added touch.
• Hipsters and those who enjoy attractive old buildings should look into the Frederick Street Townhouse located in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, with cozy rooms, great beds, and old-style bathtubs.
• For a truly unique experience, book into the new Boatel Birmingham , featuring accommodations for up to eight guests in three rooms aboard a classic canal barge.

Budget Hotels :

• The Staybridge Suites Birmingham is a great choice for those seeking a cheap Birmingham hotel and features affordable suites with kitchenettes, a free breakfast, and fitness center.
• So, too, is the Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre , with its budget-friendly rates, central location, wonderful staff, and great breakfast.
• Be sure to also look for hotel deals at the Hilux Birmingham , an apartment-style hotel within walking distance of top attractions that offers quality bedding and clean accommodations.

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Easy Day Trips : The city of Manchester makes for a fun day trip from Birmingham, with its museums and revitalized city center being easy to get to by car or train. Lovely Liverpool is about the same distance (and as easy to get to), and is popular for its many Beatles-related things to do. Although a little further afield, Bristol can also be enjoyed in a day, with a stop at the beautiful Cheddar Gorge being a must-do along the way.

Great Weekend Getaways : The charming city of Chester makes for a great weekend getaway when in England, and is famous for its historic city walls and medieval architecture. Another historic cathedral city worth staying at is Durham , which also features a well-preserved castle and numerous cobbled streets. The northern city of Hull is not without its charms, too, including its museum quarter and excellent maritime museum.

England Travel Ideas : Be sure to set vacation time aside for a visit to England's capital, the city of London , a popular place to visit for its ancient castle (the Tower of London) and Buckingham Palace. The English Lake District makes for another great place to stay, famous for lovely Lake Windermere and its endless water sports and hiking opportunities. The lovely city of Winchester is another great option, especially as it's located close to the country's top tourist attraction, Stonehenge.

More on England

Top places to visit on a city break in Birmingham

The best things to do in Birmingham

Our in-depth guide to Brum highlights some of the city’s best places to visit, along with more than a few surprises. Fancy splurging on jewellery and walking in the footsteps of the Peaky Blinders before sinking into a mirrored hot tub and then heading out for Michelin-starred Indian food and cocktails at a hidden speakeasy that was crowned the World’s Best Gin Bar? You best read on, then. 

Things to do in Birmingham

Birmingham, West Midlands

By order of the Peaky Blinders, step into the story behind the BBC’s hit show as you stalk the same streets as the real-life 1920s gang on a Peaky Tour . From Digbeth to the lock-up at Steelhouse Lane Police Station where the Peaky Blinders were incarcerated, Professor Carl Chinn MBE brings to life the real gangs that terrorised the racecourses of England in the early 20th century. If that’s not enough, why not initiate yourself into the gang by tackling one of the two Peaky Blinders-themed escape rooms at Escape Live Birmingham ? Help destroy incriminating evidence in The Raid or infiltrate Alfie Solomon’s gang in Double Cross. Or, if you just fancy a wander around some of the show’s iconic filming locations, visit the Black Country Living Museum , just a short drive or train ride away in Dudley.

More activities to enjoy

Dig into Birmingham’s creative side by scouting out the city’s amazing street art on the self-guided Graffiti Art of Digbeth Walk , a 2.5-mile route that you can follow for free on your phone. Also in Digbeth, In A Box, In A Box, In A Box  combines virtual reality and immersive entertainment for a wealth of exciting 4D puzzles, missions and digital escape games. Fun Fact – it was also a filming location in Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One. Alternatively, travel back in time to the 16th century on the Shakespeare Express . Running from Birmingham to Stratford-Upon-Avon and back, you’ll be able to experience the city's industrial past mixed with the Warwickshire countryside aboard a vintage steam train.

Restaurants in Birmingham

Birmingham bursts with a wide variety of cuisines and cooking practices, ranging from exotic street food to high-end Michelin star restaurants. In part due to its large south-Asian population, Indian cuisine is also famous here, with many of its best restaurants located within the iconic Balti Triangle, in the southeast of the city. If you want to give the Balti a run for its money, however, try a unique Michelin-style twist on Indian cuisine at the highly rated  Opheem . Born to Bangladeshi parents, chef-owner Aktar Islam takes you on a journey through India with his 5 and 10-course tasting menus. Try Orkney scallops in tamarind broth in Nepal, lamb loin with kohlrabi, wild garlic and Rogan sauce in Kashmir and a milk loaf served with spiced pate in Mumbai. It’s a flavour sensation.

More places to eat

Birmingham isn’t short of innovative eateries, so if you’re in the market for something unique, book a seat at 8 Birmingham , an immersive dining experience inspired entirely by the number 8, from its opening times to its dishes with names like Eight Days a Week and Square Root of 8. In Digbeth, 670 Grams  is the brainchild of Michelin’s Young Chef of the Year, Kray Treadwell and serves dishes based on common food gone fancy. Plant-based diners will love Land  which, as its name suggests, has a menu inspired by the land and only uses seasonal ingredients. Alternatively, if you like to mix and match cuisines, Hockley Social Club  will be right up your street. This elite street food venue serves up the likes of dirty fries, currywurst, gyoza and indulgent cheesecakes from a range of rotating vendors.

Shopping in Birmingham

Jewellery Quarter

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Home to over 800 jewellers and retailers, and more than 200 listed buildings, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has become something of a crown jewel over the past 250 years. In the market for something new and sparkly? Try long-time institutions like  Mitchel & Co  and  Victoria James before learning more about the city’s history with metalworking and jewellery at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. At this former factory, you can see demonstrations of jewellery-making techniques as well as the Earth’s Riches display, which showcases jewellery made from all sorts of nature’s finest objects like whale teeth, diamonds and coral. The area is also now home to a number of independent coffee shops and cafés perfect for a pick-me-up after all that bling browsing. Be sure to check out The Hive  which uses ingredients from its rooftop garden.

More places to shop

Peruse some of the world’s biggest brands at Bullring & Grand Central , one of the largest city-centre shopping centres in the UK. The heart of commercial Birmingham since the 1100s, The Bullring was once the location of Birmingham’s bull-baiting, a popular sport in the 16th century. Today, it’s still home to a bull (in statue form) as well as retailers like Selfridges and LEGO, and even the world’s biggest Primark. For independent boutiques and specialist food shops, wander through the Great Western Arcade , a Victorian shopping arcade that survived WWII bomb damage. If you’re visiting around Christmas, be sure to take a stroll down New Street – leading from the Bullring to Victoria Square – to experience the city’s annual Christmas Market , filled with traditional German stalls.

Places to stay in Birmingham

Staying Cool at Rotunda

Stay in one of the most iconic architectural feats of Birmingham’s skyline at  Staying Cool  – 35 stylish, 1960s-inspired apartments found in the upper levels of the Rotunda. With picture-perfect vistas across the city, accents of colour and all the luxuries you would expect in a modern hotel, Staying Cool’s apartments suit all, from family-friendly staycations to romantic getaways. Each boutique apartment is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully fitted kitchen complete with complimentary cereals, milk and fresh oranges and grapefruit to use in the juicer, board games and aromatherapy toiletries. The aparthotel is also just steps away from the city’s shopping hubs, top-rated pubs and vibrant nightlife, meaning you don’t have to go far to experience the best bits of Birmingham.

More hotels in Birmingham

The Edgbaston  is a curious but sleek mix of award-winning cocktail lounge and boutique hotel, where Victorian architecture meets art-deco interiors and 20 individually designed bedrooms. Alongside the high-end shops and swish restaurants housed inside a former Royal Mail sorting house  is Malmaison Birmingham , a plush hotel with an onsite spa and moody lighting. Book the Nirvana Signature Sweet for an utterly outrageous stay, complete with mirrored jacuzzi, giant bed and flamboyant furnishings. Gamers will love Pentahotel , with its modern, spacious rooms and dedicated Playerpad Rooms, which come with free movies and a PS4 or an old-school Pacman device, while money-conscious travellers should check out Selina . This eclectic Latin-inspired hotel in the Jewellery Quarter has both private and shared rooms and has been designed to reflect the city’s creative spirit with hand-painted murals, an onsite coffee shop and a Latin-American restaurant.

Bars and pubs in Birmingham

40 St Pauls, St Pauls Square

You’ll have to knock on what looks like an average front door to access 40 St Pauls , an intimate speakeasy-style den in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. With just 24 seats, this low-lit, intimate bar is famed for its 140-strong gin collection – so much so that it’s won not one but four awards for it, and was even voted the World’s Best Gin Bar back in 2019. From Thursday to Sunday you can hide away in one of the dark booths and sip on one of the bar’s marvellous concoctions while learning about each cocktail in the book-like menu. Gin tastings are also available, as well as gin, cheese and chocolate experiences where you’re paired five gins with award-winning cheeses and handmade truffles.

More places to drink

Craft beer, speciality coffee and pinball collide at  Tilt  – one of the UK’s most unique bars. Set across three floors, Tilt has a mix of vintage and new pinball machines, all available at just a quid per game. For something extra-Instagrammable, head to  Sky by the Water . This rooftop bar has incredible views of the Birmingham skyline, along with covered pods for when it’s chilly. Over on New Street, the Post Office Vaults  has a great selection of guest ales from microbreweries around the country, as well as over 200 brands of imported bottled beers, while The Village Inn  is the venue for all your disco-dancing needs. One of the city’s most established LGBTQ+ spaces, this late-night haunt is the beating heart of the Gay Village and hosts everything from bingo and karaoke to live cabaret and stellar local drag talent.

Top museums in Birmingham

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

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When it opened up back in 1885, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery was considered one of the finest museums outside London – and with Anglo Saxon treasures and the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world, it’s easy to see why. Inside this magnificent building in Victoria Square, you can peruse artworks from the 17th-19th centuries, explore the Pinto Collection with its 6,000 plus toys made out of wood and take in insightful displays that uncover the city’s history and include archaeological finds dating back to the Stone Age.

Throughout 2022, the museum is hosting a series of pop-up displays and events to celebrate the city’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games, with exhibitions in the Round Room and Industrial Gallery bringing together themes of cultural identity, community and media.

More places to visit

More of Birmingham’s history is revealed at historic houses such as  Aston Hall , a Grade I-listed Jacobean mansion whose period rooms are filled with locally made paintings, furniture and metalwork. The Back to Backs – a collection of homes built around a central courtyard – also take you back in time, providing a unique insight into the conditions in which the working classes lived during the 19th and 20th centuries. For a deep dive into the traditions of coffin-making (including the fitting made for Winston Churchill), head to the fascinating Coffin Works , while Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum  is the ultimate destination for hands-on, science-based exhibits. Explore a Spitfire Gallery with authentic WWII-era aircraft, a Science Garden and an epic planetarium.

Entertainment in Birmingham

Symphony Hall, Centenary Square

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A gleaming centrepiece of Centenary Square, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall  is a must-visit for live music. This opulent concert hall has some of the best acoustics in the world thanks to its movable canopy above the stage that creates the ideal sound for each performance. In its lifetime it’s hosted everything from opera to prestigious international orchestras, and comedy acts to world-famous artists like Bruce Springsteen. Over in Victoria Square, its sister venue, Town Hall , is equally as magnificent, regularly featuring A-list singers alongside being home to the City of Symphony Orchestra. Resembling a Roman temple, this Grade I-listed building and former city hall has seen the likes of Nina Simone and even Charles Dickens grace its stage.

More night-time pursuits

Dance along to jazz, blues and rock bands at The Jam Café , the brainchild of Jools Holland based in the Jewellery Quarter. It’s hosted Chaka Khan, The Specials and Jools and his Rhythm ‘n’ Blues Orchestra in its time, so you’re more than guaranteed a good night out. If you want a night at the theatre, check out The Rep , the jewel in the crown of Brum’s theatre scene. Over a century old, the venue is known for its inclusive homegrown productions as well as hosting touring musicals, dramas and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. For more intimate shows, head to the Old Joint Stock  – a former Victorian bank-turned-pub with a hidden cabaret theatre – while The Glee Club  is the place to go for comedy shows, drag, cabaret and spoken word.

Days out in Birmingham

Cadbury World, Bourneville

Explore the rich and tasty history of Cadbury at one of the UK’s most unique attractions.  Cadbury World  takes you on a journey through time, starting with the very origins of chocolate and how it became a global phenomenon through to mass production in the heart of Birmingham. Featuring plenty of tasting opportunities, this magical tour through a former Cadbury factory should be on any Brum itinerary.

More days out

Feeling more adventurous?  The Bear Grylls Adventure Centre , found in the east of the city, is the first of its kind in the world, offering a variety of high-octane activities, including Europe’s tallest high-ropes, indoor shark diving and a military assault course. For rainy day ideas in Birmingham, head to the National Sealife Centre  where you can walk through the UK’s only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel and marvel at sharks, turtles, rays and tons of tropical fish swimming above, around and below you. The Centre is also home to the country’s first sea otters, as well as Gentoo penguins, reams of coral reef creatures and over 500 species of stingrays in the Bay of Rays.

Outdoor activities in Birmingham

Gas Street Basin

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With over 35 miles of canals, Birmingham is rumoured to have more canals than both Venice and Amsterdam. Whether that’s true or not, the tangle of waterways provides a unique way to get around and see the city’s industrial roots and modern developments from a different perspective. Starting at Gas Street Basin, take the 15-mile Canal Walk  through floodlit archways and atmospheric tunnels out into the peaceful West Midlands countryside or hop on one of Sherborne Wharf’s narrowboats  to discover Birmingham’s canals and rich industrial heritage. Cruising along quiet stretches of the canal, you’ll get to see parts of Brum that used to be alive with the sound of cargoes shipping everything from chocolate to glass through the industrial heart of the city.

More outdoor spaces to enjoy

Escape the concrete jungle with a trip to Moseley Bog , a green idyll on the fringes of the city. Full of wildlife, gnarly old trees and carpets of bluebells each spring, this nature reserve was once regularly visited by JRR Tolkien and is said to be his inspiration for The Shire. Sutton Park , one of the largest urban parks in Europe, is worth a wander too. Covering 2,400 acres, this nature reserve is made up of heathland, woodland, wetlands and seven lakes, and you may be able to spot a string of wild ponies grazing on the land. Or how about glimpsing insects from as far east as the Philippines at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens ? Spread across 15 acres of gardens and glasshouses, this tropical attraction houses an array of dazzling flora, exotic birds and butterflies.

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A guide to Birmingham, the Peaky Blinders-inspired UK city break you'd never think of

Multicultural, industrious and home to the real life Peaky Blinders , the West Midlands’ capital flaunts its heritage with style.

Everything changed for Birmingham with the arrival of the Commonwealth Games in 2022, the biggest in the event’s history. With athletes and delegates from 72 nations descending on the region and more than 1.5 million tickets sold, it gave England ’s second city a chance to prove its mettle on the world stage. And so it did. The opening and closing ceremonies rolled out Birmingham’s multifaceted past, proudly celebrating the city’s long-standing multicultural residents — often referred to as ‘Brummies’ — and manufacturing heritage as reggae, rock and grime artists shared the stage.

It’s no surprise that this former industrial powerhouse chose to showcase its roots. From around the 16th century, the city became lauded for its metal-working industry, earning it the nickname of the ‘workshop of the world’ by the 18th century. It then became home to two of the UK’s biggest car manufacturers: Jaguar and MG Rover.

Today, the residents of Birmingham are down-to-earth and self-deprecating, but the city has had its fair share of fame. Novelist and lecturer JRR Tolkien spent formative years around King's Heath and Sarehole at the end of the 19th century and later cited the area as inspiration for his books. During the same period, the real-life Peaky Blinders criminal street gang rampaged around Birmingham; they would go on to be the inspiration for the blockbuster period television drama that now draws tourists to its city filming locations.

Birmingham’s industrial prowess lasted well into the 20th century, but eventually waned as British manufacturing was scaled back from the 1970s. However, its heritage is still on show in pockets of the city, namely along the snaking canal network, which was cut in the 18th and 19th centuries to transport heavy goods in and out of the region by narrowboat. Now, many of the waterways have become urban parks used by joggers, cyclists and kayakers.

In Digbeth, the former Bird’s Custard Factory is now a creative digital business complex home to independent bars, shops and a cinema. In the Jewellery Quarter, where 40% of the UK’s jewellery is still made today, former factories have been repurposed as hotels, trendsetting restaurants and social enterprise spaces. The regeneration of public squares in the city centre, meanwhile, has seen historic neoclassical architecture like Birmingham Town Hall blend in seamlessly in Paradise, a sleek development mixing business space and leisure facilities.

Steady gentrification has also seeped into the dining scene. While the city has long been lauded for its authentic South Asian cuisine, especially around the Balti Triangle, what’s less well known is that Birmingham has five Michelin stars, more than any other English city outside of London. It may not shout about its achievements, but Birmingham’s official motto is Forward — and that’s the way it looks.

What to see and do in Birmingham

1. Roundhouse Birmingham Kayak Tours Birmingham’s canal network was first engineered in the 1700s to transport heavy goods such as coal and iron. Today, the waterway’s distinctive 19th-century brick Roundhouse, originally used as stables and store houses, has been revamped in collaboration with the National Trust and Canals & Rivers Trust as a base for tours. Pop into the Grade II-listed building’s visitor centre in the heart of the city centre before joining one of its unique kayak trips, offering a duck’s-eye view of popular landmarks such as the historic Gas Street Basin, and areas that are inaccessible by foot.

2. Sarehole Mill & Moseley Bog It’s hard to believe that a young JRR Tolkien drew inspiration for The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings when living just five miles south of Birmingham city centre, but it’s true. Tolkien often visited the grounds surrounding Sarehole Mill, a 250-year-old working watermill in Hall Green, which he later said inspired Middle Earth. A five-minute walk away is Moseley Bog, an ancient forest with gnarled trees and walking trails, which was the inspiration for the Old Forest, on the edge of the Shire.

3. Positively Birmingham These fun walking tours, led by local authors and photographers, tap into topics ranging from the city’s Victorian heritage to its role as the backdrop for the hit TV series Peaky Blinders. Tours run Friday to Sunday and take in street art, filming locations and city landmarks, like the Library of Birmingham and Black Sabbath Bridge.

4. Aston Hall This Grade I-listed Jacobean red-brick mansion across the road from Villa Park, home of Aston Villa FC , remains one of the finest standing examples of 17th-century architecture in the city. It also claims to be one of the UK’s most haunted buildings. Combine a visit to its rooms with a tour of Villa Park.

5. Jewellery Quarter Birmingham’s 19th-century industrial prowess gave it the nickname the ‘workshop of the world’, so for a window into its heritage, visit the city centre’s Jewellery Quarter. Here you’ll find Europe’s largest concentration of jewellers in a district where the original FA Cup, the whistles used on RMS Titanic and, at one point, 75% of the world’s pen nibs were manufactured. Now, many of the Jewellery Quarter’s warehouses have been repurposed as bars, museums and restaurants, all sprawling out from its centrepiece, St Paul’s Square.

6. Cadbury World Britain’s favourite chocolate maker turns 200 this year, and what better way to celebrate than with a visit to its factory? Just 13 minutes from New Street Station by train, Cadbury World’s home is the historic Bournville model village, where cottages, schools and sports facilities were built in 1893 by the Cadbury family for its workers. Today, Bournville remains a blueprint for British model villages and its immersive factory tour tells the brand’s story through interactive displays, actor appearances and, of course, tastings.

7. Ikon Gallery This nationally important artist-led gallery has one goal: to make art accessible for the people of Birmingham, free of charge. Ikon turns 60 this year and has been in its current neo-gothic city centre building on Oozells Square — a spot famous for its cherry blossom display in spring — since 1997. Recent exhibitions have showcased the works of photographer Vanley Burke and painter Mali Morris, among others.

8. Parks & green spaces With more than 8,500 acres of parks and gardens to explore, Birmingham is a much greener city than its industrial past would lead you to believe. Locals’ favourite park is Cannon Hill , a 15-minute bus ride south of the centre, which is home to the Midlands Arts Centre , an outdoor amphitheatre, boating lake, tennis courts and mini golf.

Where to shop in Birmingham

1. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Following a lengthy refurbishment, BMAG’s main galleries are undergoing a phased reopening in time for this summer. Head to its shop for products by local creatives, such as Stacey Barnfield’s Birmingham Colour Palette prints, and Punks & Chancer’s t-shirts emblazoned with the Brummie endearment ‘bab’.

2. Swordfish Records Swordfish is a shop tucked away on the city centre’s northeastern edge, but is worth the effort — it’s been a city mainstay since 1979. Most genres are catered for here but there’s nothing more quintessentially Brummie than flicking through the crates and going home with a Black Sabbath record.

3. Moseley Farmers’ Market Birmingham is surrounded by working farms that supply a handful of regular farmers’ markets. Perhaps the most popular is this one, held on the final Saturday of each month in the village of Moseley to the south, where all the food and drink for sale is grown, reared or produced no more than a few miles away. Local craftspeople often sell products such as jewellery, ceramics and textiles here, too.

See the city like a local

1. St Martin’s Rag Market It’s a rite of passage for young Brummies to visit the Rag Market — usually taken by grandparents seeking a bargain — with everything from textiles and homewares to food and jewellery for sale across 350 stalls. Birmingham was first granted permission to hold a market on this very site in 1166, making it a piece of city history.

2. Edgbaston Reservoir Birmingham is about as far from the sea as you can get, so Edgbaston Reservoir is where locals retreat to when they want to be by the water. Come for sailing, rowing and standup paddleboarding — just a five-minute taxi ride, or a 30-minute walk, from the city centre. There’s also a 1.75-mile trail you can walk around the edge.

3. Bearwood While the likes of Moseley, Stirchley and Digbeth find themselves on neighbourhood cool lists, Bearwood has been quietly fizzing away. The suburb tips over Birmingham’s northwest border into Sandwell and has become known for a burgeoning Latino food scene. Try Brazilian butcher-cum-restaurant BrasilPortu and the family-owned A La Mexicana .

Where to eat in Birmingham

1. Shababs The balti was invented in the 1970s by a Pakistani-Brummie restaurateur whose speedy method of cooking and serving the dish in the same flat-bottomed wok-style steel bowl caught on. Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle, a 10-minute taxi ride south of the city centre, is home to a large concentration of authentic balti houses. Shababs restaurant has been a local institution since 1987.

2. Cherry Reds

This kitsch cafe-bar over the road from New Street Station is a hit with locals for its classic brunch menu featuring full English breakfasts and American pancakes, paired with freshly ground coffee from local roastery, Quarter Horse. Vegans and vegetarians are especially well catered for here, as are craft beer drinkers. Visit on evenings for live music.

3. Simpsons Michelin-starred Simpsons moved into Edgbaston in 2004, taking over a sprawling Grade II-listed Georgian villa. Chef-patron Andreas Antona and head chef Luke Tipping’s contemporary British menu provides playful twists on classic fine-dining ingredients like lobster, which is barbecued and served with pilaf rice, coconut and pineapple.

Where to go after dinner

1. Fox and Chance Carefully crafted cocktails take centre stage at this unassuming central bar known for its service and locally inspired cocktail names. Deep chesterfield sofas and vintage artworks are nice touches, but it’s the bartenders’ expert drinks knowledge that sets the bar apart. Try the funky Cannonball rum cocktail, named after a former city jazz club.

2. Nortons This independent bar in the Irish quarter of Digbeth pours some of the best Guinness in the city, alongside a range of cask and keg beers. Drinkers can expect great craic with trad music sessions on weekends and a beer garden showing live sports. There’s even a ‘split the G’ leaderboard with free pints for those who can take a gulp and land the black line between the gap in the ‘G’ on their Guinness glass.

3. Hare & Hounds If you’ve heard of the Hare & Hounds it’s probably because you know someone that saw Ed Sheeran play in its tiny gig room above the pub in 2011. Or so they say. This stalwart venue has indeed brought some of music’s biggest names to the sprightly south Birmingham suburb of Kings Heath, including UB40 who, in 1979, played their first ever gig here.

Where to stay in Birmingham

1. bloc With 73 cabins inspired by modern, Japanese design and 35 aparthotel suites, Bloc offers great value in a superb location near St Paul’s Square. Its lowest rates are found in its compact ‘no frills, no window’ space-saving rooms that still have king-sized beds, super soft linen and excellent monsoon showers.

2. Staying Cool at Rotunda For a bird’s-eye perspective on Birmingham, stay at this hotel high up in the landmark Rotunda building. It’s as central as you can get, with apartment-style rooms featuring kitchens that include complimentary local delicacies such as Birmingham Brewing Co beers and snacks from local zero waste shop The Clean Kilo.

3. The Grand Hotel Birmingham’s landmark hotel was empty for almost 20 years before a £50m restoration brought it back to life in 2021. The likes of Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin stayed here in their day, and more recently it’s hosted film stars such as Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp. The rooms include family and accessible options, as well as penthouse suites with four-poster beds. There’s also an on-site NYC-inspired brasserie, Isaac’s.

Related Topics

• SHORT TRIPS
• FAMILY TRAVEL
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• PEOPLE AND CULTURE

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48-Hour Itinerary

48 Hours in Birmingham, England: The Ultimate Itinerary

The West Midlands destination of Birmingham is often known as England's second city. Located north of London, the city is known for its industrial history and thriving food and drink scene. It has several great museums, lots of shopping and a Premier League football team, which means there's a lot to experience when visiting. If you only have a few days to explore the best of Birmingham, it's important to hit the highlights, including the historic Jewellery Quarter and the beloved Cadbury chocolate factory . To make the most of a few days in the city, here is a complete 48-hour itinerary featuring Birminghams's best museums, shopping, pubs and restaurants.

Day 1: Morning

Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Birmingham

9 a.m. You can arrive to Birmingham via plane or train, with most travelers heading into the city via London. Drop off your bags at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham and get settled before starting your weekend, opting for public transport from the airport or from one of the city's train stations. This centrally-located hotel overlooks Birmingham's picturesque canals and has a fitness center, restaurant and spa, although you may be too busy exploring the local area to want to stay in. Opt for a room with a canal view to take full advantage of the location.

10 a.m. Grab a coffee at the nearby Floating Coffee Company , found inside a canal boat, before walking over to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery . The museum, known as one of Birmingham's best, features extensive displays of both British and international art, as well as historical objects and sculptures. It can take a while to fully explore, so give yourself at least two hours to see every room. When you're done, pop in to The Library of Birmingham , a contemporary public library that is worth a visit for its architecture alone.

12:30 p.m. Book a table for lunch at Dishoom , one of England's most popular Indian restaurants. It has outposts in several cities, including London and Manchester, and the Birmingham location is a quick stroll around the corner from the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery . Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, although you can always chance it last minute.

Day 1: Afternoon

2 p.m. After lunch, head to the Jewellery Quarter , a historic area just outside central Birmingham. There you'll discover several museums, including Museum of the Jewellery Quarter , Newman Brothers Coffin Works and The Pen Museum . The area also has tons of art galleries and boutique shops. Look for the music-driven St. Pauls Gallery and Artfull Expression , a boutique that sells jewelry from over 60 local designers. There are, of course, plenty of traditional jewelry stores to peruse, as well.

4 p.m. Keep the shopping spree going at the Bullring , a retail hub in the center of town. It hosts brands like Michael Kors, Whistles, Zara and Kurt Geiger, as well as beloved British department store Selfridges. Next door, the Bullring Open Market sells fruit, vegetables and other food six days a week, while the Bullring Rag Market is filled with vendors selling clothes and homeware. If you need a pick me up, pop by the Gran Cafe Selfridges for a coffee or a sweet treat. Afterwards, head back to the hotel to get ready for your first night out in Birmingham.

Day 1: Evening

Isaac's Restaurant Birmingham

6 p.m. Start the evening off right with a cocktail (or two) at The Botanist , a hip spot with upscale drinks and a well-designed atmosphere. The bar, which also serves food, has an expansive cocktail and drinks menu with something for everyone. While England is known for its classic pints of beer, the country also enjoys a well-made cocktail, making it a must-do on your itinerary.

7:30 p.m. For dinner, score a table at Isaac's , a New York-inspired brasserie that offers lunch and dinner, as well as bar snacks. The menu will suit any eater, with upscale dishes like a massive seafood platter included alongside more casual fare like roast chicken. The restaurant has plenty of vegetarian options for those who don't eat meat. Be sure to order one of the local draft beers, like Attic Intuition, to go with your dinner, although there are also non-alcoholic drinks available for those who prefer it.

9:30 p.m. If you're not ready to call it a night following your meal, The Cuban Embassy is the place to go. Part restaurant, part bar and part live music venue, this venue is always bustling late through the night. The bar boasts over 120 rums from around the world, as well as Cuban-inspired cocktails. Live music is on six nights a week, with resident musicians playing Latin tunes at the downstairs bar during the week and the house band, Rhythms Del Toro, performing on Fridays and Saturdays.

Day 2: Morning

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

10 a.m. Get in the swing of things with brunch at Gas Street Social , which is famous for its bottomless brunch. It includes unlimited bellinis, mimosas, Bloody Marys and beers, and the restaurant's menu caters to vegetarians and vegans. Gas Street Social's location is blessedly close to your hotel, which means you don't have to get up too early. Bottomless brunch kicks off at 10 a.m. on the weekends, but the restaurant also serves up an all-day menu.

11 a.m. After breakfast, hop on a train at Birmingham New Street station to Cadbury World , home of the famed Cadbury chocolate. It's a quick journey from the center of town, and once there visitors will get to tour the factory, learn about the process of making the sweets and even try your hand at creating your own. The attraction is tailored to families and kids, but adults will love the behind the scenes look. There's also a cafe and the world's largest Cadbury shop, which means souvenirs for all your friends back home. When you've had your fill, take a train back to central Birmingham.

Day 2: Afternoon

Chris Hepburn/Getty Images

2 p.m. After a classic pub lunch at The Bartons Arms , a historic Victorian pub, head to Aston Villa , home of Premier League soccer team Aston Villa F.C. If there's not a game on, sports fans can tour the stadium, which is one of England's most historic pitches. Visitors can see the locker rooms, dugouts and more, and even get exclusive photo opportunities. Tours, held on both weekends and weekdays, should be booked online in advance.

4 p.m. Finish your second afternoon in Birmingham off with a bang: on a walking tour of Birmingham. Look for one with Brum Tours , which offers Peaky Blinders-themed tours, as well as pub tours and historic treks. If you prefer to plan your own exploration of Birmingham's history, head to a few of the city's oldest pubs: The Old Crown , The Great Stone Inn and Lad In The Lane . Grab a pint or a snack at one (or all) of the locals before returning to the hotel to get ready for the evening.

Day 2: Evening

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7:30 p.m. Book tickets for a show at the Birmingham Hippodrome . The venue hosts live music, comedy, theater and more, with an ever-evolving calendar of events. Other great Birmingham theaters include The Alexandra and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre , both of which are a good option for visitors looking for some live entertainment. Another favorite is Symphony Hall , home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra . Some of the theaters may have last minute tickets available, so try your luck at the box office if you didn't book in advance.

9:30 p.m. Grab a post-show bite to eat at Bacchus Bar , found in the center of town near most of the theaters. It has an eclectic feel and an expansive menu of food and drink. Closer to your hotel, The Canal House is a hip bar and restaurant that stays open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. It's a great place to toast a successful 48 hours in Birmingham.

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Home » Travel Guides » 25 Best Things to Do in Birmingham (UK)

25 Best Things to Do in Birmingham (UK)

Birmingham can be found within the West Midlands, a county full of character. With a population of 1,101,360 residents as of 2014 it is the biggest city outside of London, and also the largest. Due to this it draws the attention of a wide number of travellers from around the world. The soul of this city really started with the Industrial Revolution, where it earned its place at the forefront of scientific developments. Now, it attracts the creative and the innovative, fuelling their minds with a wide variety of museums, parks and beautiful music halls. Read on to find out more about the adventures that you could have in Birmingham with our list of the 25 best things to do!

1. Symphony Hall

This concert hall really does reflect the sheer innovation and creativity that has gone into making Birmingham the city that it is today. Not only is it the UK’s finest concert hall, but it’s also well regarded to be one of the best in the world. With its picturesque auditorium and stunning, world class acoustics, it isn’t to be missed. Not only does it present some of the most prestigious international orchestras, it also houses a beautiful programme showcasing many different styles of music; everything from jazz to rock, and stand- up comedy! So there really is something for everyone with this beautiful building, and seen as it shows a show of some form or another almost every day of the year, it’s well worth having a look at what might be happening when you plan your trip.

Recommended tour:   Birmingham: Victorian Canals to Today’s City Walking Tour

2. National Motorcycle Museum

Featuring more than 1000 motorcycles, all restored to the manufacturer’s original specifications, this Birmingham based museum attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year from around the world. The earliest machine within the 30 year old museum dates back from 1898, and stands out among the machines of a museum that also houses modern day superbikes. With more than 1000 motorcycles within the walls of the museum it is well worth a visit, showcasing the hard work of the family that put their efforts into creating the museum that they imagined more than 30 decades ago. This museum is well worth a visit for people who have a liking of beautiful machines.

3. National Sea Life Centre

As the most loved family day out in Birmingham, the National Sea Life Centre has really earned its place on this list. We all know just how hard it can be to keep children amused while travelling, with them getting bored at the drop of a pen, this place will surely capture their imaginations. With many events running throughout the year there is always something to do within the centre for children, involving everything from Dinosaur Detective events to events featuring their state of the art interactive rockpools. Within the giant tanks there are a wide variety of animals, from Jellyfish to Nurse Sharks, Octopi to Black Tip Reef Sharks, you can walk through a corridor with a glass top, running underneath an aquarium full of these creatures. But over the past several months, they’ve introduced an attraction that really will get many children excited, featuring the beauty of an Antarctic landscape…and Gentoo Penguins. You can stand and marvel and the cheekiness of these feathered friends. It should also be added that there are options to pay for VIP feeding experiences within the centre, but standard packages start at £12.50 per person, going up in price to add things such as collectables and photo packs.

4. Damascena Coffee House

Situated within the heart of Birmingham, this beautiful, little delicatessen is quickly building a pleasant reputation for it. While out shopping within the city centre it is well worth a visit, even if only for a quick drink. Step inside and you will immediately get a feel for the authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere that this coffee house presents. With pleasant waitresses who will more than happily make recommendations for you should you require them, they also cater for many specific dietary requirements. It’s well known that they’re also one of the most inexpensive places to eat at within the city, and if you’re just popping in for a warm drink you shouldn’t be spending more than £3 or £4.

5. Shakespeare Express

Steam trains form one of the great British institutions, with just a handful of working steam railways still running throughout England. This is one of the most well known ones, capturing tourists simply with its beauty. Running from the heart of Birmingham to Stratford Upon Avon it really gives you the chance to see the best of both worlds. From the fascinating industrial past of Birmingham to the beautiful countryside of Warwickshire, where large amounts of land still go untouched. You can sit back and relax while going past working farms, stylish villages, stations and waterways that make up Shakespeare’s county. Dependent upon the time of day, you also get served a delicious meal with your journey. From a full English breakfast to a freshly cooked Roast Dinner with all the trimmings. Or if you’re travelling in the afternoon, you can experience another great British institution, High Tea. A wide selection of wine, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages is also available. So if you’re looking for a beautiful day that allows you to sit back and relax, look no further!

6. Escape Games

Strictly for adults, the Escape Games are quickly spreading throughout the UK. Taking the locked in a room style games just one step further. Up to a group of 6 people are locked into a room, where a specific event plays out, one of the most notorious involves playing the part of an undercover detective who is captured by triads, locked in a room, and given an hour to escape. Another, not for the faint of heart, involves a murder taking place within a haunted house. This will give even the best of travelling puzzle takers a challenge! Prices do fluctuate throughout the year, so it’s worth checking before you make your trip.

7. Winterbourne House and Garden

The  beautiful thing about Birmingham has to be the amount of picturesque houses and gardens that it has to offer, and Winterbourne House is at the top of its league. Restored to its original Edwardian era arts and crafts splendour it really does prove itself to be a rather unique heritage attraction. You can look through the house and the intense number of beautiful antiques, or take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful botanic gardens, featuring more than 6000 plant species from around the world. Within the grounds you will find everything from a woodland walk, with numerous routes, to a 1930’s style Japanese bridge.

Book online : Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket

8. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

For families travelling with children, do you often find that due to different tastes keeping your children entertained within museums can be quite a hard task? This museum might just be the one that wins them all over. Featuring beautiful collections of art, social history, archaeology and ethnography there really does seem to be something for everyone. It covers centuries of European history and culture, as well as being home to collections of international importance. Step through the doors and you can see everything from the most highly valued hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold, to the largest known collection of complete  Indian bronze sculptures. For the little archaeologists among you, there is a whole collection of Egyptian mummies and coffins, we would suggest that you look at current exhibits before making your trip, throughout the year dinosaur exhibits will pop up!

9. Birmingham Hippodrome

Perfectly complementing the creative nature that Birmingham has to offer is the Hippodrome, as said by The Independent, ‘Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime, thank goodness, always one of the best in the land’. This famous pantomime venue features everything from ballet and opera, to family pantomimes and comedy. It is well worth looking at what might be coming up while you’re travelling, as they’ll even provide booster seats for small children who are sat behind tall guests. For the adults, pre-order interval drinks can be ordered at any of the bars, ready for you to collect from the foyer, so you won’t have to keep standing in a queue. If you arrive well before your show is to start, they also have their own independent restaurant with fantastic ratings that open two hours before each performance, but their menus are finalised a month before each show, so it’s worth looking on their website first!

10. Sheldon Country Park

If what you’re looking for is a beautiful walk, then look no further. Set in 300 acres of open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows and some mature woodland, Sheldon Country Park is the perfect place for both short and long walks. Some walks are specifically designed, featuring 2km to 5km trails, although there are also some shorter ones. By the main entrance of the park, you can find the Old Rectory Farm, a 17th century dairy farm. The farm itself has been fully restored and operates as a demonstration farm, showing city dwellers traditional methods of farming. Animals kept there include Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks and chickens. There are also plenty of lovely activities for young children there, especially in spring when the ducklings and chicks are around!

11. Grand Prix Karting

For both children and the big kids among us. The Grand Prix Karting venue within Birmingham is arguably one of the best within the UK, and one of the most famous outdoor go kart raceways. Situated just one mile outside Birmingham City Centre, it’s easily accessible by both the motorway, and public transport. Boasting state of the art race karts designed by professionals in the industry, it really isn’t an attraction to be missed!

12. Aston Hall

Situated within a public park on the north side of Birmingham, Aston Hall is one of the most important buildings within the city. As one of the last great Jacobean houses to be built, this seventeenth century red-brick mansion has stood the test of time, earning its place as a Grade I listed building. Perfect for adult travellers and families, this venue features a full programme of events, activities and trails that vary and change throughout each season. One of the most notable permanent features involves the display rooms that Aston Hall played during the Civil War, and throughout other notable moments of history. But one of the features that attracts the most tourists is Lady Holte’s garden, designed in breathtaking symmetrical patterns, and split into quarters with a water feature running in between each section before finally meeting in the middle, it was designed with the key intention of being both beautiful and peaceful.

• 13.  Cadbury World

Cadbury really are the heart of British chocolate production, with many of us still mourning the loss of their older, discontinued chocolate products. Perfect for anyone who likes chocolate, this chocolate themed day out isn’t to be missed. Starting with a 4D cinema experience you’ll be diving into a bowl of liquid chocolate milk, riding a Crunchie rollercoaster and taking to the skies in a Cadbury creme egg airship piloted by the caramel bunny. All without even leaving your seat! Both informative and fun, you’ll be finding out the secrets to why Cadbury chocolate is so delicious, and exploring the Aztec jungles to discover the origins of the cocoa bean, amidst trees and waterfalls. You can also take part of the tour with a live actor, playing John Cadbury, the man who opened the original Cadbury shop back in 1824. But the most important part of the day trip involves the world’s biggest Cadbury shop, and the Cadbury World cafe! Good luck not buying too much on that heavenly day out!

14. Great Western Arcade

The Great Western Arcade is situated within the heart of the retail district of the city. As a Victorian shopping arcade it really has seen the test of time, suffering bomb damage in WWII that led to the rebuild of the original arched, glass roof to an apex construction. We would suggest visiting this arcade during the Winter months, when the Christmas decorations are simply stunning, giving a classic feel to this beautiful place. Featuring many independent retailers, spas and shops specialising in many different food areas it really is worth a visit on your trip, we’re sure you’ll find something that captures your fancy there!

15. Jewellery Quarter

The name of this beautiful quarter really does leave no room for mystery. Known as the gem of Birmingham it is steeped in history, and forms one of the most vibrant and lively locations. It dates back more than 250 years and still to this day is home to over 500 different jewellery businesses. Described by English Heritage as, ‘a unique historic environment in England – a national treasure’, which has a few, if any, parallels in Europe. Attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world, it is also frequented by journalists, keen to visit this historic, yet developing area. Art galleries can be seen on almost every corner.

Related tour : Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour

16. Two Cat’s Kitchen

Do you enjoy fine dining, or have an occasion coming up that requires a beautiful surrounding and nice food? If so, this really is the place for you, with fine dining and surprisingly generous portions it certainly stands up among other restaurants within Birmingham. You get a small menu at the start of each meal, and servers who provide just enough service, but not too much, as well as a full wine list. What most people tend to love about this place is the atmosphere, it’s pleasantly warm but the dining room echos ever so slightly, making it seem incredibly sociable.

17. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Do you love animals? Well this small, family run conservation park might be just the thing to add the beauty to your holiday. Featuring a wide range of animals, as well as plenty that are on the endangered list you really can see the effort that they’re putting into conservation. They have everything from ocelots to meerkats, from utila island iguanas to yellow breasted capuchin monkeys. Although not the biggest of zoos, they do charge a humble admission price of £5.50 per person, meaning that they should certainly be on your list of places worth stopping at!

18. Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses

Are you looking for a place that is both stunning and has places for children to play safely? This is that place. Four stunning glasshouses are surrounded by a large lawn with a range of beds and shrubberies, inside the glasshouses you can find an exotic tropical house, a subtropical house, a mediterranean house and arid houses. Within the Victorian public park there are 15 acres of landscaped greenery, a beautiful bandstand and plenty of play areas, although near the main entrance there is also a playroom for children connected to the tearoom. Events run in the gardens throughout the year, with the most notable ones celebrating the Chinese New Year and Christmas. But due to stereotypical British weather, this is one of those places you’ll need to make weather plans for, we would advise carrying an umbrella! Just incase!

19. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

Do you like jewellery? Are you perhaps fascinated by the thought of how jewellery was once made? The building features a guided tour around a real jewellery factory where very little has changed since the early part of the last century. You can see demonstrations of jewellery making techniques at the jeweller’s bench, where you might be taught a handy trick or two.  Perhaps the most fascinating part of the factory is the ‘Earth’s Riches’ showcase gallery, where you can see jewellery made from materials found in the natural world. From whale tooth and coral, to diamond and platinum. Original jewellery from local designers can also be bought within the museum shop. Entrance is just £7 for visitors aged 16 and above, including the guided tour, but anyone under 16 can get in for free!

20. Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Both a home for lovers of art, and lovers of architecture. This is one of Birmingham’s finest Art Deco buildings, purpose built and opened by Queen Mary in 1939. Designed by Robert Atkinson, one of Britain’s leading architects, you’ll walk through the doors and meet a central music auditorium, surrounded by corridors leading to separate parts of the gallery. Housing many world class painters it’s a gallery not to be missed. Including exhibits from artists such as Claude Monet and Frans Hals, you can find some of the most well known artists within each room. They also cater exhibits on other forms of art, including Ancient Roman coins, and Treasures of Ancient Egypt.

21. Gas Street Basin

If you find yourself in Birmingham, looking to rest and break up your day, you should consider a stunning walk in the heart of Britain’s canal network. Days gone by it was alive with the sound of cargoes as diverse as chocolate crumb, glass and coal getting loaded and unloaded. Today surrounding the basin are modern bars and restaurants, providing a unique experience where industrial heritage meets modern, cosmopolitan living. It’s a great stop on your way to the heart of Birmingham’s shopping centres, as it’s just a five minute walk away from the shops that surround New Street Station.

22. Baddesley Clinton

Baddesley Clinton is an intimate estate set in the heart of the Forest of Arden, with over 500 years of fascinating history and unexpected sources. As a National Trust venue, it provides both a calm experience, and a learning experience. Over centuries it has protected those seeking to escape the outside world, and over the course of 2016 it focuses on the story of the Tudors and the Catholic priests, who lived there during a time when their faith, could have meant there life. Go from learning to strolling through the tranquility of the beautiful countryside, away from the centre of the city, life really is different, everything seems slower. It would be worth experiencing both sides of that coin on your trip.

23. St. Philip’s Cathedral

An architectural splendour, this is one of the few churches built in the English baroque style which on its own sets it alone. But add to this that it’s one of the smallest cathedrals in England, cathedrals in general are ginormous buildings, almost touching the sky, this one is incredibly different. Situated just a short way off of the Jewellery Quarter, it is worth having a stroll to see if you’re within the area. If you do venture inside the cathedral, you’ll see the beautiful art installation of 2000 soul boats that now hang from the ceiling. Certainly a part of your trip that you’ll want to have your camera to hand for.

24. Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park has something that a lot of recreational parks don’t, which makes it an incredibly tourist decorations for thousands of tourists over the summer months. Unlike most large parks, it was built specifically for the recreation of the people of Birmingham, leaving it a beautifully structured feel over the 80 acres of formal parkland, but alongside that lay 120 acres of conservation and woodland plantation. If you have children, we would suggest taking them to look for the animals that live within the woods there, you could see anything from frogs to hedgehogs. We would also suggest going with young children on a sunny weekend, as there’s a mini fair that is weather permitting, and pedalo boats operate on the lake during the Summer. If you do find yourselves caught in a summer shower, then there are plenty of tea rooms where you can take refuge until it decides to stop.

25. Hen and Chickens PH

While you’re travelling, it can be really easy to judge a book by its cover, we all do it. But this is one of those situations where you should completely ignore what it looks like outside, it was derelict for quite some time and the outside still looks tired. But upon stepping inside you will completely forget what the outside looks like. Providing a perfect atmosphere, and friendly service, you’ll quickly feel comfortable within the bar/grill. They serve a pleasant mixture of both English and Asian food, with something to satisfy your tastebuds. Generally it costs around £10 to £15 per person, not including your drinks, but if you ask the chefs there really nicely, they can also make you food that isn’t on the menu. It’s also situated just off of  the Jewellery Quarter, where you can find a wide range of nice pubs, so if a night out is what you’re looking for, it’s a great starting point.

25 Best Things to Do in Birmingham (UK):

• Symphony Hall
• National Motorcycle Museum
• National Sea Life Centre
• Damascena Coffee House
• Shakespeare Express
• Escape Games
• Winterbourne House and Garden
• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
• Birmingham Hippodrome
• Sheldon Country Park
• Grand Prix Karting
• Great Western Arcade
• Jewellery Quarter
• Two Cat’s Kitchen
• Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses
• Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
• Barber Institute of Fine Arts
• Gas Street Basin
• Baddesley Clinton
• St. Philip’s Cathedral
• Cannon Hill Park
• Hen and Chickens PH

One Day In Birmingham Itinerary – Top Things To Do In Birmingham, England

When visiting England, most people immediately think of London. However, the truth is that many other cities in the country have a whole lot to offer. Birmingham is the perfect example of that – it may not be at the very top of your list of places to visit, but once you do, you will be extremely happy you decided to go. Loads of history, beautiful canals, incredible musical heritage… These are just some of the reasons to spend at least one day in Birmingham. Oh, and it’s an absolute foodie paradise. Find out all about these and many other Birmingham features in the rest of this itinerary.

What’s the best time to visit Birmingham, England?

Birmingham is a good example of typical English weather, so the best time to visit it would be summer. Summers here are warm but not very hot, so it will be quite pleasant to walk the city streets and explore what they have to offer (do be prepared for rain, though). Not to mention that this is the time of the year when Birmingham is at its liveliest.

Winters are relatively cold and snowy, while springs and autumns usually have much lower temperatures than summer. That being said, coming here outside of peak season will get you better hotel deals.

As far as events are concerned, the Foodies Festival in June is one of the big things to watch out for, and the Mostly Jazz Soul & Funk Festival in July is ideal if you want to enjoy some good music. Birmingham also boasts a huge Pride event, and the German Christmas Market is ideal if you’re here during the winter holidays. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the events you can visit, and no matter when you come here, you’ll have plenty of options to have fun.

A few facts about Birmingham

You may be surprised to know that Birmingham is actually the second-largest city in the UK – with over 1.1 million people in the city proper and more than four million people in the wider metropolitan area, it is second only to London.

Many incredibly popular food brands were born in this city, chief among them Cadbury Chocolate, but also Bournville Drinking Chocolate, HP Sauce and Typhoo Tea.

People from Birmingham are called Brummies. Don’t let that word confuse you if you hear it around here. The locals called the city Brummagem, so this is where the name Brummies originates from.

Black Sabbath and Judas Priest are just some of the world-famous bands that were founded here, and two of Led Zeppelin’s founding members also come from the city. Birmingham is actually considered by many to be the cradle of heavy metal, but it has left quite a mark in other music genres, as well.

The game of tennis was invented in Edgbaston in Birmingham, and this is also where the first match was played.

Birmingham has more canals than Venice!

More than one third of the people living here are younger than 25, which makes Birmingham the youngest city in Europe. Additionally, this means that you can be sure you will be able to find a great place to go out and have a fantastic time.

One day in Birmingham Itinerary

T he second-largest city in England is a fantastic place to visit, especially for young people because there are A LOT of places to enjoy at night around here. But older travelers and even families will find plenty of sights to keep their one day in Birmingham incredibly interesting and busy. Follow this itinerary and you will discover some truly amazing places.

Start in with the canals

As mentioned above, Birmingham has more canals than Venice, so the best way to get a feel of the city early in the morning is to take a walk exploring this maze. Gas Street Basin is in the center of the network, and here you can see traditional narrowboats on the water and plenty of bars and cafes around you. It’s a great way to see how the city gradually developed because this location represents the perfect blend of the old and the new. From here, head northeast towards the main square.

Take a moment and enjoy the city center

You will want to start your one day in Birmingham in the city center. Not only is it very pedestrian-friendly, but it also has quite a lot of excellent places to visit, all within walking distance from each other. Victoria Square is the very heart of the city, and you can sit down for a morning coffee or a cup of tea in several nearby places.

Edwardian Tea Rooms is certainly one of the most interesting places for that, Second Cup is also very good, and there are a few bakeries around if you want to pick up a quick breakfast.

Visit the Town Hall

While at Victoria Square, you will definitely notice a very peculiar building that looks more like a Roman temple. But this is actually Birmingham Town Hall, built in 1834. It’s an absolute masterpiece and one of the most important buildings in town from an architectural point of view, so it would really be a pity not to check it out. The place also hosts events, especially concerts (The Rolling Stones have performed here, for example), and even Charles Dickens had readings here.

Enter Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Another major Birmingham sight is Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery , also right there on Victoria Square. This exquisite institution opened its doors at the end of the 19th century and is considered to be one of the best museums in England.

You will learn a lot about the city’s history, but you can also check out a collection of no less than 6000 wooden items and numerous incredible pieces of art. The gift shop is a great place to pick up a souvenir, and the aforementioned Edwardian Tea Rooms are also here. You won’t regret coming here!

Grab a nice lunch

All of this running around will probably have made you hungry by now, so get yourself something nice to eat in one of the nearby restaurants – there are some really good ones in the wider city center. Grand Central Kitchen is very much recommended if you want something quick and delicious (a sandwich or a pizza), and on the other hand, Adam’s Restaurant will provide you with a wonderful fine dining experience.

Turtle Bay Birmingham offers Caribbean dishes, cocktails and a killer barbecue, but you will find a variety of different restaurants within a radius of just a few hundred meters – vegan, Thai, Polish, seafood… whatever you feel like having, it’s there!

Don’t forget about the central library

A great thing about spending one day in Birmingham is that it’s relatively easy to come up with the itinerary – so many important places are right here in the city center. The Library of Birmingham is just across the street from the Museum and Art Gallery, on Centenary Square, and you can’t miss it thanks to its modern design.

This is actually the largest public library in Europe and it holds the largest collection of Shakespeare’s volumes on the continent, too. It was opened in 2013, it has a cafe and a gift shop, and it’s definitely deserving of a place on this list.

See what life used to be like

Back to Backs is one of the most popular Birmingham attractions, and you really should find time to visit them. These small houses vividly show you what life was like for an average citizen in the middle of the 19th century and what problems they needed to face. It really is an enlightening experience that clearly shows the effects of the Industrial Revolution. Oh and there’s a great sweet shop here, an old-fashioned establishment that fits in perfectly.

Explore the Jewelry Quarter

The Jewelry Quarter really needs to be a part of this itinerary because it’s an incredibly charming and fascinating part of this city. Located just northwest of Victoria Square, this is an area where you will find dozens, if not hundreds of jewelers and similar shops (be on the lookout for some great deals!). But it is also brimming with history, and all those red buildings take you back in time almost instantly. A great place to just come for a stroll and maybe pick up a souvenir or two, but you can also sit down for a drink in one of the bars. Really a place to relax and enjoy Birmingham.

Sit for a drink or go clubbing

Birmingham is an excellent place if you’re looking for something fun to do in the evening. There are all kinds of bars to choose from, plenty of very special restaurants and many excellent nightclubs to dance your night away.

The Wizard Brunch and Dinner , for example, creates a very special dining experience for all of its guests, while Birmingham Bierkeller is the place to go if you want to have some serious fun with a pint of lager in your hand. Broad Street is a whole area you can check out for bars and clubs, and The Jam House keeps things nice and easy with plenty of groovy beats.

Mind you, this is just the beginning, so do try and explore a bit and you’ll be amazed by what you can find.

Where to stay in Birmingham?

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Colmore Row Birmingham, Birmingham, B3 2BS

The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a five-star beauty located in a sensationally beautiful building. Close to the city center, but at the same time in a quiet neighborhood, it will amaze you from the moment you set foot in it. Luxurious rooms with fantastic beds, an excellent fitness center, a great bar and an extremely delicious English breakfast are just some of the highlights. With a bit of luck, you’ll get a room with a splendid view and come as close to a perfect stay in Birmingham as humanly possible. If you’re looking for luxurious accommodation, you simply have to choose this!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Aloft Birmingham Eastside

4 Woodcock Street, Birmingham, B7 4BL

Stylish, modern, and at a great location, Aloft Birmingham Eastside has absolutely everything you need for a pleasant stay in this wonderful city. The rooms’ features go from private bathrooms to kettles and fridges, the view is excellent, and you can even enjoy some evening entertainment in the hotel. Furthermore, their English breakfast is great, the same as their fitness center, plus you are also allowed to bring in pets. Excellent value for money, you certainly won’t regret booking a room here!

Holiday Inn Express – Birmingham – City Center

19 Holliday Street, Birmingham, B1 1HH

Another great-looking modern hotel, Holiday Inn Express – Birmingham – City Center gives its guests excellent service at very reasonable prices. It’s not exactly in the city center, but it’s definitely within walking distance. You’ll love the modern interior, and you can also enjoy a great restaurant and bar in the hotel, too. Everything is very clean, plus the rooms are extremely comfortable and come with free toiletries and a power shower, among other things. The cherry on top of this great offer is the pillow menu that will make sure you rest well every time.

Toby Carvery Birmingham West by Innkeeper’s Lodge

Quinton Toby Carvery, 563 Hagley Road West, Birmingham, B32 1HP

Located in an exceptionally charming house, T oby Carvery Birmingham West will win you over at first sight. But the interior has a lot to offer too, with cozy design, comfortable beds and plenty of free toiletries in your room guaranteeing you will have a pleasant stay. And you get free tea and coffee. The staff is just excellent, there’s no other word for it, and they’ll make you feel right at home. The hotel even has a bar, so all in all, booking a room here means you’ll be getting a fantastic deal!

Day trips from Birmingham

Nobody will blame you if you decide to stay more than one day in Birmingham to explore the city. Should you opt for that, you may want to think about going on an interesting day trip as well. There is plenty to enjoy and explore in this part of England, but if you need some inspiration, here are a few suggestions you won’t regret visiting.

Cities of the north

if you want to explore other great cities of England, a good bet is to head north, less than two hours away by train. Spending one day in Manchester or Liverpool will provide you with an incredible experience and loads of fascinating sights. The Beatles, Liverpool’s docks, legendary football stadiums, Manchester’s Town Hall, incredible museums, friendly people and great restaurants, all of that and much more awaits on this day trip from Birmingham. Choose one (or both) – you just can’t go wrong!

A train from Birmingham to London will get you to your destination in less than an hour and a half, so if you haven’t visited one of the greatest cities in the world yet, this is your chance to spend one day in London . Walk along the Thames, ride the London Eye, see Big Ben and visit Westminster Abbey. And all that’s just the beginning! You can spend days exploring what London has to offer, but even one day will be quite enough to get a sense of its grandeur. A day trip to remember!

Peak District

Located about an hour and a half’s drive away from Birmingham, this incredibly serene part of England is perfect for those who want to spend a day outdoors hiking and enjoying a breath of fresh air. The hills are jaw-droppingly beautiful, the winding roads give you the feeling like you’re in another world, and the villages you can find around here are quintessentially English and offer good food and many interesting things to see.

Warwick Castle

Many of you will probably think of castles when somebody mentions England, and Warwick Castle is one of the most important ones around. Built by none other than William the Conqueror, it has stood here for almost a thousand years. Today, however, it is surrounded by incredibly beautiful gardens that stand in stark contrast to the castle’s dungeons. Just half an hour away from Birmingham, it’s an ideal location for a quick and simple day trip.

Extra tips for visiting Birmingham

• Since Birmingham is in England, it’s worth remembering that they use different AC sockets than most other countries. Check and see if you will need an adapter to charge your phones, tablets and/or laptops.
• Restaurants usually have a service charge included in the bill, so tipping is really not necessary. In bars, however, leaving something like a pound on top of what you pay will be greatly appreciated.
• There are many places you can visit for free in the city, and various free events are organized throughout the year. Inform yourself what’s on when you’re coming to town and you will have a great time without spending much.
• Keep your eyes open for good deals! Many places in Birmingham offer great prices on various items, from jewelry to old records, so you could come across something really cool and pick it up at a big discount.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

Discover inventive new experiences and captivating stories in 2024, brought together with a dose of British flair. From exploring film settings and pioneering cultural spaces to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats, it’s all happening on our shores and you’re invited!

Join immersive exhibitions as the National Gallery celebrates a landmark anniversary or get a taste for chocolate as Birmingham’s Cadbury World also marks its 200th birthday. Venture off the beaten track for new coastal adventures, exploring new trails and walking routes, or take in sporting action as the world’s best compete in everything from athletics to the Premier League.

Whether it’s getting a feel for our vibrant cultural cities, embarking on a coastal adventure, or discovering locations made famous by film and TV, it’s time to experience Britain differently.

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Planning an England trip in 2024? Consider these 16 top places to visit

Feb 26, 2024 • 10 min read

Gracious Bath is an excellent place to immerse yourself in England’s history and beauty © gowithstock / Shutterstock

The story of  England  stretches back more than 5000 years (and likely many more). Which means its impossible to escape the past here.

As you wander its historic urban centers, mysterious monoliths, misty landscapes and rugged  coastlines  and national parks , you’ll discover a country filled with unparalleled places to visit that are are the more compelling thanks to all those who have visited them before.

As you plan a trip to England this year, here’s our list of 16 historic, exciting and all-around fabulous highlights to consider.

1. The Seven Sisters 

While  Dover ’s iconic white cliffs grab the most attention, the colossal chalky walls of the Seven Sisters are a more spectacular affair, a four-mile roller-coaster of sheer white rock stretching along the Sussex shore and overlooking the waters of the English Channel. It forms an impressive southern border to the South Downs National Park , and is most dramatic at the towering headland of Beachy Head . Hikes through the grassy clifftop fields provide wide sea views, breathtaking in every sense.

Local tip:  Stop for a breather at the tiny seaside hamlet of Birling Gap, where the secluded beach is a sun trap popular with locals and walkers.

Oxford  lets visitors feel close to the brilliant minds and august institutions that have made this city famous across the globe. This rarefied world comes to life in the cobbled lanes and ancient quads where cycling students and eccentric academics roam. The beautiful college buildings and stunning architecture have changed little over the centuries, coexisting with a lively, modern, working city. As befits a city of students and professors, Oxford is one of the last bastions of the great British pub, with irresistible old watering holes dotted all over its central lanes and alleyways. 

3. Cambridge

In England’s other great historic university city, Cambridge , you can tour a  college , and spend time marveling at the intricate vaulting of King’s College Chapel . But no trip to Cambridge is complete without an attempt to take a punt (flat-bottomed boat) along the River Cam by the picturesque Backs , the leafy, green lawns behind the city's finest colleges – an experience that offers the best views of the exquisite architecture. Polish off the day with a pint at one of Cambridge’s many rustic pubs. 

In a nation packed with pretty cities, Bath  stands out as the belle of the ball. Founded by the Romans, who established the spa resort of Aquae Sulis to take advantage of the area’s hot springs , Bath hit its stride in the 18th century, when the rich industrialist Ralph Allen and architects John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger oversaw the city’s transformation into a model of Georgian architecture at its most refined . Bath is awash with golden stone townhouses, sweeping green crescents and Palladian mansions, along with appealing pubs and restaurants, and you’ll take great pleasure in plunging in. 

5. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the country's most dramatic Roman ruins, a 2000-year-old procession of abandoned forts, garrisons, towers and milecastles marching across the wild and lonely landscape of northern England. While the Romans built the fortification to defend and control its territory, this edge-of-empire barrier also symbolized the boundary of civilized order in the ancient world: to the north of the Roman settlement lay the unruly land of the marauding Celts. Near Newcastle  you can visit Segedunum , the wall’s last stronghold, for an insight into life during Roman times.

Planning tip:  Hiking the full 84-mile distance coast to coast along the national trail takes around a week. If you have less time and your own car, you may want to select from a few of the wall's  highlights .

With its Roman and Viking heritage, ancient city walls and maze of cobbled streets, York is a living record of English history. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider’s web of “snickelways” (narrow alleys), each one the focus of a ghost story or historical character. At the city’s heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster , the biggest medieval cathedral in all of northern Europe, and one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Admire feats of engineering of a more recent vintage at the National Railway Museum , the world’s largest collection of historic locomotives.

York’s long history and rich heritage are woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city – with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs – is a carefully maintained showcase of that heritage.

Local tip: You’ll find some of the finest views of York from its old city walls, particularly the bucolic section behind the Minster. 

7. The Peak District

Curiously, you won’t find many peaks in the Peak District . You will find blissful miles of tumbling moorland, plunging valleys, eroded gritstone crags, lush farmland and ancient pocket-sized villages. This beautiful landscape attracts a veritable army of outdoor enthusiasts – cyclists, hikers, cavers and rock climbers – on summer weekends, while those seeking more relaxing enjoyment can admire the rural market and famous puddings of Bakewell, the Victorian pavilions of spa-town Buxton, and the architectural drama of Chatsworth House – the “Palace of the Peak.”

8. Brighton

Barely an hour’s train ride from the capital, the seaside city of Brighton has a quirky character that’s completely its own. Overlooking the English Channel on England’s pebbly south coast, this is a city that's long been known for its oddball, alternative character. The warren of streets known as the Lanes is a good place to soak up the vibe, with vegan cafes, espresso bars, chaotic pubs, record stores and bric-a-brac shops. (Browsers will be in heaven at local institution Snooper’s Paradise .) You'll also find the UK ’s biggest queer scene here, and the region’s best small clubs. The highlight for the sightseeing visitor is the Royal Pavilion , a 19th-century party palace built by the Prince Regent, who kicked off Brighton’s love of the outlandish.

9. Stonehenge

Mysterious and compelling, Stonehenge is England’s most famous ancient site . Even though people have been drawn to this myth-laden ring of boulders for more than 5000 years, we still don’t know quite why it was built. An ultramodern makeover at the ancient site has brought an impressive visitor center and the closure of an intrusive road (now restored to grassland). The result is a strong sense of historical context, with dignity and mystery returned to an archaeological gem.

Most visitors gaze at the approximately 25-ton stones from behind the perimeter fence, yet with enough planning, you can arrange an early-morning or evening tour and gain access to the inner ring itself. In the slanting sunlight, away from the crowds, it’s an ethereal place. This is an experience that stays with you.

10. Stratford-upon-Avon

The pretty town of Stratford-upon-Avon is where William Shakespeare was born and later shuffled off this mortal coil. Today, its tight knot of Tudor streets form a living map of Shakespeare’s life. Huge crowds of thespians and theater lovers come to take in a play at the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre . Bard fans will love visiting the five historic houses owned by Shakespeare and his relatives and  the schoolroom where he was educated, before taking a respectful detour to the old stone church where he was laid to rest.

11. Liverpool

It’s hard not to be infected by Liverpudlians’ love for their hometown. The love endured despite decades of decay and all manner of social ills – finding its expression in a renowned gallows humor and an obsession with football. With some of the most passionate crowds in the country, taking in a game at either Liverpool FC or Everton FC is a rite of passage here.

Outside of the stadium, the rejuvenated waterfront is once again the heart of Liverpool . The focal point is Albert Dock, an iconic docklands flanked by protected buildings, including a batch of top museums. The Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum ensure the good and bad sides of Liverpool’s history are explored in equal measure, while the Tate Liverpool and the Beatles Story museum celebrate popular culture and the city’s most famous musical sons (still).

12. The Cotswolds

A tangle of impossibly quaint villages of rose-clad cottages and honey-colored stone, The Cotswolds  is a region that spreads over six English counties. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its most wonderful quality is that no matter where you go or how lost you get, you’ll still end up in a spot with a charming village green, a pub with sloping floors and fine ales, and a view of the lush green hills. Crisscrossed by long-distance trails including the 102-mile Cotswold Way , these gentle yet dramatic hills are perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding.

Local tip: It’s easy to leave the crowds behind and find your very own slice of medieval England here – and some of the best boutique hotels in the country.

A little weird, occasionally weather-beaten and all-around wonderful, the classic northern seaside town of Whitby has haunted lanes, fossil-hunting and arguably England’s finest fish-and-chips. The huddle of 18th-century fisher’s cottages along the East Cliff are testament to its longtime role as a busy commercial and fishing port: it was here that 18th-century explorer Captain James Cook earned his sea legs. Atop the West Cliff, a sandy beach, amusement arcades and promenading holidaymakers show Whitby’s beach-resort side.

Keeping a watchful eye over the town and the River Esk that divides it is an atmospheric ruined abbey , the inspiration and setting for part of Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror story Dracula . But tales of witchery and ghostly legends have haunted Whitby ever since Anglo-Saxon St Hilda landed here to found a monastic community in 657 CE.

Planning tip: The town embraces its pseudo-sinister reputation, which culminates in two hugely successful Goth Weekends each year.

14. The Lake District

William Wordsworth and his Romantic friends were the first to champion the charms of the Lake District  – and it's not hard to see what stirred them. Already the UK’s most popular national park, the Lake District also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, in recognition of its long history of hill-farming. But for most people it’s the chance to hike the humpbacked fells and drink in the gorgeous scenery that keeps them returning year after year.

The region is filled with outdoor pursuits, from lake cruises to mountain walks – excursions that help reveal why the region has such deep literary connections. In addition to Wordsworth, writers who found inspiration here include Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter.

15. The Eden Project

A cross between a lunar landing station and a James Bond villain’s lair, the gigantic hemispherical greenhouses of the Eden Project  have become a symbol of Cornwall ’s renaissance. Built in an abandoned clay pit near St Austell to mark the start of the new millennium, and now considered one of Britain’s modern architectural wonders, the Eden Project aims to explore issues of environment and conservation, and point the way to a cleaner, greener future for us all.

Exhibits cover everything from global warming to rubber production and chocolate-making. The glass-domed “biomes” recreate major world climate systems in microcosm, from the lush jungles of the Amazon rainforest (complete with treetop walkway winding through the canopy) to the olive trees, citrus groves and colorful flowers of the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. It’s incredibly impressive – not to mention educational, and inspiring, too.

Shoulder-deep in history, London ’s rich seams of eye-opening antiquity appear at every turn. The city’s architecture pens a beguiling biography, and a multitude of buildings – the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey , Big Ben – are internationally recognizable landmarks. It’s also a tireless innovator of art and culture, a city of ideas and imagination. This legacy is enshrined at world-class institutions such as the British Museum , Natural History Museum  and the Science Museum , as well as such world-leading art galleries as the  Tate Modern , Tate Britain , the National Gallery  and the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery , all of which are free to visit. 

Local tip:  However you budget your time and money in London, make sure you take in a show. Big names perform on  the West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway), and on the South Bank at the National Theatre  and  the Old Vic . Smaller theaters from the Almeida to the Lyric Hammersmith are places to discover up-an-coming talent.

This article was first published Apr 13, 2021 and updated Feb 26, 2024.

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Annual tuition fees for 2024/25: £9,250 (UK)  £30,330 (International - pre-clinical years 1 and 2) £48,660 (International - clinical years 3, 4 and 5)  More details on fees and funding

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Birmingham's MBChB Medicine and Surgery degree is where heritage meets ground-breaking innovation: we create the knowledge and we deliver it. We teach you the practical, theoretical and communication skills needed to become a safe, compassionate and ethical doctor of the future.

Explore Medicine at the University of Birmingham

Whilst studying for a medicine degree at Birmingham Medical School you will learn from passionate researchers, academics and clinicians in world-class settings with a focus on hand-on, apprentice-style experience. You’ll learn alongside other health professions for the most comprehensive, real life, learning experience and have the unique opportunity to see a vast range of illness, learning from a diverse population of over five million people. Birmingham is also home to some of the UK's leading hospitals, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, situated right next door. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital offers outstanding placement opportunities to many of our students to help further cement their knowledge in a real life setting. 

With a strong community feel and an award winning student medical society at its heart, at Birmingham Medical School we support you throughout your studies. Benefitting from some of the best clinical education settings in Europe, you will graduate as a smart, practical, compassionate, safe and ethical doctor, renowned for your professionalism and communication skills and excelling at making a difference to other people's lives.

We know that constant change and innovation are crucial to stay relevant and meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving NHS and that’s why Birmingham Medical School is proud to produce the doctors of the future. 

Years 1 and 2

During your first two years on the course you will learn about the structure and function of the human body. You’ll learn how each body system is controlled and is able to respond to the demands of everyday life, including the effects of disease and medical treatments. Anatomy will be learned in small group teaching sessions, including experience of prosection. Please note that students do not dissect cadavers on the Medicine and Surgery course at Birmingham.

You’ll learn about the psychology and sociology of health and illness and how the health of whole populations, as well as individual patients, is assessed. We will also introduce you to some of the key issues in biomedical ethics, for example genetic engineering.

All medical students can expect plenty of patient contact, but in Birmingham you’ll start this from as early as week 2 to quickly build up your skills and confidence when communicating with patients. 

In each year of the course, you will spend eight days working in the community with GPs and patients, linking biological and behavioural theoretical learning to clinical situations with real patients. You will visit GP surgeries throughout your studies at a mix of inner city, suburban and some rural settings to gain maximum exposure to a range of patients and conditions. You'll also have the opportunity to pursue topics that interest you through student-selected components.

From your third year onwards, most of your teaching will take place in our partner Teaching Hospital Trusts. Teaching in hospitals and general practices takes place within a highly organised academy structure with senior clinicians and dedicated Clinical Teaching Fellows (junior doctors). This ensures that you receive excellent training in each speciality.

Through placements, you will have access to a diverse regional population of over five million, including one million children. This means you will see a vast range of illness in people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexualities, socio-economic statuses, and ages, helping you to relate, empathize and identify with these people on a professional and personal level.

During your Medicine and Surgery course, you will also further develop your basic clinical skills in taking a good clinical history and examining patients, as well as studying the communication skills needed to deliver effective consultations. You’ll also learn about common medical and surgical diseases and how to diagnose and manage them as well as continuing your theoretical work.

Years 4 and 5

During your final two years on the course you will undertake clinical attachments in a wide range of specialities such as cardiology, neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery, oncology, ear, nose and throat surgery and anaesthetics. Further attachments in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and general practice as well as a composite attachment in emergency medicine, intensive care, general hospital medicine and surgery will prepare you for the range of problems that you will encounter as a Foundation Doctor.

In years 3-5 you will also work with a Senior Academy Tutor in each placement, who will be a senior doctor, to ensure that you are fully supported in your learning.

During your fourth year, you will spend one month full-time on an elective placement where you can choose what you study and where. This could involve undertaking your own clinical research either at Birmingham Medical School, another centre in the UK or abroad, in a clinical setting (primary or secondary care), other healthcare setting or in a laboratory. Many of our students choose to undertake their elective abroad to experience a healthcare system in a different cultural context.

Learn more about electives at Birmingham Medical School including student experiences  

Managing the patient sick and well is the theme in your final year and you will bring all of your learning and skills together to fine-tune your capabilities and confidence in becoming a Foundation Doctor.

Hear from some of our current students about their experiences of the course so far

Intercalated Programmes

If you attain a good standard in examinations you may wish to take advantage of the excellent breadth of internationally competitive research within Birmingham Medical School through an in-depth study of chosen topics for one year, leading to the award of a Batchelor’s degree. We offer a wide variety of intercalating programmes, which provide you with the opportunity to engage in novel work in either basic or applied medical research. This can happen after your second, third or fourth year of study.

Programmes available involve either laboratory or community-based research. You will learn to analyse and interpret medical research data and, importantly, undertake your own novel and substantial research project. The skills that you will acquire will allow you to contribute to the development of evidence-based clinical practice. You will then return to complete the MBChB Medicine and Surgery course.

As a doctor you will be expected to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in medicine but we need clinicians to take a lead role in bringing these about. This course gives you the opportunity to learn research skills that you can use in your career to enhance and develop clinical practice. You can develop these skills in substantial depth during an intercalated programme.

Learn more about intercalation at Birmingham Medical School

I love the range of teaching you get from lectures, to bedside teaching, to simulation sessions! It is always exciting and learning in many different ways really helps you solidify your learning. Annabel Pound, MBChB Medicine and Surgery

Modules in the first year 

First and second years: your first two years are largely taken up with modules on the structure and function of the human body. You will learn how each system is controlled and is able to respond to the demands of everyday life and how they are affected by disease and medical treatments. Much of the anatomy is learned in small-group sessions, including substantial experience of prosection.

• Basic Life Support  - Non-credit bearing
• Community Based Medicine 1 (GP placement) - 10 credits
• Foundations of Medical Science and Practice 1: Cell Science, Endocrinology, Neurones and Society - 40 credits
• Foundations of Medical Science and Practice 2: Health Behaviours, Musculoskeletal, Respiratory and Digestive Systems - 40 credits
• Professional and Academic Skills 1 - 20 credits
• Regional Anatomy 1 - 10 credits
• Group Poster Project - Non-credit bearing
• Research Taster - Non-credit bearing

Modules in the second year  

• Community Based Medicine 2 - 10 credits
• Foundations of Medical Science and Practice 3: Immunology, Health Care Provision, Cardiovascular and Renal Science - 40 credits
• Foundations of Medical Science and Practice 4: Brain, Decision Making, Reproduction and Cancer - 40 credits
• Professional and Academic Skills 2 - 20 credits
• Regional Anatomy 2 - 10 credits
• Hospital Preparation Course - Non-credit bearing 

Modules in the third year

You will be based in our partner Teaching Hospital Trusts to further develop your basic clinical skills in taking a good clinical history and examining patients, as well as studying the communication skills needed for effective patient-doctor relations. 

• Clinical Core 2: Hospital Based Medicine and Surgery and Community Based Medicine - 110 credits
• Evidence Based Medicine and Research Methods - 10 credits
• Health Improvement Evidence Review Project: a group project that reviews the evidence for a treatment chosen by the group - 10 credits
• Clinical Procedural Skills: in each year students have a set of skills they need to become competent in performing - Non-credit bearing
• Year 3 Professional Development Activities - Non-credit bearing
• Direct Observation of Examination Skills - Non-credit bearing
• Student Selected Experience (SSE) - Non-credit bearing

Modules in the fourth year 

Fourth and fifth years: you will now move onto clinical attachments in a range of specialities such as Cardiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Bone and Joint Disease, Oncology, Ear, Nose and Throat and Peri-Operative Care.

• Clinical Core 3:  anaesthetics, cardiology, community based medicine, dermatology, diabetes, ENT, endocrinology, gastroenterology, genito-urinary medicine, geriatrics, hepatology, nephrology, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, palliative medicine, psychiatry, radiology, respiratory, rheumatology, urology - 120 credits
• Conference Poster Presentation: you present the findings of a quality improvement project you have undertaken - 10 credits
• Learning and Teaching project: you learn how to teach your peers - 10 credits
• Clinical Procedural Skills - Non-credit bearing
• Direct Observation of Examination Skills Year 4 - Non-credit bearing

Modules in the fifth year

During the Final year, you will be able to bring all of your learning and skills together through the Acutely Ill Patient attachment which prepares you to deal with patients’ problems as they present to Foundation doctors. 

• Clinical Core 4: medicine and surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, general practice - 110 credits
• Ethics and Law in Clinical Practice: based on a case you have seen which raised ethical or legal difficulties - 10 credits
• Immediate Life Support - Non-credit bearing
• Selected Career Experience: three weeks to explore a specialty that you are interested in - Non-credit bearing
• Student Assistantship: after the final examinations an opportunity to polish up skills prior to starting work as a Foundation Year 1 doctor - Non-credit bearing
• Written Professional Communication: a group project looking at the various ways in which doctors communicate in writing - 10 credits
• Prescribing Safety Assessment: a national exam to ensure graduates are safe to prescribe - Non-credit bearing
• Elective and Report - Non-credit bearing
• Direct Observation of Examination Skills Year 5 - Non-credit bearing

Please visit our Programmes and Modules Handbook for further details. 

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Tuition fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25 are as follows:

• UK: £9,250
• £30,330 (International - pre-clinical years 1 and 2)
• £48,660 (International - clinical years 3, 4 and 5) 

Visit our tuition fees page for more information.

Scholarships, bursaries or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University or other sources. The MBChB programme does not offer any additional scholarships.

For further information on tuition fees, living costs and available financial support, please see our pages on undergraduate fees and funding .

Additional Course Costs

When you apply for the course, it is important that you also take into account living costs and that you will have sufficient funds to finance the full duration of your studies. Please also note that during the last three years of the programme you will be required to be in attendance for most of each year and the costs of subsistence and travel will accordingly be much greater.

Average additional course costs  (approximate costs by car): 

• Travel for Years 1 & 2: £100 per year
• Travel for Year 2: £352
• Travel for Year 3: £621
• Travel for Year 4: £900
• Travel for Year 5: £750 (partially reimbursed by NHS bursary for eligible UK students)
• Text books and equipment: £200
• Average total cost of an overseas elective (not inc cost of living): £1,590 (UK placement costs will be lower).

If you need to travel by public transport the most economical method is to purchase a student travel pass. The West Midlands Network monthly pass costs approximately £100/month and includes all travel on train, bus and tram in the region.

Health Screening

All accepted candidates will be required to complete health declaration and immunisation forms , and some will be contacted by an Occupational Health Physician where appropriate. If you accept our offer, you must submit the completed forms by the deadline stated in the offer.  

Students will be required to complete a successful Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before admission to the programme. International Students are required to submit a Police Check Letter before admission and must apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on joining the programme. The cost of the check is £40.

How To Apply

• Please visit our  applying to medicine  webpage for further support on how to apply for this programme. 
• The University of Birmingham's UCAS code number is B32. You must enter this clearly on your application to ensure that it reaches us for consideration.
• Applications will close on Monday 16th October 2023. Further key dates regarding applying to undergraduate courses can be found on the  UCAS website .
• If you need any further help with your Birmingham application or personal statement please visit our  applying to Birmingham  webpage. 

Each year we receive a large number of applications for every place available, therefore it can take a long time to study these applications carefully. You should not be concerned if you do not hear a final decision until some months after you have submitted your UCAS form.

Apply now via UCAS 

Standard offer

International requirements.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Holders of the Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement Secondaire (School Certificate) are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Please note:

• For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website .
• For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page

English Language

Students from Algeria need to meet the standard English language requirements for international students. 

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Bachillerato together with a recognised foundation programme, such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy, will be considered for entry to our Bachelor degree programmes.

• For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page.
• Our BNurs and MNurs Nursing courses are only available to home/EU students.

Students who have completed the Senior Secondary School Diploma will be considered for entry to year 1 of an undergraduate programme based on the ATAR or OP score achieved as follows: A*AA = ATAR 94 or OP 1-3 AAA = ATAR 92 or OP 4 AAB = ATAR 90 or OP 4 ABB = ATAR 87 or OP 5 BBB = ATAR 85 or OP 6 Where a specific subject is required at A level this subject is required at grade 12 with an equivalent grade.

Holders of the Matura/Reifeprüfung with a minimum overall score of 'pass with distinction' (mit gutem Erfolg bestanden) and subject grades between 2-1/5 (gut-sehr gut - good-very good) will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes.  Please refer to the information below as guidance for grade comparisons to A-level entry requirements:  Holders of the Matura/Reifeprüfung will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 1 overall plus 1, 1, 2 in elective subjects (inc any required subject/s)  AAA - 1 overall plus 1, 2, 2 in elective subjects (inc any required subject/s)  AAB - 1 overall plus 222 in elective subjects (inc any required subject/s)  ABB - BBB - 2 overall plus 222 in elective subjects (inc any required subject/s)  Subject specific grade equivalencies:  A* - 1  A - 1.5  B - 2 

• For Medicine country specific requirements please visit our Applying to Medicine website .

We may accept your English language grade from the Austrian Matura/Reifeprüfung if you achieved 2/5 (gut) in English (both written and oral examinations). Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Al-Thanawiyan are not normally eligible for direct entry onto an undergraduate course without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways.

Higher Secondary Certificate students will be required to take an approved Foundation Programme before they can be considered for entry to the first year of our Bachelor degree programmes (see Birmingham Foundation Pathways).

Holders of a Bachelor of Science, Arts or Commerce degree (with honours) of two, three, or four years in duration from a recognised institution in Bangladesh with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or 65% or higher may be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.

For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C/6 or above in the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Botswanan nationals with a degree from Botswana or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

GCE A Level examinations (BBB to A*AA), the International Baccalaureate (IB) (32 points overall. HL 5,5,5 to 7,7,6), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways. Students who have successfully completed the first year of a Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree with an overall score of 7.5/10 or higher can be considered.

The University will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Students from Brunei will usually undertake Brunei/Cambridge GCE A level examinations or Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Educational Council (BDTVEC). Both qualifications allow students to apply for undergraduate degree courses.

Holders of the "Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie, Diploma za Zavarsheno Sredno Obrazovanie, or Diploma za Sredno Spetzialno Obrazovanie" (Diploma of Completed Secondary Education) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:

• A*AA = 5.8 overall with 5.8 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)
• AAA = 5.8 overall with 5.6 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)
• AAB = 5.6 overall with 5.6 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)
• ABB = 5.4 overall with 5.5 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)
• BBB = 5.2 overall with 5.5 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)

Students who hold Cameroon GCE A Levels with good grades or French Baccalaureat with minimum grades of 12/20-15/20 will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programme.

Cameroon has two systems of education, one based on the British model, the other on the French - as long as a student has studied under the British system, they will be exempt from the standard international English requirements with the following grades:

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English Language at grade C or above in the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Cameroonian nationals with a degree that was completed in English from Cameroon or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

The University will consider students who have achieved good grades in their High School Graduation Diploma with at least 5 university-preparatory level (Grade 12) courses. For many of our programmes of study, students will need at least a B average, and possibly higher. 

Qualification Guidance

Unless otherwise stated qualification guidance is as follows:

Ontario System

A level requirements of AAA  = 85% overall in 6 x grade 12 U or U/C courses. Where an A level subject is required, the course must be at U or U/C level. 

A level requirements of AAB  = 80% overall in 6 x grade 12 U or U/C courses. Where an A level subject is required, the course must be at U or U/C level. 

A level requirements of ABB  = 75% overall in 6 x grade 12 U or U/C courses. Where an A level subject is required, the course must be at U or U/C level. 

For Maths and English GCSE equivalency the student must offer Maths and English at grade 11 minimum. (For UG programmes that require GCSE grade A equivalence, suggest 80% minimum). 

Other Canadian Provinces

British Columbia  - Grade 12 Senior Secondary Diploma with an average of at least 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA) in 5 grade 12 subjects or Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma if awarded with at least five Bs (BBBBB) or above in acceptable grade 12 courses.

Manitoba - High School Graduation Diploma with an overall average of 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA), including 5 credits awarded at the 300 level in at least 4 subject areas, and at least 65% in each subject.

Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northern W. T., Nova Scotia, P. Edward Island, Saskatchewan - General High School Diploma with an overall average of 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA) in 5 subjects at Grade 12.

Nunavut - General High School Diploma with an overall average of 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA) across five subjects at grade 12.

Québec - Diplôme d'Etudes Collègiales (DEC) with an overall average of 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA).

Yukon - Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma with an overall average of at least 85% in 5 grade 12 subjects (including provincial examinations where applicable).

Entry to LLB for Graduates

We require a B+ average or a GPA of 3.0/4 in any non-law degree subject.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes. 

We will consider students who have completed GAOKAO for entry to our Undergraduate Programmes. Please refer to our  GAOKAO entry requirements  for further information.

Holders of the Chinese High School Certificate/Senior Middle School Graduation and a suitable foundation programme, and holders of two/three year Diplomas, with a good performance (80% average or above) from a recognised institution, will be considered for entry to undergraduate programmes.

If you have taken A level or IB diploma, please refer to the course you are interested in on our course finder and you will find entry requirements.

If you have taken exams which are from another country's national education system (e.g. the Arbitur from Germany or SAT and AP exams from the USA) you should consult that specific country page on our website for entry requirements.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Bachillerato together with a recognised foundation programme, such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy, will be considered for entry to our Bachelor degree programmes.

Candidates from Costa Rica generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) Bachiller en la Enseñanza Media plus a recognised foundation programme or c) successfully completed the first year of the Bachiller or Licenciado with 8/10 or higher.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Maturatna Svjedodzba (Matriculation Certificate) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA-AAA= 5/5  AAB = 4.5/5  ABB-BBB = 4/5  Subject specific requirements:  A* - 5  A - 4.5  B - 4

Candidates offering the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) qualification can be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. CAPE is graded on a I to VI scale (I being the highest) and we would typically look for a minimum of II in each subject taken to include I in any required subject and for AAA-AAB offers to include a at least half the subjects at grade I.  Candidates offering an Associate degree from a recognised institution may also be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. We would typically require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to include high grades in relevant and required subjects.

Holders of the Apolytirion of Lykeion with a minimum overall score of 18+/20 plus 2 GCE A levels will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes. The Apolytirio + 1 A level may be considered at the discretion of departments, if high grades and required subjects are offered.

Equivalent grades:

A*AA = 19/20 + A*A AAA = 19/20 + AA AAB = 18/20 + AA ABB = 18/20 +AB BBB = 18/20 + BB

Specific subject requirements:

A* - 19 A - 19 B – 18

Holders of the Vysvedceni o Maturitni Zkousce-Zkouška / Maturita will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA-AAA: 1 overall  AAB: 1.5 overall  ABB-BBB: 2 overall  Specific subject requirements:  A* - 1  A = 1.5  B = 2

Holders of the Bevis for Studentereksamen (STX), Hojere Forberedelseseksamen (HF), Hojere Handelseksamen (HHX) or Hojere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies in Level A Subjects (including any required subjects):

A*AA - 12,10,10 AAA - 10,10,10 AAB - 10,10,7 ABB - 10,7,7 BBB - 7,7,7

A* = 12 A = 10 B = 7

We may accept your English language grade from the Danish Studentereksamen if you achieved 10 in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

Candidates from Ecuador generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) Senior Secondary School (Titulo de Bachiller en Ciencias) plus a recognised foundation programme or c) successfully completed the first year of the Licenciado (with 70% or equivalent GPA)

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Thanawiyan are not normally eligible for direct entry onto an undergraduate course without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways.

• For Medicine country-specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website .

Holders of the Riigieksamid (State Examinations) plus the Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus (GI) (Secondary School Certificate) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:

• A*AA - 4.5 average for GI and 83% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)
• AAA - 4.4 average for GI and 80% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)
• AAB - 4.3 average for GI and 79% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)
• ABB - 4.2 average for GI and 78% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)
• BBB - 4.1 average for GI and 77% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)

Specific subject requirements - required subjects must be studied at the highest level possible at school (year 12) with following grade equivalencies: A* = 90% A = 85% B = 80%.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Students who have completed one or two years of a Bachelors degree from an Ethiopian university with excellent grades (A or 4 points) can be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Overall successful completion of Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen (Matriculation Examination) with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 766  AAA - 666  AAB - 665  ABB - 655  BBB - 555  Subject specific requirements:  L (Laudator) = 7 = A*  E (Eximia cum laude approbatur) = 6 = A  M (Magna cum laude approbatur) = 5 = B

We may accept your English language grade from the Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen if you achieved 5 (magna cum laude approbatur) in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

Holders of the Baccalauréat Général / Baccalauréat Technologique (BTn) / Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement du Second Degr and Diplôme de l'Enseignement du Second Degr / Option International du Baccalauréat (OIB) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA: 15/20  AAA-AAB: 14/20  ABB - BBB: 13/20  Option International du Baccalauréat (OIB)  A*AA: 14/20  AAA-AAB: 13/20  ABB - BBB: 12/20  Specifc subject requirements:  A* = 15/20  A = 14/20  B = 12/20  We will consider holders of the European Baccalaureate (EB) with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 88  AAA - 85  AAB - 80  ABB - 77  BBB - 75  Subject specific requirement:  A* - 9  A - 8  B - 7

We may accept your English language grade from the French Baccalauréat de l’Enseignement du Second Degré if you achieved 14 (bien) or above. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

Holders of the Abitur/Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife, Zeugnis der Fachgebundenen Hochschulreife or Zeugnis der Fachhochschulreife will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA: 1.4 overall in the Abitur  AAA: 1.5 overall in the Abitur  AAB: 1.6 overall in the Abitur  ABB: 1.7 overall in the Abitur  BBB: 1.8 overall in the Abitur  Specific subject requirements:  A* = 14/15  A = 13/15  B = 11/15  Please note: For applicants taking the Fachhochschulreife, we wouldn’t normally accept this qualification for entry to undergraduate programmes.  We will consider holders of the European Baccalaureate (EB) with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 88  AAA - 85  AAB - 80  ABB - 77  BBB - 75  Subject specific requirement:  A* - 9  A - 8  B - 7 

We may also accept your English language grade from the German Abitur if you achieved 10 (gut) in English (taken as an achievement/main/ intensive course. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Higher National Diploma with a good profile of grades (distinctions and credits, or grades 1-3) will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes (first year entry).

Students who have completed the first year of a 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised institution in Ghana with excellent grades (2.1, 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5.0) will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes (first year entry).

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C or above (or in numerical terms, grade 6 or above) in the WAEC SSCE is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Ghanaian nationals with a degree from Ghana or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Holders of the National Apolytirion of Geniko Lykeio, including three Pan Hellenics examinations will be considered for undergraduate programmes with the following overall average grade equivalencies in the Apolytirion:

A*AA – 19 AAA – 18.5 AAB – 18 ABB - BBB – 17.5

Plus, an average of 17+ from Pan-Hellenic exams (3 subjects)

Specific subject requirements (required both within the Apolytirio and as a Panhellenic exam):

A* - 19 A - 18 B – 17.5

The Apolyterion of Geniko Lykeion will also be considered alongside two A levels.

Candidates from Guatemala generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) Bachillerato + foundation programme or c) Successful completion of first year of the Licenicado (with score of 70 or higher)

We will consider holders of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) for entry to our undergraduate programmes with the grade equivalencies shown below (excluding Chinese and Liberal Studies).

A*AA = 5*55

Applicants for programmes with subject specific requirements will need to offer these as normal (please note that combined or integrated science will not normally be acceptable where a stated science is required i.e. Biology or Chemistry). Programmes requiring Mathematics as a specified subject will require both the Compulsory and either M1 or M2.

Higher level Diplomas and Associate Degrees can be considered for year one entry. A typical requirement would be an average grade of B (70-79%) or a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in a relevant subject.

Holders of Higher Diplomas with a good performance (at least B+ or GPA 3.2 above) will be considered for entry to year 2 of relevant undergraduate degree programmes within Engineering and Computer Science.

Holders of the HKU SPACE Associate Degree programme with a good performance (at least B+ or GPA 3.2 above) throughout their studies may be considered for entry to year 2 of relevant undergraduate degree programmes.

Holders of the Erettségi / Matura with at least two subjects at advanced level (emelt szint) plus any required subjects at advanced level will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 85%, 80% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 80% (Intermediate level)  AAA - 80%, 80% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 80% (Intermediate level)  AAB - 80%, 80% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 80% (Intermediate level)  ABB - 80%, 75% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 80% (Intermediate level)  BBB - 75%, 75% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 75% (Intermediate level)  Subject specific requirements (Advanced level):  A* - 85%  A - 80%  B - 75%

Holders of the Indian Standard XII will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes. 

• A*AA = 90% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 85% West Bengal or 95% Other State boards
• AAA = 85% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 80% West Bengal or 90% Other State boards
• AAB = 80% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 75% West Bengal or 85% Other State boards
• ABB/BBB = 75% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra and West Bengal or 80% Other State boards

Where a programme requires a specific A'level subject grade please refer to the guidance below for Indian Standard XII equivalent.

• A* = 90% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 85% West Bengal or 95% Other State boards
• A = 85% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 80% West Bengal or 90% Other State boards
• B = 80% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra and 75% West Bengal or 85% Other State boards

Applicants with appropriate grades in Standard XII English (English Core/English Elective/Functional English in CBSE) do not require additional SELT qualifications.

• GCE A Level in three acceptable subjects.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) with 32 points overall.
• A Diploma (D3/D4), with good grades, from a recognised Indonesian institution.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Diplom-Metevaseth are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways. 

Students who have completed the Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) with a minimum overall GPA of 16/20 and students who have successfully completed the National Entrance Exam (Kunkur) will be considered for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Sixth Form Baccalaureate/Iraqi high school leaving certificate are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

We will consider students who have completed the Bagrut and achieved grade 8 or above in 6 subjects.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways, for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Diploma di Esame di Stato will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 95  AAA - 92  AAB - 90  ABB - 88  BBB - 85  Subject specific requirements:  A* - 15/15 OR 10/10  A - 14/15 OR 9/10  B - 13/15 OR 8/10

Students who hold the French Baccalaureat with minimum grades of 12/20-15/20 will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the  Foundation Pathways  at the BIA, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

• GCE A Level examinations or a recognised foundation programme
• International Baccalaureate (IB) - 32 points overall for entrance to most of our undergraduate programmes, certain courses will require specific grades and subjects at Higher Level

Many students who have studied in Japan have followed a 12 year education system. For admission onto an Undergraduate degree programme, the University of Birmingham requires all applicants to have studied for 13 years, and therefore you may need to take a foundation year before commencing your undergraduate programme. 

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Holders of the Tawjihi are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the  Birmingham International Academy , for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our  Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C or above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Kenyan nationals with a degree from Kenya or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examination, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Shahadat-al-thanwiia-al-a'ama are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Candidates from Latvia generally require either A levels, an IB Diploma or a recognised foundation programme qualification in order to be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. Holders of the Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education) are not eligible for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Baccalaureat General (School Certificate) are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without prior completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examination, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme (such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy), for entrance to undergraduate programmes.  Students who have completed a Higher Technician Diploma with minimum GPA of 65%, or a Bachelors degree from a Higher Technical or Vocational Institution with minimum GPA of 65%, may be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.  Students who have the Secondary Education Certificate plus one year of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum GPA or 65% may also be considered.

Holders of the Brandos Atestatas (Secondary School Diploma/Maturity Certificate) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 9.5 with 95% average in 3 state exams  AAA - 9.0 with 90% average in 3 state exams  AAB - 9.0 with 87% average in 3 state exams  ABB - 8.5 with 85% average in 3 state exams  BBB - 8.0 with 80% average in 3 state exams  Subject specific requirements (state exam):  A* - 95%  A - 90%  B - 85% 

Holders of the Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 50/60  AAA - 48/60  AAB - 46/60  ABB - 44/60  BBB - 42/60  Subject specific requirements:  A* - 52  A - 48  B - 42 

In addition to the standard qualifications that we accept as proof of English language proficiency, the University accepts the following as proof of English language for students from Luxembourg: 6/10 in English Language I in the European Baccalaureate; or 8/10 in English Language II in the European Baccalaureat

We may also accept your English language grade from the Luxembourgish Examen de Fin d'Études Secondaires 45 (bien) in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

The University will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Sigjil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysian (STPM)

STPM is considered equivalent to A-levels and is acceptable for admissions to the first year of an undergraduate programme. Grades equivalent to the A-level requirement should be achieved in three out of the five subjects studied.

Malaysian Ministry of Education Matriculation Programme

Holders of the Malaysian Ministry of Education Matriculation Certificate in Science can be considered for entry to year one of Biosciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.

Certificates in Accountancy

Students with Certificates in Accountancy can be considered for entry to year one of the Accountancy, Economics, and Money, Banking and Finance programmes, provided a minimum GPA of 3.5 is obtained. In addition, a candidate must reach the appropriate level of English requirement for the particular course.

Canadian Pre-University (Ontario Grade 13)

A pass in 6 OACs (minimum of three at grade B, and three at grade C) is generally acceptable for admission to the first year of an undergraduate programme, although, some programmes may require higher grades.

South Australia Matriculation Programme (SAM)

For candidates offering the South Australian Matriculation qualification, a TER of between 90 to 98 is required.

Diploma and certificate

If you have completed a 2 year certificate or diploma at a local college, you may be considered for admission to undergraduate programmes in some subjects.

If you have obtained a 3 year diploma it is sometimes possible to gain 'advance standing' to the second year of some undergraduate programmes.

Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)

Holders of the UEC may be considered for entry onto the first year of an undergraduate degree course (except Medicine & Surgery or Dentistry) on the following basis:

Where a specific subject is required the following grades should be attained:  A Level grade A* -  UEC grade A1, A Level grade A - UEC grade A2, A Level grade B - UEC grade B3.  Where Maths A Level is required UEC Advanced Maths (I) or (II) should be provided at the appropriate grade.

For all courses not requiring A Level Maths UEC Maths must be studied, the grade required will vary by programme (C8 required for most programmes, some may require B6 or B3).

Direct entry to second year

Taylor's university.

The University has various twinning programmes with Taylor's University which can allow Taylors students entry into year 1, year 2 or year 3 of an Undergraduate Degree course, depending on their choice of subject and GPA score. Degree courses available through twinning agreements are: Biosciences, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.  We have a longstanding relationship with Taylor’s University (TU), and many students have joined us for a variety of Engineering and Computer Science programmes. Students from TU can enter Year 2, or Year 3 of a number of programmes. For more information please refer to the table below, or contact the TU University Placement Services office, or  [email protected] .

Students from UCSI are able to join Year 2 of the following Birmingham programmes:

• BEng or MEng Mechanical Engineering
• BEng or MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

For more information please contact the UCSI Global Engagement Office, or  [email protected] .

INTI College and Prime College 

Students from INTI College and Prime College may be considered for direct entry to the second year of our Engineering programmes.

HELP Institute

Students from HELP Institute may be considered for direct entry to the second year of Computer Science programmes and those students completing the LSE Diploma may be admitted directly to the second year of Economics and Money, Banking and Finance programmes.

Direct entry from other colleges is unusual. If you are a student of any other college and you wish to be considered for second year entry, you must submit your full transcript and a copy of the syllabus you have followed so that we can assess your suitability.

• For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our  Applying to Medicine website .

SPM 1119 or GCSE/IGCSE minimum grade C may be accepted for a range of programmes with a four year validity period. 

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the  Birmingham Foundation Academy , for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Advanced Matriculation will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - AA (Advanced level) + AAA (Intermediate level to exclude Systems of Knowledge)  AAA - AA + AAB  AAB - AA + ABB  ABB - AB + BBB  BBB - BB + BBB  Subject specific requirements:  A* & A - A  B - B  NB no overall score given as of 2012.

Applicants with a GCSE English grade 4/C equivalent or a degree from the University of Malta are exempt from taking an English proficiency test.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the French Baccalaureate, or a suitable foundation programme, such as our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes English language at grade C or above in the CIE O Level or Cambridge High School Certificate is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes Mauritian nationals with a degree from Mauritius or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

• For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page .

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Holders of the Diplôme du Baccalauréat / Diplôme du Baccalauréat Technique (School Certificates) are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

A High School Leaving Certificate is not sufficient for undergraduate courses. Applicants for UG study will require additional qualifications, such as A Levels or the IB.

Holders of the Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO - University Preparatory Education) Diploma (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 8.0  AAA - 7.7  AAB - 7.5  ABB - 7.2  BBB - 7.0  Subject specific requirements:  A* - 8.5  A - 8  B - 7.5 

NB Grades 9-10 rarely awarded

We may accept your English language grade from the Dutch Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) diploma if you achieved 8 (good) in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

The University has a number of agreements with foundation providers in Nigeria which allows students to be considered for admission to undergraduate programmes. Please contact us for more information.

Students who have completed the first year of a 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised institution in Nigeria with excellent grades (2.1, 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5.0) will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes (first year entry).

For Postgraduate programmes, Nigerian nationals with a degree from Nigeria or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Holders of the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering (VVO – Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) with a minimum overall average score of 4/6 will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes.

Please refer to the information below as guidance for grade comparisons to A-level entry requirements:

A*AA = 5.0 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering AAA = 4.5 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering AAB = 4.5 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering ABB = 4.0 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering BBB = 4.0 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering 

Specific subject requirements: A*= 6, A=5, B=4

For GCSE, from the lower school leaving certificate (first year of the Vitnemål), the same equivalences would apply.

We may accept your English language grade from the Norwegian Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole if you achieved 3 in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyan are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

We will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and/or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. We will also consider students who have successfully completed a Bachelors (Honours) degree of at least two years duration. Degrees must be from a Higher Education Commission recognised institution in Pakistan.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Tawijihi are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Candidates from Paraguay generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) Título de Bachillerato Científico plus a recognised foundation programme  Candidates who have completed the Título Intermedio (2-3 years) can be considered for first and/or second year entry, depending on subject fit.

Candidates from Peru generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) a recognised foundation programme or c) successfully completed the first year of the Título de Licenciado with at least 13/20.

Holders of the Matura / Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci (Secondary School Certificate) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - 90%, 85%, 85% (extended level subjects) plus 75% overall  AAA - 85%, 85%, 85% (extended level subjects) plus 75% overall  AAB - 85%, 85%, 80% (extended level subjects) plus 70% overall  ABB - 85%, 80%, 80% (extended level subjects) plus 70% overall  BBB - 80%, 80%, 80% (extended level subjects) plus 70% overall  Subject specific requirements at extended level:  A* - 90%  A - 85%  B - 80%

Holders of the Certificado de fim de Estudos Secundários / Diploma de Ensino Secundario (previously Certificado do 12 ano) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: 

A*AA - 18/20 overall with 19, 18, 18 in 3 year 12 subjects  AAA - 18/20 with 18, 18, 18 in 3 year 12 subjects  AAB - 17/20 with 18, 18, 17 in 3 year 12 subjects ABB - 17/20 with 18, 17, 17 in 3 year 12 subjects  BBB 17/20 with 17, 17, 17 in 3 year 12 subjects 

Subject specific requirements: 

A* - 19  A - 18  B - 17 

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Qatar High School Certificate, or the Thanawiyan Mustaqala are not usually eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Holders of the Diploma de Bacalaureat with a minimum overall score of 8/10 will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes.  Please refer to the information below as guidance for grade comparisons to A-level entry requirements:  A*AA - 9  AAA – 8.5  AAB - 8.3  ABB - 8  BBB - 7.5  Specific subject requirements:  A*/A - 9  B - 8

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the  Birmingham International Academy , for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who have taken A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), West African Higher School Certificate (WAHSC), Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate COHSC), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For Postgraduate programmes, Sierra Leonean nationals with a degree from Sierra Leone or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Students with suitable grades at A level or International Baccalaureate (IB) may be considered for entry to an undergraduate degree programme.

Students who have successfully completed a Polytechnic Diploma may be considered for entry to our undergraduate degree programmes (applicable subjects only). Students who achieve a B grade average or above with good scores in relevant subjects can be considered for direct entry to the second year. Students who achieve a C grade average should be considered for year one entry (a few exemptions apply for certain departments).

The University has established Advance Standing Agreements with 5 Polytechnics in Singapore (Singapore, Ngee Ann, Temasek, Nanyang, Republic) which provide guidelines for some of the Diplomas we will accept and scores required by certain departments (Business, Life Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science). Please contact your institution for further information. Departments that are not part of this list can still consider Diplomas for entry to undergraduate programmes. Diplomas that are not on the list will be considering on an individual basis and may require you to provide further details such as the curriculum and module transcripts to identify suitability.

Holders of the "Vysvedcenie o Maturitnej skúska/Maturita" will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA: 1/výborný in four subjects (if any other subjects have been taken they must be graded no lower than 2)  AAA: 1/výborný in three subjects, other subject(s) taken must be graded no lower than 2  AAB: 1/výborný in two subjects, other subjects taken must be graded no lower than 2  ABB: 1/výborný in one subject, other subjects taken must be graded no lower than 2  BBB: 2 in all subjects   Subject specific requirements:  A* & A - 1  B - 2

Holders of the "Maturitetno Spricevalo"/"Matura"/Secondary School-Leaving Diploma/Technical Matura will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:  A*AA - Total score of 28/34  AAA - 27/34  AAB - 26/34  ABB - 24/34  BBB - 22/34  Required subjects need to have been at Higher Level:  A* - 8  A - 7  B - 6

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Applicants who hold the South African National Senior Certificate (SA NSC or IEB) (or pre-2008 the Senior Certificate with matriculation) will be considered for entry onto our undergraduate degree programmes. Students need these grades in 5 subjects, not including Life Orientation.

Grade equivalencies are as follows: A*AA = 77766 AAA = 77666 AAB = 76666 ABB-BBB = 66666

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade 5 (or C) or above in the South African National Senior Certificate (SA NSC or IEB) (or pre-2008 in the Senior Certificate) is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, South African nationals with a degree from South Africa or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Students with A levels, the International Baccalaureate, a 2 year Junior College Diploma, the NCUK International Foundation Year, a suitable foundation programme, or one or two years of university level study at a recognised institution in South Korea will be considered for entry to an undergraduate degree programme. Students need a sufficiently high score in their Diploma or University level study (3.0+/4.0 or 3.2+/4.5).

Holders of the Título de Bachillerato will be considered for undergraduate programmes with the following grade equivalencies:

A*AA - 9.0 AAA - 8.5 AAB - 8.2 ABB - 8.0 BBB - 7.7

Required subjects must be studied in Year 2 of the Bachillerato and the subject grade equivalencies are:

A* - 10/9 A - 9 B - 8

The Sri Lankan system is based on the English system. Holders of the Sri Lankan A-Levels will be considered for undergraduate programmes as an equivalent to GCE A levels. We accept local or Cambridge A Levels for entry.

Please note however that grading systems for local A Levels are as follows:

A = A grade B = B grade C = Credit S = Simple pass

For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website. For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page

Holders of the Fullständigt Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskolan / Slutbetyg från Komvux / Avgangsbetyg (previously Studentexamen) with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA: 10 subjects at A and the remainder at B. AAA: 10 subjects at A and the remainder at B. AAB: 9 subjects at A and the remainder at B. ABB: Majority of subjects at A, remainder at B BBB: Majority of subjects at B. Subject specific requirements: A*/A - A B - B 

We may accept your English language grade from the Swedish Fullständigt Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskolan/ Slutbetyg från Komvux / Avgangsbetyg if you achieved Grade C in English (numerical grade 15). Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

Holders of the Federal Maturity Certificate/ Maturitatszeugnis can be considered for entry to year 1 of our undergraduate degrees. Grade equivalences: AAA* = 5.0 overall to include 5.5 in one subject and 5.0 in two further subjects AAA = 4.8 overall to include 5.0 in 3 subjects AAB-ABB = 4.8 overall to include 5.0 in 2 subjects BBB = 4.8 overall to include 5.0 in 1 subject Grade requirement for required subjects: A* = 5.5 A/B = 5.0

We may accept your English language grade from the Swiss Maturitätzeugnis / Certificat de Maturité / Attestato di Maturità (federal maturity certificate or federally-recognised cantonal maturity certificate) if you achieved 5 (gut / bien / bene) in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification. 

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanewiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

We will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Students with 2 year Junior College Diplomas may be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme, where the college is recognised by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan and/or the BTCO and where the student achieves a sufficiently high score overall.

Students with 5 year Junior College Diplomas may be considered for entry to the first and/or second year of an undergraduate degree programme, where the college is recognised by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan and/or the BTCO and where the student achieves a sufficiently high score overall.

Students who hold the East African Advanced Certificate of Education (EAACE), Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (ACSE), Cambridge Higher School Certificate (COHSC) and National Form VI Examination will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C or above in the ACSE is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Tanzanian nationals with a degree from Tanzania or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

We will consider:

• GCE A Level we will usually consider students with 3 good subjects
• International Baccalaureate (IB) we will normally consider students with 32 points overall for entrance to most of our undergraduate programmes, certain courses will require specific grades and subjects at Higher Level
• High School Certificate (M6) and a recognised one year foundation qualification may be considered
• One or two years of university level study at a recognised university in Thailand, with a sufficiently high score overall in their university level study (3.0+/4.0), may be considered for entry to an undergraduate degree programme.

Candidates from Caribbean and West Indies generally require The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

The University will consider students who have grades required are I – II in six CAPE units, including 2 double-unit level courses with a minimum of II in each of these double-unit courses. The requirement for a subject taken to include I for A (A-level equivalent) and II for a B (A-level equivalent) in any required subject.

For any courses that accept general studies, we will consider the Caribbean studies and Communication Studies additional to the 2 double-unit level courses, to make up the six required units.

Candidates offering an Associate degree from a recognised institution may also be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. We would typically require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to include high grades in relevant and required subjects.

For Engineering and Physical Sciences degree programmes that require an A level in Mathematics, we require CAPE Pure Mathematics.  

The University will consider students who have taken A level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.  Students educated in the Philippine system require at least two years post-high school education at a recognised institution before entering a Bachelors degree programme at Birmingham.  Many students who have studied in the Philippines have followed a 12 year education system. For admission onto an undergraduate degree programme, the University of Birmingham requires all applicants to have studied for 13 years, and therefore you may need to take a foundation year before commencing your undergraduate programme.  We will consider students for entry to the Birmingham International Academy who have completed their first year at a recognised institution in the Philippines and obtained good grades in all subject areas. 

The University will consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi and a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our  Foundation Pathways , or GCE A Level examinations, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to our undergraduate programmes.

Students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme Diplomasi from certain schools will be considered for entry to our undergraduate degree programmes.  The scores required in grade 12 on the high school diploma vary according to the A level requirement for that programme:

Alternatively students who have also taken SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and AP (Advanced Placement) tests will be considered for admission to Bachelor degree programmes.  For more details on SAT and AP requirements please refer to the USA country page. 

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Tawjihiyya are not usually eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Pre-sessional programmes

The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) also offers pre-sessional English courses, which you can take to improve your spoken and written English in preparation for academic study. If you have a conditional offer you can attend one of these courses instead of retaking IELTS.

Our pre-sessional programmes

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate, East African Advanced Certificate of Education or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Applicants from the USA can  meet Maths and English (UK-GCSE) requirements with the following. We require Maths and English (or similar e.g. Calculus, Algebra) from any of the following: AP (min grade 4), SAT S/II (min score 650), Honours classes or College-level course (min B+), HSD (pass grade at grade 12 level), ACT composite score (min 28), SAT-R (min score 670), International Baccalaureate English, Standard or Higher Level, First or Second Language (min grade 5). Other English language requirements can be found here .

Applicants studying A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, will be eligible for direct entry if you meet your chosen programme’s entry requirements.

Alternatively, applicants should satisfy the following:

1. A minimum score of 3.2/4.0 GPA on the High School Diploma (HSD) (non-weighted )

2. Three distinct subject tests are required from a combination of either: (These options can be used in various combinations to meet our standard 3 subject A level requirement)

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL) Subject Tests
• Advanced Placement tests (APs)
• Honours classes (Year 11/12-(1 year duration)
• College Level /dual level classes (academic, full year)
• SAT II Subject Tests (prior to being discontinued in Jan 2021)

To offer greater flexibility, one of the following tests can be used to replace one of the three subject test requirements listed above:  (for a specific subject requirement this would not be accepted)

Composite ACT with a score of 28+ to replace one subject test ( not accepted to replace a subject requirement. )

• SAT-R with a score of 1350+ to replace one subject test ( not to replace a subject requirement. )  (SAT superscores are not accepted)

For example:

(For a course that requires: A level AAA (with no specific subject requirements).  This means you could present with an HSD (3.3) + ACT (28), AP History (5) and an Honours Earth/Environmental Science (A).)

( For a course that requires: A levels AAB (A level Mathematics required). This means you could present with an HSD 3.2+, 2 subject test and as A level Mathematics is required AP Calculus BC.)                                                                      

A table of accepted A level grade equivalents can be found below. Use this table to work out the equivalents to the A level entry requirements to your preferred course(s).

• Where a certain A-level subject is required for entry to the course students must present with a suitable subject test, or have studied that subject at Community College, at a USA University or during their Associate’s degree.  (We advise that you look at the  course pages  and select entry requirements to find out if there are specific subject requirements)
• For subjects requiring A-level Mathematics applicants must present with AP Calculus BC or International Baccalaureate HL Mathematics.  (We do not accept AP Calculus AB to fulfil this requirement). Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level requirements and see below for the corresponding scores.
• IB Higher Level (HL) Subject Tests  should be shown on the transcript or through a certificate.
• Advanced Placement tests (APs)  should be the certified test, we will not accept just the classes. 
• Honours classes (Year 11/12-(1 year duration)  these should be shown on a HSD transcript named as 'H' Honours', 'Hons' and to be taken in the USA.
• College Level /dual level classes (academic, full year)  should be shown on a transcript or certificate and named as academic subject (rather than practical or recreational) to be taken in the USA.

As an alternative to the above HSD and 3 tests, we can accept an Associate’s Degree, or one year at a Community College or a USA University to be accepted onto the first year of an  undergraduate degree. 

Entry requirements for Medicine and Surgery MBChB :  SAT1 score of 1380 or ACT score of 29. Three AP subjects at grade 5, including Biology and Chemistry or three SAT subject test scores of 700, 700 and 700, including Biology and Chemistry. We will also accept appropriate combinations of SAT and AP scores (We cannot accept other test for this programme)

• For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website  look for International Applicants.
• Our BNurs -Adult courses detail international entry requirements and useful tips. 

As a reminder you don't need to have completed all of these tests to apply through  UCAS . So our admissions team can fully review your application, please include your already achieved academic qualifications and tests up to your senior year (including all target/predicted results for tests you are yet to complete)   in the Education section of UCAS. 

The Designated Institution Code for College Board: The University of Birmingham is 7390.

We are registered with  ACT , therefore if you wish to provide your qualifications to us you can find our details on their website.

Applicants from the USA may already meet the English language  requirement (UK-GCSE equivalent ) through one of the following English  related tests:  SAT II Subject test (min score 650), AP (min grade 4),  Honours classes or College-level course (min B+), HSD (pass grade at grade 12 level), ACT English composite score (min 28), SAT-R Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (min score 670), International Baccalaureate English, Standard or Higher Level, First or Second Language (min grade 5). Other English language requirements can be found  here .

We will consider students who have taken A level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.  Holders of the Certificate of Secondary Education (Attestat o srednem obrazovanii) at grade 11 and a suitable foundation programme (or 2 years study at a recognised higher education institution) will be considered for entry to our Bachelor degree programmes.  For more information on our foundation programme, please visit the  Foundation Pathways  website.

Candidates from Venezuela generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) a recognised foundation programme or c) successfully completed the first year of the Licenciatura/Título with 70% or equivalent overall.

• GCE A Level in three acceptable subjects, certain courses will require specific grades and subjects.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) with 32 points overall for entrance to most of our undergraduate programmes, certain courses will require specific grades and subjects at Higher Level.
• Students who have completed the first year of a University programme in Vietnam will be considered for direct entry of the undergraduate programme at the University of Birmingham.

Students holding the Cambridge Higher School Certificate (HSC) or ZIMSEC A Levels will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Visit our Applying to Medicine website for a full breakdown of our medicine admissions process, including entry requirements for all applicant categories, how we select for interview as well as a description of our interview process.

Applying to Medicine website

International Baccalaureate

• Higher level: 7,6,6 from Chemistry and Biology and one other approved subject. 
• Standard level: The subjects must include English and Mathematics if not offered at the higher level (Maths Studies is acceptable).
• Minimum of 32 points must be attained

All applicants must:

• Apply through UCAS
• Offer acceptable academic qualifications (see below) 
• Sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in year of application
• Attend for interview if invited

Minimum Age Requirement

As this programme has a mandatory clinical placement, every applicant for admission to the University must have reached the age of 18 years on 1 October of the year of entry.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We accept a range of international qualifications. 

Visit our Applying to Medicine website for a full breakdown of our medicine admissions process, including entry requirements for all applicant categories, how we select for interview as well as a description of our interview process itself.

As a student at Birmingham Medical School, you will learn from passionate researchers, academics and clinicians in world-class settings to support you throughout your studies.

Learning Settings

Your learning will take place in a variety of forms: lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, bedside demonstrations, clinical experience and a small component of problem-based learning (PBL). We adapt our methods to the subject matter, for example, offering role-play and video feedback on patient–doctor communication.

Much of the student selected component uses enquiry-based learning, a form of active, student-led, learning which asks you to find answers to problems through your own research rather than being given information and memorising facts. This learning style is supported by group work which develops your skills in team-work and will provide you with the vital skills required to practice as a doctor in a lifelong learning environment.

A significant part of your learning experience will take place on clinical placements. These are structured to allow you the maximum number of contact hours with patients as this experience is vital to your learning. You will have regular time with your Senior Academy Tutors (clinical tutors) as part of your placement experience where feedback on the development of your clinical skills and knowledge base is given in small groups. This form of learning is in addition to your formal structured teaching sessions.

Our Academic Skills Centre also offers you support with your learning. The centre is a place where you can develop your mathematical, academic writing and general academic skills. We aim to help you to become a more effective and independent learner through the use of a range of high-quality and appropriate learning support services.

Find out more about learning at Birmingham Medical School and see example timetables

You’ll have access to excellent physical facilities and technologies and will also benefit from the considerable learning resources of the Medical School, including our extensive library (electronic and physical) and information technology-based material.

Learn more about our facilities

Teaching Staff

At Birmingham Medical School you'll learn a hands-on approach delivered by our passionate researchers, academics and clinicians. During your placements, you will be taught by senior clinicians and dedicated Clinical Teaching Fellows (junior doctors) to ensure you receive excellent training in each speciality. You’ll also work with Senior Academy Tutors who will be a senior doctor, to ensure that you are fully supported in your learning.

Visit the Birmingham Medical School key staff page

Student Support

Most students need support at some point in their course, and whether you need help with a disability, illness or other personal or family problems, our outstanding student support system means there is always someone there for you. Through our strong community you will feel strong sense of belonging, resulting in personal and professional relationships that can last a lifetime.

We work hard to support you through good times and bad through our Student Service Centre. You’ll have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors, mentoring programmes, welfare tutors and wellbeing officers who can help with both academic and welfare issues. If there are particular areas where you need support, rest assured that we will be here for you.

Discover more about the support available at Birmingham Medical School

Contact Hours

Throughout the first year of your MBChB degree you can expect approximately 10.5 hours of scheduled teaching, 23 hours of independent study and 4 hours of placement per week. 

Throughout the second year of your MBChB degree you can expect approximately 13 hours of scheduled teaching, 21 hours of independent study and 4 hours of placement per week. 

Throughout the third year of your MBChB degree you can expect approximately 4 hours of scheduled teaching, 12 hours of independent study and 20 hours of placement per week. 

Throughout the fourth year of your MBChB degree you can expect approximately 2 hours of scheduled teaching, 12 hours of independent study and 24 hours of placement per week. 

Throughout the fifth year of your MBChB degree you can expect approximately 3 hours of scheduled teaching, 9 hours of independent study and 25 hours of placement per week .

Assessment Methods

Studying at university is likely to be very different from your previous experience of learning and teaching. You will be expected to think, discuss and engage critically with the subject and find things out for yourself. We’ll support you to make this transition to a new style of learning. The way that you are assessed during your studies will help you to develop the essential skills you need to make a success of your time at Birmingham Medical School.

Throughout the programme there will be opportunities to meet with your personal tutor to see how you are getting on and if there are particular areas where you need support.

As a Medicine student you will be assessed in a variety of ways, and these may be different with each module that you take. These assessment methods may include:

• Single Best Answer Multiple Choice Questions (SBA MCQ)
• Short Answer Questions (SAQ)
• Written Examinations
• Oral Examinations
• Clinical Competency Examinations
• Appraisal of Professional Behaviour and Attitudes
• Presentations
• Conference Poster presentations
• Teaching session and report

At the beginning of each module, you’ll be given information on how and when you’ll be assessed for that particular area of study. You will receive feedback on each assessment within four weeks, so that you can learn from and build on what you have done. You’ll also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is made available to enable you to learn for the future.

"The Journey of an Exam Paper"

Our Programme Director is regularly asked by students to describe what goes into the process of exams and exam papers, so we decided to produce a film that was transparent about the process. 

As a Birmingham Medical School graduate, you will thrive in the workplace as you to apply your knowledge and skills to ensure that patients are cared for safely, effectively and with compassion.

Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, Birmingham Medical School and our outstanding Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

After graduating from Birmingham Medical School and completing two foundation years, you’ll be in a position to apply for posts in your chosen speciality. For most of our graduates, these are hospital and primary care posts in the NHS, however there are also opportunities in laboratory-based disciplines, research and commercial fields such as the pharmaceutical industry, politics and medical journalism and the media.

At the end of your undergraduate course you will receive your MBChB degree, which is a primary medical qualification (PMQ). Holding a PMQ entitles you to provisional registration with the General Medical Council, subject to its acceptance that there are no Fitness to Practise concerns that need consideration. Find out more about the General Medical Council registration and licensing .

The GMC has introduced a Medical Licensing Assessment – the MLA – for all students graduating from 2024 onwards to demonstrate that those who obtain registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK meet a common threshold for safe practice. Applicants should be aware that to obtain registration with a licence to practise, medical students will need to pass both parts of the MLA and demonstrate their fitness to practise.

For summary information about the design of the MLA, please see the joint statement by the Medical Schools Council and the GMC .

For further information on the Medical Licensing Assessment please visit the GMC website .

Please also see guidance from the Medical Schools Council: After medical school .

An advantage you will have as a Birmingham student is access to our unique careers guidance service where we help you to develop your career from the moment you arrive. Working closely with academics, alumni, Royal Colleges and the NHS, Careers Network focus on providing you with advice and guidance on the recruitment process for both the Foundation and Academic Foundation Programmes, including support with applications and interview preparation. Find out more about  Careers Network .

In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

To see what some of our students have gone on to do after completing their degree, visit our alumni profile page . 

Professional Accreditation

Our graduates are entitled to provisional registration with the General Medical Council, with a licence to practise, subject to demonstrating to the GMC that their fitness to practise is not impaired.

• Check your eligibility
• Student life

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Popeyes® UK announces arrival of flagship Birmingham restaurant

Popeyes® UK has announced that it is set to open a new flagship restaurant in Birmingham this summer.

Bringing its world-famous shatter crunch chicken to the heart of the city centre, the opening follows the successful launch of its local delivery kitchen earlier this year. This forms part of the brand’s wider plan to open an impressive 30 locations in 2024.

The new restaurant will give even more people in Birmingham the chance to discover Popeyes’® mouth-watering menu, which includes the iconic Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich and original Southern biscuits and gravy, alongside its recently-launched ‘Brekkie’ menu that boasts British Breakfast classics with a New Orleans twist, such as the newly launched Brekkie Wraps, the Big Cajun breakfast roll and Cajun hash browns.

Popeyes® is set to showcase its Southern hospitality and bring the spirit of New Orleans to the city with a host of activities to celebrate the new opening, with exclusive giveaways and much more, all set to be revealed soon.

The launch follows Popeyes® delivery kitchen which opened in the city centre in February this year, giving chicken fans across the region the chance to discover the delicious menu on offer via UberEats, Just Eat, Deliveroo and the Popeyes® website.

Tom Crowley , CEO at Popeyes® UK, said: “Following the success of our Birmingham delivery kitchen earlier this year, we’re thrilled to announce that we will open the doors to our first West Midlands restaurant, in the heart of the city centre this summer.

“The New Street restaurant has been a target location for us since we landed in the UK and this opening forms part of a bigger plan for Popeyes® in the West Midlands. We’re looking forward to announcing further locations in the region very soon.”

With upcoming plans to expand Popeyes® throughout the region set to be announced soon, fans can sign-up via Popeyes® UK website at popeyesuk.com/restaurants/birmingham-new-st , or follow the brand on Instagram and Tik Tok on @PopeyesUK to find out more about the Birmingham city centre opening, plus news on future West Midlands sites.

Millie Poat

Content Executive at Visit Birmingham and West Midlands Growth Company

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Internal Auditor Professional - Certified Internal Auditor Pathway - PgDip

Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry .

The Internal Auditor Professional – Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Pathway has been developed to provide learners with support when undertaking the CIA qualifications who perhaps do not wish to complete a full 3-year MSc programme or who are unable to access the English Apprenticeship levy through the Internal Audit Professional Apprenticeship (IAPA) programme....

• Level Postgraduate Taught
• Study mode Part Time/Distance Learning
• Location City Centre
• Award PgDip
• Start date September 2024
• School Birmingham City Business School
• Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences

This course is:

Open to International Students

The Internal Auditor Professional – Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Pathway has been developed to provide learners with support when undertaking the CIA qualifications who perhaps do not wish to complete a full 3-year MSc programme or who are unable to access the English Apprenticeship levy through the Internal Audit Professional Apprenticeship (IAPA) programme.

The course’s over-riding philosophy is to equip those working within the internal audit profession with the conceptual understanding, knowledge and skills to contribute positively to the organisations that they work for.

The course is divided into 6 modules which are aligned to the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) syllabus and for those who wish to continue subsequently to then attain Chartered status, there is the option to “top up” this qualification to attain the Chartered Internal Auditor (CMIIA) designation.

The course has been carefully mapped against the syllabi of the CIA and as part of this course learners will be supported in sitting the external exams required in order to obtain the CIA designation. In addition, their first year’s CPD for ethics which is a requirement of the awarding body, will be completed as part of the programme when learners have successfully completed the Ethics for Internal Auditors module.

What's covered in this course?

The course is divided into six modules which are aligned to the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) syllabus.

For those who wish to continue on to Chartered status, there is the option to “top up” this qualification to attain the Chartered Internal Auditor (CMIIA) designation.

The course has been carefully mapped against the syllabi of the CIA and as part of the course, you will be supported to sit the external exams required in order to obtain the CIA designation.

In addition, successful completion of the Ethics for Internal Auditors module provides the CPD for ethics which is a requirement of the awarding body.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

Why Choose Us?

• Our Governance and Assurance Hub is the UK’s first university department to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence by The Institute of Internal Auditors.
• We are an established team with over 20 years’ experience of delivering courses accredited by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Internal Auditing Education Partnerships (IAEP).
• We get to know our students as individuals and support their specific needs, or signpost them to other areas of the University that can provide additional, complementary support.

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students and explore our campus.

Next Event: 29 June 2024

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements, essential requirements, additional information for eu/international students.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us .

Fees & How to Apply

• International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students .

Award: PgDip

Starting: Sep 2024

• Apply Online

Distance Learning

International students.

Personal statement

You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.

Not sure what to include? We’re here to help – take a look at our top tips for writing personal statements and download our free postgraduate personal statement guide for further advice and examples from real students.

Course in Depth

In order to complete this course, the learner must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Foundations of Internal Auditing 20 credits

This module considers the purpose of internal audit and how it fits alongside other governance activities of an organisation. It explores the principles which sit behind the activity as well as how to ensure that a high quality function is delivered. It also looks at internal audit’s role in evaluating the anti-fraud framework in the organisation. This module provides the foundation from which the rest of the modules then build.

Organisations and Internal Audit Planning 20 credits

This module provides an introduction to organisations, in particular their structures, leadership, strategic planning, governance, risk and control. It then moves onto internal audit strategic planning explaining how this is developed using risk based techniques within the organisational context.

Internal Audit Engagements 20 credits

This module is designed to guide the student through the performance of a risk based internal audit engagement which complies with the definition of internal auditing and the standards defined in the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) which were introduced in Essentials of Internal Auditing.

Finance for Internal Auditors 20 credits

The module will expose students to different financial processes within an organisation that they may be required to audit, helping them to understand best practice, risks and controls.

IT & IS for Internal Auditors 20 credits

The module will expose students to information technology (IT) and information security (IS) practices found in an organisation that they may be required to audit, helping them to understand best practice, risks and controls for the related processes. It also looks at the IT tools and techniques available to internal auditors in performing an audit, such as data analytics

Ethics for Internal Auditors 20 credits

This module explores the impact that businesses have on the wider world and how the role of internal audit contributes to effective control environments that support corporate objectives and the perceived contribution to the wider societal impact. By the end of this module, you will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of corporate governance, culture and sustainability, and develop communication techniques which support the wider delivery of internal audit to provide continual improvement opportunities for organisations and their impact on their stakeholders and environments.

Download course specification

This course uses a blended delivery pattern with a mix of on-campus and online learning delivered by our high-quality expert tutor team.

The learning and teaching methods are designed to encourage and support independent learning.

Learners are provided with a guided pathway through the learning resources on our Virtual Learning Environment ‘Moodle’. These resources include (but are not limited to):

• Presentations
• Quizzes, with feedback
• External professional published articles, journals, standards
• Practical exercises to apply knowledge

Wherever possible, real life case studies will be used to illustrate learning. You will be actively encouraged to share your working experiences in the direct teaching sessions. This enriches the learning experience and enables you to understand how the university teaching sits alongside your day to day role.

This course is also offered as a distance learning option, enabling you to study at a time that suits you. You don’t have to attend any face-to-face sessions, and delivery of course materials is done through our e-learning platform, Moodle.

Each module with an exam has a revision day which, although not mandatory, you should highly consider attending. If you can’t make it, supporting materials are made available via Moodle.

If you’re an international student, you can sit your examinations at your British council offices for a fee payable locally of around £100 per examination.

Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

Internal Auditing Educating Partners – Centre of Excellence

Employability

International.

Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!

Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.

We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.

Our  international pages  contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

• Details of the entry requirements for our courses
• Some of the good reasons why you should study here
• How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
• Information relevant to applicants from your country
• Where to find financial support for your studies.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £400 million on new learning facilities.

The Curzon Building

This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law and Business students.

The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.

The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.

The Curzon Building also features:

Michelle Dyke

Senior Lecturer in Audit & Assurance

Michelle has over 25 years’ experience in accounting, beginning her career in 1993 with Tarmac in Wolverhampton, before moving into practice firstly with Clement Keys Chartered Accountants and then BDO Stoy Hayward in the audit department.

Julianne McGarry

Senior Lecturer

Julianne McGarry is an Internal Controls, Risk and Internal Audit professional with over 30 years’ experience across the Public and Global Private sectors encompassing FMG, OEM, Financial Services and Logistics.

UK prospective students

• Contact the enquiries team
• T: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Non-UK prospective students

• E: International enquiry form
• T: +44 (0)121 331 5389

Already applied?

• E: Contact the admissions team
• Accommodation

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