Our ambition

Our ambition is to be recognised among the world’s top 50 universities. 

This is not simply about rankings, it reflects our commitment to excellence, global leadership and meaningful impact. The ambition is bold; it is grounded in the strength of our community, the depth of our expertise, and our firm focus on shaping a better future through education and research.

Our ambitious Birmingham 2030 Strategic Framework was developed in 2021. Since then, we have made strong progress. Our global reputation continues to rise. These achievements demonstrate the strength and character of our University; as a university community we have risen to the challenge we have set ourselves and are united in a shared purpose.

At the mid-way point in our 2030 strategy, we remain committed to the unifying vision to establish the University of Birmingham amongst the best in the world. Whilst the world has changed significantly since our strategy was launched, our commitment to the type of university we want to be remains constant.

In refreshing our Strategic Framework, we have reflected on our progress to date and the evolving environment in which we operate. Our enduring purpose, ambition and strategic pillars are unchanged, however the way in which we think and talk about ourselves has evolved. We are confident in our successes, realistic about where further and faster improvement is needed, and pragmatic that difficult choices will need to be made.

Great universities draw on their strengths to chart their own course: we remain confident in the course set out in this Framework.

Adam Tickell - Vice-chancellor of the University of Birmingham