Education

Our Birmingham 2030 education goals are to:

Deliver a high quality, transformative education which enables student success.
Develop confident, capable graduates able to thrive in our evolving world.
Create an inspiring learning community which attracts and supports diverse learners.
Empower a culture of excellence in teaching practice and education leadership.

To deliver these goals, our key priorities are:

Delivering a distinctive and transformational approach to education and assessment

We will deliver a high-quality, research-rich education that challenges, inspires, and transforms. Our students will engage with cutting-edge discoveries, interdisciplinary thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Through inclusive and intellectually rigorous teaching, we will cultivate curiosity, analytical reasoning, creative agility, and a collaborative mindset — preparing graduates to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world. We will provide all students opportunity to develop future-focused skills — including responsible AI, sustainability, data science, leadership, and digital fluency. Our academic calendar will create space for professional development, volunteering, and enrichment.

Evolving our education portfolio to meet the needs of future learners

We will design and deliver programmes that are globally relevant, academically distinctive, and embed professional opportunities and future skills — ensuring our education offer remains attractive to future students. In partnership with employers and alumni, we will expand interprofessional learning, internships, placements, and enterprise opportunities.

Improving academic achievement, career readiness, and wellbeing for our student community

We will foster an inclusive, supportive, and globally connected learning environment. From widening access to tailored support through each stage of study and into employment, we will empower all students — regardless of background — to reach their full potential. In partnership with our Guild of Students, we will prioritise academic support, wellbeing, and personal development, ensuring every learner experiences meaningful educational growth and is equipped to contribute confidently to our global community.

Supporting professional development to drive excellence in educational leadership

We will embed a culture that values and rewards outstanding teaching and educational leadership. Through integrated, career-long professional development, we will equip staff to innovate in digital education, inclusive pedagogy, curriculum design, and personalised student support. Clear pathways for leadership in education will help build a thriving academic community committed to continuous improvement and meaningful educational growth.

Embracing digital learning technologies and efficient teaching practices

Embracing digital learning technologies and efficient teaching practices to enhance our teaching and learning experience. We will enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of our teaching by leveraging innovative delivery models, digitally enhanced learning, and adaptive course design. By modernising our curriculum, learning spaces, technologies and systems we will create a future-ready learning environment that maintains academic excellence and supports operational efficiency.

As a research-intensive, global university, we offer a learning environment that cultivates independent thinking, resilience, and collaboration. Our students engage with world-leading researchers and cutting-edge ideas, becoming subject experts with the curiosity and agility to explore interdisciplinary possibilities.

A world-class university delivers a world-class educational experience. This means providing a foundation for lifelong learning, personal growth, and professional success. Through initiatives like Education 125, we are reimagining undergraduate education to reflect the world our students will shape — emphasising global citizenship, sustainability, and real-world problem solving. Alongside academic excellence, our students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society as leaders, innovators, and global citizens.

Our vibrant and supportive learning community nurtures the whole person — intellectually, socially, and professionally. A strong focus on foundational and future-focused skills, including digital fluency and sustainability awareness, prepares students to navigate an evolving world with confidence. Through UoB Extra and a rich co- and extra-curricular programme — spanning enterprise, sport, arts, volunteering, and community engagement — our students build creativity, leadership, and professional competencies, while strengthening their sense of purpose and belonging.

An education with the University of Birmingham provides meaningful educational and personal growth. Our graduates leave not only with deep disciplinary expertise, but with the ethical grounding, adaptability, and ambition to make a positive impact in their lives, careers, and communities.