An image of a student sitting at a computer in the library

Learning, studying and research

Study your way

Whether you’re studying for the first time or you’re an experienced postgraduate, you’ll find all the support you need to make the most of your time at Birmingham. There are so many ways to learn and research at the University, with lots of study spaces to choose from.

School and college inductions

Before your semester begins, we’ll introduce you to your School or College at the University, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. For taught courses, your induction is a good way to find your way around and learn all the ways we can help you with your studies.

Learning at Birmingham

If you’re worried about any area of your learning, then we’re here to put your mind at ease. Whether you’re still adjusting to group learning following Covid or wondering if your academic skills and subject knowledge are enough, you’re probably just like everyone else.

We’re here to support you with all your learning needs, making the journey as smooth and stress free as possible. We know by Semester 2, you’ll feel a lot more confident. In the meantime, we’ve a full range of services to help, from the day you start, to the day you graduate.

How will I learn?

From lectures, to seminars to personal tutoring, there are lots of ways to study and learn. You’ll also find all kinds of support on hand, including help preparing for your exams.

Canvas is the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) used at the University of Birmingham. It's similar to other VLEs that you may have used in other institutions such as Moodle or Blackboard. There is training available to show you how to use it.

You can find everything you need to know by clicking the link below, including helpful video guides on what lectures and seminars involve.

Visit our Academic Skills Centre

Want some extra support? Our Academic Skills Centre provides drop-in support sessions and workshops for our undergraduate and postgraduate taught students to improve your academic skills and writing. You’ll find it in the Main Library, or you can email the centre at: asc@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Get research support

Want to know where to get advice or support as a postgraduate researcher? You can find plenty of support available to you from the University. Help is at hand from our University Graduate School, your research supervisor, or through other university support services.

Find your perfect study space

There are so many study spaces at the University, all with their own facilities and vibe. You can study pretty much anywhere on campus. Just look out for the blue Study Spaces logo, take a seat and dive straight in.

Study in the library

Outside of lectures, seminars, tutorials and labs, libraries are the most obvious places to study on campus. The Main Library is the largest, but you’ll find a huge number of books and resources across all our libraries. Not to mention a quiet place to work.

If you’d like some extra help with your study skills, you can access it at the library too. Undergraduates or postgraduates, everyone can take advantage.

Connect to Wi-Fi

If you’d rather study somewhere more informal, you can connect to free Wi-Fi all over campus. There are some great casual spaces to study, either indoors or out in the fresh air. Connecting to Wi-Fi will also help you access any services and resources you need, while you’re moving around campus.