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Part-time study: frequently asked questions

We are still accepting applications for all part-time, evening undergraduate degrees starting in October 2011. We are seeing a big increase in applications for 2011, so if you’re serious about getting into university this year, you should apply now.

You don’t need to apply through UCAS, as students apply direct to Birkbeck.

What do I do next?

  1. Find a course
  2. Find out about generous, non-repayable financial support packages and bursaries
  3. See how you can apply direct to Birkbeck
  4. Visit us or come to an Open Evening
  5. Call 020 7631 6316

Frequently asked questions

Why should I choose to study part-time?

  • Our four-year, part-time University of London degrees are a great alternative to full-time undergraduate study. At Birkbeck, students work during the day, study with us in the evening, pay their fees up front in instalments and graduate debt-free with a prestigious qualification.
  • What's more, our part-time undergraduate fees of £2,478-£3,090 per year are more affordable than full-time University of London undergraduate fees of £3,375 per year.
  • You can start your studies in 2011 and avoid the much higher fees in 2012. What’s more, this is the last year that part-time undergraduate students can take advantage of non-repayable financial support packages, including government fee and course grants. Additionally, there is non-repayable financial support available for those part-time students who are eligible.

What part-time, evening undergraduate courses are available?

How long does a part-time, evening degree at Birkbeck take to complete?

  • Our part-time, evening undergraduate degrees are designed to be completed in just four years.
  • You can expect to attend classes two to three evenings a week, between October and June.
  • Find the right course for you.

What grades do I need to get in?

  • If you are under 21 years of age, you will need to meet the normal university entry requirements with formal qualifications, in addition to our entrance tests and interviews.
  • This means you must have a recognised school-leaving or professional qualification or equivalent. For example:
    • Two subjects at A-level
    • One subject at A-level plus two at AS-level
    • Four subjects at AS-level
    • Scottish Highers: five passes (one B and four Cs, or better)
    • Irish Leaving Certificate (Honours or Higher level): five subjects (one B and four Cs, or better)
    • American College Board Advanced Placement examinations: two subjects at grade 4 or 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma
    • BTECH Higher Award
    • BTEC Business Award, including two Bs and a C in the final examination
    • BTECH Technician Award, including three full units in acceptable subjects at Level III (two with Merit)
    • The International Baccalaureate
    • The European Baccalaureate.
  • Details of entry requirements can be found with the individual programme entries on our online undergraduate course listings.
  • If you are 21 years of age or over, we can waive the requirement for formal qualifications, and make our own assessment of your skills and knowledge, and decide whether these are sufficient to enable you to succeed in your chosen degree programme.

How do I apply for a part-time, evening degree starting October 2011?

  • You apply direct to Birkbeck to study part-time, and not via UCAS.
  • If you would like to apply for a part-time degree you will need to complete and submit the online application form. Find out how to apply.
  • Or, you can visit the Birkbeck campus in central London and speak to a member of the My Birkbeck Student Centre team (find out how to get here). Staff will be able to provide general advice on courses and how to apply.

What happens once I have submitted my application to Birkbeck?

  • Once your application has been received by Registry, it will normally be processed as follows:
    • Registry check that the application is complete and forward it on to the relevant department for consideration
    • The department may contact you for further information, ask you to do an entrance test and / or invite you for interview before making a decision
    • If you are successful, you will be sent a provisional offer letter from the academic department responsible for the course, which will be followed by a formal letter of admission from Registry
  • If you would like to accept the offer, you will need to contact Birkbeck and enrol onto the course. You will also need to make arrangements to pay your fees.
  • Please note this process takes about four weeks; however, this can vary.

What financial support packages and bursaries do you offer?

What are Birkbeck's fees, and do part-time students pay up front?

  • Birkbeck’s 2011/2012 part-time home/EU student fees are £2,478-£3,090 per year. This is much more affordable than the fee of £3,375 per year for a full-time University of London degree.
  • For part-time study your tuition fees are payable on enrolment.
  • Because we understand that it can be difficult pay all your fees upfront, we provide flexible payment options to make it easier for you to manage your finances at no extra cost. You have the option of paying in instalments either monthly by direct debit or termly by credit/debit card.
  • Worried about the costs of studying? Find out more about non-repayable finance packages for undergraduate students starting in 2011.

How can I graduate debt-free with a University of London degree?

  • By studying part-time, in the evenings, you can do what many of our students already do; work during the day and pay your fees when you get paid each month.
  • That way when you graduate with your prestigious University of London degree, you will have no debts to pay off. What’s more, employers will be impressed; you'll not only have a great qualification, but will have acquired workplace and time management skills to enhance your CV.

Studying part-time doesn't mean missing out on the student experience

  • Birkbeck is situated at the heart of the University of London's central London campus - we are surrounded by other colleges, such as UCL and SOAS.
  • In addition, the University of London Union (ULU) - a well-known music venue - is right next door to Birkbeck, and you could have access to all of ULU's excellent sports and social facilities, including the largest indoor pool in central London.
  • All this makes for a lively student atmosphere on a city-centre university campus.

Is there accommodation available for students at Birkbeck?

  • As most of our students live at home and come to study with us in the evenings Birkbeck does not offer any student accommodation.
  • However, once you have completed your enrolment onto a course at Birkbeck, you will be entitled to seek advice from the University of London Housing Services regarding properties to rent.

Will I be able to transfer from a part-time degree onto a full-time degree?

If you don't think that I am ready for a degree, are there any alternative courses that I could do at Birkbeck?

  • Birkbeck provides a range of alternative routes into higher education, including a range of Certificates of Higher Education that are designed to help you progress onto full BA/BSc/LLB undergraduate degrees.

How can I get more advice? Can I visit Birkbeck?

  • Open Evenings: Unable to get a full-time place through UCAS? Come along to our next Open Evening to find out more about the benefits of studying for a University of London degree part-time in the evening at Birkbeck. We will explain the key differences between part-time and full-time study, and why a growing number of students are choosing to earn while they learn and graduate without debt.
  • Student Centre Helpdesk: you can always visit the Birkbeck campus in central London and speak to a member of the My Birkbeck Centre team. Staff will be able to provide general advice on courses and how to apply.
  • Can't make it in to Birkbeck? Our Outreach Team may be in your area - check out our events for prospective students.