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Intercollegiate study

Birkbeck is part of the prestigious University of London, which is a federal university with 17 independent member institutions. Undergraduate and postgraduate students at any member institution of the University of London, including Birkbeck, can apply to study a module at another member institution - this is known as intercollegiate study. 

How to apply 

Birkbeck students: you should apply to the relevant programme director, who must provide written approval before you commence intercollegiate study. The programme administrator will then submit an intercollegiate form to the Exams team.

Students at other member institutions of the University of London: if you wish to study a module at Birkbeck, please complete the intercollegiate student application form. 

Please note: the offer of an intercollegiate study place is not guaranteed

  • Credits

    • Undergraduate students: you can usually count a maximum of 60 credits of intercollegiate study towards a Birkbeck award, with a maximum of 30 credits at each level. 
    • Postgraduate students: you can usually count a maximum of 30 credits of intercollegiate study towards a Birkbeck award. 
    • Any marks and credit you put towards a Birkbeck award are subject to approval by the Sub-Board of Examiners for your award. 

  • Policies and procedures for Birkbeck students

    • Intercollegiate students from Birkbeck who are studying at another University of London institution are subject to the academic policies and procedures at that institution for:
      • marking and moderation 
      • appeals 
      • mitigating circumstances 
      • external examining
      • complaints about the module. 
    • In the following circumstances, Birkbeck may apply its own policies and procedures:
      • assessment offences 
      • student discipline. 

  • Policies and procedures for students from other institutions

    • Birkbeck will report your level of study and any marks and credit obtained to your home institution. 
    • All aspects of marking and awarding are subject to Birkbeck’s academic policies, including:
      • marking and moderation 
      • appeals 
      • mitigating circumstances 
      • external examining. 
    • Birkbeck will also consider the following under its own policies and procedures:
      • assessment offences 
      • student discipline 
      • complaints. 

  • International students

    • Birkbeck students who are sponsored on a Student visa must inform the International Student Administration team when selecting an intercollegiate module. If approved, attendance at the receiving member institution will be monitored.
    • International students at other University of London member institutions who are sponsored on a  Student visa should seek advice from their visa compliance team before requesting to study a module at Birkbeck.

  • Fees

    • Students are not usually charged extra fees for intercollegiate study. 
    • Birkbeck students undertaking intercollegiate study will not be charged extra fees by Birkbeck.