October
Admissions and application requirements
At Birmingham, we encourage bold, independent thinking and offer a high-quality academic experience to stretch and challenge you. In our online programmes you will be an active part of a diverse university community as you pursue your own interests and develop the career path that’s right for you.
Our online programmes are open to applicants from around the world. No application fees or standardised test scores are required.
See below for more information on the application process and entry requirements.
Start dates
Our online programmes offer three start dates a year.
March
June
Application deadlines
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive an admissions decision and begin planning your future.
| Programme start date | Early priority deadline | Priority deadline | Final deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
3 March 2025 | 18 December 2024 | 15 January 2025 | 12 February 2025 |
30 June 2025 | 16 April 2025 | 14 May 2025 | 11 June 2025 |
27 October 2025 | 13 August 2025 | 10 September 2025 | 8 October 2025 |
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission into our online programmes, you must have a UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
See below for the specific entry requirements you will need to meet for your programme of interest.
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To be eligible for admission into the online MA Digital Media & Global Communication, you must hold a minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent international qualification in a related subject such as journalism, digital media, or communications.
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The MSc Strategic Marketing Practice is aimed at students based both in the UK and around the world. To meet the entry requirements, applicants must have (or, if still completing their undergraduate studies, expect to achieve) a minimum of an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) UK undergraduate degree, a postgraduate diploma from a UK university, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
Application requirements
The University of Birmingham reviews applications holistically. You will need to submit the following materials to be considered for admission:
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Complete the online application. There is no application fee.
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You will need to submit copies of signed/stamped qualifications (academic transcripts or degree certificates) to show how you meet, or expect to meet, the entry requirements. You may upload scanned copies for the purposes of application review, but official transcripts may be required at the admissions committee’s discretion.
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Choose someone who has knowledge of your professional or academic (if you are a recent graduate) ability. Please note that the contact email address of the referee must be an official email address and not a personal one.
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Submit an essay of approximately 500 words that explains why you are interested in applying for this programme.
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Students at the University of Birmingham are from more than 150 countries. As such, we welcome postgraduate applications from candidates with a range of overseas qualifications. Search the entry requirements for your country to find the grade and qualifications we will consider.
If you’re currently studying at a Chinese university, please view our specific entry requirements including our list of acceptable universities for further study at Birmingham.
English language requirements and score band
If you are offered a place to study and you do not meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol in the English for Academic Purposes pre-sessional course that can be completed in person or online. Successful completion of the course fulfils the language requirement.
We accept IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band as equivalent to the following tests, which are also accepted:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in reading, 20 listening, 22 speaking, and 21 in writing;
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills;
- Cambridge English (exams taken since 2015): Advanced with a minimum overall score of 176, and with no less than 169 in any component.
Other tests or conditions may be accepted – please speak to an admissions advisor if you are unsure of your eligibility.
Ready to move forward?
Request information to learn more about online programmes from the University of Birmingham — or start your application today.