The University of Birmingham grew out of the radical vision of its first Chancellor, Joseph Chamberlain. He founded the University to create a new model for higher education and to produce the minds that would shape the modern industrial world.

Today, the University continues to nurture a spirit of enquiry, discovery and action. We remain committed to our vision of a University which:

• Enables and inspires individuals to develop their potential so that they grow intellectually throughout life, are well equipped for work and can make an impact on society and its wellbeing
• Increases knowledge and understanding for their own sake and fosters their application for the benefit of society
• Promotes the wellbeing of individuals and helps shape a democratic, civilised and inclusive society
• Serves the needs of the economy locally, regionally, nationally and globally

University goals

The University’s key goals over the next five years are to:

• Be internationally recognised as among the world’s best universities, building on its current excellence in research and learning across a wide range of disciplines
• Recruit high-quality students and provide an experience which inspires, challenges and prepares them to become citizens and leaders who question the present and enrich the future
• Recruit and develop staff capable of keeping the University at the forefront in all it does
• Foster an organisational culture which promotes enterprise and is characterised by creative thinking, innovation and discovery, in which the University’s academic breadth and strengths are used to the full
• Make an impact through its research, its commercial activities and its leadership
• Develop partnerships with other higher education institutions, and public and private organisations, which will enhance the contribution it makes
• Commit itself to the economic, cultural and social life of the city of Birmingham and its region, ensuring that both benefit from the University’s international reach and standing
• Cherish its unique estate, striking a balance between heritage and the best of modern facilities to deliver the University’s purposes
• Underpinning all of this will be a sound, sustainable financial and investment strategy.

Contact us

Postal Address:

The University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
United Kingdom