Birkbeck is a world-class research and teaching institution and London's only specialist provider of evening higher education.

Our story goes back to 1823, when George Birkbeck started a revolution in London's education system by establishing a college specifically for working people. This meant that, for the first time, ordinary working people could access a university education. Some considered this very controversial and accused Dr Birkbeck of "scattering the seeds of evil".

In 1920, Birkbeck officially became part of the University of London on condition that it should continue to provide evening teaching. This remains our central mission, as is our commitment to being intellectually adventurous and socially radical.