University of Birmingham named Sport University of the Year 2027

The University of Birmingham has been named The Times and Sunday Times Sport University of the Year 2027, in recognition of its contribution to sport, athlete development, research, education and community work.

The university also rose four places to 12th overall in The Times and Sunday Times rankings, and was named University of the Year in the Midlands 2027 and runner-up for University of the Year 2027.

Eighty years of leadership in sport

This year marks 80 years since Birmingham became the first UK university to offer undergraduate teaching in physical education. Since then it has educated teachers, coaches and researchers who have shaped sport across the UK and around the world.

Sport at Birmingham is currently ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, backed by modern facilities on the Edgbaston campus and a large student sporting community.

Partnerships with the city's clubs

The award also reflects the university's partnerships across sport, including with the PGA, Birmingham City Football Club and Warwickshire County Cricket Club at Edgbaston. The university says these collaborations help advance athlete performance, sports science and health, while giving students and researchers the chance to work alongside elite organisations.

Its alumni include Olympic medallist Georgia Hunter Bell, England international swimmer Ollie Morgan and former world championship medallist and Olympian Hannah England.

"Being named The Times and Sunday Times Sport University of the Year recognises the collective effort of an entire community," said Professor Deborah Longworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education.

She said students and staff, whether competing at the highest level, taking part in grassroots sport, carrying out research or supporting major events, "embody what makes the University of Birmingham such a special place for sport".