The merging of Mason Science College and the Birmingham Medical School in 1900 resulted in the formation of The University of Birmingham. The Mason University College Act of 1897 led to the merging of Mason Science College and Medical school.

The University's department of chemistry, botany and physiology were transferred from Mason Science College. It was later followed by physics and comparative anatomy.

The Calthorpe family donated 10 hectares of land on the Bournbrook side for the construction of the University. Currently the main campus area of the University is Edgbaston which is adorned by a 100m High Chamberlain clock tower, named after Joseph Chamberlain, the University's first Chancellor. The University has been rated as five–star for its teaching and research.