The University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham

United Kingdom

Students Satisfaction

82.11%

Graduate Employability

94.6%

Int. Student Percentage

48.4%

Int. Fee Range

£17,160 to £36,200/pa

Overview

The University of Buckingham, England, UK is a unique, private, and non-profit university situated in Hunter St, Buckingham. It is known for its innovative two-year degree programmes and focus on liberal arts education.

The university is also popular for its fewer (approx 35,000) students with over 180 different nationalities.

Extended Overview

The University of Buckingham is the leading and only independent university in the United Kingdom, offering a unique educational experience.

It is renowned for its distinctive two-year (02) degree programmes, which allow students to graduate more quickly and enter the workforce sooner.

The university provides a liberal arts foundation with a priority on developing students' skills for critical thinking and problem-solving.

The university cultivates a close-knit community with a strong focus on personal learning through small class sizes and faculty mentorship.

Along with academics, the University of Buckingham also offers a vibrant student experience with various extracurricular activities, an active student union, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Mission Statement

The motto of the University of Buckingham is in Latin "Alis Volans Propriis" and in English is "Flying on Our Own Wings." Its mission is to offer a quality education that promotes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth.

The university provides graduates with global skills and conducts significant research to tackle contemporary challenges.

History

The University of Buckingham boasts a unique history within the British higher education landscape. The first establishment was in 1973 as "University College at Buckingham" and marked a significant departure from the traditional state-funded university model.

It was the first new university to be founded in the UK in over 600 years. It continues to evolve and adapt while upholding its founding principles of academic excellence, innovation, and a commitment to providing a distinctive and rewarding educational experience for its students.

The University campus is renowned for its picturesque setting. The Great Ouse River, teeming with wildlife, gracefully meanders through the heart of the campus, adding to its natural beauty.

Many of the university's academic buildings boast rich histories. The Franciscan Building, a former friary, and the Chandos Road Building, once a turn-of-the-century milk factory, have been meticulously restored and now serve as vibrant hubs for teaching and learning.

Key Milestones:

  1. 1973: Founded as the University College at Buckingham, making it the first new university to be established in the UK in over 600 years.
  2. 1983: Granted university status by Royal Charter, becoming the first private university in the UK since the University Grants Committee was established in 1946.
  3. Pioneering two-year degrees: The University of Buckingham pioneered the two-year degree system in the United Kingdom.

Students also have access to the Hunter Street Library, housed in a former military barracks, offering a unique and inspiring study environment. This blend of historical architecture and modern facilities creates a distinctive and captivating campus environment.

Accreditation

The University of Buckingham, England, Uk is a well-reputed institution with a strong focus on quality education and research. The university is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the UK's independent quality body.

  1. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
  2. BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
  3. British Psychological Society (BPS)
  4. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
  5. CPA Australia
  6. General Medical Council (GMC)
  7. Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Campus Facilities

The University of Buckingham offers a range of modern and well-maintained facilities to support student learning and life. Key campus facilities include:  

Academic buildings:

  1. Classrooms and lecture theatres: The UB provided with modern technology, including interactive whiteboards and audio-visual equipment.  
  2. Laboratories: The university offers state-of-the-art laboratories for scientific research and practical work, particularly in fields like medicine and computing.
  3. Libraries: The Hunter Street Library provides a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and online resources, along with study spaces and computer facilities.

Student facilities:

  1. Student union: The heart of student life, offering social spaces, bars, and a range of clubs and societies.
  2. Accommodation: The UB has a variety of on-campus and off-campus accommodation options, including modern residences with comfortable rooms and communal areas.  
  3. Sports facilities: Access to sports facilities, including a gym, sports fields, and opportunities for various sports activities.  
  4. Dining options: On-campus dining options, including cafes and restaurants, cater to diverse dietary needs.  

Other facilities:

  1. Student support services: The University offers many students support services, including counseling, career guidance, and academic support services.  
  2. IT Services: The UB has high-speed internet access and computer labs available throughout the campus.  

Courses

Foundation

  1. Accounting and Finance  
  2. Business Economics  
  3. Business Management  
  4. Business Management with Entrepreneurship  
  5. Computing  
  6. Computing with Accounting and Finance  
  7. Computing with Business Management  
  8. Content Creation, Digital Media and Journalism  
  9. Economics  
  10. Foundation Pathway  
  11. International Relations  
  12. Law  
  13. Psychology  
  14. Security, Intelligence and Cyber

Undergraduate

  1. Accounting and Finance (2 Years)  
  2. Accounting and Finance (3 Years)  
  3. Accounting and Finance with integrated Foundation (3 Years)
  4. Business Economics (2 Years)  
  5. Business Economics with integrated Foundation  
  6. Business Management  
  7. Business Management (3 Years)  
  8. Business Management with Applied Computing  
  9. Business Management with Entrepreneurship  
  10. Business Management with Entrepreneurship with Integrated Foundation
  11. Business Management with integrated Foundation  
  12. Business Management with integrated Foundation (3 Years)
  13. Computing (2 Years)  
  14. Computing (3 Years)  
  15. Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) (2 Years)  
  16. Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) (3 Years)  
  17. Computing (Cyber Security) (2 Years)  
  18. Computing with Accounting and Finance (2 Years)  
  19. Computing with Accounting and Finance with integrated Foundation
  20. Computing with Business Management  
  21. Computing with Business Management with integrated Foundation
  22. Computing with integrated Foundation  
  23. Content Creation, Digital Media and Journalism (2 Years)  
  24. Content Creation, Digital Media and Journalism with integrated Foundation (3 Years)  
  25. Economics (Single) (2 Years)  
  26. Economics with integrated Foundation (3 Years)  
  27. English Literature (Single) (2 Years)  
  28. English Literature (Single)(3 Years)  
  29. History (Flexible) (2 Years)  
  30. International Relations (Single Honours) (2 Years)  
  31. International Relations with integrated Foundation  
  32. Law (2 Years)  
  33. Law (4 Years)  
  34. Law and Criminology (2 Years)  
  35. Law with Business Management  
  36. Law with integrated Foundation  
  37. Liberal Arts  
  38. Medical Sciences (Pre-Med)  
  39. Medicine  
  40. Philosophy, Politics and Economics (3 Years)  
  41. Primary Education  
  42. Psychology (2 Years)  
  43. Psychology with Applied Computing  
  44. Psychology with Applied Computing (2 Years)  
  45. Psychology with Business Management  
  46. Psychology with English Literature (2 Years)  
  47. Psychology with integrated Foundation (2 Years)  
  48. Security, Intelligence and Cyber (2 Years)  
  49. Security, Intelligence and Cyber with integrated Foundation (3 Years)

Postgraduate

  1. 20th-Century British History (1 Year)  
  2. Accounting and Finance  
  3. Applied Computing  
  4. Applied Computing (1.5 Years)  
  5. Applied Data Science  
  6. Biography  
  7. Biomedical Science  
  8. Computing (1 Year)  
  9. Country House Studies  
  10. Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors  
  11. Dickens Studies (1 Year)  
  12. Digital News and Media  
  13. English Literature  
  14. Finance and Investment  
  15. Financial Fraud Investigation and Intelligence  
  16. Garden History (1 Year)  
  17. History of Art: Renaissance to Modernism  
  18. History of Western Architecture  
  19. Innovative Computing  
  20. International and Commercial Law  
  21. International and Commercial Law (9 Months)  
  22. Law  
  23. Mathematics  
  24. MBA  
  25. Medicine  
  26. Military History  
  27. Military History (6 Months)  
  28. Modern War Studies and Contemporary Military History  
  29. Money, Banking and Central Banking  
  30. Money, Banking and Wealth Management (1 Year)  
  31. Philosophy (1 Year)  
  32. Political Economy (Distance Learning)  
  33. Psychological Trauma  
  34. Psychology  
  35. Security and Intelligence Studies  
  36. Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy  
  37. Strategic Marketing & Customer Experience Management (1 Year)
  38. Surgery  
  39. The Art Market and the History of Collecting
  40. Tudor and Stuart History  
  41. United Nations and Diplomatic Studies  
  42. War Studies and Contemporary Military History for Staff Colleges Graduates

Research

  1. 20th Century British History
  2. Accounting
  3. Biography
  4. Computing
  5. Country House Studies
  6. Economics
  7. Education
  8. English Literature
  9. Garden History
  10. History
  11. History of Art
  12. History of Modern Europe
  13. History of Nineteenth-Century Britain
  14. History of Western Architecture
  15. Intellectual History
  16. International Studies
  17. Law
  18. Military History
  19. Modern War Studies
  20. Philosophy
  21. Psychology
  22. Public Policy and Political Economy
  23. Security and Intelligence Studies
  24. Tudor History

Divisions and Departments

The University of Buckingham, England, UK is organised into several academic divisions and departments. Here's a breakdown:

School of Business:

  1. Department of Accounting and Finance
  2. Department of Business Management
  3. Department of International Business
  4. Department of Marketing

School of Computing:

  1. Department of Computer Science
  2. Department of Cybersecurity
  3. Department of Data Science

School of Education:

  1. Department of Education Studies
  2. Department of Primary Education
  3. Department of Secondary Education

School of Humanities and Social Sciences:

  1. Department of English Literature
  2. Department of History
  3. Department of Law
  4. Department of Philosophy
  5. Department of Politics
  6. Department of Psychology
  7. Department of Sociology

School of Law:

  1. Department of Law

School of Medicine:

  1. Department of Medicine
  2. Department of Nursing
  3. Department of Physiotherapy

Faculty and Staff

The University of Buckingham, England, UK employs a prestigious faculty and diverse staff committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

  1. Margaret Thatcher - Former Chancellor
  2. Lord Hailsham of St Marylebone - Former Chancellor
  3. Baroness Margaret Thatcher - Former Chancellor
  4. Martin Jacomb - Former Chancellor
  5. Lord Tanlaw - Former Chancellor
  6. Lady Keswick - Former Chancellor
  7. Dame Mary Archer - Present Chancellor
  8. Lord Beloff - Former Vice-Chancellor
  9. Terence Kealey - Former Vice-Chancellor
  10. Anthony Seldon - Former Vice-Chancellor
  11. Michael Barrett - Former Vice-Chancellor
  12. Richard Luce - Former Vice-Chancellor
  13. Lord Luce - Former Vice-Chancellor
  14. Robert Taylor - Former Vice-Chancellor
  15. James Tooley - Present Vice-Chancellor
  16. Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris - The Pro Vice-Chancellor
  17. Mr Toby Corbett - The President of the Students’ Union
  18. Geraint Jones - Dean of School of Education

Student Life

The University of Buckingham offers a dynamic and engaging student life, and it is enriched by the charming town of Buckingham, a historic market town with a picturesque setting.

While Buckingham may not boast a bustling nightlife like larger cities, it offers a quieter pace of life with opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy the local pubs and cafes.

The town center provides access to essential amenities, including shops, supermarkets, and restaurants.

Student Union: The Student Union plays a vital role in fostering community spirit. It organizes a range of social events, including parties, pub quizzes, and themed nights.

Student Housing: The university provides various accommodation options, fostering a sense of community within the residential areas.

Local Life: While Buckingham itself is a smaller town, it offers a charming atmosphere with local pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

Day Trips: The university's location provides easy access to explore nearby towns and cities. Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and London are within comfortable travel distance, offering a wealth of cultural and entertainment options.

The university actively encourages student engagement and provides opportunities to build a strong sense of community within the campus environment.

It aims to provide a supportive and enriching student experience, allowing students to thrive both academically and socially.

Student Statistics

  1. Female 53%
  2. Male 47%
  3. Other 0%
  4. UK Students 69%
  5. EU Students 04%
  6. International 26%
  7. Full-time 85%
  8. Part-time 15%
  9. First year 55%
  10. Other years 45%
  11. Postgraduate 50%
  12. Undergraduate 50%

Transportation

The University of Buckingham is located in the town of Buckingham and well-connected to the surrounding region, offering various transportation options for students.

Public Transport:

Local Bus Services: Regular bus services connect Buckingham to nearby towns and cities, including Milton Keynes and Aylesbury. These services provide convenient access to shops, entertainment, and train stations. 

Cycling:

The relatively compact campus and surrounding area make cycling a viable option for commuting. The university may offer facilities for cyclists, such as bike racks and secure storage.

Walking:

Walking is a good option for short distances within the town and campus. The picturesque surroundings make walking a pleasant way to explore the local area.

By Road:

Buckingham is easily accessible by car via the M1 and A421. However, parking on campus may be limited, and students should consider alternative transportation options.

By Rail:

The nearest train station is Milton Keynes Central, which offers connections to major cities across the UK. From Milton Keynes, students can take a bus or taxi to the university.

By Coach:

National Express coaches provide services to Buckingham from various locations across the UK.

By Air:

The nearest major airports are London Heathrow and London Luton. From the airports, students can travel to Buckingham by train, coach, or taxi. It's recommended to research the specific transportation options that best suit your individual needs and travel preferences.

Housing and Accommodation

The University of Buckingham, England, UK offers a range of accommodation options to suit different student needs and preferences. 

On-campus accommodation: The university provides modern and comfortable on-campus residences, offering a variety of room types, including en-suite rooms and studios. These residences often include communal areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities, fostering a sense of community among residents. 

Off-campus accommodation: Students can also choose to live in private rented accommodation in Buckingham or the surrounding areas. This provides more independence and flexibility but requires students to manage their own living arrangements.

Key considerations:

  1. Budget: Accommodation costs vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation and location. 
  2. Location: Consider the proximity to campus, local amenities, and transportation links.
  3. Lifestyle: Choose accommodation that aligns with your preferred living style, whether you prefer the social atmosphere of halls of residence or the independence of private rented accommodation.
  4. Contract length: Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement, including contract length, notice periods, and any associated fees.

The UB also provides guidance and support to students in finding suitable accommodation. It's advisable to start your accommodation search early to secure your preferred option.

Extracurricular Activities

The University offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities to enrich student life beyond academics. These include: 

Sports Clubs:

  1. Football 
  2. Rugby 
  3. Netball 
  4. Basketball 
  5. Hockey
  6. Cricket 
  7. Lacrosse
  8. Rowing
  9. Running
  10. Martial Arts

Societies:

  1. Music Society 
  2. Drama Society 
  3. Debating Society 
  4. Film Society
  5. Book Club 
  6. Photography Club
  7. Gaming Society 
  8. Political Societies 
  9. Religious Societies 
  10. Cultural Societies

Volunteering:

  1. Opportunities to volunteer within the local community 
  2. Charity fundraising events

Student Union Events:

  1. Social events 
  2. Live music 
  3. Film screenings
  4. Guest speakers

This diverse range of activities provides students with opportunities to develop new skills, pursue their interests, and build lasting friendships.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The UB (University of Buckingham) engages in a variety of partnerships and collaborations to enhance its academic offerings and research impact. These collaborations include:

Academic Partnerships:

  1. Cheshire and Merseyside Teaching Hub
  2. College of Naturopathic Medicine
  3. Vogue College of Fashion
  4. Learna
  5. British University in Georgia
  6. International Business School, Budapest and Vienna
  7. Rushford Business School
  8. Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST)
  9. Transilvania Executive Education
  10. The Anglo Mexican Foundation
  11. Guangzhou Panyu Polytechnic (GPP), China
  12. Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS)
  13. Max Beloff Institute
  14. Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research
  15. Buckingham E-Archive of Research (BEAR)
  16. Dickens Journals Online
  17. Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Unit (BEIU)
  18. The Vinson Centre for Economics and Entrepreneurship
  19. Humanities Research Institute
  20. Dyslexia Hub
  21. School of Computing Partnerships

Industry Partnerships:

  1. SymphonyEYC
  2. Vitalograph Ltd.
  3. IBM
  4. Jaguar Land Rover
  5. Boston Dynamics
  6. Somniacs (Birdly Project)
  7. ASOS
  8. easyJet
  9. ExpectAI
  10. Datitude
  11. Zizo

Charitable Organisations:

  1. Florence Nightingale Hospice
  2. Denning Law Journal Projects
  3. University-led Outreach in Schools
  4. Local Initiatives Through BEIU Projects
  5. Regional Educational Support Programs

Research opportunities

The University of Buckingham, England, UK, offers a range of research opportunities for students and staff. Here are some of the key research areas and opportunities:

High-impact projects:

  1. Buckingham E-Archive of Research (BEAR)
  2. Dickens Journals Online
  3. Denning Law Journal

Research institutes, centers, and groups

  1. Centre for Research in Expertise Acquisition, Training, and Excellence (CREATE)
  2. Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research
  3. Humanities Research Institute
  4. Centre for Education and Employment Research
  5. Buckingham Centre for Astrobiology (BCAB)
  6. Buckingham Sustainable Enterprise Unit (BSEU)
  7. Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Unit (BEIU)
  8. Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS)
  9. Vinson Centre for Economics and Entrepreneurship
  10. The Max Beloff Institute
  11. Dyslexia Hub
  12. Centre of Heterodox Social Science
  13. Computing Research Group
  14. Centre for Global Health and Public Policy
  15. Buckingham Centre for Medicine and Society
  16. Education Futures Research Hub
  17. Law and Policy Research Unit
  18. Psychology Research Unit

Fees and Scholarships

The UB or University of Buckingham, England, UK offers a range of fees and scholarships to support students in their studies.

Tuition fees: The tuition fees for UB programmes vary depending on the course, level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate), and student's residency status (UK/EU or international).

The University of Buckingham Scholarships for International Students

The University of Buckingham scholarships for international students provide financial support to talented students from around the world. Some of the popular scholarships include:

  1. International Undergraduate High Achiever Scholarship
  2. Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
  3. Buckingham Bursary
  4. Chevening Scholarship
  5. Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah Scholarship
  6. The University of Buckingham Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
  7. The Lillingstone Trust Scholarship
  8. The Buckingham Law School Scholarship
  9. STEM Undergraduate Scholarship
  10. Medical School Bursary
  11. The Buckingham Alumni Scholarship
  12. Postgraduate Merit Scholarship
  13. Humanities and Arts Excellence Award
  14. Buckingham Business School Scholarship
  15. Entrepreneurship Scholarship
  16. The Buckingham Medicine Scholarship
  17. The Health Sciences Bursary
  18. Leadership Potential Scholarship
  19. Social Sciences Scholarship
  20. The Creative Writing Award
  21. Buckingham Sports Scholarship
  22. Research Excellence Award
  23. Teacher Training Bursary
  24. International Academic Excellence Scholarship
  25. Graduate Advancement Scholarship

Alumni Network

  1. Mariano Hugo - Prince of Windisch-Graetz
  2. James Henderson - Former CEO of Bell Pottinger
  3. Yosef Elron - Current Justice at the Supreme Court of Israel
  4. Olagunsoye Oyinlola - Former Governor of Osun State, Nigeria
  5. The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE - Former MP
  6. Michael Ellis - Former MP for Northampton
  7. Pravind Jugnauth - MP in the National Assembly of Mauritius
  8. Mark Lancaster - Former Armed Forces minister
  9. Lawyer Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin - The Member of the Parliament of Effutu
  10. Anifah Aman - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia
  11. Mohammadin Ketapi - A government minister in Malaysia
  12. Mahamudu Bawumia - Current Vice-President of Ghana
  13. Susanne Hanna Ursula Klatten - BMW heiress
  14. Bader Ben Hirsi - Playwright and director
  15. Racing driver Marc Gené - Winner of the Le Mans 24-Hour Race

Career Services

The University of Buckingham, England offers a range of career services to support students in their career development:

Career guidance and advice:

  1. One-to-one career counseling: Through career services, students will receive personalised career guidance through one-to-one consultations.
  2. Group workshops and seminars: Students will benefit from informative group workshops and seminars on various career topics.
  3. Industry insights and employer presentations: Students will also gain valuable insights into industry trends and employer expectations through presentations and workshops.
  4. Mock interviews and CV reviews: They can practice their interview skills and refine their CV through mock interviews and CV reviews.

Job and internship opportunities:

  1. Online job boards and career portals: Students can access a wide range of job and internship opportunities through online portals and career fairs.
  2. Internship placements with leading employers: They will also be able to gain valuable practical experience through internships with leading employers.
  3. Graduate schemes and apprenticeships: The career services team members will help students to explore graduate schemes and apprenticeships to kick start their career.

Skills development:

  1. Workshops and seminars on CV writing, interview techniques, and networking: The team members of the career services enable students to enhance their employability with workshops and seminars on essential skills like CV writing and interviewing.
  2. Professional development courses: Students are able to develop professional skills through specialised courses.
  3. Language training: The career services also offer language training for better achievements.
  4. Digital skills training: Students can improve their digital skills to stay ahead in the job market.

Additional Services:

  1. Alumni mentoring
  2. Entrepreneurship support
  3. Financial advice
  4. Visa and immigration support

Awards and Recognitions

Awarded the QAA Quality Mark for meeting or exceeding UK expectations for quality and standards in its QAA review.

Achieved a SILVER rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for 2023.

Rankings and Achievements

  1. 78th for Accounting & Finance in the University League Table 2025.
  2. 72nd for Business & Management Studies in the University League Table 2025.
  3. 95th for Computer Science in the University League Table 2025.
  4. 94th for Law in the University League Table 2025.
  5. 35th for Medicine in the University League Table 2025.
  6. 96th for Psychology in the University League Table 2025.
  7. 126th in the University League Table 2025.
  8. 114th in the Times University Guide 2025.
  9. Shortlisted for University of the Year in the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
  10. 56th in the UK in the Times University Guide 2024.
  11. 1st in Medicine for Graduate Prospects (outcomes), 2024.
  12. 1st for Freedom of Expression in the National Student Survey, 2023.
  13. Joint 5th for Mental Health Wellbeing Services, 2023.
  14. Joint 1st for Academic Support in Business, 2023.
  15. 2nd for Graduate Prospects (on-track) in the Complete University Guide 2023.
  16. 5th for Mental Health Wellbeing Services in the NSS, 2023.
  17. Top 10 for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2023.
  18. Top 10 for Graduate Prospects (outcomes) in the Complete University Guide 2023.

Location

The University of Buckingham is located in the historic market town of Buckingham, in the county of Buckinghamshire, England. The campus is situated in a peaceful and picturesque setting, surrounded by beautiful countryside.

The university campus features modern buildings housing lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, and student accommodation. The campus also boasts a variety of recreational facilities, including sports fields and a gym.

Buckingham itself is a charming town with a rich history. The town center offers a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as historic landmarks and beautiful architecture.

The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling, and horse riding.

While Buckingham may not be a major metropolitan city, it offers a tranquil and inspiring environment for students to focus on their studies.

Frequently asked questions

The University of Buckingham exhibits a notable level of competitiveness and selectivity for international students, with University of Buckingham acceptance rate of 18%.