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
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:
- 1973: Founded as the University College at Buckingham, making it the first new university to be established in the UK in over 600 years.
- 1983: Granted university status by Royal Charter, becoming the first private university in the UK since the University Grants Committee was established in 1946.
- 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.
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
- British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- CPA Australia
- General Medical Council (GMC)
- 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:
- Classrooms and lecture theatres: The UB provided with modern technology, including interactive whiteboards and audio-visual equipment.
- Laboratories: The university offers state-of-the-art laboratories for scientific research and practical work, particularly in fields like medicine and computing.
- Libraries: The Hunter Street Library provides a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and online resources, along with study spaces and computer facilities.
Student facilities:
- Student union: The heart of student life, offering social spaces, bars, and a range of clubs and societies.
- Accommodation: The UB has a variety of on-campus and off-campus accommodation options, including modern residences with comfortable rooms and communal areas.
- Sports facilities: Access to sports facilities, including a gym, sports fields, and opportunities for various sports activities.
- Dining options: On-campus dining options, including cafes and restaurants, cater to diverse dietary needs.
Other facilities:
- Student support services: The University offers many students support services, including counseling, career guidance, and academic support services.
- IT Services: The UB has high-speed internet access and computer labs available throughout the campus.
Courses
Foundation
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Economics
- Business Management
- Business Management with Entrepreneurship
- Computing
- Computing with Accounting and Finance
- Computing with Business Management
- Content Creation, Digital Media and Journalism
- Economics
- Foundation Pathway
- International Relations
- Law
- Psychology
- Security, Intelligence and Cyber
Undergraduate
- Accounting and Finance (2 Years)
- Accounting and Finance (3 Years)
- Accounting and Finance with integrated Foundation (3 Years)
- Business Economics (2 Years)
- Business Economics with integrated Foundation
- Business Management
- Business Management (3 Years)
- Business Management with Applied Computing
- Business Management with Entrepreneurship
- Business Management with Entrepreneurship with Integrated Foundation
- Business Management with integrated Foundation
- Business Management with integrated Foundation (3 Years)
- Computing (2 Years)
- Computing (3 Years)
- Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) (2 Years)
- Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) (3 Years)
- Computing (Cyber Security) (2 Years)
- Computing with Accounting and Finance (2 Years)
- Computing with Accounting and Finance with integrated Foundation
- Computing with Business Management
- Computing with Business Management with integrated Foundation
- Computing with integrated Foundation
- Content Creation, Digital Media and Journalism (2 Years)
- Content Creation, Digital Media and Journalism with integrated Foundation (3 Years)
- Economics (Single) (2 Years)
- Economics with integrated Foundation (3 Years)
- English Literature (Single) (2 Years)
- English Literature (Single)(3 Years)
- History (Flexible) (2 Years)
- International Relations (Single Honours) (2 Years)
- International Relations with integrated Foundation
- Law (2 Years)
- Law (4 Years)
- Law and Criminology (2 Years)
- Law with Business Management
- Law with integrated Foundation
- Liberal Arts
- Medical Sciences (Pre-Med)
- Medicine
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (3 Years)
- Primary Education
- Psychology (2 Years)
- Psychology with Applied Computing
- Psychology with Applied Computing (2 Years)
- Psychology with Business Management
- Psychology with English Literature (2 Years)
- Psychology with integrated Foundation (2 Years)
- Security, Intelligence and Cyber (2 Years)
- Security, Intelligence and Cyber with integrated Foundation (3 Years)
Postgraduate
- 20th-Century British History (1 Year)
- Accounting and Finance
- Applied Computing
- Applied Computing (1.5 Years)
- Applied Data Science
- Biography
- Biomedical Science
- Computing (1 Year)
- Country House Studies
- Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors
- Dickens Studies (1 Year)
- Digital News and Media
- English Literature
- Finance and Investment
- Financial Fraud Investigation and Intelligence
- Garden History (1 Year)
- History of Art: Renaissance to Modernism
- History of Western Architecture
- Innovative Computing
- International and Commercial Law
- International and Commercial Law (9 Months)
- Law
- Mathematics
- MBA
- Medicine
- Military History
- Military History (6 Months)
- Modern War Studies and Contemporary Military History
- Money, Banking and Central Banking
- Money, Banking and Wealth Management (1 Year)
- Philosophy (1 Year)
- Political Economy (Distance Learning)
- Psychological Trauma
- Psychology
- Security and Intelligence Studies
- Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy
- Strategic Marketing & Customer Experience Management (1 Year)
- Surgery
- The Art Market and the History of Collecting
- Tudor and Stuart History
- United Nations and Diplomatic Studies
- War Studies and Contemporary Military History for Staff Colleges Graduates
Research
- 20th Century British History
- Accounting
- Biography
- Computing
- Country House Studies
- Economics
- Education
- English Literature
- Garden History
- History
- History of Art
- History of Modern Europe
- History of Nineteenth-Century Britain
- History of Western Architecture
- Intellectual History
- International Studies
- Law
- Military History
- Modern War Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Public Policy and Political Economy
- Security and Intelligence Studies
- 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:
- Department of Accounting and Finance
- Department of Business Management
- Department of International Business
- Department of Marketing
School of Computing:
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Cybersecurity
- Department of Data Science
School of Education:
- Department of Education Studies
- Department of Primary Education
- Department of Secondary Education
School of Humanities and Social Sciences:
- Department of English Literature
- Department of History
- Department of Law
- Department of Philosophy
- Department of Politics
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Sociology
School of Law:
- Department of Law
School of Medicine:
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Nursing
- 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.
- Margaret Thatcher - Former Chancellor
- Lord Hailsham of St Marylebone - Former Chancellor
- Baroness Margaret Thatcher - Former Chancellor
- Martin Jacomb - Former Chancellor
- Lord Tanlaw - Former Chancellor
- Lady Keswick - Former Chancellor
- Dame Mary Archer - Present Chancellor
- Lord Beloff - Former Vice-Chancellor
- Terence Kealey - Former Vice-Chancellor
- Anthony Seldon - Former Vice-Chancellor
- Michael Barrett - Former Vice-Chancellor
- Richard Luce - Former Vice-Chancellor
- Lord Luce - Former Vice-Chancellor
- Robert Taylor - Former Vice-Chancellor
- James Tooley - Present Vice-Chancellor
- Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris - The Pro Vice-Chancellor
- Mr Toby Corbett - The President of the Students’ Union
- 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
- Female 53%
- Male 47%
- Other 0%
- UK Students 69%
- EU Students 04%
- International 26%
- Full-time 85%
- Part-time 15%
- First year 55%
- Other years 45%
- Postgraduate 50%
- 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:
- Budget: Accommodation costs vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation and location.
- Location: Consider the proximity to campus, local amenities, and transportation links.
- 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.
- 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:
- Football
- Rugby
- Netball
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Cricket
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Running
- Martial Arts
Societies:
- Music Society
- Drama Society
- Debating Society
- Film Society
- Book Club
- Photography Club
- Gaming Society
- Political Societies
- Religious Societies
- Cultural Societies
Volunteering:
- Opportunities to volunteer within the local community
- Charity fundraising events
Student Union Events:
- Social events
- Live music
- Film screenings
- 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:
- Cheshire and Merseyside Teaching Hub
- College of Naturopathic Medicine
- Vogue College of Fashion
- Learna
- British University in Georgia
- International Business School, Budapest and Vienna
- Rushford Business School
- Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST)
- Transilvania Executive Education
- The Anglo Mexican Foundation
- Guangzhou Panyu Polytechnic (GPP), China
- Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS)
- Max Beloff Institute
- Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research
- Buckingham E-Archive of Research (BEAR)
- Dickens Journals Online
- Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Unit (BEIU)
- The Vinson Centre for Economics and Entrepreneurship
- Humanities Research Institute
- Dyslexia Hub
- School of Computing Partnerships
Industry Partnerships:
- SymphonyEYC
- Vitalograph Ltd.
- IBM
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Boston Dynamics
- Somniacs (Birdly Project)
- ASOS
- easyJet
- ExpectAI
- Datitude
- Zizo
Charitable Organisations:
- Florence Nightingale Hospice
- Denning Law Journal Projects
- University-led Outreach in Schools
- Local Initiatives Through BEIU Projects
- 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:
- Buckingham E-Archive of Research (BEAR)
- Dickens Journals Online
- Denning Law Journal
Research institutes, centers, and groups
- Centre for Research in Expertise Acquisition, Training, and Excellence (CREATE)
- Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research
- Humanities Research Institute
- Centre for Education and Employment Research
- Buckingham Centre for Astrobiology (BCAB)
- Buckingham Sustainable Enterprise Unit (BSEU)
- Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Unit (BEIU)
- Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS)
- Vinson Centre for Economics and Entrepreneurship
- The Max Beloff Institute
- Dyslexia Hub
- Centre of Heterodox Social Science
- Computing Research Group
- Centre for Global Health and Public Policy
- Buckingham Centre for Medicine and Society
- Education Futures Research Hub
- Law and Policy Research Unit
- 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:
- International Undergraduate High Achiever Scholarship
- Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
- Buckingham Bursary
- Chevening Scholarship
- Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah Scholarship
- The University of Buckingham Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
- The Lillingstone Trust Scholarship
- The Buckingham Law School Scholarship
- STEM Undergraduate Scholarship
- Medical School Bursary
- The Buckingham Alumni Scholarship
- Postgraduate Merit Scholarship
- Humanities and Arts Excellence Award
- Buckingham Business School Scholarship
- Entrepreneurship Scholarship
- The Buckingham Medicine Scholarship
- The Health Sciences Bursary
- Leadership Potential Scholarship
- Social Sciences Scholarship
- The Creative Writing Award
- Buckingham Sports Scholarship
- Research Excellence Award
- Teacher Training Bursary
- International Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Graduate Advancement Scholarship
Alumni Network
- Mariano Hugo - Prince of Windisch-Graetz
- James Henderson - Former CEO of Bell Pottinger
- Yosef Elron - Current Justice at the Supreme Court of Israel
- Olagunsoye Oyinlola - Former Governor of Osun State, Nigeria
- The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE - Former MP
- Michael Ellis - Former MP for Northampton
- Pravind Jugnauth - MP in the National Assembly of Mauritius
- Mark Lancaster - Former Armed Forces minister
- Lawyer Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin - The Member of the Parliament of Effutu
- Anifah Aman - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia
- Mohammadin Ketapi - A government minister in Malaysia
- Mahamudu Bawumia - Current Vice-President of Ghana
- Susanne Hanna Ursula Klatten - BMW heiress
- Bader Ben Hirsi - Playwright and director
- 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:
- One-to-one career counseling: Through career services, students will receive personalised career guidance through one-to-one consultations.
- Group workshops and seminars: Students will benefit from informative group workshops and seminars on various career topics.
- Industry insights and employer presentations: Students will also gain valuable insights into industry trends and employer expectations through presentations and workshops.
- 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:
- Online job boards and career portals: Students can access a wide range of job and internship opportunities through online portals and career fairs.
- Internship placements with leading employers: They will also be able to gain valuable practical experience through internships with leading employers.
- 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:
- 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.
- Professional development courses: Students are able to develop professional skills through specialised courses.
- Language training: The career services also offer language training for better achievements.
- Digital skills training: Students can improve their digital skills to stay ahead in the job market.
Additional Services:
- Alumni mentoring
- Entrepreneurship support
- Financial advice
- 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
- 78th for Accounting & Finance in the University League Table 2025.
- 72nd for Business & Management Studies in the University League Table 2025.
- 95th for Computer Science in the University League Table 2025.
- 94th for Law in the University League Table 2025.
- 35th for Medicine in the University League Table 2025.
- 96th for Psychology in the University League Table 2025.
- 126th in the University League Table 2025.
- 114th in the Times University Guide 2025.
- Shortlisted for University of the Year in the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
- 56th in the UK in the Times University Guide 2024.
- 1st in Medicine for Graduate Prospects (outcomes), 2024.
- 1st for Freedom of Expression in the National Student Survey, 2023.
- Joint 5th for Mental Health Wellbeing Services, 2023.
- Joint 1st for Academic Support in Business, 2023.
- 2nd for Graduate Prospects (on-track) in the Complete University Guide 2023.
- 5th for Mental Health Wellbeing Services in the NSS, 2023.
- Top 10 for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2023.
- 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%.