The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and probably the smallest with around 2,700 students (approx 1,600 on campus). Honours degrees are achieved in two intensive years of study. We keep class sizes small, with a student:academic staff ratio of 10.4:1 and the Oxbridge style tutorial groups are often personalised and always exhilarating. The real basis of the University of Buckingham’s success has been its staff and, above all, students. Those who will graduate this year follow in a distinguished line and they and their successors will carry the reputation of the University to even greater heights.
The University of Buckingham’s campus is well known for being one of the most attractive locations in the region. The Great Ouse river, home to much wildlife, winds through the heart of our campus. Much of our teaching takes place in our restored buildings such as the Franciscan Building, formerly a friary, and, Chandos Road Building, a converted turn-of-the-century milk factory, while students can also enjoy the Hunter Street Library, once a military barracks.
Why the University of Buckingham
2-Year Bachelor’s Degree: We created our two-year degrees by adding an extra term in each summer. This means you can fit in the same number of teaching weeks as a traditional three-year degree without your workload getting any bigger. You could even choose to continue onto a master’s programme, finishing both an undergraduate and a master’s degree in only three years.
Culture: Each student mixes with over 100 other different nationalities and so being at Buckingham is just like being in a mini global village. These contacts, acquaintances and friendships, carry on long after life at Buckingham is over.Â
Values: From the start, Buckingham was different. The founders of the University were driven by a desire to cultivate an institution that was rigorously independent in its thinking; while this ethos remains, it has been supplemented by an emphasis on developing and delivering academic provision that is distinctive and distinguished and a student experience that is supported and strengthened by positive psychology (the Positive University).
Small Group Teaching: Small group teaching is a hallmark of our University. We believe that when you are stretching your learning boundaries, you’ll find it helpful to have regular and meaningful interaction with the academics who are leading your studies. The University prides itself on being a small and friendly environment to study, live and work, and with around 2,700 students (approx 1,600 on campus) – you won’t get lost in a lecture class of 300 students, nor will you be 50th in line for borrowing a particular book from the library.
Students First: Our Students First program provides personalised support to any student who may be having problems with university life, mental or physical health, wellbeing or who needs academic support to make their time here successful. Our department is here to give you as much support as you need to successfully graduate, and the team works closely with all the University departments including Personal Tutors and the Schools of Study. We encourage all students to share with us anything that impacts on their studies so that we can work with them to maximise their ability to successfully complete their degree.
Sports: The University’s Sport and Fitness programme offer students of all abilities the chance to compete or simply have fun with sports. As members of British Universities & Colleges Sport, there are also opportunities for individuals to compete at varsity level in a variety of championships throughout the year. Opportunities exist to participate in a number of team sports, both on and off campus