Buckingham is unique. Buckingham is the only university independent of direct government support in the United Kingdom and has used its independence to pioneer a distinctive approach to higher education.
History
On 29 March 1973 the University College at Buckingham (UCB) was incorporated, in the form of a non-profit making company registered as an educational charity.
Education
Buckingham has pioneered the two-year honours degree. Studying for two years at Buckingham allows you to gain an equivalent degree to one achieved in three years elsewhere.
This is made possible by our restructuring of the academic year to provide an additional term each summer. So you fit in the same number of teaching weeks as on a conventional three-year programme, but your work-load in any term is no greater.
Buckingham is not a ‘crammer’ and we don’t cut corners.
Following your Bachelor’s with a Master’s at Buckingham means that you can gain a postgraduate degree in just three years. This could set you apart in that all important job application.
Research
The University of Buckingham is home not only to some of the most well-known research-active academics in their fields, but also to dozens of keen research students reading for postgraduate degrees in their specialist areas.
From molecular and genetic research into diabetes, to the psychological importance of music and the effects of government proposals on state and independent education, research underpins the lives of many of our academics here at the University. We have specialist research groups set up in different fields, as well as independent research published by solo academics following their own interests.
Career
Buckingham leads the graduate employment tables.
Student Services
Student Welfare provides personal and individual learning and welfare support to all students throughout their time at Buckingham. If a student is unhappy or worried, there is always someone who will listen and give support. We aim to ensure that our students’ years at University are happy, fulfilling and successful.
The department consists of a Welfare Adviser, Counsellor, Learning Support Adviser / Disability Officer, Assistant Learning Support Adviser, Family Welfare Adviser and two Student Support staff. The team works closely with all the University departments including Personal Tutors and the Schools of Study.
Housing Services
Students are required to live in or around Buckingham during term time and, unlike some universities, we are able to guarantee accommodation for all new students for their first four terms of study (providing you have booked and paid for your accommodation within the required timescale).
Our safe and beautiful university is small enough for everything to be within walking distance. Study & lecture rooms, the library, computers, social facilities and accommodation are all just a short walk from each other.
Buckingham town and the surrounding villages provide a range of accommodation, from cosy cottages to modern flats. Please make sure you organise your accommodation before you arrive at the University.
Library Services
The Library aims to provide a personalised, high quality service to support the University’s teaching and research programmes and to encourage the development of creative and independent thinking.
Facilities:
ICT Services
Buckingham is committed to providing reliable and accessible resources to all students and is always investing in the future with projects such as the Mac© Design Suite for Media students, Wi-Fi access across the campus and specialist software for different subjects.
Medical Services
If students are NOT living in University accommodation it is very important for them to arrange their own insurance of personal possessions.
If you are a UK student, you can ask your parents if there is any possibility of extending their home and contents insurance to cover your possessions while you are at University.
Campus Life
Sports Facilities
The University’s Sport and Fitness programme offers students of all abilities the chance to compete or simply have fun with sport. 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.
The University’s sports field is equipped with a floodlit training area, sports pavilion and changing facilities. There is also access to an all-weather pitch for all-year round activities.
Student Clubs
A wide range of student societies are affiliated to the SU. On the academic side this includes the Law Society which invites prominent speakers to lecture on a regular basis and organizes trips and events of interest to its members.
Our multi-national student community has formed a number of overseas clubs, which promote cultural events and provide a fascinating insight into their various life styles. Why not set up your own when you come here?