University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham is a future-focused higher education institution located in the city of Buckingham, in the heart of England. The university is the oldest private university in England, and was established on a non-profit basis in 1973. It attained university status in 1983 and has continued to flourish as a home for quality postgraduate education. 

Buckingham is a competitive university across the UK higher education landscape. It offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes, which cover many subject areas and course types.  

Buckingham is known for its two-year undergraduate degree, making it an attractive option for students looking to achieve a postgraduate qualification within three years of beginning their higher education journey, rather than the usual four. 

The university has two campus sites – one located in Buckingham, and another in Crewe. The Buckingham campus is located midway between Oxford and Cambridge, and is found in a scenic location along the Great River Ouse. Students will find an excellent students’ union, various bars, cafes and other services, modern study facilities and university accommodation nearby. The Crewe campus is a compact and well-equipped site with a focus on medical and health disciplines, with specialised equipment and facilities. 

Both campuses are located in friendly, bustling towns that offer students a wealth of things to do, as well as all the shops and services they might need during their studies. With great transport links to other regions and cities around the UK, as well as interesting local landscapes, students are sure to enjoy their lifestyles at either of the university’s campuses. 

The University of Buckingham offers students a wide variety of postgraduate study pathways to choose from. The university develops its postgraduate portfolio in recognition of the potential for postgraduate study to open new professional doors, allow students to follow their passions, and build true expertise in their subject area. 

Students can choose from full master’s degrees that include MA, MBA, MSc and LLM qualifications. Other taught courses include shorter offerings such as postgraduate certificates and diplomas, as well as other training modules and CPD programmes perfect for professionals. PGCE and teacher training course are also available. 

Prospective postgraduate research students can also find many options at Buckingham, with master’s by research, MPhil, PhD and professional doctorate qualifications available. Research students are encouraged to work independently and push the boundaries of their field, benefiting from close support from an expert supervisor. 

The university offers part-time study patterns across many of its postgraduate courses, as well as some that can be completed entirely online, to support flexible learning among a modern, diverse student body. 

Entry requirements for postgraduate courses at the University of Buckingham vary according to the subject and level of study being applied for. Students may be considered based on their previous academic achievements, professional experiences, or their performance in an interview. 

For example, students applying for the LLM in International and Commercial Law are typically expected to hold an undergraduate honours degree in law (LLB), at a 2:1 level or above. 

Applicants for the MSc in Accounting and Finance will need to have a second-class undergraduate honours degree or above in a subject such as business, finance, investment or accounting. Equivalent professional qualifications, in addition to relevant work experience, may also be accepted in lieu of this. 

Students applying for the Graduate Diploma in Computing should have an undergraduate degree, in a subject unrelated to computing, at a second-class level or above. 

Entry requirements can vary over time, so students should check the university website for up to date information before applying. 

The University of Buckingham recognises the importance of effective, applied higher education that builds graduates who are prepared for success in their chosen sector. As a result, it works to embed professional development opportunities throughout the student experience, from curricular content to extracurricular activities and work experience opportunities. 

Students at Buckingham are equipped with professional skills that will benefit and empower them throughout their career, as well as help them stand out to potential employers in a modern, competitive employment market. 

Course content is continually updated to reflect the changing needs of each sector, with staff who bring a wealth of relevant professional and research experience to their teaching. The university’s partners, including public, private and charitable organisations, helps them build useful connections for students and drive real-world experience opportunities. 

The university also has a dedicated careers and employability service, which can help students through the provision of: 

• Appointments to discuss future options, whether that’s in further study or a career 
• Professional skills development through workshops, activities and events 
• Help identifying and securing placements, work experience or employment 
• Access to micro-internships and enterprise support 

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options open to postgraduate students at the University of Buckingham. The university maintains various living options in or around its various sites, meaning there are convenient and comfortable options for students whatever their discipline and main learning location. 

Whatever accommodation options students choose, the university ensures that students are able to choose from a number of well-equipped, modern en-suite or shared bathroom room types. All rooms come with Wi-Fi and utilities included in the rental price, as well as contents insurance through a highly rated provider. 

Cleaning services, launderette facilities and well-furnished kitchens and social spaces are also the standard for university accommodation. Students can browse the full range of accommodation options and their prices on the university’s website. 

It’s not uncommon for postgraduate students to opt for privately rented accommodation. Perhaps they want to live with friends, live alone, or immerse themselves in a particular part of the Buckingham or Crewe landscapes and everything these towns have to offer. As two bustling market towns, there are plenty of private accommodation options to choose from with easy access to the campuses. The university’s accommodation team can provide advice and support around the rental process. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Buckingham can make use of a variety of scholarships and bursaries, whether offered through the university directly, its partners, or other external organisations. These funding options are an ideal way to reduce the cost of study or enable access to transformative educational opportunities. 

Some of the available scholarships and bursaries include: 

• The Buckingham Postgraduate Discount, which provides tuition fee discounts for students who have already graduated from an undergraduate programme at the university. Students who achieve a 2:1 grade at undergraduate will be eligible for a 25% discount, while first-class undergraduates can get a 33% discount. The university also offers discounts for PhD study if students have completed a master’s degree at Buckingham, again ranging from 25% for a merit to 33% for a distinction. 
• The Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship, which provides an award to any student with a first-class grade at undergraduate honours level worth a 33% waiver of tuition fees. This cannot be combined with the alumni discount. 
• The Snowdon Masters Scholarships, which provide awards to students with disabilities or sensory impairments in recognition of academic talent and potential. Awards are worth up to £30,000 per students, split evenly between tuition fee payments and grants for living costs.