SHORTLISTED
International Guide The Student University of the Year
Independent Minds For
OUT OF 130, THE COMPLETE UNIVERSITY GUIDE, 2023
At Buckingham, you’ll be taught by experts who are internationally recognised as pioneers in their field. They incorporate their discoveries and insights directly into your degree so you’ll graduate with the latest industry knowledge.
10
UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND
THE SUNDAY TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE, 2024
We keep class sizes small so you won’t get lost in the crowd. You will be assigned a personal tutor to support you every step of the way, and our academic and student support teams will ensure you have the tools to succeed in your studies. We value the quality of your learning experience.
10 TOP FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION IN ENGLAND
OUT OF 106, THE COMPLETE UNIVERSITY GUIDE, 2023
We are proud to have achieved an 80% satisfaction rate in the National Student Survey 2022 (NSS). As well as this, the Complete University Guide 2023 ranked us top 10 in England for Student Satisfaction. Nothing is more important to us than students fulfilling their aspirations.
Love Why you’ll Buckingham
Over 100 different countries are represented within our student population, so you know you’ll be in great company.
With our dedicated International Student Recruitment Team, we’ll guide you through all the steps from your application to visa support to get you ready for life at Buckingham.
We are the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and one of the smallest universities too with around 3,000 students, of which approximately 1,600 study with us on campus. We keep our class sizes small to give students the attention they need to succeed in their studies, but don’t just take our word for it...
We are proud to have achieved an 80% satisfaction rate in the National Student Survey 2022 (NSS), reflecting the University’s ongoing dedication to teaching quality and student life. As well as this, the Complete University Guide 2023 ranked us top 10 in England for Student Satisfaction. Nothing is more important to us than happy students.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Enjoy our first-year accommodation guarantee and take your pick from a range of options to fit your style and budget, including en-suite rooms and quiet blocks. All of our accommodation is a short distance from the town centre, so you can relax whilst remaining close to all the action.
TWO-YEAR DEGREES
Complete your undergraduate honours degree in two years; saving you time and money. Or stay on and graduate with a master’s in just three years (increasing your earning potential by up to £5,000¹ more per year).
1 Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2023.
LEARN FROM THE BEST
Our academics are pioneers in their fields – and with our array of visiting lecturers and international speakers, it’s a rewarding learning experience at Buckingham.
WE TAKE WELLBEING SERIOUSLY
At Buckingham we want to make sure that when you’re here, you feel happy and engaged with your learning. We instil wellbeing practices into all aspects of life at the University; from our personal tutor programme to our welfare dogs.
BE PART OF A DIVERSE COMMUNITY
Join a student body that comes from more than 100 countries, from as close as Europe to as far afield as New Zealand and Japan.
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
We created our courses with career pathways in mind. From undergraduate to doctorate, you can specialise in your chosen area and develop your expertise.
CITIES ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Take a fast train to London from Milton Keynes station (only 20 minutes’ drive away), or head to Oxford or Cambridge for a punt on the river (from 40 minutes by bus). You can also travel to Manchester or Liverpool from Crewe in about an hour.
DON’T GET LOST IN THE CROWD
You can develop your ideas and passions in a truly supportive environment at Buckingham. Our academic open-door policy ensures you can access your lecturers at a time that works for you, and we keep class sizes small so you get the attention you need to succeed in your studies.
In the heart of England
Enjoy a walk to Stowe Landscape Gardens (part of the National Trust) by heading up the scenic Stowe Avenue, just a 10 minute walk from our Buckingham campus.
Best of both worlds
Scan the QR code to explore our virtual campus tour to see what’s in and around Buckingham.
Buckingham is surrounded by green spaces, and our riverside campus, based on the River Great Ouse, is an ideal backdrop for your studies.
Enjoy the relaxing study areas or chilled restaurant and bar on campus, or take a fiveminute stroll into town: everything you need is within walking distance.
We are close to the Cotswolds and are spoilt with bike trails and day hike options, but rest assured you are never far away from a city. Milton Keynes (MK) is a 20-minute drive away and offers plenty of shops, cinemas, a theatre, indoor skiing, indoor skydiving, and more. Or, jump on a fast train from MK to explore many big cities.
ARRIVE BY TRAIN
We’re easily accessible by train, located close to Milton Keynes Station, a central hub for most major routes. You can take a 30-minute fast train from London to Milton Keynes. From there, you can catch a bus from outside the station to Buckingham High Street: we are only a five-minute walk from here.
Bus services depart every 30 minutes and operate every day.
ARRIVE BY ROAD
We are in the centre of Buckingham, and our four main sites are all within one mile of each other (at Hunter Street, Chandos Road, Mount Pleasant and Verney Park). Buckingham is easily accessed via the UK motorway network.
Students can enjoy free on-site parking across the campus at any time.
All you close byneed,
Forget the long commute to lectures—at
Buckingham, everything you need is located on a single campus, with all buildings just a short walk away.
Our campus runs across four sites: Hunter Street, Chandos Road, Mount Pleasant and Verney Park.
Hunter Street is our main site and this is where you can find the Students’ Union building, gym, bar, restaurant, and other student facilities.
We also have plenty of study spaces: from quiet areas in the Hunter Street Library, to group working areas in the Vinson Building.
Chandos Road, which houses our Medical School, is adjacent to the main campus and contains teaching, studying
SEE FOR YOURSELF
and academic spaces for our medics.
Recently refurbished, the Verney Park site is just a 15-minute walk from Hunter Street. It’s home to our stateof-the-art computing suites and teaching spaces for law and psychology. If you are based at Verney, all of your course materials will be located on-site at the Franciscan Library or can be found online.
Mount Pleasant Campus is our newest accommodation block and includes an on-site swimming pool and gym, as well as social spaces.
Explore our campus for yourself by coming along to an Open Day or booking a personalised Campus Tour.
ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
Living on our beautiful riverside campus is a great way to experience university life to the full, while remaining close to all the action – and best of all, we can guarantee two years of accommodation for all international students*.
Study and lecture rooms, the library, computers, social facilities, and accommodation are all just a short walk from each other. Our campus is also very safe, ranked 13th for the lowest crime rates out of 114 university cities (Crime statistics: England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 2022).
*providing accommodation is booked and paid for within the required timescale.
STUDENTS’ UNION
Our Students’ Union is here to make sure you have the best possible experience whilst you’re at Buckingham. They’ll make sure your interests are at the heart of new University policy and decisions, as well as running campaigns and raising awareness on the issues that matter most to you and your cohort.
When it comes to socialising, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From chilled out BBQs and cultural days, to karaoke evenings and themed parties; our Students’ Union holds weekly events and activities for you to enjoy. They also run activities further afield, organising clubbing nights to Milton Keynes, and day trips to London, Oxford and more.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
We have a wide range of clubs and societies that you can join when you start at Buckingham. There are groups focused on different interests (like Music, or the Free Speech Society); academic areas (like Medicine or Psychology); cultural, national and religious groups (like the Nigerian, Japanese or Pride Societies); and Sports groups, (like the Cheerleading Club). If you don’t find something you like, we can support you in establishing your own club.
BUCKINGHAM SPORTS’ UNION
Buckingham may be small, but the University has a growing range of sports teams you can join including badminton, basketball, cheerleading, netball, rugby, swimming, tennis and more.
Our Sports’ Union also connects with professional sports teams to broaden the range of sporting opportunities available to students, including university and college sports teams and competitions.
My courage was given to me by my parents, my school and The University of Buckingham”
Justin Albert Executive Director, International National Trust Organisation (LLB,
1989)
Our Courses
We offer a range of degrees with start dates in both September and January, giving you greater flexibility.
Looking for something specific? Use our online course finder and search by key words.
Accounting & Finance
Business Computing Digital Media & Journalism
Economics
Education English Literature Entrepreneurship Foundation History & History of Art
International Studies Law
Medicine & Health Sciences Military History Philosophy
Politics Psychology
Security & Intelligence
The two-year degree
As the home of the two-year degree, Buckingham offers the widest range of courses in the two-year format. We also offer two intakes a year: in January and September.
We first introduced two-year degrees in the UK in the 1970s and have been perfecting them ever since. Our two-year degree is a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you will gain a full honours degree, but graduate a whole year earlier. You can even combine your undergraduate with either a foundation or postgraduate programme, finishing in just three years.
Even better: you can save money as well as time. Although our annual fee is slightly higher than that of other universities, you will save a whole year’s tuition fees and living costs.
HOW DOES A TWO-YEAR DEGREE WORK?
Our teaching year is broken down into four bite-size terms, with the same amount of teaching weeks as a typical threeyear degree, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to grips with each module. You could even choose to continue onto a master’s programme, finishing both degrees in a total of three years.
WILL IT SAVE ME MONEY?
Buckingham’s fast-tracked schedule means you’ll finish your degree sooner and be out in the workforce up to a year earlier than if you went to another university. When living costs are included, our students pay about 20 per cent less than they would on a three-year course at a university charging £9,250pa for tuition. And don’t forget: you could enjoy a full year of extra earnings while your friends are still studying!
Two-year vs. three-year degrees
“Studying law at The University of Buckingham on both undergraduate and postgraduate levels has made me see how I am capable of doing anything I want to – the world is my oyster.”
Karina, LLB and LLM Law (Bulgaria)
Three-year degree Year one
Two-year degree with integrated foundation One-year foundation
Two-year degree with master’s degree
Year one
Two-year degree
three
Get ahead!
one
One-year master’s
With our two-year degrees you can save time by completing an undergraduate and master’s degree all in just three years! Or, choose to get into the working world faster and earn an extra years salary.
IS A TWO-YEAR DEGREE VALUED THE SAME AS A THREE-YEAR DEGREE?
Absolutely! All our degrees are full honours degrees, exactly the same as a traditional three-year degree, you’ll just get to finish faster. Lots of our courses also have great industry links, so you have the opportunity to gain work experience in your downtime from studying.
WHAT TWO-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES CAN I STUDY?
The University of Buckingham offers courses in the following areas:
• Accounting and Finance
• Business
• Computing
• Criminology
• Digital Media and Journalism
• Economics
• English Literature
• Entrepreneurship
• History and History of Art
• International Studies
• Law
• Medicine and Health Sciences (Medicine is available as a 4.5-year degree with an intake in January)
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Psychology
• Security and Intelligence
We also offer a range of postgraduate programmes across these areas, as well as Banking, Diplomacy, Education, Finance, Marketing, and Military History.
WILL I HAVE ENOUGH HOLIDAY TIME?
There’s still plenty of time to relax on a two-year degree. You’ll get 12 weeks’ holiday in your first year and 10 in your second year before you graduate.
Two-year degree breakdown based upon our 8-term degree. 9-term degrees also available.
“The Medical School has been very supportive of my progression both in my academic and personal life.”
Tushar, Medicine student
4.5 year
MB ChB
Medicine
Our School of Medicine is a hub for professional healthcare training, with no cap on international student placements.
Our unique 4.5-year, GMC-accredited medicine programme will develop you into a competent, safe and caring doctor, ensuring that you’re well equipped to progress in your chosen area. We introduce patient contact from as early as term one, giving you plenty of opportunities to interact and shadow leading practitioners. You will be taught both on-campus and at our clinical placements at nearby hospitals.
For a full breakdown of the course, turn to the next page.
PHASE 1
Integrated and interdisciplinary units mostly based around the systems of the body and presented in a clinical context. By the end of Phase 1, our students will be able to communicate effectively with patients, examine them clinically, and have a sufficient understanding of how the body works in health and disease to embark on full-time clinical work.
MEDICINE SELECTION DAYS
PHASE 2
Phase 2 is about building on the foundations of Phase 1 through intensive work with patients and doctors in the clinical environment.
Over a series of themed blocks, our students will be given a structured exposure to all aspects of medicine in both the hospital and the community.
Our admissions process consists of two stages. The first stage is to submit an application with all supporting documents on our website. This can be done via the apply button on the Medicine course page. If you meet our entry requirements, you will be invited to the second stage, known as a Selection Day which involves a series of multiple mini interviews. Our decision to make an offer is based on how well you do at Selection.
MB ChB COURSE OVERVIEW
Molecules, Genes & Diseases
Musculo-skeletal System Cardio-vascular System Membranes & Receptors
Student Selected Component
Tissues of the Body Mechanisms of Diseases Respiratory System Gastro-intestinal System
Metabolism Infection Urinary System Reproductive System Nervous System
Clinical Problem Solving 1 Health & Disease in Populations
Postgraduate study
WHAT POSTGRADUATE COURSES CAN I STUDY?
We offer a wide range of master’s degrees, including MSc, MA, MBA and LLM courses. We also offer a number of other postgraduate taught courses, including short courses, postgraduate certificates, graduate diplomas and courses in Education. Taught courses have a similar amount of contact (teaching) time as an undergraduate degree. They are made up of a range of modules that are delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials, and will enable you to develop a higher level of expertise.
We also offer a range of research courses, spanning master’s, PhD and professional doctorates. Postgraduate research degrees are based around independent learning, with a lot more contact time with tutors than taught courses. This means you work one-on-one with a supervisor, as the subject is more specialised.
Benefits of a taught master’s
Similar amount of contact (teaching) time as an undergraduate degree; predetermined curriculum; specialise in your chosen field; more pratical skills development.
Benefits of a research master’s
Independent and research-based learning with thesis or research project; more freedom to choose the research area; individualised supervision; a pathway to research-based careers.
POSTGRADUATE DISCOUNTS
We offer hefty fee discounts to many postgraduate students. These include a 33% discount if you have a first-class honours degree recognised to UK standard; or a 25% discount for Buckingham graduates with a 2:1 undergraduate degree progressing on to a postgraduate course. PhD discounts are also available.
Supporting your success
Pursuing a degree in a new country can present its challenges, but we’re here to support you throughout your journey with us. We equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to navigate through life at university, helping you thrive at Buckingham.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
We can help you develop the skills you need to support your academic performance, including research and writing skills. ASK, our Academic Skills team, are available to all students and they work closely with the University departments, personal tutors and the various schools of study.
PERSONAL TUTORS
Every student at Buckingham is assigned a personal tutor: these are members of our academic staff who are here to support you from the day you start to the day you complete your course. They are there to offer guidance and advice to ensure your studies are a success.
DYSLEXIA SUPPORT
We offer free dyslexia screenings and have a dedicated dyslexia specialist who is able to offer follow up 1:1 sessions or group workshops.
“Studying at Buckingham has given me confidence in my infinite potential. It was challenging to study in a second language, but it helped me develop academically and as a person.”
Mirei, English Literature (Japan)
International student support
Our team are here to support you throughout the process of applying to Buckingham. Find out more about the support on offer on the next page.
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
Our International Team are the main point of contact for international students. With country-specific team members, they can help guide you through the process of applying and support you with any questions you may have about studying with us. Contact them at international-office@buckingham.ac.uk
They also make regular trips overseas, often accompanied by university academics, as well as attending many of the major international Higher Education fairs. Why not come along and see us!
AGENTS FIND AN AGENT
If you feel you need support with applying to Buckingham, you may wish to work with one of our trusted partners/agents based in your country. You can search for agents in your country on our website below.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
If your English language level falls below the entry requirement of your chosen degree, you can join our pre-sessional English language programme designed to prepare you for university study. Successful completion of this course will then allow you to progress onto your chosen school of study.
VISA SUPPORT
Our Visa Support Team have many years of experience working to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements and supporting students with compliance. They can advise you on any visa-related queries you may have at studentvisa@buckingham.ac.uk
Graduate Route Visas have recently been introduced, meaning international students can work, or look for work, in the UK for up to two years after successfully finishing their studies. Find out more at gov.uk/graduate-visa
English requirements
language
To study in the UK, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have rules about the level of English you must have before they can issue you a visa. All applicants must achieve the minimum requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking, and writing).
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDY
IELTS (Minimum Grade)
TOEFL* (Internet-based)
TOEFL* (Paper-based)
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Foundation Undergraduate Postgraduate
Average of 6 (with 5.5 or above in each component)
Average of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component)
Average of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component)
Various*
87 (minimum component scores of Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23, Writing 21). Accepted for Undergraduate level courses or above
87 (minimum component scores of Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23, Writing 21). Accepted for Undergraduate level courses or above
Various* 580 or above 580 or above
176-184 with a minimum of 175 in each component
59-65 (with 4 minimum component scores of 59)
59-65 (with 4 minimum component scores of 59)
* Please use code 8775 when indicating The University of Buckingham as a score recipient. We will then receive your results directly.
We do accept other formats, please visit our website for the full list.
Fees & Finance
Managing your own budget can be a tricky prospect, especially if you’re leaving home for the first time. We’re here to support you on your journey and provide any information or advice you may need.
SAVE WITH A TWO-YEAR DEGREE
The overall cost at Buckingham is less, as you only pay for two years and will save money as well as time. You will save at least £16,000 by studying with us.
Postgraduate fees are priced individuallyplease see the website for details.
MBChB Medicine fees for January 2025 are £45,000 per year.
Postgraduate fees are individually priced and can be found on the relevant course pages.
expenses1
TWO-YEAR
£44,400
(£22,200 x 2 years) Excluding Medicine
£48,0002 (£16,000 x 3 years) Excluding Medicine=
£25,872 (£12,936 X 2 years)
£38,808 (£12,936 X 3 years)
PART-TIME WORK
Depending on the type of immigration permission you have for your studies in the UK, you may be able to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Details of any limitations will be shown on your immigration permit. Find out more about working with a student visa on the UKCISA website.
SAVE ON ESSENTIALS
All students can apply for a National Union of Students (NUS) card, which provides proof of student status and offers discounts of up to 50% on technology, food shopping, eating out, media subscriptions, clothes, and more. There are separate cards and programmes that offer a wide range of student discounts, such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans.
Food
From £30 per week
A variety of supermarkets are in walking distance from the University. For specialist oriental supermarkets, Milton Keynes has a variety to choose from including Central Oriental, Yong Yu Chinese Supermarket and Bao Giang Oriental Supermarket. Milton Keynes also offers South Asian and Afro-Caribbean specialist food stores.
Eating out
From £10 per meal
Buckingham offers many places to grab a drink, a range of shops and independent cafes, and loads of restaurants to choose from, including Turkish, Chinese, Italian, Indian, pub grub, and even a smokehouse.
Accommodation
From £99 a week
Stay in the heart of our campus in your choice of university-owned accommodation.
Leisure
Cinema from £10
Bowling from £7
Coffee from £2.50 each
Bus ticket from £3
Wellbeing
From £120 annual membership
We have a gym on campus that’s open from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week. There’s also a variety of fitness classes you can join.
Scholarships and bursaries
“My scholarship not only helps with the financial pressure, but also means that the University supports me and believes in my capabilities.”
Phoebe, Economics student
As a socially responsible university, we’re fully committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. A wide range of scholarships are available for students to apply for. These can be awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Bursaries and scholarships are awards from The University of Buckingham that you do not need to repay. Many scholarships have firm application deadlines.
Examples include:
THE HIGH ACHIEVER SCHOLARSHIP
£2,500 awarded in your first year of study if you have achieved the equivalent of AAB at a-level in your local qualifications*.
*This scholarship is not available for Medicine students.
SUBJECT
SPECIFIC
SCHOLARSHIPS
Funded scholarships and bursaries are available across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Awards will be conditional upon satisfactory progress at each stage of study.
POSTGRADUATE DISCOUNT
Substantial postgraduate discounts are available to students wanting to further their studies. These include a 33% discount if you have a first-class honours degree recognised to UK standard; and a 25% discount for Buckingham graduates with a 2:1 undergraduate degree progressing on to a postgraduate course.
BROWSE SCHOLARSHIPS
How to apply
We accept applications year-round for our courses. We have two major intakes per year, in January and September. Unlike many UK universities, students can apply directly to us via our website.
Applying direct is easy - head to the course page of your choice and hit ‘apply now’. We accept direct applications up until shortly before courses start, but advise students to leave enough time to arrange the appropriate visa for study in the UK.
Students also need to write a personal statement to apply - make sure this is personalised so you stand out from the crowd.
FIND A COURSE
WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?
Copies of your relevant certificates
To complete your application, we need certificates of study that confirm your qualifications. You can see the requirements for different countries on the international page of our website. If there is any doubt – please apply as we offer foundation courses that will bridge the gap between your qualifications and an undergraduate degree.
Evidence of English Language
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has rules about the level of English needed before they will issue a visa to study in the UK. It is very important that you have a good standard of English to be successful in your studies. All applicants must achieve the minimum requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking, and writing). The University of Buckingham has higher requirements than the minimum specified for a degree level course in the UK (Common European Framework, grade B2).
Please check the undergraduate or postgraduate language requirements on the next page for more details. A copy of your English language qualification certificate should be included with your application.
Transcripts and references
To process an application, we need your most recent academic transcripts or results, and one reference from your current or last school/college (two if applying for postgraduate study). A reference should be written by somebody who has taught you, demonstrating your ability and suitability for university study. If it is more than five years since you left full-time education, it may be written by an employer. It should then be posted or scanned and emailed to the Admissions Office at admissions@buckingham.ac.uk where we will process it as part of your application.
SUBJECT TASTERS
Do you want to get a flavour for your preferred subject area? Tasters run year-round and are a great way for you to better understand a particular course area and find out how our small-group tutorials work.
TALK TO A STUDENT
Whenever you log onto our website, current students are available to answer your questions and tell you more about life at Buckingham. You’ll see them pop up as you roam around the site: be sure to say hi!
ARMCHAIR TRAVEL
If you can’t make it to Buckingham soon, you can kick back and watch our range of Virtual Tour videos on everything from Buckingham town to accommodation, clubs and societies, facilities, and more.
The contents of this guide are correct at the time of printing (January 2025). However, there is often a lengthy period between printing this guide and applications being made and processed, so please check our website www.buckingham.ac.uk for the most current information. Where there is a difference between the guide and the website, the website takes precedence and represents the basis upon which we intend to deliver our services to you. If you have any questions, or cannot access our website, please contact Admissions on the email or phone number on p93 for the most up-to-date information on our courses, fees, scholarships, bursaries and entry requirements. The University offers the information contained here as a general guide only and reserves the right to cancel, suspend or modify in any way the information contained in this guide.