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Fast-track your future with our two-year degrees and flexible start dates

At Buckingham, we give you the opportunity to study your degree, your way.

Whether it’s starting in January or September, or taking advantage of our two-year degrees, studying at Buckingham will be sure to set you apart from the rest.

Throughout this guide, we’ll explain how our two-year degrees work, the benefits of our different entry points, and how you can gain more in just three-years - keep reading to find out more!

The

two-year degree

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As the home of the two-year degree, Buckingham offers the widest range of courses in the two-year format.

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 TWOYEAR DEGREE WORK?

Our teaching year is broken down into four bite-size terms, with the same amount of teaching weeks as a typical three-year degree, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to grips with each module. We teach the same number of weeks as a three-year degree, there’s just an extra term in the summer. After graduating 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% 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

Two-year degree with integrated foundation

Two-year degree with master’s degree

Two-year degree

Year one

One-year foundation

Year one

Year one

Year two

Year one

Year three

Get ahead!

Year two

Year two

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 year’s salary.

Year two

Get ahead!

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

• Digital Media and Journalism

• Economics

• English Literature

• Entrepreneurship

• History and History of Art

• International Studies

• Law and Criminology

• Medicine and Health Sciences (MB ChB 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 in 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.

Year one

Term 1

9 weeks

5 week break

Term 2

11 weeks

2 week break

Term 3

9 weeks

3 week break

Term 4

11 weeks

2 week break

Year two

Term 5

9 weeks

5 week break

Term 6

11 weeks

2 week break

Term 7

9 weeks

3 week break

Term 8

11 weeks

End of degree

Two-year degree breakdown based upon our 8-term degree. 9-term degrees also available.

“The two-year degree allows for an edge against the competition, as the extra year saved allows you to build up work experience.”

Eliot, BSc Economics

ARE TWO-YEAR DEGREES MORE STRESSFUL?

No, we have the same number of teaching weeks as a typical three-year degree. Our teaching year is broken down into four bite-sized terms, giving you plenty of time to get to grips with each module.

WHEN WILL MY ASSESSMENTS BE?

You’ll find that most assessments take place during the Spring and Autumn terms before holidays, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to relax, including over the summer and Christmas holidays!

WHAT LOANS ARE AVAILABLE?

Undergraduate UK students are eligible for the same support from Student Finance England as those at other universities, including:

1. An annual repayable Tuition Fee Loan of £6,165 paid directly to the University. If you are eligible for this loan, it will be paid termly.

2. An annual repayable Maintenance Loan to help with your living costs (the amount of loan depends on household income and the type of study), paid in instalments directly to you after registration.

We advise EU students to check the government website for the most up-todate information: gov.uk/student-finance/eu-students

Undergraduate students may also apply for a Future Earning Agreement via

StepEx, which helps to bridge the gap between Student Finance loans and tuition fees.

A Future Earning Agreement is a form of deferred payment scheme; you pay part of your course fees later by agreeing to repay a fixed percentage of your post-graduation earnings for a limited period.

To find out more about student fees and which loans you could be entitled to, visit buckingham.ac.uk/admissions/fees

DO SCHOLARSHIPS APPLY TO TWO-YEAR DEGREES?

Nearly all of our scholarships are awarded based on degree level and not the duration, so our two-year programmes are included in our undergraduate scholarships (unless otherwise specified). Other eligibility requirements may apply.

THE HIGH ACHIEVER SCHOLARSHIP

£2,000 awarded in your first year of study if you achieve AAB or equivalent A-level results*.

*This scholarship is not available for Medicine students.

THE UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM BURSARY

£2,000 per year, available to UK students. Amount dependent on household income.

Choose start date your

As one of the few universities that offer two major intakes each year, we welcome new students in both January and September.

Almost all of our undergraduate and postgraduate courses are available to start in either September or January. You’ll study the same course content in the same timeframe. This means no matter which entry point you choose, you will be part of a whole new student cohort and get to experience induction, Freshers’ Week and the same expert teaching.

“The January entry was perfect for me, as someone who wasn’t enjoying their degree at a large impersonal university. I thoroughly enjoy the small class sizes which have enabled me to get to know both my lecturers and peers in a meaningful way and feel part of the university community.”

Olivia, BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics, transfer student

JANUARY START

If you haven’t studied before, want to transfer course, or find a September start isn’t ideal, our January intake gives you the chance to commence your studies at a time that works for you.

Graduate with less competition

By finishing your course in December, you’ll graduate at a time with less competition in the job market.

Transferring is easy

Nearly 10% of our January intake are transfer students; if you’re not happy where you are, you can always start afresh.

SEPTEMBER START

With our September start, you can keep in the swing of education, without a big break between finishing school and starting your undergraduate degree.

Ease into your studies

Take a gentler introduction to university life. You will study fewer modules for the first term, bridging the gap between school and university.

Traditional route

In the UK, September entry tends to be the most traditional route into university. There are no extra tuition fees if you start earlier.

Gain more three years in

INTEGRATED FOUNDATION (1+2)

Foundation courses are one-year programmes, and they bridge the gap between your current qualifications, and the knowledge and skills required for the undergraduate programme you want to do.

If you haven’t achieved the necessary qualifications, or your English language is not at the required standard, studying an integrated foundation degree could be the choice for you.

Doing a foundation course at Buckingham will allow you to complete your foundation and undergraduate programme in just three years. This means a faster, smoother transition into university study in a supportive and stimulating learning environment.

One-year foundation

Two-year undergraduate degree

UNDERGRADUATE AND MASTER’S (2+1)

Postgraduate study can increase your earning potential by £6,500 more per year on average, than someone graduating with just an undergraduate degree (Graduate labour market statistics, 2022). With our two-year model, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years; saving you time and money.

We also 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.

One-year master’s

Two-year undergraduate degree

Why you’ll

love Buckingham

“Studying at Buckingham has given me an advantage above my peers. It has a vast range of cultures and personalities that as an international relations student gives you a perspective like none other.”

TWO-YEAR DEGREES

We’re different from other universities. We complete most of our degrees in two years instead of three. Students learn through our unique tutorials, which are in addition to lectures and seminars. These sessions ensure that you are not just a face in the crowd; your tutors will get to know who you are and encourage you to engage in debates and discussions.

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Students are at the heart of everything we do. Our University was created by academics who were determined to offer a high-quality, student-focussed experience. When you speak, we listen.

BE PART OF A DIVERSE CAMPUS

You’ll be part of a diverse community with a student body of more than 100 nationalities, from as close as Europe to as far afield as New Zealand. We value the diversity of thought and opinion, and have ranked first in the UK for freedom of expression in the NSS 2023.

Henry, BA International Relations

NEVER A DULL MOMENT

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.

WE TAKE WELLBEING SERIOUSLY

At The University of Buckingham we want to make sure that when you’re here, you feel happy and engaged with your learning. Through our personal tutor programme, you will have a mentor to support you through life at university to help you not only build knowledge, but also character. Our Wellbeing, Skills and Diversity team can provide you with further support, and our welfare dogs are on hand for a walk or cuddle at any time.

ACCLAIMED BY STUDENTS

Our dedication to teaching quality and student life has resulted in us being ranked highly by our students and in national surveys.

1. Top 10 for Student Satisfaction, Complete University Guide, 2023.

2. 5th for Mental Wellbeing Services, NSS, 2023.

3. Number 1 for Freedom of Expression, NSS, 2023.

“I chose the two-year degree as I liked the fact that I would get into work a year before my friends. Although accelerated, I’ve found the workload completely manageable and enjoyable. Unlike some friends who have complained about having extensive and counterproductive free-time and holiday elsewhere, I prefer the structure of the two-year degree which gives you more than enough holiday, without the stress of exams looming for when you return.”

Georgina, BSc Business Management