University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire has an excellent academic reputation. Applications to the University have soared to 16,800 over the last three years - that's an increase of 100 per cent. Now there are almost five applicants competing for each place available.

Here at the University of Bedfordshire, we have a vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan student community that includes more than 4,700 postgraduate students and 1,200 members of staff from more than 100 countries. It is a modern and welcoming University that offers a wide range of courses at postgraduate level.

Whether you simply enjoy the subject you have chosen, you want to improve your employment prospects, or gain an academic profile, postgraduate study demonstrates a high level of commitment and enthusiasm that future employers will value. A postgraduate degree is also a great way to refine your skills and gain a valuable additional qualification. Find out more about the benefits of postgraduate study

And, with more than 44 per cent of students aged over 25, at the University of Bedfordshire you are certain to make lifelong friends from all over the world, with similar interests to your own, whilst studying a subject you enjoy in-depth. Find out more about returning to learning

As a postgraduate student at Bedfordshire, you can benefit from our staff expertise and the latest thinking on some exciting research areas. In the latest Government Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008, the University was recognised as 'world-leading' for its research in Earth Systems and Environmental Science; Social Work, Social Policy and Administration; English Language and Literature; and Communications, Cultural and Media Studies. What's more, the University has also been recognised as 'internationally excellent' in the areas of Computer Science and Informatics; and Business and Management Studies (RAE) 2008.

The University of Bedfordshire's international reputation for research makes it a really rewarding place to study.

About the University

The University of Bedfordshire offers a wide range of postgraduate courses including: Business, Law and Linguistics; Computer Science and Technology; Education and Teaching; Health and Biological Sciences; Media, Arts and Performance; Exercise Science and Sport; Tourism; and Psychology and Social Studies. View our courses online

Location

Postgraduate courses are delivered at our Luton, Putteridge Bury and Bedford Campuses.

Luton - is the largest town in Bedfordshire and lies approximately 30 miles north of London. It has excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe, and the capital is only a 30-minute train journey away. What's more, London Luton Airport is located 3 miles from the Luton campus, and offers cheap flights to Europe and many more locations. Postgraduate courses in Biological Sciences, Art and Design; Media Arts and Production; Computer Science and Technology; Health; and Psychology and Social Studies are offered at the Luton campus.

Putteridge Bury - is a magnificent country mansion set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens and picturesque parkland just off the A505 and only four miles from the main Luton campus and Luton town centre. Putteridge Bury is home to the University of Bedfordshire Business School's postgraduate courses, the University's Conference Centre and the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Postgraduate Medical School.

Bedford - is an idyllic riverside town on a beautiful stretch of the Great River Ouse, only 40 minutes away from London by train. Bedford offers excellent transport links to the rest of the UK as it sits between the A1 and M1 motorways, and is only a short journey away from London Luton Airport. The Bedford campus is approximately 20 minutes by foot from Bedford town centre, and is home to our postgraduate teacher training provision and the departments of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Physical Education and Sports Studies, and Performing Arts and English.

Faculties

The University of Bedfordshire has four main faculties:

• The University of Bedfordshire Business School (UBBS)
• The Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science (CATS)
• The Faculty of Education, Sport and Tourism (EST)
• The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (HSS)

Facilities and resources

The University has recently completed a £60m investment in our two main campuses at Luton and Bedford. New facilities at the Bedford campus include a new £6m Campus Centre that houses a £4.5m 280-seat theatre and an £8m Physical Education and Sport Science Centre which will be used to support 2012 Olympic athletes. Our Luton Campus has also seen massive investment with introduction of a multi-million pound Media Arts Centre, a Learning Resources Centre and £1.2 innovative "Business pods" which have been commended in a recent Government Green paper as an example of "best practice".

We are now embarking on an additional £74m redevelopment project to further enhance our Luton campus. A brand new £34m Luton Campus Centre, which will be the hub of student life, opened in October 2010 and new £40m en-suite Halls of Residence are scheduled for completion in 2011-2012. In addition, work has started on a new £15m Postgraduate Centre , set for completion in 2012-13. The new Postgraduate Centre will include a range of social spaces and teaching spaces which are specifically designed for the use of our postgraduate students.

Areas of academic excellence

The University of Bedfordshire has an excellent teaching record and recently achieved top marks - a 'confidence' rating in the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) audit 2009. Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) rated our GTP (Graduate Teacher Programme) as outstanding, and Bedfordshire was praised for its new models of partnership with local schools.

The University was commended in the Government's Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 for our "world-leading" research. We have many leading experts in areas of national and international interest.

International students

The University of Bedfordshire is a truly cosmopolitan environment in which to live and study, home to over 6,000 international students from more than 100 different countries around the world. We understand that studying overseas can be overwhelming and pride ourselves on the warm welcome that we extend to all of our international students, starting with the Meet and Greet service at London Heathrow Airport and continuing with a specially designed Induction and Orientation programme. The University has a dedicated International Office, with staff who are always ready to offer practical advice and information, and are able to help whatever your query, from visa applications to opening a UK bank account to extra support with your English language skills. The International Office, in conjunction with current students, also runs the International Friendship Group, which is designed to help you settle in to your new life at the University.

Postgraduate study in the UK can be an excellent way to differentiate yourself in a competitive global employment market and the University of Bedfordshire is strongly committed to incorporating the skills that make you more employable into all of our courses. Our support doesn't end there though, as our award-winning Careers and Employment Service is always on-hand to offer advice and guidance with finding part-time work and internship opportunities, as well as supporting you after graduation, when you can work in the UK for up to two years.

We also feel that, to be truly employable, our graduates must complement their academic achievements with an understanding and appreciation of British - and European - life and culture. Fortunately, our convenient location and great travel links mean you're never more than an hour away from the capital, or other famous cities including Oxford and Cambridge, and the International Office's social programme provides a fantastic schedule of trips and visits around the UK and mainland Europe to really enrich your experience here. What's more, our competitive tuition fees and generous early payment scholarships mean you really will be able to afford to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity to gain a prestigious UK qualification and be part of our society at a time of great excitement as we build up to the 2012 Olympics in London.

To find out more please visit the University's website: www.beds.ac.uk