University of Buckingham

The University was not only awarded 1st placed for Postgraduate study in the South East, but also named Winner for Lecturer and Teaching Quality in the South East and Winner for Student support in the South East in the What Uni Student Choice Awards in 2025. With small-group teaching, industry recognised lecturers and personalised one to one support, the journey to success starts at The University of Buckingham.

What is the university of Buckingham known for?

Located in the historic market town of Buckingham in the South East of England, The University of Buckingham is known for its distinctive shorter degrees, small-group teaching, diverse community, one to one support, and strong emphasis on academic freedom.

The University offers over 90 postgraduate taught and research programmes, including MSc, MA, MBA, LLM and a wide range of PhDs, spanning subjects such as business, security and intelligence studies, medicine, education, psychology, law and computing, as well as flexible online and London-based options.

Buckingham’s excellence is reflected in their numerous awards, namely 1st in the South East for Postgraduate Study, Winner for Lecturers & Teaching Quality(South East), and Winner for Student Support (South East) in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025. They have also achieved a Top 10 ranking for Facilities Spend and Top 10 for Graduate Prospects in the South East in the Complete University Guide 2026 showing their dedication to continuously improving students’ educational experiences.

Postgraduate students benefit from research-active academics who are pioneers in their fields, strong wellbeing support, industry-informed teaching, and excellent careers guidance, creating an academically comprehensive and highly supportive environment ideal for advanced study.

Where is The University of Buckingham and what’s the setting like?

The University of Buckingham is based in the picturesque market town of Buckingham, surrounded by green spaces, historic streets and peaceful riverside paths that create a calm, friendly environment for study. The campus is just a short walk from the town centre, where students can enjoy weekly street markets, independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, giving the town a welcoming, community feel.

The University’s three Buckingham campuses, Hunter Street, Verney Park and Mount Pleasant, are all within a mile of each other, making it a highly walkable and convenient place to live and study. Set along the River Great Ouse, the campus offers relaxing outdoor seating areas, scenic study spots and nearby highlights such as Stowe Landscape Gardens, just a ten-minute walk away.

As well as being a peaceful town, Buckingham is also very well connected. Milton Keynes is a 20-minute commute (bus or car) with a fast 30-minute train to London, and there are other easy bus links to Oxford and Cambridge. The University also has a London campus in Bloomsbury, offering specialist teaching and research spaces just minutes from Euston Station.

What are the standout course offerings at The University of Buckingham?

At The University of Buckingham, there is no shortage of study options, with 90 postgraduate taught and research courses available. The University offers a wide range of master’s degrees, including MSc, MA, MBA, and LLM, as well as several short courses such as postgraduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and programmes in Education. With flexible full-time or part-time options and start dates in both January and September, it is no surprise that The University of Buckingham has been ranked 1st for Postgraduate Study in the South East of England (WhatUni Student Choice Awards, 2025).

Taught postgraduate courses at Buckingham provide a comparable level of contact time to undergraduate degrees. These courses consist of a variety of modules delivered through lectures, seminars, and tutorials, allowing students to develop a high level of expertise. PhD students are supported by two supervisors who are experts in their respective fields, offering guidance from the beginning to the completion of their studies. In addition, doctoral candidates benefit from the advice of other academic staff members and participate in Annual Review meetings with senior professors.

Buckingham offers a range of research degrees, including Master’s, PhD, and professional doctorates. These research programmes are based on independent study and one-to-one supervision, providing a more specialised and focused learning experience.

Small class sizes ensure that every student’s voice is heard. This personalised approach fosters close connections with tutors who are internationally recognised pioneers in their fields. Tutors integrate their latest research findings directly into their teaching, ensuring students graduate with up-to-date industry knowledge.

What are the entry requirements and fees?

Entry requirements vary by programme, but postgraduate applicants typically need a relevant undergraduate degree (usually a 2:2 or above) or equivalent professional experience. Tuition fees differ by course and residency status, with separate rates for UK and international students. Buckingham also offers a range of postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to support both home and international applicants. Full fee details can be found on the University’s website.

What is student life like at The University of Buckingham

Student life at The University of Buckingham is friendly, welcoming, and community focused. With students from over 90 different countries, the campus has a truly international feel, where postgraduates learn alongside peers with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity is complemented by teaching from both local and internationally recognised lecturers.

The Students’ Union is at the heart of campus life, organising clubs, societies, events, and activities while representing students’ interests in university decisions. Student wellbeing is also a top priority, with support from the excellent Wellbeing Hub which, amongst other things, has garnered the university a Top 10 ranking for Student Support in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025.

Postgraduate students also benefit from the University’s Careers and Employability Service, which provides personalised guidance, professional skills development, work experience opportunities, and paid micro-internships, helping students gain the confidence and experience they need to launch their careers successfully.

What facilities does The University of Buckingham offer?

The University of Buckingham offers a wide range of facilities to support both study and relaxation. Students have access to multiple libraries across campus, providing study spaces, computer access, and extensive academic resources, including leading databases for research and assessments. The Fitness Centre on Hunter Street is open seven days a week and is equipped with weights, resistance, and cardiovascular machines, alongside weekly group exercise sessions ranging from high-intensity workouts to holistic classes. The on-campus bookshop supplies essential study materials, course books, stationery, university merchandise, and local Buckingham products. As well as being a short walk from the town’s local pubs, restaurants and tea houses, Buckingham has an on-site café, Starbucks and restaurant. On warm days students can enjoy outdoor seating alongside the river.

How does The University of Buckingham support your career?

The University of Buckingham provides more than an education, it offers a launchpad for successful careers. The University’s dedication to career-focused programmes has earned it a Top 10 ranking for Graduate Prospects (outcomes) in the South East of England (The Complete University Guide, 2026).

Strong industry links and an on-site Careers and Employability Service offer students personal support, practical training, and tailored advice to enhance employability and career development. Services include one-to-one career consultations, mock interviews, and an online resource hub to support job preparation and applications. There is also the opportunity for paid micro-internships via the B-Enterprising scheme, a flexible short-term opportunity designed to fit around student’s studies.

The University run several workshops every term, that deliver sessions on skills and employability topics as part of academic programmes. There are also a number of online and campus-based employer events that give students the chance to interact with professionals from all kinds of organisations, from global employers to local business owners.

All Buckingham alumni enjoy support from the Careers and Employability Service, having a lifetime of access to online resources and appointments with careers advisors.

What do students say about The University of Buckingham?

The University of Buckingham’s current students and alumni consistently highlight how the University empowers them academically, professionally, and personally, an experience reflected in their accolades, being ranked 1st in the South East for Postgraduate Study, Winner for Lecturers and Teaching Quality in the South East (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025) and Winner for Student Support in the same awards. Here’s what some of the students had to say:

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),

Studying an LLM has made me see how I am capable of doing anything I want to – the world is my oyster

Karina LLM Law

The extensive knowledge I have gained sets me apart from other candidates, giving me a distinct advantage

Eleanor MA Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy

Alumini

Along with exciting current students, Buckingham has an impressive range of alumni, including Olamide Samuel.

After completing an MA and PhD in Security and Intelligence, Olamide became a Teaching Fellow at SOAS and later led the SCRAP Weapons Project, expanding its global reach. Now a Special Envoy at the African Commission on Nuclear Energy, he champions nuclear disarmament and co-founded the Africans Against The Bomb Campaign, shaping international security policies and demonstrating how Buckingham alumni make a real-world impact.

The University of Buckingham gave me the foundation to turn my passion for global security into action

Olamide Samuel

How can I apply to The University of Buckingham?

Applications for postgraduate study are made through the University’s online application portal, accessible via each course page. Applicants can easily upload transcripts, certificates, and supporting documents. The Admissions Team is available to help with questions at every stage of the process.

Contact: info@buckingham.ac.uk

What else should you know about The University of Buckingham?

The University of Buckingham is an established institution with almost 50 years of experience in delivering high-quality education. Founded in 1976, it remains the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter and is one of the smallest, with around 3,700 students. Buckingham pioneered the two-year degree model, allowing students to save both time and money while benefiting from an intensive and supportive learning environment. With more than 26,000 alumni in 185 countries, the University has built a global community of students, scholars and professionals who share a commitment to understanding and academic curiosity. Known for its ethos that every student is “a name, never a number,” The University of Buckingham places strong emphasis on personalised support, small class sizes and close interaction between students and staff, creating a distinctive and highly student-centred experience.

Contact details:
Email: info@buckingham.ac.uk