Bucks New University (BNU) is a student-focused university based in High Wycombe, with over 130 years of educational history and a strong focus on vocational learning. It delivers a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses spanning areas such as health and social care, aviation, business, creative arts and psychology, reflecting a practical approach shaped by industry collaboration and career-readiness.
A defining feature of BNU is its emphasis on employability. Many programmes are designed with direct input from the university's network of professional partners and include integrated work experience, enabling students to graduate with both academic knowledge and applied skills. This focus is particularly evident in specialist areas such as pilot training and healthcare, where students benefit from learning in industry-standard environments.
BNU operates across campuses in High Wycombe and Uxbridge. Its campuses are located in lively towns, with access to the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside and only 30 minutes from central London, meaning that students are well connected to wider employment and cultural opportunities.
BNU has invested more than £100 million in facilities and learning resources in recent years. The university support tens of thousands of regional jobs and makes a significant economic impact across Buckinghamshire, placing emphasis on inclusion, sustainability and engagement.
Bucks New University students on Whatuni say:
''This university is a great place to study. The teachers are helpful and supportive. The campus is friendly and welcoming.''
''BNU is good choice for students prioritising practical, career-focused study in business and digital disciplines, especially if they value flexible delivery and industry-aligned teaching.''
''My overall experience at this university has been extremely positive. Student life is one of the strongest aspects - there is always something going on.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.02.6
4.4BNU has invested more than £100 million in its campuses in recent years, and students benefit from a range of new and updated facilities such as fully modernised lecture theatres, seminar rooms and technology-enabled learning spaces across all sites, including sites designed for commuter students.
Facilities are closely tied to subject areas. Creative courses use professional-standard studios, including performance spaces, photography studios and digital editing suites. Aviation students train using state-of-the-art facilities with software packages like FlightGlobal and The Fresh Connection, while nursing and midwifery students develop skills in clinical simulation environments. Psychology facilities also incorporate virtual reality to support applied research.
Bucks New University students on Whatuni say:
''Good environment for learning and growing.''
''Academically, the university provides good facilities and resources that support learning, including study spaces and helpful academic support when needed.''
''The campus is elegant. I love the flowers around the main areas. The canteen is amazing with great food, a great place to socialise with people on your current course or anyone who attends uni.''
4.0BNU is the most affordable student accommodation in the South East (Monzo, 2026). Students at BNU can access a range of accommodation options centred around its High Wycombe campus, with the following three halls of residence located within walking distance of teaching facilities:
BNU can guarantee a place in one of its High Wycombe halls to all new students joining BNU in September 2026, for students who make their accommodation application before 31 August 2026. Rooms are typically offered in shared flats, with options that include en-suite and standard accommodation, and support is available from residential teams who help students settle in.
For those who prefer to live independently, there is also access to private rental options in and around High Wycombe, supported by guidance from the university, in addition to great-value short-stay accommodation, like the newly opened Alex House.
Bucks New University students on Whatuni say:
''I think Hughenden is an excellent place to stay. I feel safe and comfortable especially away from home for first time.''
''Clean and comfy.''
''Nice, big and clean rooms and bathrooms also nice.''
BNU offers a wide range of financial support options for home and international students.
These include merit-based and means-tested funding awards as well as supporting those facing unexpected financial pressure. These are designed to help students manage specific challenges that might otherwise affect their studies and succeed at uni no matter their circumstances.
Bursaries include:
For international and displaced students, listed awards include:
Eligible students are usually limited to one bursary per academic year, and additional advice is available through the university and the Students' Union Advice Centre for those seeking further financial support.
Fees vary by course and student status, and prospective applicants are encouraged to check their relevant course page for the most accurate and up-to-date figures. Alongside tuition fees, the university provides guidance on funding routes including government student finance and, where relevant, professional sponsorship such as NHS funding.
BNU offers a wide range of courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as short courses, foundation years, and continuing professional development programmes. These are designed to be employment-focused, with an emphasis on developing practical skills, frequently combined with hands-on experience that reflect the expectations of specific industries.
Courses are delivered across the university's three academic colleges:
Teaching staff bring a wealth of academic knowledge and ongoing professional experience. Many continue to work within their industries alongside teaching, helping to ensure that course content reflects up-to-date practices, giving students key insights into life after education. This can be particularly valuable in areas such as healthcare, aviation and the creative industries, where industry standards evolve quickly.
Students experience a mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, depending on their subject, while some courses are delivered entirely online. Work placements and real-world projects are integrated into many programmes, supporting the development of confidence and transferable skills. This approach helps prepare graduates for employment by combining subject knowledge with an understanding of how it is applied in professional contexts.
Bucks New University students on Whatuni say:
''This course improves myself and changes my life.''
''The best part of my course is that the lecturers are supportive and easy to talk to. The course content is interesting and useful for my future career.''
''Contact with our course leader is good and excellent.''
The university has particular strengths in professionally oriented subject areas such as aviation, nursing and midwifery, health and social care, and the creative industries. These areas are supported by specialist facilities and feature curriculum structures designed to reflect current working practices, that ensure career-ready graduates.
One of BNU's key offerings is its aviation school, which combines academic study with pilot training, supported by strong industry partnerships and industry-informed teaching. In healthcare subjects, students train in cutting-edge clinical simulation facilities that replicate real-world workplaces. Creative subjects are similarly practice-led, with access to production studios and digital tools that mirror industry environments.
Teaching is delivered by staff who often maintain links with their professional sectors, allowing course content to remain informed by ongoing developments in their subject areas. This is reinforced through partnerships with employers, which contribute to course design and provide opportunities for placements and project-based learning.
Research activity is present across subject areas, often connected to applied outcomes and regional needs. This reflects a broader academic approach that prioritises practical impact, professional readiness and subject-specific expertise.
Bucks New University students on Whatuni say:
''The uni is very good, has lots of support and advice places for students and the layout is nice.''
''I'm learning and improving my communication skills.''
''Outstanding course and the best lecture team. I feel so privileged to be here.''
High Wycombe offers a great balance, with a lively town energy that has rolling countryside on its doorstep – and London less than 30 minutes away by train. There is a free shuttle bus service between the High Wycombe campus and Uxbridge, giving students superb access to the wide range of professional and cultural opportunities that London offers.
Student-led clubs and societies cover a range of interests, including a wide range of sports, creative activities and academic groups. Students are encouraged to participate, with the option to join multiple societies for free or establish new ones with support from the students' union. Activities are designed to be accessible, helping students build connections with like-minded individuals and develop interests outside their course.
Through ‘The Big Deal', all sports, clubs, societies and events are completely free.
4.4The Bucks Students' Union plays a central role in student life, both in organising a lively timetable of events and activities, as well as representing student interests. The students' union has received consistent recognition at national student-led awards, reflecting high levels of student engagement and satisfaction.
Bucks New University students on Whatuni say:
''My best uni experience is meeting my new people, and learning how to get out of my comfort zone.''
''There are many activities and services for students. I really enjoy my time here and would recommend it.''
''The students union and the professor who are very friendly and helpful makes it a great place to study.''
4.4BNU stands out for student support through ‘The Big Deal' it offers. This saves students GBP 200 per month by making clubs, sport, societies, and skills training completely free, and it's unique in the UK. This ensures everyone can have the richest uni experience possible, and nobody is excluded on the grounds of affordability.
Students also benefit from a broad range of support services designed to assist them throughout their time at university and into employment. These services cover academic development, wellbeing, financial support and career preparation, reflecting a joined-up approach to the student experience.
A central Student Hub offers guidance on day-to-day matters such as finance, documentation and general enquiries, with staff able to direct students to specialist teams where needed. Academic support is available through the Learning and Achievement Centre, which helps students develop skills such as academic writing, research and study techniques.
Health and wellbeing services include access to counselling and support for mental health, disability and inclusion, as well a ‘report and support' system, allowing students to raise concerns anonymously or with advisor support.
Financial assistance is available through bursaries, scholarships and hardship funds, alongside guidance on accessing external funding. BNU has also been recognised for its response to cost-of-living pressures, reflecting targeted support initiatives.
Bucks New University students on Whatuni say:
''The campus environment is welcoming, diverse, and supportive, and it really helps students settle in and enjoy their time outside of lectures.''
''I am very pleased with overall quality of teaching and support.''
''Student support is great!!''
4.2Employability is a clear priority across BNU, and this is reflected both in course design and in the support available beyond the classroom. Many programmes include placements or work experience, helping students build practical confidence before graduating and giving them exposure to professional settings linked to their subject area.
Careers support is embedded throughout the student journey, with one-to-one advice, CV support and access to the university's careers portal as well as free skill workshops and CV building exercises. This gives students support with both immediate job applications and longer-term career thinking. The Learning and Achievement Centre also contributes to employability by helping students strengthen core skills such as writing, communication and professional presentation.
Support continues after graduation through lifelong membership of the BNU alumni network, which connects students to a large community of graduates working across a wide range of sectors. This network can provide useful career insight, and a network of professional contacts as graduates move into employment.
These measures contribute to strong outcomes, and in a recent survey 95% of BNU graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.
BNU are also top 10 in the UK for proportion of graduates earning over £45k (HESA 22/23 Graduate outcomes data, released in July 2025).
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