Only 30 minutes by train from central London and you arrive at the University of Bedfordshire. Although a new university, it remains an institution with a rich heritage, and academic roots dating back to 1882.

The University of Bedfordshire has 20,000 students from more than 120 countries worldwide, and is spread across five campuses:

Luton campus

A town centre based campus which boasts a range of industry-standard facilities as a result of a major investment programme, including a new seven-storey library.

Bedford campus

An enclosed leafy campus which houses the PE and Sport Science Centre which was used to train athletes in the 2012 Olympic Games.

Putteridge Bury

An Elizabethan mansion which is home to many of our postgraduate students, and the University Conference Centre.

Buckinghamshire campus

Dedicated facilities for our Nursing students, based in Aylesbury.

Milton Keynes campus

The newest campus which opened in 2013.

The university was awarded silver in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

“My experience at University of Bedfordshire has been excellent so far. I am a final year student and I can say that this University offers many opportunities to grow personally and professionally.”

“It has been an amazing experience, very helpful staff and people.”

“Overall experience has been great so far. Staff have been really helpful.”

The University of Bedfordshire has a 91% employment rate (according to DLHE – Destination for Leavers of Higher Education 2018). Thanks to access to “world-leading” academics (REF 2014), coupled with a practical approach to course delivery that will give you not only the theoretical knowledge you need, but experience that will prepare you for life beyond graduation.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

 “Lots of sources available to help find the perfect job for you.”

“The university offers a wide range of services and options available in order to improve interpersonal skills and be ready for the next step. There are diverse extra-curricular units and I suggest them as resulted important in my experience at this university. I am registered with the careers department and they regularly email me vacancies in relevant roles, as well as internship and other opportunities.”

“The University of Bedfordshire has a careers and employability service that is very helpful for students. It offers support with CV and job interviews preparation and it helps students in finding internship or placement year. It also organises different events and workshops with prospective employers to help students find their future jobs. The University offers free employability units such as Public Speaking, Networking and Language classes to boost your CV and graduate as a professional.”

Courses at the University of Bedfordshire have a strong vocational focus which is rated highly by our student reviewers, as you get to really understand the subject matter and learn by doing. Lecturers are academic experts, many of whom are actively involved in industry and are experts in getting the best out of students.

The University of Bedfordshire is a champion of practice-based education. For example, within the Business School, students can benefit from working alongside businesses on real projects as part of their degree.

In addition to your regular course schedule, the university hosts a wide range of industry visits and high profile masterclasses with industry insiders. Previous masterclasses have involved the likes of Gemma Hunt, CBBC Presenter and Bedfordshire Alumni, and Alastair Thrush, Lead Academy Physiotherapist at Arsenal Football Club.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

“Lecturers are always there to help if you're confused about anything.”

“Engaging and interesting.”

“Lecturers are friendly and helpful.”

Beds SU is run by four full-time officers, who are elected by University of Bedfordshire students each year. The Union ensures that students views and feedback are heard and represented at all levels of university life.

There is also a whole range of faith, academic, cultural and recreational clubs and societies for students to get involved in while at university. 

Beds SU Be Supported team provides impartial advice and support service on a wide range of issues including finance, housing, safety and representation. 

The Metro Bar and Kitchen in Luton and the Hub in Bedford offer a range of affordable food and drink options. They also host regular events including quizzes, comedy nights and club nights. 

To find out more visit our website.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

 “You can be involved in several extra-curriculum activities and the Student Union organises a very wide range of events during the week, including quiz nights and karaoke. It is very easy to get to know other students since the campus is relatively small. You can also join one of the existing societies or set up your own. There are also sport programmes such as "Get Active" and you have the possibility to join the University sports team.”

“Very helpful and friendly - provides all kinds of support.”

“Represents the students well.”

Accommodation at the University of Bedfordshire is of a high standard, with many en-suite options and all with free wifi and trained security staff present, and all first-year students are guaranteed a place.

Your rent covers everything including bills and contents insurance. Final costs vary depending on where you stay, how long you stay (42 and 51 week contracts are available) and what type of room you want.

The different choices are split across the three different sites:

Luton

We have invested in state-of-the-art, on-campus student accommodation. Opened in 2011 and 2012 respectively, Fitzroy and Wenlock Courts provide 852 en-suite modern study bedrooms. Both courts also have fantastic communal lounges, a games room, media room, group study room, a fully equipped gym and on-site laundry facilities.

Bedford

The Bedford on-campus accommodation comprises of purpose-built student rooms at Polhill Park offering 513 en-suite and deluxe rooms, as well as studio flats. For more budget conscious students, the Student Village offers 70 standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities and 48 en-suite rooms.

Milton Keynes

It is recommended that students studying at the Milton Keynes campus stay at the Bedford accommodation, which is approximately 45 minutes away by bus.

Our student reviewers praised the staff and cleanliness of their university accommodation.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

 “Modern and safe.”

“Fitzroy Court is amazing.”

“This student accommodation is very comfortable, clean and located directly on campus. There is a very nice common area with a Ping Pong and Pool table, TV to watch any sport events and other social areas where it is very easy to get to know other students. The structure is very safe and there is always a member of staff or security during night to assist you with any issues. A free gym membership is available for all students living here and free WI-FI is available in the structure. The town centre is very close.

Living costs This is the average annual cost of living for a student studying in the town where this uni is based.

Source: IDP Connect 2019

£4,200

per annum

Our new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building, based at our Luton campus, opened in September 2019. The building, set over four storeys, is home to a wide range of new science courses including: Biochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Pharmacology and Health Science, Automotive Engineering, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.

In 2016 a purpose built, seven storey library opened at the Luton campus, featuring dedicated silent areas, breakout spaces and pods to facilitate group work, state-of-the-art IT equipment and AV equipment. The Luton campus also features the Campus Centre, which houses all student services under one roof and includes a 240 seat lecture theatre. Other facilities at Luton include revolutionary Business Pods and a Law Moot Court, and a specialised Art and Design building, Alexon House.

The Bedford campus benefits from Gateway, a purpose built three storey building featuring everything a student could need under one roof. There is also a Physical Education and Sports Science Centre which was used to train athletes in the 2012 Olympics.

Our student reviewers were particularly impressed by the new facilities, including the library.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

“The facilities are great and support students in their learning. In particular, the library is opened 24/7 during the Academic year, which offers the possibility to consult many different books and has a completely silence floor to help students focusing on their assignments. There are also other learning hubs and group study areas where students can go to study and use computers. The Gateway Building is new and classrooms are always tidy and welcoming.”

“The facilities are well organised, especially the library which is open 24 hours 7 days. It is full of helpful resources, there is a silent floor where I went to prepare assignments and exams. The uni also offers various sport spaces including futsal, football, table tennis, pool etc.”

“The library is very good.”

With main campuses based in Luton and Bedford, the University of Bedfordshire allows you to study close to London (only a 30-45 minute train ride away!) without the costs associated with living in the capital.

Luton is the largest town in Bedfordshire and surrounded by countryside if you want to take some time away from your studies. Luton Airport is only 3 miles from campus too, if you want to get even further away!

Bedford, where the other main campus is based, is a riverside market town with lots of parks and open spaces. There are a number of festivals and events hosted there throughout the year and it’s easily accessed by motorway from the rest of the UK.

There are also campuses in the smaller town of Aylesbury as well as bustling new town, Milton Keynes. Milton Keynes is a bustling "new city" which holds the largest growing "after 6" culture outside of London. It offers great shopping facilities, art exhibitions, musicals, canal-side promenades and great sports facilities. Aylesbury is bursting with culture, international cuisine and cool clubs.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

 “Amazing!!!!!”

“Bedford is a very nice and dynamic city - perfect for University students as it has everything. There are many restaurants offering different cuisines; shops and a shopping mall. Furthermore, there are many parks where you can go for a run or play some sports. The embankment area is very nice and there are always events going on. If you are travelling from outside Bedford, you might find very helpful the free-shuttle bus offered by the University that connects the town centre and train station.”

“The city has many parks and open spaces to relax as well as pubs and clubs. Personally, I think that the city life is more active day time during the week. However, during weekends and Wednesdays (student’s night) there are also interesting events and parties. Finally, it is important to know that London is only 40 mins away by train.”

Cost of a pint This is the average cost of a pint.

Source: IDP Connect 2019

£2.90 - £3.20

per pint

The University of Bedfordshire Students’ Union (Beds SU) has an offer over a wide range of cultural, religious, arts and sports-based societies. These range from the Dance society to the Nepalese society, to the Law Association, to History society. If you don’t find something you like, you can create your own.

They’re also well known for the ‘Bedfordshire Bulls’ – 1,000 student members across the campuses who compete in the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) league. They were only set up in 2012 yet they’ve already got 11 league winners under their belts.

Our reviewers praised these options for the social aspect.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

“Really supportive and helpful.”

“Students can be involved in many different societies (including sports, volunteering or languages). Furthermore, you have the opportunity to set up your own society and receive support from the Student Union to run it.”

“It is interesting as there is an opportunity to create a brand new students society, which helps to get confident with the real life work.”

The University of Bedfordshire has Student Information Desk's (SiD) located on each campus, with dedicated advisers that aim to resolve your issue, or put you in contact with someone who can. Students also have access to SiD online, which enables students to search a database of over 500 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's), or log and update new and existing enquiries.

There are also specialist teams available to deal with issues such as disability support, mental health and money advice.

Our student reviewers have praised the support available to them at Bedfordshire.

University of Bedfordshire students on Whatuni say:

“Teachers are very friendly and always available to provide you any support. They really make my lessons engaging and interesting. Furthermore, the University offers pastoral support, student support and SID (Student Information Desk).”

“Since I started my course, I have been supported and motivated to do my best. It is important to have a good class representative as he/she will be constantly in contact with academics. The tutor has always been available when needed. Overall, feedback is provided on time. The Student Information Desk is a point of reference for any queries -it has been very helpful.”

“Tutors help with personal and academic problems.”

UK/EU students per year: £6,200 - £9,250

International students per year: £11,500

For the most up-to-date information please visit the University of Bedfordshire's website.

Bursary

This bursary is for all undergraduates with an entry qualification score of fewer than 112 UCAS tariff points, or equivalent. The bursary is worth £1000 over 3 academic years.

Merit Scholarship

This scholarship is for undergraduates with an entry qualification score of 112 UCAS tariff points or more, or equivalent. The scholarship is worth £1500 over 3 academic years.

Foundation Year Bursary

This bursary is for undergraduates undertaking the Foundation Year as part of an integrated four-year degree and is worth £1300 over 4 academic years.

Sports Scholarship

Up to £1,000, plus other sporting benefits including access to Bedfordshire’s on-campus gyms at Luton and Bedford, can be given to students who perform well in sport and want to compete at a high level.

Care Leavers Bursary

This is available to students who are under 25 years old and being supported by a care service.

For the most up-to-date information about the University of Bedfordshire’s scholarships visit our website.

Sport and Physical Education

Nearly three quarters of Bedfordshire’s work in sports science, PE and leisure has been recognised internationally, and the work they’ve done has provided important results for elite athletes. They’ve also worked with high profile sporting organisations like the UEFA and the Olympic Commission and provided research to help them make decisions.

Research

The University of Bedfordshire is home to world-leading research with direct societal, economic and cultural impact. This is recognised in the UK-wide 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), and includes major areas of research such as advancing medical knowledge of serious and chronic disease, substance misuse, language assessment, and robotics technology that supports independent living.

The university accepts qualifications such as A-level, BTEC, Access Diploma and others that are on the UCAS Tariff. They are also happy to consider qualifications not currently on the tariff. Each application is considered on an individual basis so everything you’ve got to offer, including work and life experience, is taken into account. Generally, the requirement is two A-levels or the equivalent, so it is worth visiting the website to find out exactly what you need for specific courses.