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 academics roots dating back to 1882.
The University of Bedfordshire has 22,000 students from more than 120 countries world-wide, 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, as well as a bespoke Postgraduate and CPD Centre
- 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 campus – an Elizabethan mansion which is home to many of our postgraduate students, and the University Conference Centre
- Aylesbury campus – in Aylesbury, with dedicated facilities for our Nursing students
- Milton Keynes campus – our newest campus which opened in 2013
The University of Bedfordshire places a strong focus on entrepreneurship and not just employability so that we can create the kind of graduates that organisations compete to employ. This is seen in the number of professional accreditations that many of our courses carry, and through the success of our graduates; with 92% in work and/or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2016).
But don’t just take our word for it. Our students think so too. And that’s why we’ve been rated in the top 25 universities for improving the student experience,and 6th for most improved teaching (National Student Survey 2013-17).
We’re well connected – close to London, without the Capital costs.
Our main campuses in Luton and Bedford have buzzing town centres and provide a great student lifestyle. What’s more, the cost of living is considerably cheaper than London, whilst only being a short train journey away.
Luton
Luton is the largest town in Bedfordshire, and is surrounded by the beautiful north Chiltern Hills. It has excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe, and lies just 50km north of London - the capital is only a 30 minute train journey away. In addition, London Luton airport is only 3 miles from campus. Luton boasts a wide collection of pubs, clubs and restaurants as well as a thriving arts scene, and is home to the Luton International Carnival – the largest one day carnival in Europe.
Bedford
Bedford is an idyllic riverside town, located 40 minutes from Central London by train. It has excellent transport links to the rest of the UK as it sits between the M1 and the A1. The rest of Europe can be easily accessed, as London Luton and Stansted airports are nearby. Centrally located between London, Oxford and Cambridge, Bedford is a lively cosmopolitan town with a rich heritage, celebrated in a programme of events and festivals throughout the year.
Aylesbury
The medieval county town of Aylesbury is bursting will culture and is home to the Queens Park Centre – the UK’s largest independent arts centre. Aylesbury also offers international cuisine and cool clubs. You can also reach the Capital directly from Aylesbury in just one hour.
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes is a modern, bustling metropolitan ‘new city’. It has 230 stores making it one of the largest undercover shopping centres in Europe attracting 30 million visitors each year. It is also home to the Xscape Centre which houses a 16-screen cinema, bowling alley, and an indoor ski-slope – ideal for leisure seekers. There’s also more than 350 restaurants to choose from, and the fastest growing ‘After 6’ culture outside of London.
Be in the Beds. location
We recognise that being a student isn’t just about studying – it can also be about lifestyle, and so deciding where to live can be very important. Our campuses span a range of great locations across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire and offer a whole host of arts, culture, sports, entertainment and much more – making Bedfordshire one of the most culturally rich, vibrant, multicultural environments in the country. Our great location, great transport links, and great arts and entertainment offering make for a truly great student experience.