University of Bedfordshire

Address and Location

Most of the University of Bedfordshire's facilities are situated at the college's impressive Luton campus, a modern mix of stark white interiors and heavy wood panelling. The smaller Bedford campus is located in a former teaching college twenty minutes from Bedford city centre. Other partner institutions are dotted around Luton, all within twenty minutes of the main university hub.

Background and History

A polytechnic college until being renamed Luton University in 1992, the University of Bedfordshire was created in 2006 when the institution acquired the Bedford campus of De Montfort University. Since then, the university has invested record sums in its new buildings and attracted a growing number of applications each year. Courses at the university are largely vocational, and several have achieved research excellence.

Location and Accessibility

While some courses require students to spend time at the Bedford or Luton satellite sites, the majority are based at the main Luton campus.

By rail: The Luton campus is a fifteen-minute walk from Luton Station, with regular connections to London King's Cross.

By road: The main campus is located just off the M25 and accessible via the A30. Ample parking is available on-site.

Accessibility: All university facilities are wheelchair-accessible and accommodation is provided for students with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, MA, MSci, MMus, MBA, FdA, FdSc, University Diploma, Higher Education Certificate, Higher Education Diploma, Graduate (Conversion) Diploma,Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate

Entry Requirements

Entry standards vary between subjects, with most requiring 200 or more UCAS points. Specific course information can be found on the university website.

University Accommodation

The university provides a small amount of self-catered accommodation for first-year students.

Private Accommodation

Most second and third-year students opt to live in Luton, where rents can prove surprisingly cheap for the South-East of the UK.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

The university has been recognised for research excellence in its Department of Earth Systems and Environmental Science. Bedfordshire is best known for its vocational courses, however, offering an especially high standard of tuition in sports and tourism subjects.

Tuition Fees

Currently, undergraduate courses cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.

Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates, including awards given by the Luton Rotary Trust. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

Having enjoyed record investment in recent years, the University of Bedfordshire provides a range of state-of-the-art libraries, with hundreds of networked PCs and personal and group study areas at both campuses. Students have access to first-class research materials at both sites. Labs and other research facilities are of a high standard across the university.

Other On-site Amenities

The main Luton campus provides an exhibition space for students' work and a number of restaurants serving world cuisine. Meanwhile, the Bedford site is home to a Fairtrade restaurant, a selection of cafes, a theatre/dance-performance space and the university's£8m sports centre.

Medical and Social Care

Both sites have on-site medical centres and provide a confidential student support service. The Luton campus also provides a range of faith resources, including a university chaplaincy.

What's On in the Area

Both Bedford and Luton are home to a broad range of entertainment options and ideally-suited to a student population. Each provides a range of nightclubs and bars. Access to comedy and live music is more limited, however, meaning many students travel into London for evenings out.

Moving on

Bedfordshire provides a dedicated careers service, offering students advice and support when searching for work experience and postgraduate employment.

Alumni of the university include David Balfe, the record label manager who first signed Blur and subsequently became the inspiration for the song 'Country House'. Putteridge Bury, home to the university business school, is an early twentieth century manor house set in 30 acres of fields and woodland.

Is the University of Bedfordshire right for you?

For students looking for a vocational programme in the South-East of the UK, Bedfordshire offers a combination of modern facilities and experienced tutors. The Luton campus is also close enough to London for day trips. For something similar, applicants should consider Middlesex University.