Buckinghamshire New University

Overview

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has over 8,000 students currently enrolled and continues to grow in size since gaining university status in 2007. Originally founded in 1893 as the School of Science and Art, Buckinghamshire New University is known for offering many unique courses such as Policing and the award-winning Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training.

The majority of undergraduate and postgraduate students are based at the main campus in High Wycombe, while a smaller Uxbridge campus hosts the Medicine and Nursing faculty.

Services for International Students

The International Lounge at Buckinghamshire New University provides a place for international students to meet, relax, and find support on a number of issues. English courses are also offered by the University, while staff will provide tutorial support, guidance and counselling, as well as information on finance, health, sport, welfare, accommodation and career opportunities.

Free airport collection takes place for all new international students starting at Buckinghamshire New University, while orientation is organised by each faculty. In addition, a campus tour, visa seminar and tour of the town will take place to help you feel at home. The international friend scheme will allow new students to contact current and international alumni.

Ranking

• 122nd in the Times University Guide 2025
• 65th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Buckinghamshire New University was ranked 12th in the UK by the Huffington Post in a list of creative universities and was also included in a list of the top 14 creative universities in the UK by The Daily Telegraph. In addition, BNU has won awards for its training of pilots and music industry management.

Reflecting several years of university-wide activity, REF 2021 results reveal that 44% of BNU research was judged to be of world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) quality, based on the six subject-based units of assessment (UOA) the institute submitted.

Accommodation

Buckinghamshire New University has four main halls of residence spread across its campuses in Uxbridge and High-Wycombe, and first –year students are guaranteed accommodation provided they apply by the required deadline. The University is also able to offer advice on finding private rented accommodation.

Location

Situated approximately halfway between London and Oxford, High Wycombe is the second-largest town in Buckinghamshire. It’s not just an industrial centre, but also a market town, as shown by the busy stalls that crowd the high street three days a week – a tradition stretching right back to the 12th century.

The town has a modern shopping centre, a sports centre, an artificial ski centre and an exciting nightlife to suit the varied tastes and interests of students. London is only 40 minutes away by train, and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are easily accessible. Students studying Nursing Bucks News are based in Uxbridge, which is on the London Underground network.

Alumni

• Noel Fielding and Dave Brown, comedians
• Boo Ritson, artist
• Naomi Riches, Paralympic bronze medallist
• Mark Hamilton, Managing Director of G4S Events
• Tony Ball, founder of Show and Event Security