University of Bedfordshire
Luton, United Kingdom
University of Bedfordshire
Luton, United Kingdom
Founded
1882
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
20,000+
International Students
120+ Countries
Discover the University of Bedfordshire
Discover the University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bedfordshire is a public research university with campuses across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in England. With educational roots dating back to 1882, the university has grown into a modern institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to students from over 120 countries worldwide.
The university was formally established in 2006 following the merger between the University of Luton and De Montfort University's Bedford campus, by order of the Privy Council. It is spread across five campuses in Luton, Bedford, Putteridge Bury, Aylesbury, and Milton Keynes, providing students with diverse learning environments and specialist facilities.
The University of Bedfordshire is committed to career-powered education, with strong industry links and a focus on employability. In the REF 2021, 60% of the university's research and 50% of its impact were recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent, reflecting its growing research profile.
Key Milestones
- 1882: Bedford Training College for Teachers founded, marking the earliest roots of the university.
- 1993: Gained university status as the University of Luton under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
- 2006: University of Luton merged with De Montfort University's Bedford campus to form the University of Bedfordshire.
- 2017: Received a Silver Award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognising high-quality teaching.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Bedfordshire is organised into four faculties that cover a broad spectrum of disciplines, from business and technology to health sciences and education. Each faculty offers programmes designed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure graduates are career-ready.
University of Bedfordshire Business School
The Business School offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business, management, accounting, and finance. With strong industry connections and practical learning opportunities, it prepares students for leadership roles in the global economy.
- MBA Business Administration
- BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
- MSc Data Analytics
Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science
This faculty brings together creative and technical disciplines, offering programmes in computing, engineering, media production, and the sciences. Students benefit from state-of-the-art STEM laboratories and a dedicated Media Arts Centre.
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- BA (Hons) Media Production
- MSc Cyber Security
Faculty of Education and Sport
The Faculty of Education and Sport is known for its strong tradition in teacher training and sport science, with roots tracing back to the Bedford Training College. It provides programmes that combine academic rigour with practical experience in schools and sports settings.
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- PGCE Primary Education
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
This faculty offers professionally accredited programmes in nursing, midwifery, social work, psychology, and public health. Healthcare simulation suites and clinical placements ensure students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
- BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- MSc Public Health
School of Law
Situated within the broader academic framework, the law programmes at Bedfordshire feature a dedicated Moot Court for practical legal training. Students develop advocacy, negotiation, and legal research skills essential for a career in law.
- LLB (Hons) Law
- LLM International Commercial Law
- LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology
Research and Innovation
The university operates 11 research institutes that drive impactful research across disciplines. Areas of particular strength include child sexual exploitation studies, applied computing, and health and wellbeing, with outputs recognised at international standards.
- PhD Computer Science
- PhD Education
- MPhil Social Sciences
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationsMinimum 2 A-level passes (grades C and D) or equivalent BTEC/T Level qualifications
- UCAS Tariff PointsMinimum 32 UCAS tariff points (varies by course)
- English Language (IELTS)Overall 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band
- Application MethodVia UCAS (Institution Code: BEDF B34)
- Supporting DocumentsPersonal statement, academic transcripts, reference letter
Postgraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationsBachelor's degree with minimum 2:2 classification (or international equivalent)
- English Language (IELTS)Overall 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each band (some courses require 6.5)
- Application MethodDirect application via beds.ac.uk (no application fee for PG)
- Supporting DocumentsCV, personal statement, academic transcripts, reference letters
- Additional RequirementsSome programmes may require a portfolio, interview, or relevant work experience
Main deadline for undergraduate applications through UCAS to receive equal consideration.
Last date for standard UCAS undergraduate applications before Clearing opens.
Postgraduate programmes accept applications year-round. Early application is recommended to secure a place.
Most programmes start in September, with a January intake available for many postgraduate and some undergraduate courses.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The University of Bedfordshire offers competitive tuition fees, particularly for a UK university located within easy reach of London. Various scholarships and discounts are available to help reduce costs for both home and international students.
| Fee Category | Home Students (GBP) | International Students (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 13,750 - 14,750 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university | GBP 12,750 - 14,500 |
| MBA Programme | Contact university | GBP 14,500 - 21,000 |
| Estimated Living Costs (per year) | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 |
| Total | Contact university for full cost breakdown | GBP 22,000 - 26,000 (tuition + living) |
International Subject-Specific Scholarship
Available to international undergraduate students enrolling in eligible first-year courses. This scholarship provides a significant reduction on tuition fees for each year of study.
- Award Amount: GBP 3,000 - 6,000 per year off tuition fees
- Eligibility: International fee-payer on eligible undergraduate course
- Renewable: Yes, for each year of study
Postgraduate Global Merit Scholarship
Designed for international postgraduate students who demonstrate strong academic achievement in their bachelor's degree. The scholarship is applied as a reduction to total course fees.
- Award Amount: GBP 3,000 - 5,000 off total tuition fees
- Eligibility: Minimum 75% GPA in bachelor's degree
- Additional Benefits: Eligible for GBP 500 prompt payment discount
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Bedfordshire operates across five campuses in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, each offering specialist facilities tailored to different academic disciplines. Over GBP 200 million has been invested in student facilities in recent years, including a modern library and STEM building.
The GBP 46 million seven-storey library on the Luton campus offers state-of-the-art learning facilities, collaborative workspaces, and extensive digital resources for all students.
Set in a self-contained leafy location 20 minutes from Bedford town centre, the campus features fully equipped gymnasiums, sports science labs, and a modern campus centre with a 280-seat theatre.
A magnificent neo-Elizabethan country mansion set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens, Putteridge Bury hosts the Business School's postgraduate programmes, conferences, and university events.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
The university provides over 1,000 modern on-campus flats at both Luton and Bedford campuses, mainly en-suite study bedrooms with shared kitchen and lounge areas. First-year students are guaranteed a place in university accommodation.
- En-suite rooms with shared kitchen/lounge
- Bills, Wi-Fi, and security included in rent
- On-site gym, laundry, and social spaces
Campus Dining and Services
Each campus provides catering facilities and social spaces for students. The Luton campus centre houses a range of food outlets, while the Bedford campus offers its own catering services within the modern campus centre.
- Multiple food outlets across Luton campus
- Campus centre cafes at Bedford
- Nearby town centre shops and restaurants
Student Life at Bedfordshire
Student Life at Bedfordshire
Student life at the University of Bedfordshire is vibrant and diverse, with a welcoming community of students from over 120 countries. The Students' Union organises events, activities, and support services throughout the year, ensuring every student can make the most of their university experience.
Location: Luton and Bedfordshire
Location: Luton and Bedfordshire
Life in Luton
Luton is a vibrant and multicultural town in Bedfordshire, located just 30 minutes by train from central London. It offers an affordable cost of living compared to the capital, with excellent transport links including London Luton Airport and direct rail services to London St Pancras. The town provides a diverse cultural scene, shopping centres, parks, and a welcoming community for international students.
Proximity to London
Just 25-30 minutes by train to London St Pancras, giving students easy access to one of the world's greatest cities for culture, careers, and entertainment.
London Luton Airport
One of the UK's major airports is located in Luton, offering convenient and affordable flights to destinations across Europe and beyond.
Affordable Living
Living costs in Luton are significantly lower than in London, with accommodation ranging from GBP 500 to GBP 1,000 per month depending on the type of housing.
Green Spaces and Countryside
Bedfordshire offers beautiful countryside, historic towns like Bedford, and attractions such as Whipsnade Zoo and the Chiltern Hills, all within easy reach.
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Where Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
The university's international team provides comprehensive guidance on UK student visa applications, CAS issuance, and immigration compliance throughout your studies.
If you do not meet the English language entry requirements, the university offers pre-sessional English courses and an International Foundation Year to help you prepare for degree-level study.
New international students can benefit from airport collection services and a dedicated welcome programme designed to help you settle into life in the UK and at the university.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Bedfordshire Rankings
University of Bedfordshire Rankings
The University of Bedfordshire maintains a stable presence in both national and international university rankings, with particular strengths in specific subject areas such as nursing, education, and electronic engineering. The university has shown consistent improvement in student satisfaction scores.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Nursing | Guardian University Guide | #1 in UK |
| Electronic & Electrical Engineering | Guardian University Guide | #52 |
| Biological Sciences | Complete University Guide | #75 |
| Education Studies | Times Higher Education | #501-600 (Global) |
Features
Diversity is one of our key strengths and fundamental to our success. We value the diversity of all, and recognise peoples’ distinct, intersectional identities and their role in enhancing our University community. We want to ensure that everyone thrives and are treated equally and with respect and are committed to eliminate practices that undermine or are harmful to anyone involved in the activities of our University. We therefore have a zero tolerance of unlawful discrimination, intimidation or harassment of anyone connected with the University, specifically related to their race, religion or belief, age, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital or partnership status or maternity and pregnancy and are committed to take appropriate action to address it. In addition we strive to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between all people at the University.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Park Square, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom
Map not found.
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