Buckinghamshire New University, England

<p><strong>Our Proud History: A Legacy of Excellence</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1891 as the School of Science and Art, our University has been a beacon of transformation for over 130 years. Through our unwavering commitment to education, research, and community engagement, we continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our students, staff, and the wider community.</p> <p>Our campuses are safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can be themselves, feel valued, and belong. We celebrate diversity, fostering a community built on respect, support, and inclusivity. Our education is designed to work for all, regardless of background or circumstances, equipping students with the skills needed to tackle global challenges in the 21st century. Student satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do, and we are dedicated to helping students reach their full potential through a skills-based, employment-focused education.</p> <p>We are ambitious for our students, prioritizing their future employability. Through academic and hands-on practical learning, combined with work placements, we inspire, challenge, and motivate our students to aim high and achieve their career goals. Our lecturers, many of whom are industry professionals, ensure graduates are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen careers.</p> <p>In partnership with Bucks Students’ Union, we provide opportunities for students to explore new activities, develop additional skills, and form lasting friendships. We invest significantly in the Students’ Union to ensure nearly all activities are free, reflecting our ethos of making university life accessible to all.</p> <p><strong>Milestones in Our History</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>1891</strong>: Our journey began with the founding of the School of Science and Art in High Wycombe.</li> <li><strong>1920</strong>: We offered tuition to ex-soldiers and sailors of the First World War at Chepping Wycombe Technical Institute.</li> <li><strong>1963</strong>: High Wycombe College of Further Education opened on Queen Alexandra Road.</li> <li><strong>1975</strong>: The College merged with Newland Park College to form Buckinghamshire College of Further Education.</li> <li><strong>1989</strong>: The college became an independent Higher Education Corporation.</li> <li><strong>1995</strong>: We acquired Missenden Abbey, a historic Augustinian monastery.</li> <li><strong>1999</strong>: We became Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, gaining University College status.</li> <li><strong>2007</strong>: We were granted University status and renamed Buckinghamshire New University.</li> <li><strong>2020</strong>: We opened facilities at Pinewood Studios.</li> <li><strong>2023</strong>: The state-of-the-art Dame Frances Dove building was unveiled at High Wycombe.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Our Strategy: Thrive 28</strong></p> <p>Our strategic plan, Thrive 28, focuses on four key areas:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Community Engagement</strong>: As a civic University, we actively engage with communities locally and beyond.</li> <li><strong>Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion</strong>: We prioritize inclusivity in all aspects of our work.</li> <li><strong>Business and Industrial Engagement</strong>: We collaborate with businesses to contribute to regional and national economic growth.</li> <li><strong>Environmental Responsibility</strong>: We minimize the environmental impact of our estate and strive for the highest sustainability standards.</li> </ol> <p>We are committed to providing a life-changing education that enhances the employment outcomes of our diverse student body. Our students support key industries, particularly health and social care, and we contribute significantly to regional employment and economic activity.</p> <p><strong>Our Commitment to Fairness</strong></p> <p>We uphold fairness in all our policies and practices, acting responsibly towards the environment, social responsibilities, and sustainable development. As a learning institution, community neighbor, partner, and employer, we take our responsibilities seriously.</p> <p><strong>Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom</strong></p> <p>We support freedom of expression, defined as the right to express ideas and beliefs without fear of adverse consequences. We also support academic freedom, allowing staff to explore new ideas and challenge existing knowledge within the law and their fields of expertise, without risk to their career progression.</p> <p><strong>Teaching Excellence</strong></p> <p>Over our 130-year history, we have developed a high-quality, hands-on approach to teaching that focuses on real-world learning and drives high levels of student engagement. Our Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) results reflect our commitment to delivering an outstanding educational experience.</p> <p><strong>Quality Assurance</strong></p> <p>We ensure that our learning opportunities maintain the highest standards, providing the best possible learning experience for our students. BNU is rated Good by Ofsted for Apprenticeship provision (2023), underscoring the quality and impact of our academic offerings.</p> <p><strong>Student Success</strong></p> <p>At BNU, we create a fully inclusive learning environment where every student is encouraged to push their boundaries and thrive. We are committed to helping each student discover new opportunities and achieve their personal and academic goals.</p>