Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University, usually referred to as BNU, has its roots in the School of Science and Art, which opened in High Wycombe in 1891. It gained university college status in 1999, and the Privy Council approved it as a full university in 2007. High Wycombe remains home to the main campus, whose Gateway Building has won a RIBA award. Further campuses are located in Aylesbury and in Uxbridge, at the western fringe of London; since 2009 the latter has been a base for applied healthcare research and for nursing students. The university also owns Missenden Abbey, a historic property operated as a conference centre.

Around 18,000 students attend BNU, where teaching favours a practical, career-oriented approach built on simulations and hands-on work, with classes kept comparatively small. Subjects include business, computing, engineering, the creative arts, nursing and healthcare, and sport and human performance, along with aviation, where the portfolio extends to air transport with commercial pilot training. Clinical skills, sport science, film and television, and audio and music production are supported by specialist facilities, and BNU takes part in police degree apprenticeships.

Information for International Students

More than 50 countries are represented among BNU's students, and the university publishes guidance for international applicants covering visas and immigration, accommodation and its approved education agents. Applications may be submitted through the university's online portal or via UCAS, or with the help of a recruitment agent in the applicant's own country, and applying early is advised to leave time for visa arrangements.

Selection may involve a statement on why the applicant chose the course and BNU, plus an interview by the admissions team, in person or, for those outside the UK, online. To receive a CAS, Student visa applicants must first produce bank evidence proving that the necessary funds have been held for no fewer than 28 consecutive days. All students must satisfy the university's English language requirements, although some national school qualifications can replace a separate test, such as the Indian CBSE certificate where it includes a good grade in English. Where qualifications do not yet reach the level needed for degree entry, foundation-level entry can be considered. Bursaries and scholarships are offered, and eligible graduates may go on to apply for the Graduate Route.