University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bedfordshire (or Beds, for short) is a modern, forward-thinking university with buzzing campuses in Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury. It’s home to 22,000 students from more than 120 countries. So you can make friends from around the world, experience an exciting mix of ideas and cultures, and build your own global network for the future.
When it comes to our courses, being a young university means we aren’t afraid to try new things, whether it’s innovative approaches to more established courses like Art & Design and Biochemistry or teaching at the cutting edge with emerging subjects such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Cybersecurity or Interior Architecture. And one of our campuses is in Luton – of course we’re offering Aviation, Airport Management and International Tourism! Look on our website for more about our inspiring range of courses.
We also understand that going to uni is a big step in your life journey and you want to be sure your degree will take you somewhere amazing. So our courses focus on employability: as much as possible, they are practice-driven, with hands-on experience, work placements, internships or a fee-free year in industry to ensure – whatever subject you choose - you graduate ready to enter the world of work.
We know many students worry about the cost of studying at university, too. That's why we offer a range of generous scholarships and bursaries to support you throughout your university journey. What’s more, we guarantee accommodation to all our first-year students.
Ask us a question
We are the University of Bedfordshire’s very own Customer Relations team, and we’re on hand to answer any questions that you may have; no matter how big or small. From course queries and career information to fees, funding and the fun side to Uni, be sure to ask us – we’re happy to help.
Open Days
Attending an Open Day is one of the best ways to find out more about our University because you can see for yourself everything we’ve got to offer. You'll have the opportunity to tour the campus and Uni accommodation; speak to our expert academics and support staff; and meet some of our current students.
If you're unable to attend an Open Day, we run regular campus tours, where our Student Ambassadors will show you around the campus and our accommodation.
For more information or to register your place on one of our Open Days visit our website.
While you're there, check out our programme of online webinars covering everything from surviving Freshers' and writing a personal statement to subject insights and taster seminars.
Student Life
Just 30 and 40 miles from London (which is a short train journey away), Luton and Bedford are lively, student-friendly towns within easy reach of country parks, stately homes, hiking in the Chilterns and villages perfect for a pub lunch. For day trips, what about ZSL Whipsnade Zoo or Woburn Safari Park?
Our Luton campus is only a short walk from The Mall shopping; pubs and bars (some with live music); and a wide choice of reasonably priced restaurants and coffee houses. There’s also a multi-screen cinema and entertainment complex round the corner from the campus; jazz club; cultural centre offering live music, dance, theatre and exhibitions; and a world-class multi-sports village with two swimming pools, just out of town. The UK’s biggest one-day carnival also belongs to Luton and takes place every year at the end of May.
Bedford is a busy riverside town (the county capital) with a lively mix of traditional town pubs, bars and restaurants, popular nightclubs, cinemas, shops and museums in addition to first-class sports facilities including a swimming complex just outside the centre. Every year Bedford runs the River Festival on the River Great Ouse, featuring sports, live music, dragon-boat races, food and fireworks. There’s also Bedfringe, a chance to see talented comedians and actors before they hit the Edinburgh Fringe.
Milton Keynes is a modern, bustling 'new city', boasting the largest growing ‘after 6’ culture outside London. At its centre is a huge shopping mall experience but there’s also multiplex cinemas; theatre; the MK Gallery (partnered with the Tate); a wide choice of sports facilities; and Xscape, a 170m indoor ski slope. For a quieter life, there’s Willen Lake – although even here, you can challenge yourself with wakeboarding, canoeing and a high-ropes course in the trees.
Aylesbury – a beautiful market town with a long heritage - is our quieter campus but still full of culture, restaurants, and buzzy pubs and clubs. Check out the town’s Waterside Theatre, cinema and museums as well as the indoor go-karting track and Chiltern Brewery (although not at the same time!).
Somewhere to call home
At Beds, we’re proud of our bright, modern accommodation situated very close to our campuses. Our Luton accommodation, for instance, is right opposite the university buildings, in the town centre, a 10-minute walk from the train and bus stations, and just under 25 minutes to/from London.
Our accommodation also offers good value for money: it ranked in the top 20 for cost effectiveness in a recent league of UK city universities (Cheapest UK Cities for Student Accommodation, studentcrowd.com, 2021)
Five great reasons to live in University of Bedfordshire accommodation
1. Instant opportunity to make new friends
2. Trained security staff on site 24/7 along with fob and swipe card entry system
3. Your rent covers all bills, contents insurance and WiFi
4. Flexible payment plans
5. Regular events such as BBQs, movie nights and day trips
At the University of Bedfordshire, we guarantee accommodation for all first-year students. Find out more here
First-class modern facilities
At Bedfordshire, over the past few years, we’ve invested in developing award-winning social and learning spaces, designed with your bright future in mind.
Luton
- A dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building, opened in 2019, and including specialist computing environments; cutting-edge engineering and research laboratories; an imaging suite built for using confocal and fluorescence microscopes; and a range of robotic equipment
- A purpose-built, seven-storey library, opened in 201 and featuring dedicated silent areas; breakout spaces and pods to facilitate group work; a café; and high-spec IT and AV equipment
- Specialist Art and Design building, Alexon House
- Our Campus Centre, which houses all student services under one roof including our Student Information Desk (SiD)
- En-suite accommodation, Fitzroy and Wenlock Court, offering 850 fully furnished study bedrooms
- Revolutionary business pods and Law moot court in our Business School
- A nursing simulation suite
- En-suite accommodation at Fitzroy and Wenlock Court, offering 850 fully furnished study bedrooms
Bedford
- Purpose-built, three-storey building, Gateway, bringing all student services and amenities under one roof
- Campus Centre with a 280-seat theatre – one of the largest in the county
- A physical education and sports science centre, used to train athletes in the 2012 Olympics
- A nursing simulation suite
- En-suite accommodation at Polhill Park
Luton and Bedford campuses each have an on-site gym offering a range of cardiovascular and weights machines along with a free-weights area. An easily accessible way to keep fit with affordable and flexible membership options.
Milton Keynes
Modern teaching facilities include:
- High-specification teaching rooms with top-quality AV and IT equipment
- A specialist electronics and telecommunications laboratory
- A large computer lab
- A Student Information Desk (SiD) on campus, where our staff can assist you with any queries you may have
Aylesbury
Our healthcare students are based in dedicated facilities at our Buckinghamshire campus, which opened in 2020 on the same site as Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The campus is fully equipped with contemporary clinical skills labs; simulation suite; and an on-site Learning Resources Centre.
Getting about
The University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus is situated in the heart of the town centre, with high-street shops, supermarkets, and the bus and train stations all within walking distance. Students studying at the Bedford campus have access to a free University shuttle bus, giving quick and easy access to the train station and town centre. Both campuses are within a 40-minute train journey to London and are within close proximity to London Luton Airport.
More than a degree
We believe that University life is about far more than just your studies - it's about developing as a person.
Follow your interests
We’ve got a wide choice of clubs and societies, run through the students’ union (Beds SU). Can’t find a society in your area of interest? Just start your own with like-minded people. If sports are your passion, we have over 40 sports teams competing in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) leagues. There’s also our Get Active programme: sign up for membership for a nominal fee and gain access to a vast timetable of sport and physical activities, from archery to zumba.
Build up your employability
We’ve organised lots of ways in which you can develop your skills and add to your CV in your free time. For example, Art & Design students can gain experience at our in-house design studio while Law students can work on real cases with our Law Clinic or Refugee Legal Assistance Project, to name but a few. Many courses offer you the chance to gain industry experience alongside your studies. And all our faculties run regular masterclasses and industry talks from experts working in the field.
Take on skill-building responsibilities
Become a course or faculty representative and be the voice for fellow students on your course. Sign up as a Student Ambassador and represent the University at Open Days and other events. Take up an elected role with Beds SU and enhance your leadership and team-building skills. Volunteer and help raise money for our charity partners.
Get your name out there
We encourage our students to take part in external competitions and industry awards, and many of our students have been recognised within their field in this way. We also encourage students to get their creative work out into the world via exhibitions, performances and broadcasts. For example, you could be a presenter for the University’s own community radio station, Radio LaB, broadcasting throughout Luton and Bedfordshire.
Visit our website to find out more about our co- and extra-curricular activities.
Featured Societies
Forensic Science Society
Join the Forensic Science Society to participate in interesting activities, such as trips, events and guest speaker talks, all of which will broaden your knowledge and understanding of the various aspect of Forensic Science.
Other Contact Details
Chat to the uni
Visit our website
Email address:
Phone number:
+44 (0)300 3300 073
Mailing address:
University of Bedfordshire
University Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK
LU1 3JU
