Celebrating 50 years of independent thinking.
For 50 years, The University of Buckingham has stood for independent thinking, innovation in higher education, and a commitment to academic freedom. As we mark this milestone, we invite our community to celebrate our past, engage with our present, and help shape our future.
Founded in 1976, The University of Buckingham was established with a bold vision: to create an independent university that champions academic freedom, small-group teaching and a student-centred experience.
A year of celebration
Throughout the year, we will be hosting a programme of events, activities and opportunities to reconnect, reflect and look ahead.
It all started with an idea...
1967
On 27 May 1967, The Times published a letter from Dr J W Paulley
“Is it not time to examine the possibility of creating at least one new university in this country on the pattern of those great private foundations in the USA, without whose timulus and freedom of action the many excellent state universities in that country would be so much poorer?”
People of great stature were attracted to Buckingham’s founding ideals including Max Beloff (pictured), who later became the founding Principal of the University College at Buckingham.
1976
Official opening in February 1976
The University College at Buckingham (UCB) was opened in February 1976 by the Rt. Hon. Mrs Margaret Thatcher. The first cohort of 65 students, the ‘pioneers’, arrived in 1976.
1978
A royal visit
H.R.H Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh visits the University College at Buckingham 17 February 1978.
1983
University Status Granted by Royal Charter
In 1983, the College became The University of Buckingham by Royal Charter, meeting the highest standards set by the Department of Education and Science and the Privy Council, and pioneering two-year degrees that it has been perfecting ever since.
1996
Queen Elizabeth II Opens Anthony de Rothschild Building
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opens the Anthony de Rothschild building in July 1996.
2004
Visit by the Prince of Wales (Now King Charles III)
The then Prince Of Wales now, His Majesty King Charles III, visits The University of Buckingham.
2015
Opening of the UK’s First Private Medical School
The Medical School opened as the first private medical school in the UK with it’s pioneering 4.5-year MB ChB Medicine.
2018
Opening of the Vinson Building
On 28 November 2018, The University opened the Vinson Building, a multi-purposed facility for use by students and the local community.
2025
Whatuni Awards and growing student numbers
Recognised in South-East England by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for winning in the categories Lecturers and Teaching Quality, Student Support, and Postgraduate programmes, the University continues to thrive with growing student numbers.
1967
On 27 May 1967, The Times published a letter from Dr J W Paulley
“Is it not time to examine the possibility of creating at least one new university in this country on the pattern of those great private foundations in the USA, without whose timulus and freedom of action the many excellent state universities in that country would be so much poorer?”
People of great stature were attracted to Buckingham’s founding ideals including Max Beloff (pictured), who later became the founding Principal of the University College at Buckingham.
1976
Official opening in February 1976
The University College at Buckingham (UCB) was opened in February 1976 by the Rt. Hon. Mrs Margaret Thatcher. The first cohort of 65 students, the ‘pioneers’, arrived in 1976.
1978
A royal visit
H.R.H Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh visits the University College at Buckingham 17 February 1978.
1983
University Status Granted by Royal Charter
In 1983, the College became The University of Buckingham by Royal Charter, meeting the highest standards set by the Department of Education and Science and the Privy Council, and pioneering two-year degrees that it has been perfecting ever since.
1996
Queen Elizabeth II Opens Anthony de Rothschild Building
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opens the Anthony de Rothschild building in July 1996.
2004
Visit by the Prince of Wales (Now King Charles III)
The then Prince Of Wales now, His Majesty King Charles III, visits The University of Buckingham.
2015
Opening of the UK’s First Private Medical School
The Medical School opened as the first private medical school in the UK with it’s pioneering 4.5-year MB ChB Medicine.
2018
Opening of the Vinson Building
On 28 November 2018, The University opened the Vinson Building, a multi-purposed facility for use by students and the local community.
2025
Whatuni Awards and growing student numbers
Recognised in South-East England by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for winning in the categories Lecturers and Teaching Quality, Student Support, and Postgraduate programmes, the University continues to thrive with growing student numbers.
Anniversary events
Speaker events
Our anniversary speaker series will bring distinguished voices to Buckingham throughout 2026, continuing the tradition of thought-provoking discussion and debate.
Book launch
Coming April 2026, a special anniversary publication will be launched, reflecting on the University’s history, values and impact.
Library exhibition
This anniversary exhibition in the University Library will showcase key moments, stories and achievements from our first 50 years. The exhibition will open during 2026. Watch this space.
Get involved
Attend an event and reconnect with the University.
Support our future by giving back to the University