History of the University

The University of Buckingham is the oldest of Britain’s independent universities. On 27 May 1967, The Times published a letter from Dr J. W. Paulley, which said, “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 stimulus and freedom of action the many excellent state universities in that country would be so much poorer.” This idea was taken up by a number of people in the business and academic worlds and three London conferences followed, two in 1968 and one in early 1969.

A suitable site was found in Buckingham and on 29 March 1973 the University College at Buckingham (UCB) was incorporated, in the form of a non-profit company registered as an educational charity. The then Council of Management held its first formal meeting on 3 April 1973, with its foundation stone laid in May 1974. UCB was formally opened in February 1976 by the Rt. Hon. Mrs Margaret Thatcher, MP, as former Secretary of State for Education. It had 65 students.

The University of Buckingham was incorporated by grant of Royal Charter on February 11th, 1983 and became a registered charity (number 1141691) on May 4th, 2011. As of 2026, the University has a student population of more than 3,800 students originating from more than 70 countries.

Buckingham pioneered the accelerated degree, but while the University was innovative in some respects, it was traditional in others: for example, the small-group academic tutorial system allowed students to receive more individual attention than at many other universities.

In the first instance, Buckingham offered courses in law, languages, politics, economics and life sciences; over the years more programmes were added – in history, English literature, accounting, management, computing, psychology and, most recently, in education, medicine and allied health. Postgraduate provision – both taught and research – has also flourished.

The University of Buckingham has been shaped by a succession of outstanding Vice-Chancellors: first, Professor Max (later Lord) Beloff, then Professor Sir Alan Peacock, Dr Michael Barrett, Sir Richard Luce (now Lord Luce), Professor Robert Taylor, Professor Terence Kealey, Professor Sir Anthony Seldon and Professor James Tooley. Most recently, the Council appointed Chief Financial Officer Mr David Cole as Interim Vice-Chancellor while the search for the University’s next permanent appointment is carried out. All have made major contributions to the University’s development.

The University’s Vice-Chancellors have been fortunate in the assistance that they have received from our six Chancellors: Lord Hailsham, Baroness Thatcher, Sir Martin Jacomb, Lord Tanlaw, Lady Keswick and, latterly, Dame Mary Archer whose re-appointment is being celebrated in 2026.

Even so, the real basis of Buckingham’s success has been its staff and, above all, students. Those who will graduate this year follow in a distinguished line and they and their successors will carry the reputation of the University to even greater heights.