A unique partnership between the University of Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Council, - University Campus Milton Keynes – will see around 120 local, home and international students start this September.

It will be based at Saxon Court, in Avebury Boulevard and focus on courses in engineering and technology to meet the needs of the local economy, with a range of full and part-time foundation courses, undergraduate degrees, pre-masters courses and post-graduate degrees (including doctorates) available.

UCMK was formally launched at the Civic Centre in Milton Keynes by Bill Rammell, UoB’s Vice Chancellor, Cllr Andrew Geary, Leader of Milton Keynes Council and interim Dean of the new campus Professor David Barrett.

Mr Rammell said: “This is an exciting new chapter. We will have a physical presence from September to meet demand in the local area and deliver courses for which there is a tangible demand. Each of the University’s faculties and departments will be represented at the new campus.

“We will be providing graduates who meet the engineering and technology needs of businesses and offering continuing professional development courses.”

Cllr Geary said: “This is a step in the right direction.

“It has been a long-term ambition to offer face to face teaching at degree level for our growing communities (a population of 250,000, predicted to rise to 300,000 in 15 years) without having to travel.

“Attracting international students is also an interesting opportunity. It means our own students can learn from them and it will help to put Milton Keynes on the global map.”

Some of the first students to enrol at University Campus Milton Keynes. Also pictured, Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell (back, centre) & Cllr Andrew Geary, Leader of Milton Keynes Council (pictured far right) 

Charlie Ray, one of the students currently approaching the end of a Foundation Degree (accredited by the University of Bedfordshire) at Milton Keynes College is among the first tranche to register for a BA (Hons) Journalism degree at UCMK.

He said:”If we wanted to progress (to a full degree) it means going to Luton or Bedford. Now, to be able to complete a BA without having to travel, is fantastic for us students.”

For more information contact the University’s press office on 01582 743046 or email press.office@beds.ac.uk