The University which last year leapt into the World University rankings ahead of many of its competitors, bucked an underlying trend with an 11% growth in its student undergraduate population for 2015/16, while other universities flatlined with a growth of just 1% overall.

This meant for year on year growth, Bedfordshire was 16^th out of 138 universities, outperforming many Russell Group universities.

Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor said: “This is great news for the University of Bedfordshire and is a validation of our strategy to focus on the student experience.

“While other universities panicked in an increasingly competitive market, using gimmicks to attract more students, we instead have invested in student-focused facilities and in providing top quality teaching. We also adapted flexibly to student demand introducing a new Foundation year to widen access and delivering our excellent Higher Education experience in dispersed study hubs in London."

2016 saw the University make considerable progress in its goal to improve the student experience. An inspection by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) commended Bedfordshire for its enhancement of student learning opportunities – the highest rating possible, while investment in student facilities has continued apace with a stunning seven-storey, state of the art library, opening last summer.

The University also revealed plans for a £40m building devoted to teaching and research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects to open at its Luton Campus.

In addition the 2016 student satisfaction figures announced by the National Student Survey (NSS) saw Bedfordshire awarded its highest ever student satisfaction mark with the University shown to be a leading university for personal development, for career prospects and choices and, assessment and feedback, all of which are critical for students to succeed.

“2016 was an amazing year for the University with validation for our focus on the student experience coming from all sides,” said Mr Rammell.

“However we are not complacent; we hold both ourselves and our students to a high standard. Our expectation is that our students will perform academically, progress into graduate-level employment and become globally aware citizens and professionals.

“Our mission is to provide them with the tools to meet those expectations.”