University of Buckingham

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The University of Buckingham is the UK's only private University and it is in the unique position of being independent of government funding or control[1]. Vice-Chancellor Terence Kealey, rejects the descrition of the University as right-wing, preferring the label 'libertarian'[2]. The Institution was opened by Margaret Thatcher in 1976, at this time it had college status, in 1983 it was granted university status[3].

The idea for the university germinated at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), and it was founded in 1973 with the support of Harry Ferns and Ralph Harris. Its links with the IEA continue to this day, through publications, conferences, and shared staff members (Julian Morris and Dennis O'Keeffe).

During 2002, the University was in the process of starting up a new think-tank, the Centre for the Study of Liberty, for which it recruited several new members of staff - most notably Roger Scruton, Anthony O'Hear, Dennis O'Keeffe, and Chris Woodhead. Indications are that this think tank will be directed at promoting ideas regarding the liberalisation/privatisation of the British education system[4][5].

Margaret Thatcher is a notable and vocal supporter of the University, having formally opening it in 1976, and having been its Chancellor from 1992 until 1998. The awards day at the University is called Thatcher Day. In November 2000, Margaret Thatcher's husband, Denis, was awarded an honorary degree by the university for being an "English gentleman" [6]

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Selected Departments / Staff

Vice chancellors

Management

Honorary degrees

Economics and International Studies

Education

Politics

Alumni

Powerbase Resources, Further Reading, Notes

Powerbase resources

Further reading


Notes

  1. Terence Kealey, Buck up, The Guardian, 29-June-2004, Accessed 01-September-2010
  2. The Guardian, The third degree, The Guardian, 17-September-2002, Accessed 01-September-2010
  3. Independent, Buckingham, University of, The Independent, 11-August-2010, Accessed 01-September-2010
  4. News, BUCKINGHAM WELCOMES ROGER SCRUTON AND ANTHONY O'HEAR, University of Buckingham, 17-September-2002, Accessed via Internet Archive 11-January-2003 on 01-September-2010
  5. Guardian.co.uk, The Third Degree, The Guardian, 16-September-2002, Accessed 01-September-2010
  6. BBC News,Honorary degree for Sir Denis, BBC News, 10-November-2000, Accessed 01-September-2010