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 description 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].

In 1985 Madsen Pirie delivered a lecture entitled 'The Privatization Option; A Strategy to Shrink the Size of Government', Pirie praised the University of Buckingham arguing that:

'Britain's universities were all completely state dominated, a public sector activity. The little University of Buckingham, which had opened with 63 students, was adopted by the Thatcher government. It was given a royal charter and the rights to grant degrees and to call itself a university. It now has over 500 students and is flourishing'[4]


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 Max Beloff 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[5][6].

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" [7]

Students

As of August 2010 the University has 700 full time undergraduates and 45 part time students. 55% of the students are international students and 41% are mature students[8].

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. Madsen Pirie, Lecture 4 The British Experience, Heritage Foundation Reports, 1985
  5. 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
  6. Guardian.co.uk, The Third Degree, The Guardian, 16-September-2002, Accessed 01-September-2010
  7. BBC News,Honorary degree for Sir Denis, BBC News, 10-November-2000, Accessed 01-September-2010
  8. Independent, Buckingham, University of, The Independent, 11-August-2010, Accessed 01-September-2010