Nigeria

Welcome to The University of Buckingham!

Buckingham & Nigeria

The University of Buckingham has a historical and highly valued relationship with Nigeria; our first Nigerian student graduated in 1978 and since then nearly 1,300 Nigerian students have come to study at Buckingham. Indeed, many of our Nigerian students come to us by recommendation from those who have studied with us previously. Our Nigerian students tell us that what appeals to them most about Buckingham is the two-year undergraduate programme that allows them to fast-track their careers, and also our open door policy which ensures students have greater access to our academics and therefore greater opportunities to learn from them. With just over 150 current Nigerian students studying at Buckingham it is no surprise that the Nigerian student population is heavily involved in student life, not least in organising and hosting celebrations during Nigerian national holidays.

Student testimonials

Buckingham town is idyllic, the local community is warm and welcoming, and The University of Buckingham Law School is a place I would always regard as my home away from home. It was here my academic curiosity was stimulated and my legal thinking was shaped, to set me on the right trajectory in my professional and personal life.

Learning under the tutelage of eminently qualified and erudite lecturers, who were not just doing a job, but were truly passionate about what they taught, made our lectures and tutorials less of a chore, and more of an enthralling journey to knowledge and discovery. This Buckingham ethos is what led me to create a tutoring service for candidates of the Nigerian Bar, to improve their learning experience and to transmit a passion for the profession.

After qualifying for practice in Nigeria, I have also set up a law firm that offers legal services to clients in diverse industries and I’m absolutely loving it. Much like the academic experience, student life in Buckingham was quite a buzz. We created our fun as we went along, and our small population allowed for forming intimate friendships and an invaluable network that continues to be a support system for us many years after the “Buckingham years”.

Mr Enyinnaya Uchenna – Emezue, Law LLB (Hons)

Entry requirements

In order to study at foundation level you will need to have undertaken 12 years of education and attained:

• Grade C5 or better in five subjects in WAEC Senior School Certificate, including grade C5 or better for English language, all acquired in one sitting.

As proof of English language proficiency you would need:

• For September start an IELTS score of 5.5, with 5.0 or above in each section.
• For January start an IELTS score of 6.0, with 5.5 or above in each section.

In order to study at undergraduate level (Bachelor’s degree), you will normally need to have attained one of the following:

• Grade C4 or better in five subjects in WAEC Senior School Certificate, acquired in one sitting, and completion of a recognised Foundation programme or Higher National Diploma
• Three A-levels at grade B or higher
• IB score of between 29 and 34 (depending on the degree subject)

See also: Undergraduate language requirements

In order to study at postgraduate level (Master’s degree), you will normally need to have attained:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised higher education institution with Second Class Honours Lower Division (50-59%/GPA 2.40-3.29), equivalent to a British Bachelor’s (Honours) degree with a minimum of a 2.2, depending on the school of study

See also: Postgraduate language requirements

The grades quoted above give an indication of a typical offer; at the Admissions Tutor’s discretion alternative qualifications or gradings may be considered. All applications will be considered individually and work experience and other interdisciplinary achievements are taken into consideration when deciding upon all applications. Applicants may also be invited to interview.

Tuition fees

• Undergraduate tuition fees
• Postgraduate tuition fees

Our Alumni

Our alumni have gone on to have very successful careers in various industries, including: real estate and property services; accountancy; architecture, building, construction; agriculture, fishing and farming; charities, non-Governmental organisations and voluntary sector; politics; manufacturing and allied industries and services; paper, printing, publishing; pharmaceuticals; broadcasting, radio & TV; oil, chemicals, petroleum; geological and geophysical services; banking and finance; legal services. This is what one of our Alumni, Falade Ayodele Lawson, has gone on to do in his life, and also what he has to say about his time at Buckingham:

Falade Ayodele Lawson (LLB, 2009)

I studied Law and graduated in December 2009. I took study leave from my job to come to Buckingham. After graduation I returned back to Nigeria, attended bar school and was called to the bar as a Barrister and Solicitor.

For more than 20 years I have been working as a senior legislative officer with the Nigerian legislature called National Assembly in Abuja. My job entails drafting Bills, attending plenary sitting and participating in the production of votes and proceedings. I also work as committee secretary coordinating oversight functions of the Executive branch of Government.

The University of Buckingham is very important to me because it has made an indelible impression on my life.

Agents

We work closely with counsellors and overseas representatives who can advise you on how to apply for your degree as well as in completing your visa application.

You are not obliged to make an application through an agent but we strongly recommend that you consult with them if you require a visa counselling service. The International Office may be able to assist you with your application and let you know what documentation you need to prepare but are unable to offer advice on visas.

Your International Officer

Representatives from The University of Buckingham travel to Nigeria about twice a year during spring and autumn.  Please keep checking the website for updated information.

If you wish to come and visit Buckingham campus and meet with an academic this can be arranged by emailing your International Officer.