UK first: University of Buckingham health sciences campus opens in Crewe

The University of Buckingham has signed a landmark international deal to open a new health science campus in Crewe, Cheshire, in a UK first.

Welcoming UK and international students from September 2019, the facility will offer degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Podiatry. The campus will also offer a one-year Medical Foundation and a one-year Pre-Medical course; these courses are specifically designed for entry to UK medical and dental schools.

The deal is backed by the Apollo Buckingham Health Sciences Campus consortium, with significant investment from the $2 billion Indian healthcare conglomerate Apollo Hospital Enterprises, the leading healthcare provider in India and Asia. Apollo will become the first international healthcare company to partner in UK education provision in this way.

The new health sciences campus will be based on the 40-acre Crewe campus currently used by Manchester Metropolitan University, which is leaving the site in summer 2019.

Courses at Apollo Buckingham Health Sciences campus will be provided under the banner of The University of Buckingham Health Sciences and the new venture is ultimately expected to support around 500 jobs.

Recognising the importance of mental health and wellbeing to academic success, the new campus will include a wellness centre for both students and staff.  This service will be provided by the third consortium member, the Crewe-based Unique Children’s Community Interest Company, which brought Apollo and The University of Buckingham together.

In an additional benefit to the region, third year students will be offered 36-week placements in North West hospitals and GP surgeries, helping to relieve pressure on local NHS services.

John Clapham, Pro Vice-Chancellor of The University of Buckingham, said: “Our trailblazing Medical School in Buckingham has been a phenomenal success. With this new campus in the North West, Buckingham will expand this innovation beyond medicine, building on our expertise to broaden our health science provision.

“We are delighted to partner with Apollo, which has dramatically improved access to high quality medical care in India. We believe this new educational initiative has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving global healthcare by training new generations of caring professionals.

“We are pleased to be supporting the local area and hope that the new campus will help with the rejuvenation of Crewe.”