Didn’t Queen Mary once inaugurate these very buildings? It happened in 1913. Welcome to Regent’s University London, a private university nestled in Regent’s Park. It’s a place with a fascinating past and a vibrant present.
Regent’s University London began as Regent’s College in 1984. Rockford College from Illinois acquired the old Bedford College campus. This site had been leased by Bedford College since 1908. Architect Basil Champneys designed new buildings. Queen Mary herself opened them.
Over the years, the buildings saw changes. World War II caused bomb damage. Bedford College merged with Royal Holloway College in 1985. They moved to Egham in Surrey. Regent’s College expanded and the European Business School London joined in 1987.
In 2012, Regent’s College gained the power to award degrees. The UK recognizes institutions with this power. In 2013, Regent’s College became Regent’s University. That same year, it acquired American InterContinental University London. Regent’s was awarded silver by TEF in 2021.
The University of Wales validated research degrees until 2016. Then, the University of Northampton took over. In 2018, Regent’s University’s degree-awarding powers were renewed. They became permanent in 2024.
Galileo Global Education acquired Regent’s University London in 2020. This network includes many institutions across 13 countries. The Paris School of Business and Istituto Marangoni are among them.
Regent’s University London is a company limited by share capital. The Board of Directors oversees the university’s strategy. Nick Whitaker chairs the board. The Vice-Chancellor manages daily operations.
In 2023, Regent’s University London had a total income of £47.0 million. Tuition fees accounted for £39.2 million of that income. The university’s total expenditure was £42.4 million.
Regent’s University London offers a wide range of courses. These include business, liberal arts, fashion design and marketing. Undergraduate fees range from about £18,500 to £21,000 per year.
As of 2022, Regent’s University London had 1,865 students. The student body is quite international. A large percentage of students come from outside the UK.
The Regent’s University Student Union organizes clubs and societies. These include the Polo Club, Finance and Investment Society. They also organize the Model United Nations.
Many notable people have attended Regent’s University London. These include CEO of Haier Pakistan Javed Afridi, fashion model Lady Kitty Spencer, and Queen consort of Bhutan Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.
Regent’s University London occupies a historic site. It was once part of John Nash’s plans for Regent’s Park. Decimus Burton designed South Villa in 1827. Basil Champneys added a library and science labs. The Tuke Building completed the quadrangle in 1930.
Higher education arrived here in 1828. University College was founded in Gower Street. Bedford College moved to South Villa in 1908.
Even after bomb damage during the Second World War, the Astronomical Observatory dome remains. Regent’s University London stands as a testament to history. It blends tradition with a modern, global outlook. This is a place where education meets innovation. It is a place where students from all over the world come together to learn and grow.