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ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ London Canary Wharf celebrates one year anniversary

Friday, 2 October, 2026

One year ago, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ opened the doors to its second London site at Canary Wharf, marking a significant new chapter in the University’s growth and its commitment to creating greater access to higher education.

Situated in the heart of London’s financial district, BSU Canary Wharf initially welcomed more than 2,000 adult learners studying degrees in Health and Social Care Management, Business and Management and Computing. Since operations began on 22 September 2025, the Canary Wharf community has continued to grow, with approximately 3,500 students now studying at the site.

As we celebrate the campus’s first anniversary, we look back at a year of significant growth, achievement and development. From academic enhancement and student support to careers, employability and the recruitment of colleagues who have helped establish the campus community.

Supporting students from day one

A key milestone in the student journey has been the successful onboarding of students. Three successful student intakes have now been completed, welcoming learners across Health and Social Care, Computing and Business Management programmes.

This growth reflects the effectiveness of the campus’s student recruitment, induction and support processes, helping new learners take their first steps into higher education and establish themselves within the Canary Wharf community.

The next intake is scheduled for February 2027, with the campus continuing to build on the foundations established during its first year.

Student success has remained at the heart of the campus’s development, with Academic and Professional Services teams working together to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

A strong culture of academic enhancement has been established from the ground up, bringing together academic practice, student success, academic skills, English language development and staff development.

The campus has also developed regular Academic Bites and CPD sessions, creating opportunities for colleagues to share research, innovation and practical approaches to teaching, while work around accessibility, neurodiversity and student voice has strengthened inclusive practice.

Growing our community

The growth of Canary Wharf has required significant planning and collaboration across Academic and Professional Services.

Around 1,000 additional students joined BSU Canary Wharf across the February, June and September 2026 intakes – increasing the student population from approximately 2,500, when operations began, to around 3,500 today.

A new Talent Pipeline Initiative has also been launched, taking a proactive approach to identifying and engaging academic talent in response to the evolving needs of the campus.

A number of cultural events have also been hosted at the site throughout its first year, bringing students together to celebrate events like Black History Month, Christmas and Mental Health Awareness Day.

Investing in wellbeing

Student wellbeing has remained a key priority throughout the first year of BSU Canary Wharf.

The Canary Wharf Wellbeing Team has delivered around 1,500 face-to-face appointments, while colleagues have undertaken additional training in safeguarding and managing distressed students in higher education.

Disability Advisers have also undertaken specialist training focused on supporting autistic, ADHD and dyslexic students, while a Sexual Violence Liaison Officer has been qualified for Canary Wharf. Gambling awareness training has also been introduced across wellbeing and money advice services.

Together, these developments reflect the campus’s commitment to ensuring students can access the support they need throughout their studies.

Connecting students with industry

Careers and employability have also been a major focus, with new partnerships and opportunities connecting students with major employers across London.

The first wave of internships has been successfully delivered across Health and Social Care, Business Management, IT and Careers. Strong student interest has led to the programme being relaunched and expanded, with employers from the music and film industries now joining the initiative.

Relationships with organisations including ARK Co-Living, Grow London and Silver Mountain Production have created opportunities for student visits, internships, employment and collaborative projects.

The campus also delivered its first Careers Fair in July, bringing together 10 employers and attracting strong student participation. Student successes have included a Business Management student winning a Santander Award and an IT student securing a summer placement opportunity in Japan.

Looking ahead

The first year of BSUL Canary Wharf has been about establishing strong foundations – building a community, supporting rapid growth and creating an environment where students and staff can thrive.

The next major milestone will come in October 2026, when 234 students are expected to graduate at the campus’s first graduation ceremony, held at Shoreditch Town Hall.

Professor Georgina Andrews, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, reflected on a memorable first 12 months at BSUL Canary Wharf:

“One year on from opening ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ London (Canary Wharf), we can see how opening our second teaching site in the capital is helping us to bring our Strategy 2035 to life.

Our vision is to be a Professionally Creative university of the future, one that is connected to the places, people, industries and communities. At the heart of that vision is our commitment to widening participation and creating greater access to higher education, ensuring that where someone lives, their background or their circumstances do not limit their opportunity to learn, develop and succeed.

I’m incredibly proud of what our students and staff have achieved in our first year at Canary Wharf, and of the partnerships we are developing across London. This is just the beginning.”

As ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ London (Canary Wharf) begins its second year, the campus is continuing to build connections between students, staff, employers and communities across London, Bath and beyond – helping to make the University’s vision for a more inclusive, connected and future-ready university a reality.