In 1994 the higher education areas merged with the De Montfort University (based in Leicester) and the further education part became Bedford College, Bedford (but still awarding HNDs and Foundation degrees).
Between 1940 and 1978 women students at the then Bedford College of Physical Education studied three year programmes in physical education but although these were well-regarded, the programmes were not considered to be degree level.
Among the honorary graduands were Lady Sue Campbell and Hilda Moore, a retired England hockey player.
[1] The Lansdowne campus was sold off in 2007 and remaining higher education provision focussed on the Polhill site.
The University of Bedfordshire is now the largest provider of secondary physical education teachers in the UK.