Arts University Bournemouth
Poole, United Kingdom
Arts University Bournemouth
Poole, United Kingdom
Founded
1880
Institution Type
Public Specialist University
Total Students
3,000+
International Students
400+ from 60+ countries
Discover Arts University Bournemouth: A Leading UK Creative Arts Institution
Discover Arts University Bournemouth: A Leading UK Creative Arts Institution
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a specialist public university located in Poole, England, dedicated exclusively to art, architecture, film, performance, and design. Established in 1880 as the Bournemouth Government School of Art, AUB has grown into one of only 15 higher education institutions in the UK devoted solely to creative disciplines, earning both Silver and Gold ratings from the Teaching Excellence Framework.
The university operates from a single award-winning campus covering 3.7 hectares with 19 buildings that include specialist workshops, galleries, and studios. AUB is home to the renowned Bournemouth Film School, established in 1963, which is a full member of CILECT and teaches approximately 1,500 students. The university offers around 20 undergraduate courses and 10 graduate courses across its academic departments.
AUB alumni include BAFTA and Academy Award-winning filmmakers such as Simon Beaufoy and Edgar Wright, as well as Turner Prize-winning photographer Wolfgang Tillmans. The university was rated Outstanding by Ofsted for its Foundation provision and was the first university or college of art to receive The Sir Misha Black Award in 2016 for exceptional teaching.
Key Milestones
- 1880: Founded as the Bournemouth Government School of Art, one of the earliest specialist art schools in the south of England.
- 1963: Bournemouth Film School established, now one of the largest film schools outside London and a full member of CILECT.
- 2012: Achieved full university title following approval from the Privy Council, officially becoming Arts University Bournemouth.
- 2017: Awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework and won a second Queen's Anniversary Prize for costume design education.
Academic Structure and Creative Programmes at AUB
Academic Structure and Creative Programmes at AUB
AUB delivers specialist education exclusively in the areas of art, design, media, and performance. The university encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, with students working together on projects that combine professional practice and research, preparing them for careers in the UK's fast-growing creative industries.
Bournemouth Film School
One of the largest film schools outside London, Bournemouth Film School brings together all screen-focused disciplines in a collaborative learning environment. It is a full member of CILECT and has won two Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
- BA (Hons) Film Production
- BA (Hons) Acting
- BA (Hons) Costume
Arts and Communications
This department covers fine art, illustration, and creative writing disciplines. Students develop their practice through studio-based learning, exhibitions, and engagement with contemporary art discourse.
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Illustration
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing
Design and Architecture
Focused on spatial and product design, this department delivers programmes that blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital technology. Students benefit from industry-standard workshops and live project briefs.
- BA (Hons) Architecture
- BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
- BA (Hons) Modelmaking
Arts, Media and Creative Industries Management
This department combines creative arts with business and management skills, preparing students to lead and manage within the creative sector. Programmes focus on entrepreneurship, events, and creative industries strategy.
- BA (Hons) Creative Events Management
- BA (Hons) Business Studies
- BA (Hons) Arts and Event Management
Fashion and Textiles
Offering programmes in fashion design, textiles, and make-up for media, this department merges traditional skills with contemporary cutting-edge technology and ethical practice essential in the ever-changing fashion world.
- BA (Hons) Fashion
- BA (Hons) Textiles
- BA (Hons) Make-up for Media and Performance
Visual Communication and Photography
This department covers graphic design, photography, and animation. Students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and develop professional portfolios through studio-based projects and exhibitions.
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- BA (Hons) Photography
- BA (Hons) Animation Production
Admission Requirements for Arts University Bournemouth
Admission Requirements for Arts University Bournemouth
Undergraduate Admission
- UCAS Tariff Points104–120 UCAS points, typically including at least one creative subject at Level 3
- A-LevelsBBB or equivalent, excluding General Studies
- IELTS (International)6.0 overall with no component below 5.5
- PortfolioDigital portfolio or showreel required for most creative courses
- Application MethodApply via UCAS; some courses also require an audition
Postgraduate Admission
- Degree RequirementBA (Hons) degree at 2:1 or above, or international equivalent (CGPA 3.0+)
- IELTS (International)6.5 overall
- PortfolioPortfolio of work demonstrating creative skills and professional development
- ReferencesAcademic or professional references attesting to qualifications and potential
- Application MethodApply directly via the AUB website
Undergraduate applications submitted by this date receive equal consideration. Applications after this date may still be accepted but places may be limited.
Last date to apply via UCAS for undergraduate courses. After this date, contact admissions directly.
Postgraduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early application is recommended as places fill quickly on popular programmes.
All conditions of your offer must be met by this date to secure your place for the upcoming academic year.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Arts University Bournemouth
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Arts University Bournemouth
AUB is committed to providing high-quality, studio-based teaching. International student fees are fixed for the duration of your course, giving you certainty when planning your finances. Home student fees are set by the UK government and may increase annually.
| Fee Category | Home (UK) Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 19,950 |
| Postgraduate Tuition (per year) | Contact university for current fees | GBP 19,950 |
| Foundation Course (per year) | GBP 6,750 | GBP 17,950 |
| Estimated Living Costs (per year) | GBP 9,000 – GBP 12,000 | GBP 9,000 – GBP 12,000 |
| Total | GBP 18,535 – GBP 21,535 | GBP 28,950 – GBP 31,950 |
AUB International Scholarships
AUB offers scholarships of up to GBP 5,000 for international students at both undergraduate and Master's level to help finance their education at the university.
- Value: Up to GBP 5,000
- Eligibility: International and EU students on full-time courses
- Duration: Awarded for every year of the course
Early Payment Tuition Fee Discount
International students on all full-time courses including Foundation and Undergraduate may be eligible for tuition fee discounts related to early payment of fees.
- Type: Tuition fee discount
- Eligibility: International students who pay fees early
- How to Apply: Contact the AUB International Office for details
Campus and Facilities at Arts University Bournemouth
Campus and Facilities at Arts University Bournemouth
AUB's award-winning campus is a purpose-built creative hub located in Wallisdown, Poole. The compact 3.7-hectare campus houses 19 specialist buildings including workshops, galleries, studios, and a dedicated drawing studio with distinctive circular north-light design, all designed to foster collaboration among creative disciplines.
AUB's North Building Extension was shortlisted for the RIBA South West Awards, designed by Design Engine Architects with flexible teaching spaces and IT suites.
A public gallery on campus displaying national and international touring exhibitions alongside work from alumni, staff, and students.
Industry-standard film studios and production facilities including the Elliott Road Film Studios, supporting one of the UK's largest film schools outside London.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
AUB maintains student halls across Bournemouth accommodating around 450 students, with priority given to international students and those with disabilities or medical conditions.
- Modern self-contained studio flats and en-suite cluster rooms
- On-campus and town centre locations in Lansdowne area
- Finalist for Best University Housing at Global Student Living Awards 2023
Dining and Social Spaces
The campus offers on-site dining facilities including a refectory, bar, and café, with additional options available at the neighbouring Bournemouth University campus.
- The Refectory – semi-finalist in Bournemouth Tourism Awards
- On-campus bar and café for socialising
- Proximity to Bournemouth town centre restaurants and shops
Student Life at Arts University Bournemouth
Student Life at Arts University Bournemouth
Life at AUB is shaped by a close-knit creative community of over 3,000 students who share a passion for art, design, media, and performance. The compact campus fosters collaboration and connection, while the surrounding Bournemouth area offers vibrant nightlife, a thriving arts scene, and stunning natural beauty.
Bournemouth and Poole: A Creative Coastal Setting
Bournemouth and Poole: A Creative Coastal Setting
Living in Bournemouth and Poole
AUB is situated between the seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole on England's south coast. Named the best seaside town in the UK by the British Travel Awards, Bournemouth offers a vibrant multicultural community, thriving arts scene, and outstanding natural beauty. London is just two hours away by train.
Jurassic Coast
A UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 95 miles along the Dorset and Devon coastline, offering dramatic cliffs, fossil beaches, and stunning coastal walks.
The New Forest
A national park just minutes from campus featuring ancient woodland, open heathland, and free-roaming ponies — perfect for weekend exploration and creative inspiration.
Arts and Culture Scene
Home to the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival, Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, and the Palace Court Theatre owned by AUB.
Transport Connections
Excellent rail links to London Waterloo in under two hours, Bournemouth Airport for European flights, and easy motorway access via the M27 and A31.
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Where AUB Graduates Work
Practical Information for Prospective Students
Practical Information for Prospective Students
For International Students
AUB's International Office operates an open-door policy, offering visa guidance, English for Academic Purposes appointments, and dedicated Country Ambassadors to help you settle in.
Students requiring English language development can access Academic English sessions. IELTS 6.0 is required for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate entry, with foundation courses accepting IELTS 5.5.
AUB is authorised to certify US Federal Student Loan applications, making it easier for American students to fund their studies. Norwegian and Icelandic loan funds are also accepted.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Arts University Bournemouth Rankings
Arts University Bournemouth Rankings
AUB is recognised as a leading specialist creative arts university in the UK. The university has achieved notable rankings in national league tables and was named runner-up Specialist University of the Year by The Times for 2026, as well as the best art and design specialist outside London in the Guardian 2026 University Guide.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | Guardian University Guide | Best specialist outside London (2026) |
| Film and Screen Studies | REF 2021 | 25% of outputs rated world-leading |
| Business and Management | Guardian Subject Rankings | #23 in UK (2025) |
| Tourism and Heritage Studies | Complete University Guide | #2 in UK |
Features
Arts University Bournemouth is a specialist creative institution offering strong postgraduate and research degree programmes in art, design, media, and performance. The postgraduate environment is characterised by small classes, close student-staff interaction, and hands-on projects often linked with industry partners. Students benefit from modern, industry-standard studios, digital suites, workshops and shared spaces, all within an award-winning coastal campus. AUB emphasises turning creativity into careers: many courses include live briefs, work placements, and opportunities to network with professionals. The location between Bournemouth and Poole offers inspiring natural surroundings plus access to a growing digital and creative hub. For international students, there are scholarships, online course options, and a supportive creative community spanning over 60 countries.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
7 Fern Barrow, Wallisdown, Poole BH12 5HH, United Kingdom
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