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Turning creativity into careers since 1883.
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a specialist arts university offering courses in art, design, media and performance. Located in the beach town of Bournemouth, the university is particularly proud of its state-of-the-art campus, its creative community and its excellent teaching.
While studying at AUB, students have an array of industry-standard facilities at hand to help aid their creativity, including a drawing studio, dance studios, a printmaking room, workshops, and for inspiration - an onsite gallery showcasing the work by artists and designers from around the world.
Working isn’t the only thing you will be doing at the university though. Over at the Students' Union, you will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, ranging from volunteering opportunities to hobby-specific meetings.
And what’s not to like about studying by the sea? Students benefit from being close to the beach – an ideal place to relax with your friends after class and during the weekends. Bournemouth also has a brilliant nightlife - thanks to its huge student population, as well as a thriving arts scene and great transport links to London.
They offer the following BA (Hons) courses:
*Course subject to validation, commencing September 2019
FIVE REASONS TO STUDY AT AUB:
#1 FOR EMPLOYABILITY
98%* employment rate. AUB is a gateway to the £92 billion creative industries.
OUTSTANDING TEACHING
Rated ‘Gold’ by the TEF, their teaching is the highest quality in the UK
CAMPUS LIKE NO OTHER
Their stunning campus is a creative hub designed for specialists, with head-turning architecture.
COLLABORATION
No creative subject stands alone at AUB and their collaborations extend into industry.
AUB HUMAN
Our community engages with some of the most pressing issues facing the human race today.
Arts University Bournemouth Students on Whatuni say:
“I have had a very exciting university experience. The university is very keen on setting us up for success and collaboration. If you are a creative soul I would say that choosing to go to Arts University Bournemouth is the best option! The contacts you make are incredible and the chances to get involved with anything you want is not only encouraged but expected!”
“I don't want it to end. I've been introduced to how my future career will be and the workload I'm expecting. I've made very close, lifelong friends here. I'm confident about my future thanks to the Arts University Bournemouth.”
“My experience with AUB has been a positive one thus far. The University promotes creativity and no project is off limits. I would recommend the University to anyone wishing to pursue a creative career.”
“Absolutely brilliant! Attending AUB has been, without question, the best decision I ever made. The course is brilliant, the tutors are amazing, and university life is rewarding and fun.”
AUB students have excellent job prospects after graduating, with 98% of graduates finding work or going into further study within six months of leaving the university*.
As well as benefiting from excellent teachers and practical lessons, students have the support of the Careers and Employability Service, who offer advice and guidance on all things job related throughout your time studying. Services include helping to writing a CV and cover letter, while online there’s guidance on developing your skills to stand out from the crowd. In 2019 the university introduced AUB Advantage, a programme to help boost students’ skills to help them improve their employment opportunities.
You can also book to see a careers advisor to talk in detail about your career goals and discuss an action plan to make them become a reality.
The cross-course collaboration opportunities at AUB also help prepare students for working in industry.
Arts University Bournemouth Students on Whatuni say:
“The course is focused on building your employability by offering units and feedback that encourage students to focus on creating commercially viable portfolios. As part of each module we have to focus on professionalism and understanding how we fit into the commercial market. Our tutors are practicing artists and have long standing careers within their chosen profession”.
“My course has very close links with industry and encourages work experience.”
“AUB makes a considerable effort to increase our employability, including employability skills workshops as well as collaborations and networking with industry professionals.”
*2017 DLHE survey of 2015/16 graduates’ activities
AUB has Gold standard teaching as rated by the Teaching Excellence Framework.
AUB offers a wide range of full and part-time courses, as well as weekend and evening classes, allowing for you to study at a time and pace that suits you, and levels range from Foundation to Postgraduate.
You will be taught by experienced staff with a knowledge and passion for their subject. Assessments vary depending on your chosen course, but will include, essays, coursework, group work and presentations.
You will attend lectures and work on projects both in groups and independently and will be taught the skills needed to produce work of a professional standard so you can stand out to employers.
Collaboration is highly encouraged. No creative subject stands alone at AUB and the best work happens when different disciplines come together.
Arts University Bournemouth Students on Whatuni say:
“I like how the course isn't just lectures all the time, I also really like how it is split to have days of independent study.”
“The Lecturers are all friendly and can give professional advice from all creative backgrounds.”
“Course staff go above and beyond to facilitate our needs as a group, really accommodating to our specific needs and aspirations, and tailor as much as they can towards this.”
AUB’s Students’ Union (AUBSU) are in place to help provide the best possible experience for all students at AUB.
AUBSU provides opportunities for all students to take part in, including a range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.
They also host fantastic activities and events on campus all year round such as Green Week, Holi, tree planting, the big end of year yard party and even organizing a ‘dogs on campus’ day.
The student’s union hold regular meetings to give students the opportunity to voice their concerns and discuss ways in which they can improve life at the university for everyone.
Arts University Bournemouth Students on Whatuni say:
“Our students' union encourage us to get involved as much as possible, whether that is with trips to the new forest, Cardiff etc. or to participate in extracurricular activities such as yoga, boxing etc. They always strive to do their best for us and come up with incredible events for students.”
“Our Students' Union is great! They're friendly, dedicated and fully committed to ensuring a positive student experience for everyone who attends.”
AUB offers a range of different halls for students to choose from in their first year, in a variety of locations, from the busy town centre to quieter residential streets. Accommodation types range from self-contained studio flats to flat shares with ensuite bathrooms, and the hall options are:
Facilities vary depending on the halls, but all include common rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, bike storage and 24-hour security.
You must have firmly accepted an offer to study at AUB before you are able to apply for a room in halls of residence.
For those wishing to live with friends in their first year or live in a particular part of town, rented accommodation is also an option, and the university has a specialist house-hunting website called StudentPad to help with the search and to make sure that all landlords are accredited. Popular areas for students include Bournemouth town centre, Winton, Charminster and Ensbury Park. AUB also holds an accommodation day so students can meet, form house-sharing groups and view private rented accommodation together.
AUB is passionate about environmental protection and has a gold Eco-Campus rating.
The University offers excellent industry-standard learning facilities, including a well-stocked library with a wide range of print and online collections, as well as viewing rooms, a silent reading room and study spaces for independent and group learning. You can also borrow MacBook’s and HP’s to help aid with your learning.
There’s also an award-winning drawing studio, designed by Sir Peter Cook, IT suites, industry standard printers, dance studios, a theatre, a printmaking room, and an onsite gallery showcasing the work of artists and designers from around the world. AUB’s campus also holds the Museum of Design in Plastics, the only accredited museum in the UK with a focus on plastics.
When you are on your break and looking for somewhere to relax or eat, there are a number of food and drink outlets, including a Starbucks, Costa, on-site shop, refectory and an Arts Bar, a popular place for students to head to with their friends once class is over for the day.
Students also have access to the shared facilities at Bournemouth University, including a sports centre with a wide range of activities and fitness classes such as Zumba available to students.
AUB is also heavily investing in new facilities, such as a new purpose-built Design innovation Studio and a brand-new halls of residence on campus which will be ready for summer 2020.
Arts University Bournemouth Students on Whatuni say:
“The facilities are great. Most of the buildings are new which really makes a difference. There are lots of computers and space to work.”
“Our facilities are really good, the facilities for my course are very well kept and a great standard. The library is good too.”
“AUB has everything you could want and more.”
Bournemouth has so much to offer students. The seven-mile stretch of beautiful beach has been named the best in the UK by the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. While studying at AUB, you'll have easy access to one of the UK's most outstanding coastlines.
Bournemouth has also been accredited with a Purple Flag status for outstanding nightlife, bars and restaurants, which is perfect for any student looking to party. There is something to suit all tastes, from alternative music venues to cheese room classics that are guaranteed to get everyone up on the dance floor and student nights most days of the week.
Not looking to party? Bournemouth boasts a whole host of activities from pier ziplining to rock climbing, surfing and paddleboard hiring. There are also escape rooms, adventure golf, theatres and a flagship Odeon cinema. Not forgetting all your favourite high street shops and department stores in the town, as well as Castlepoint – one of the largest shopping parks in the UK.
What's more, Bournemouth is just two hours away from London, making it easy to head out on a day trip to explore the capital on weekends. Coming from further afield? There’s now a direct train from Manchester to Bournemouth.
Arts University Bournemouth Students on Whatuni say:
“Bournemouth is always bustling, lots to do and see with a thriving art scene and clublife.”
“Great! Really diverse! You can find any kind of music, hobbies and entertainment in Bournemouth town centre. Plus it's all very accessible either on foot on public transport”.
Students at the university are encouraged to get involved in the many clubs and societies on offer, as they’re an excellent way to make new friends as well as gaining new skills to add onto your CV.
There is a wide variety of clubs and societies to get involved in at AUB from Dance Society to, Film, Photography, Hip-Hop, Feminist, Fencing and even a Nintendo society to name but a few.
Visit the AUBSU website to see the full list of clubs & societies available to AUB students.
At AUB they want to make sure that everyone has a great time during their studies. That’s why they have a wide variety of support in place for anyone who needs it.
Help available includes a confidential counselling service, wellbeing support, medical care, extra support for disabled students, and a study skills centre to help you brush up on anything you’re not confident with.
AUB & BU also have a shared chaplaincy, welcoming people of all faiths, with prayer rooms on site and a full-time chaplain.
Help available includes a confidential counselling service, medical care, extra support for disabled students, and a study skills centre to help you brush up on anything you’re not confident with.
Find out more about their student support services by following the links below:
Arts University Bournemouth Students on Whatuni say:
“The counselling scheme is outstanding and has been incredibly useful for myself and many people I know. There is IT and library help consistently available as well, and tutors almost always make time for students.”
“My experience of student services has been really great.”
“Very good. Counselling is very popular and has helped so many students.”
“Fantastic - I was actually diagnosed with epilepsy in my second year and the lecturers do everything in their power to support me.”
Discretionary Support Fund
Support such as bicycle and bus vouchers, food vouchers and sometimes hardship grants or loans are eligible for students from under-represented groups who have a household income below £25,000.
Level 6 Bursary
£200 is awarded to students who have enrolled in 2018/19 and who successfully progress to Level 6 study at the university in 2020/21. Who are in receipt of a full maintenance loan.
Care Leavers
£2,000 per year is awarded as a grant to students who are from a care background.
Disabled Students
£200 is awarded to students with a disability to help pay for a laptop.
Illustration
98% of students find work or go onto further study within six months of completing the Illustration BA at the university.
Students benefit from working in creative studio spaces with access to specialist print areas workshops and lecture theatres.
Many students who have studied on the course have gone on to achieve prestigious prizes for their work, including the Macmillan Prize 2016 and The Book Illustration Competition. Graduates have also gone on to work on illustrations for the Great British Bake Off.
Costume and Performance Design
The BA Costume and Performance Design course was named as a centre of excellence by The Queen's Anniversary Prize 2017, with students going on to gain high profile prizes such as winning the Costume Society award and the Best Costume at the Prime Cuts Festival.
Students have gone on to work on the costumes for blockbuster films such as Cinderella, as well as working with celebrities including Jamie Oliver.
You will learn the technical skills to make costumes, as well as how to interpret your designs according to the concept and brief at hand.
All applicants must have Level 3 qualifications, which should include at least one creative subject.
AUB are looking for between 112 and 120 UCAS Tariff points, but will always consider applicants who may fall below this tariff band.
All relevant and equivalent Level 3 UK and international qualifications are considered on an individual basis, and they encourage students from diverse educational backgrounds to apply.
The standard offers for degree courses include:
For specific qualifications by country, see here.
You may also be asked to show your portfolio at an interview, to showcase your specific skills related to your course, undertake an audition or take part in a applicants’ day.
For more information about the different programmes available to study at the university, see here.
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