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Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is one of just 15 higher education institutions in the UK that specialises in arts-based courses, including design and media. A standalone university with a tight-knit student body of 3,000, it has ties with Bournemouth University, with which it shares facilities and resources.
AUB has a range of industry-standard facilities to help aid students’ creativity, including a drawing studio, dance studios, a printmaking room, workshops and its Innovation Studio. For inspiration, an onsite gallery showcases the work of artists and designers from around the world.
Receiving a silver award overall in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), AUB prides itself in the quality of its teaching. Courses blend practical learning with theory, tailored to individual subjects. Students can be confident that the expert-led courses at AUB are carefully designed to help them pursue a career in their chosen field of study.
Outside of their studies, students can get involved in a wide variety of clubs and societies, as well as volunteering opportunities at the students' union.
Students benefit from studying in a prime beachside setting, an ideal location to relax with friends after class and at the weekend. Thanks to its large student population, Bournemouth boasts brilliant nightlife and a great range of entertainment options, as well as a thriving arts scene and great transport links to London.
Arts University Bournemouth students on WhatUni say:
“I think that this university is great and has amazing opportunities.”
“AUB is often praised for its specialized focus on arts and design disciplines, fostering creativity and innovation. Its strong industry connections, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities contribute to its appeal.”
“AUB liberates students to create opportunities for themselves whether it’s in or out of the campus, the lecturers are level-headed and willing to push students towards their own way of working.”
AUB offers a wide range of full and part-time courses, as well as weekend and evening classes, allowing students to study at a time and pace that suits them, with levels ranging from foundation to postgraduate.
Students are taught by knowledgeable and experienced staff who are passionate about their subject areas, and equally committed to passing on that expertise to the next generation of talent. Assessments vary depending on the specific course, but include essays, coursework, group work and presentations.
In terms of tuition styles, students attend lectures and work on projects both in groups and independently, and are taught the skills needed to produce work of a professional standard, ensuring they will stand out to employers. Undergraduate courses offer an optional work placement year, to be taken between the second and third year of study.
Teaching staff encourage rich collaboration between different courses at the university. No creative subject stands alone at AUB, with the university’s firm belief being that the best work happens when different disciplines come together.
In the recent Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), the university was awarded silver overall.
Arts University Bournemouth students on WhatUni say:
“The mentors are extremely supportive and are truly well versed in the field.”
“The course staff are really supportive of all creative endeavours and will hear you out and give you advice.”
“Since some of the lecturers have worked in the industry before, it's really insightful when they talk about these things.”
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSThe entry requirements for undergraduate programmes at AUB vary between specific courses.
As a guideline, applicants typically need between 112 and 120 UCAS tariff points, though consideration will be extended to applicants who have fewer points.
Students applying to AUB are expected to have level 3 qualifications, with at least one being in a creative discipline, typically related to the programme being applied to. Students from a variety of backgrounds, and with a diversity of level 3 qualifications, will be considered and are encouraged to apply.
Standard offers for many of AUB’s undergraduate degree courses include:
Further requirements may also apply, depending on the course. Completion of an interview and submission of a portfolio of prior work may be required to demonstrate ability and passion for a subject, as well as attending an Offer Holder day.
English language
International students may need to prove their English language proficiency. For bachelor’s degrees the standard requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5, or an equivalent qualification.
English language requirements for other study programmes may vary.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATORSend a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONStudents enrolling on an undergraduate study programme at AUB can choose from a range of accommodation options for their first year of their course. Students must source a place in private accommodation for subsequent years of study.
Students can choose from three main sites, which are:
Campus halls
These modern clusters of flats are found on the campus itself, offering en-suite rooms and studio flats.
Home Park
This option is found close to the town centre, with good access to all the services and amenities it has to offer.
Madeira Road
This residence is also near to the centre of town, while still having easy access to campus by bus, bike or foot.
Arts University Bournemouth students on WhatUni say:
“ I honestly couldn't believe student accommodation could be as good as it did with my stay at the campus halls.”
“Good to have 24 hour security.”
“On campus housing is INCREDIBLE. Kept super clean and maintenance is quickly done when needed.”
AUB recognises the importance of excellent facilities in supporting student success when it comes to courses in the arts and creative disciplines. Exposure to industry environments, tools and processes is key, and as a result the university maintains an extensive suite of professional-standard facilities on campus.
The university also provides students with access to a comprehensive library service, offering every type of digital or print resource that students might require.
Arts University Bournemouth students on WhatUni say:
“A very well equipped library and plenty of industry standard equipment available for loan.”
“With having facilities such as a Dye Studio, Sewing Studio, Knit Studio, Embroidery Studio, Digital Suite and a Pattern Cutting Studio, its everything a fashion student could want.”
“The facilities and campus feels cozy and modern.”
Find out more about the accommodations and facilities in person at the uni.
BOOK OPEN DAYWhat's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion...
VIEW 807 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWE Esmee Reviewed 31 Jan 25 Film Production BA (Hons) Student services are very good. Not all the facilities are available to use/difficult to use facilities and equipment.... READ FULL REVIEW
R Rowan Reviewed 29 Jan 25 Film Production BA (Hons) Great facilities. Not much to do on the South... READ FULL REVIEW
Student wellbeing is taken seriously at AUB, and several specialist support services are funded to ensure that everyone at the university can manage their studies more easily.
The services support students across every realm, including academic, personal, cultural, financial, and religious needs. Diversity at the university is welcomed and encouraged, with all voices heard, and AUB offers a shared chaplaincy that caters to people of all faiths and none, with prayer rooms for those who require a quiet place to worship.
The physical and mental health of students is a top priority at AUB, with a free confidential counselling service available as well as medical services for students in need of physical or mental health treatment.
Students are also able to make use of skill support groups, assisting with topics such as budget management or accommodation matters. A designated careers service offers students opportunities to practice interview techniques, write a CV, and get contacts within their chosen field.
International students have access to additional support services, ensuring any student coming to Bournemouth from another country has all the support they need to tackle issues such as visas or language barriers.
Arts University Bournemouth students on WhatUni say:
“The student support here is really great. Loads of financial support offered… The career and life skills people are really helpful for things like placement and next steps and it’s super easy to access them.”
“I like the different places you can go to study on campus and the 1:1 sign up lectures that you can attend if you want extra help.”
“As an international student coming from the US, AUB was the BEST choice. The international support from the uni has been exponential and has made the transition to the UK easy.”
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITEAll courses offered by AUB benefit from the university’s specialty focus on the arts. This focus allows all resources and faculty recruitment to be specific to these fields. As a result, the university is able to ensure that every course provides the highest standard of education through theoretical learning and practical sessions.
Certain courses stand out for their wider recognition and graduate success. One of these is illustration, where 98% of graduates go on to either find work or commence further study within six months of completing their course.
Many illustration students who have graduated from AUB have gone on to work on notable projects, including creating illustrations for The Great British Bake Off and winning major prizes such as the Macmillan Prize.
Another outstanding course at AUB is costume, with graduates going on to work on major films such as the live action Cinderella movie, as well as partnering with celebrity names such as Jamie Oliver on various projects.
AUB is also recognised for its research, with 56% classified as either world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (2021).
Arts University Bournemouth students on WhatUni say:
“It’s great to have a course which is not offered by many universities; something that provides an opportunity for in-depth learning and specialization in a particular field of study.”
“Being a dedicated arts campus, the atmosphere is highly creative, with many opportunities for collaboration with other courses.”
“Incredible campus, great facilities with lots of creative arts in a small campus. Allows you to collaborate incredibly easily and learn so many disciplines.”
Despite the smaller size of AUB its students’ union (AUBSU) is a thriving support hub that helps to make sure every student’s experience is the best that it can be.
As well as acting on behalf of the student body, AUBSU organises events for students to enjoy, including the likes of Holi festivities, Green Week, a large end-of-year party, and even a fun ‘dogs on campus’ event.
Arts University Bournemouth students on WhatUni say:
“This uni has such a great culture and it feels like a great place to be creative.”
“The overall look and feel of the campus is very inviting, it is small but has nice buildings and lots of cool places to work on assignments.”
“There’s so many ways to connect with other students on campus through events that DON’T COST ANYTHING!”
AUB students are encouraged to explore the various clubs and societies on offer, enabling them to explore interests and meet like-minded people who often become the closest of friends.
The wide range of clubs available includes LGBTQ+, film, gaming and more. The university also offers a range of sports teams open to all abilities.
AUB’s campus is relatively self-contained, allowing students who want to focus on their studies do so away from Bournemouth’s bustling town centre. However, its entertainment and attractions remain only a short bus journey or bike ride from campus.
Bournemouth has been granted Purple Flag status. This prestigious accolade evidences the safety of students as they enjoy the city’s exciting nightlife.
See the campus and city for yourself in person by booking an open day place.
BOOK OPEN DAYAUB students don’t just study their passion, they develop the core skills needed to succeed in their chosen career and thrive in a competitive global market. This is achieved through a combination of approaches to learning within every course curriculum, alongside bespoke personal support provided by the university.
According to the 2020 HESA survey, 93.5% of AUB graduates find further study or employment within six months of leaving.
Careers support
The AUB Futures Team supplies careers and enterprise advice, providing access to different skills workshops and advisory sessions to ensure every student is prepared for the working world. These services include interview techniques, CV writing and more.
Appointments can be made with a career adviser for any student who wants one-to-one careers advice or guidance.
Services have been carefully designed to guide and assist students in beginning their job search prior to graduation, enabling them to move seamlessly from their studies into their chosen career.
Students who require extra financial support in order to study at AUB may be eligible for financial aid, such as a scholarship or a grant.
Examples open to domestic (UK) students include:
International students may be eligible for specific international scholarships.
Students who wish to study at Arts University Bournemouth are required to pay annual tuition fees. For the 2024/25 academic year, tuition fees stand as follows:
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTION
Wallisdown,
BH12 5HH
Many courses at Arts University Bournemouth offer an opportunity to do a work placement or sandwich year. These opportunities will help you develop your employability skills, and the careers department is also on hand to offer personal support.
As well as a wide range of courses on offer, Arts University Bournemouth also has loads of clubs and societies you can join during your studies. Joining societies is just one of the many ways you can tailor your experience at Arts University Bournemouth to suit you.
With a degree in a subject you love, you'll find more doors opening to jobs you'll love. Studies have also shown that graduates earn more on average compared to non-graduates.
If you want to continue to pursue education, you'll be able to progress to postgraduate study once you've got your undergraduate degree. You could opt to study a master's, or even get a PhD.
Living in uni halls means you'll have access to communal areas including kitchen and dining facilities. These facilities offer you plenty of opportunity to socialise with the students you're living with.
You'll also find all bills are included in your rent, and yes, that includes WiFi. Rent also covers security and maintenance. There are accessible rooms available in halls that have been adapted for disabled students.