Overview
Arts University Bournemouth offers 20 degree courses specialising in the creative arts. Courses range from architecture to acting, model-making to make-up.
We don’t have many recent reviews of Arts University Bournemouth, so we can only present a small selection of students’ opinions on this uni.
Job Prospects
The number of extremely specialised courses at AUB can provide some straightforward routes into employment - 97.4% of graduates in 2015 found employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Students say: “My course in particular is not common with there only being 5 places to study it in the UK. Staff commonly forward emails for collaborations with fellow students, work experience opportunities, interns and jobs which are all available for students directly from AUB.”
Course and Lecturers
Students are encouraged to learn practically on their courses rather than just reading text books all day, so they can understand how to use their knowledge in a working environment.
Lecturers are encouraged to be initiative with their teaching and bring their expertise and passion for a subject into the lecture hall by the university.
As a result, of the reviews we have, most are generally good - with students praising their links to industry.
Students say: “Good resources, lecturers have come from industry, good contacts.”
“Tutors are helpful, but lots of work, could be overwhelming.”
Student Union
Arts University Bournemouth Student Union is run by a full-time president and vice-president and five part-time officers. It runs advice services, societies, clubs and BUMF:media, which showcases students’ creativity.
Accommodation
First-year students can apply for one of 450 rooms and studios at four sites: George Close, Madeira Road, Winton Halls and Bath Road. You won’t be guaranteed a place in halls - but the university’s accommodation service can help you find private accommodation.
Rent is paid each term in advance and includes all bills. The weekly rent differs depending on where you stay. After a £480 deposit (which all rooms have), the weekly rent breakdowns are...
George Close: £120 a week
Madeira Road: Single rooms are £135; self contained studios are £150.
Winton Halls: Single room is £120, double en-suite rooms are £125, single studios are £135, and double studios are £140.
Bath Road: Single studio is £150, a double studio is £153 per week and a large double studio will be £158.
Facilities
New developments at Arts University Bournemouth include extending its photography department to include a new lecture theatre, teaching space and IT suites, while the Crab Drawing Studio is the first of its kind to be built in the UK since the 1900s.
Other resources include the Museum of Design and Plastics - MoDiP - and the long-established Bournemouth Film School.
City Life
You’ve got the nightlife and shopping of Bournemouth on your doorstep together with miles of sandy beach. The nightlife has mixed reviews - but if it’s not to your taste, you can get out of town and explore the Jurassic coast or the New Forest National Park.
Students say: “Kinda dull, town too small.”
“Although the choice of activities is abundant through Bournemouth they are spread out and often require a lengthy walk.”
Clubs and Societies
Societies include WARP (live-action role-playing), life drawing and a mature students’ group; while there are football, netball and taekwondo clubs for the sportier students.
Student Support
Support services include a student wellbeing officer, who you can discuss concerns or worries with. There’s also a counselling service available if you need more support, from a one-off chat to ongoing help.
There’s also an academic help team for students with learning disabilities, and a team to help disabled students get the most out of their courses.
The student union also offers financial and study help.
Fees
UK students per year: £9,000
International students per year: £13,995
Scholarships/Bursaries
Discretionary Support Fund
Students from underrepresented groups with a household income of less than £25,000 can get help with support for specific items such as educational visits or bicycle vouchers. Hardship loans and grants are available in exceptional circumstances.
Level 6 Bursary
If you get a full maintenance loan (£8,200) when you enrol in 2016/17 and progress to Level 6 studies in 2018/19, then you can get a £200 bursary when you enrol for Level 6 Studies.
Care Leavers
An additional grant of £2,000 per year is given to any student who comes from a care background and meets the university’s criteria.
All these awards are for students from England only. Full-time international students get a 10% discount on their fees if they pay in advance.
Academic Strengths
Arts University Bournemouth has a strong reputation for research into arts and design topics. A new research network, Black Mirror, looks at influence and role of enchantment, the occult and black magic in modernist and contemporary art. The Knowledge Transfer network works in the games, animation and visual effects fields to develop leadership skills and links between industry and education.
Entry Requirements
In order to be considered, you’ll first need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths, or equivalent (for example, Key Skills, BTEC First Diploma)
While exact requirements will vary from course to course, standard offers will ask you to have between 280-300 UCAS points (or equivalent).
