Arts University Bournemouth, United Kingdom – Nurturing Creative Excellence and Global Artistic Talent
Introduction
Situated on the picturesque south coast of England, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a premier specialist institution that stands at the forefront of creative and artistic education in the United Kingdom. Renowned for its cutting-edge facilities, industry-aligned programs, and an immersive artistic environment, AUB is more than a university—it is a thriving community of artists, designers, filmmakers, architects, animators, photographers, and performers.
Founded on a legacy of innovation and imagination, AUB has consistently empowered students to push boundaries, collaborate across disciplines, and engage with global creative industries. Whether aspiring to lead in fashion, film, visual communication, or digital media, students at AUB benefit from world-class teaching, industry mentorship, and the freedom to develop their individual voice.
1. Establishment and Historical Background
Early Foundations
- Established: 1885 as Bournemouth Government School of Art
- Over its 130+ year history, the institution evolved through multiple identities:
- Bournemouth Municipal College of Art (1913)
- Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design (1979)
- The Arts Institute at Bournemouth (1998)
- Arts University College at Bournemouth (2009)
- Achieved full university status in 2012 as Arts University Bournemouth
Legacy of Creativity
AUB has always been deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the UK’s south coast, playing a pivotal role in shaping local and national creative industries. It has grown from a regional art school into an internationally respected centre for the arts, fostering a dynamic culture of experimentation and professional preparation.
2. Affiliations and Accreditations
Academic Affiliations
- Member of GuildHE – a representative body of specialist higher education institutions
- Recognised by the Office for Students (OfS) and subject to QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) oversight
- Associate member of Cumulus, the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media
Industry Partnerships
- Collaborations with:
- BBC Studios
- Pinewood Studios
- Fashion and Textiles British Council
- Aardman Animations
- Royal Television Society
- Creative England
- Industry validation and input for course design and guest lectures
3. Academic Excellence and Teaching Approach
Creative-Led Learning
AUB stands out for its practice-based, studio-led learning, where students engage in real-time creative processes rather than theory-heavy education. The academic structure promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to evolving creative landscapes.
Teaching Excellence
- Awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
- High student satisfaction rates in National Student Survey (NSS), especially in course quality and academic support
- Many faculty members are industry professionals, practitioners, and award-winning creatives
4. Courses Offered
Arts University Bournemouth delivers an extensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation programs across various creative disciplines.
Undergraduate Degrees (BA/BSc)
- BA (Hons) Acting
- BA (Hons) Architecture
- BA (Hons) Animation Production
- BA (Hons) Costume and Performance Design
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing
- BA (Hons) Fashion
- BA (Hons) Film Production
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- BA (Hons) Illustration
- BSc (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX)
Postgraduate Degrees (MA/MSc)
- MA Animation Production
- MA Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
- MA Fine Art
- MA Commercial Photography
- MA Film Practice
- MA Graphic Design
- MA Creative Writing
- MA Digital Fashion Innovation
Short Courses and Foundation Diplomas
- Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media
- Summer and evening courses in photography, drawing, costume design, etc.
- Professional diplomas and pre-degree qualifications
5. Academic Faculties and Schools
AUB is structured into creative departments and specialisms, encouraging both individual mastery and cross-departmental collaboration.
Key Academic Areas
- Film and Performance
- Visual Communication
- Architecture and Design
- Fine Art and Photography
- Fashion and Textiles
- Creative Writing and Publishing
- Digital Media and Technology
6. Campus and Facilities
Campus Overview
The AUB campus is a creative village—purpose-built to facilitate innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
Key Facilities
- The Drawing Studio – Designed by renowned architect Sir Peter Cook; the only dedicated drawing studio built in the UK in over a century
- Studios and Workshops – Specialised spaces for sculpture, textiles, screen-printing, costume, and metal/woodworking
- Photography Darkrooms and Digital Suites – Professional-standard photography and editing facilities
- Film and TV Studios – Industry-spec sound stages and green screen sets
- Library and Learning Resources Centre (The CRAB) – Holds extensive creative research resources, journals, and online archives
- Innovation Studio – Incubator space for graduate start-ups and creative enterprises
- MoDiP (Museum of Design in Plastics) – AUB’s unique design museum and research centre
7. Accommodation and Student Life
Student Accommodation
- Halls of residence such as Madeira Road, Home Park, and Bath Road Studios
- Options include en-suite and shared bathroom accommodations, within walking distance to campus
- Secure, fully-furnished, with social spaces and Wi-Fi
Student Services and Wellbeing
- Academic support including mentoring and one-on-one tutoring
- Dedicated mental health and wellbeing services
- Financial guidance and support for bursaries/scholarships
- Chaplaincy and spiritual support
- Students’ Union offering clubs, societies, and creative events
8. Career Development and Employability
AUB prepares students for sustainable and rewarding careers in the creative industries through a dedicated Employability and Enterprise Team.
Career Support Services
- One-on-one career consultations
- CV building, interview practice, and portfolio reviews
- Enterprise workshops and freelancing guides
- Online job board and networking events
- Access to AUB Advantage – a platform offering internships and project opportunities
Industry Placement Opportunities
- Many undergraduate programs include live briefs, competitions, and placement modules
- Regular partnerships with:
- Disney
- Vogue
- BBC
- Burberry
- Channel 4
- National Theatre
9. Research Activities
Despite its emphasis on teaching and practice, AUB also has a thriving research culture in creative and cultural fields.
Research Themes
- Creative education methodologies
- Design sustainability and environmental responsibility
- The intersection of art, technology, and digital storytelling
- Visual communication and social change
- Fashion innovation and historical costume research
Research Centres and Activities
- Graduate School offers MPhil and PhD supervision
- Research Repository – open access to staff and student-led projects
- Active participation in REF (Research Excellence Framework) submissions
10. Reputation, Rankings, and Recognition
University Rankings
- Regularly ranked among the top creative universities in the UK
- Top 20 in the UK for overall student satisfaction in creative disciplines
- High graduate employment rate: Over 95% of AUB graduates employed or in further study within 15 months (HESA 2022)
Awards and Distinctions
- TEF Gold – exceptional teaching quality
- Multiple Royal Television Society (RTS) awards
- Winner at The Guardian University Awards for creative impact
- Alumni recognised at BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar-level awards
11. Global Outlook and Alumni Success
International Reach
- Over 15% of students are international, from 60+ countries
- Global partnerships with universities and design institutes across Europe, Asia, and North America
- Opportunities for Erasmus+ exchanges, global internships, and collaborative projects
Notable Alumni
- Edgar Wright – Director (Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver)
- Simon Beaufoy – Oscar-winning screenwriter (Slumdog Millionaire)
- Paul Campion – VFX artist (The Lord of the Rings)
- Wolfgang Tillmans – Renowned contemporary photographer
12. Address and Contact Information
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
Wallisdown, Poole
Dorset, BH12 5HH
United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0)1202 533011
- Email: info@aub.ac.uk
- Website: https://www.aub.ac.uk
Conclusion
Arts University Bournemouth is more than just a place to study—it’s where imagination meets industry, where artists become professionals, and where creative dreams take flight. With a unique focus on practice-based education, outstanding industry connections, and award-winning teaching, AUB is a global leader in nurturing creative talent.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, writer, or visual artist, AUB provides the perfect space to develop your skills, build your network, and launch your career in the thriving world of the creative industries.
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