Arts University Bournemouth

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a specialist public university in England, located between the towns of Bournemouth and Poole, with additional facilities in Bournemouth town centre. Established in 1880, AUB has built a strong reputation for excellence in creative education. It has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting the outstanding quality of its teaching, student experience, and graduate outcomes.

Recognised as the UK’s top specialist art and design university outside London, AUB focuses exclusively on art, architecture, design, media, film, and performance. Students join one of the country’s leading creative institutions, studying across more than 30 courses within four dedicated schools: the School of Arts and Communications; the School of Arts, Media and Creative Industries Management; Bournemouth Film School; and the School of Design and Architecture. Notably, Bournemouth Film School is the largest film school outside London in the UK.

AUB is home to a vibrant and collaborative community of students and staff from over 60 countries. The university offers an immersive environment where students learn, share, experiment, and collaborate across disciplines.

Students are immersed in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment that champions curiosity, bold experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, empowering them to work on real-world projects that mirror professional practice.

With 92% of graduates progressing into employment or further education, AUB places strong emphasis on careers and industry engagement. Students work on live briefs, connect with Industry Patrons, and can undertake placement years to gain real-world experience. Through strong partnerships with global brands, local enterprises, and the wider creative industries, AUB ensures graduates leave not only with refined creative skills but also with valuable industry connections and the confidence to succeed.

Set in one of the UK’s most beautiful award-winning locations, AUB’s campus is surrounded by spectacular gardens, nine miles of sandy beaches, forests, and the UNESCO-classified Jurassic Coast. Its award-winning creative campus features professional studios, specialist facilities, on-site accommodation, and a gallery, ensuring creativity thrives in every corner.

At Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), student wellbeing is a priority. No matter how big or small the concern, Student Services is there to help. The team supports students in managing every aspect of university life, offering specialist guidance to make studying smoother and more focused.

Dedicated Student Advisors work closely with students throughout their time at AUB, helping them make the most of campus life and the wider community. Student Services provides clear advice on funding, bursaries, and hardship funds available at AUB. They also assist with practical matters such as local travel, transport options, and information about amenities in the surrounding area.

Accommodation support is another key area. Students receive guidance on halls of residence, private rented housing, and the full application process, along with practical advice to resolve accommodation-related concerns.

With a creative community of over 3,500 students, including around 400 international students from more than 60 countries, AUB ensures inclusive and personalised support. The International Office operates an open-door policy, offering a welcoming space where students can seek advice at any time.

English Language support is available before and during studies, including English for Academic Purposes (EAP) appointments designed to strengthen academic performance. Country representatives and Country Ambassadors help international students settle in, while the International Student Society organises social events to build connections and community.

Career development is delivered through AUB Futures, which supports students during their studies and after graduation. Through one-to-one coaching, workshops, events, and networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals, students gain practical skills and confidence.

Whether pursuing employment, freelancing, or starting a business, AUB Futures connects students with real-world experience and industry partners, ensuring they graduate prepared to succeed both professionally and personally.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is consistently recognised as one of the UK’s leading institutions for creative education. Its strong national performance in 2026 league tables highlights both academic quality and student success.

In The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, AUB is ranked 73rd in the UK. The guide also positions AUB as the second-best art and design specialist university in the country and the top specialist institution in the South West. This steady rise reflects the university’s growing reputation and competitive standing among UK universities.

According to The Guardian University Guide 2026, AUB is ranked 60th overall and is one of the top three highest risers for 2026. The guide also confirms AUB as the best art and design specialist university outside London, reinforcing its leadership in creative education beyond the capital.

The Complete University Guide 2026 further strengthens AUB’s profile, ranking it 61st nationally and naming it a “major advancer.” This places AUB among a select group of newer universities successfully competing with long-established institutions for positions within the top 70. The guide also recognises AUB as the top specialist university in the South West and ranks it among the top five universities in the region overall, the only art and design specialist institution within that group.

Beyond rankings, AUB’s academic excellence is validated by its Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), awarded for outstanding teaching, learning, and student outcomes. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 12% of its research was classified as world-leading and 42% as internationally excellent. Together, these achievements demonstrate AUB’s commitment to quality, innovation, and creative impact..

Student life at AUB is creative, connected, and full of energy. The campus is a living, breathing space built for makers and thinkers. Surrounded by striking architecture, students learn in an environment designed to inspire bold ideas and collaboration. AUB reflects the real creative industries, investing heavily in professional technology, specialist studios, and industry-standard facilities so students train with the same tools used in their future careers.

Unique spaces such as the Drawing Studio, designed by alumni Sir Peter Cook, and the on-campus Gallery make creativity part of everyday life. The university also offers a dedicated creative arts library, exhibition spaces, and social areas, including a canteen, bar, and café. Students can additionally access facilities at neighbouring Bournemouth University, including SportBU, shops, and banking services.

Beyond campus, Bournemouth and Poole offer an exceptional lifestyle. The area boasts nine Blue Flag award-winning beaches, and Bournemouth Beach was ranked 12th best in the world and best in the UK by the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025.

Within a five-mile radius of campus, students can explore beaches, gardens, cinemas, mini-golf courses, water parks, shops, and restaurants. Public transport links, cycle routes, and nearby train and coach stations make travel simple, connecting students to the New Forest, Southampton, London, and beyond.

Nature and history are on the doorstep. The UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, including the iconic Durdle Door at Lulworth Cove, offers breathtaking scenery and fossil-rich beaches such as Chesil Beach and Lyme Regis. Local landmarks like Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Corfe Castle, and Hengistbury Head provide perfect day trips.

Cultural life is equally vibrant. On campus, TheGallery has showcased contemporary artists for over 25 years. Off campus, venues such as the Bournemouth International Centre and O2 Academy host major music acts, while festivals including Bournemouth Arts by the Sea, Bournemouth Air Festival, and Bournemouth 7s fill the calendar. At AUB, students don’t just study creativity, they live it every day.

At Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), accommodation is designed to help students settle in quickly and start their university journey with confidence. First-year students are offered a great range of halls of residence, located either on the AUB Campus or in the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth town centre. With excellent bus and public transport links, students can easily travel between their accommodation, campus, and the town’s many amenities.

AUB provides a variety of living options to suit different preferences and lifestyles. From modern self-contained studio flats to traditional en-suite rooms in cluster flats, each residence offers something unique.

Campus Halls features 299 rooms arranged across three blocks, creating a lively student community right at the heart of university life. Home Park Halls cater to foundation and first-year undergraduate students, while Madeira Road Halls are situated just a five-minute walk from Bournemouth town centre, offering both convenience and independence.

The quality of AUB’s student housing has gained international recognition. The university was a finalist for Best University Housing at the Global Student Living Awards 2023, a reflection of its commitment to comfort, safety, and student satisfaction.

For students who prefer living off campus, AUB offers guidance on private rented accommodation. Through Studentpad, students can search for houses, flats, and lodgings in Bournemouth and across the UK. Student Services Advisers provide support with tenancy agreements and connect students to specialist advice where needed, ensuring a smooth transition into independent living.

Life in halls is enriched through the AUB ResLife programme. Designed to create a supportive and inclusive environment, the programme runs weekly events within each residence, along with termly activities across all halls. This helps students build friendships, gain confidence, and feel a strong sense of belonging while living and studying at AUB.