Arts University Bournemouth

AUB is a leading arts university for the creative industries, dedicated to turning creativity into careers. The institution fosters curiosity, risk-taking, and adventure across its creative subjects.

AUB has strong ambitions for its graduates, aiming to prepare them for rewarding careers. Alumni frequently return with stories of their achievements, including businesses they’ve founded and awards they’ve won. No creative discipline stands alone at AUB. Collaboration is key, extending beyond the courses to partnerships with the broader academic world and the creative industry. AUB staff and students actively engage with local, national, and international communities, fostering a vibrant maker culture alongside a commitment to professionalism.

The university works with global brands and local SMEs, contributing creative services to exciting projects. Innovative thinking drives AUB's support for communities and social enterprises both at home and abroad. The university serves as a gateway to the £92 billion creative industry, which is growing faster than the UK economy and accounts for 1 in 11 jobs.

AUB consistently achieves excellent employability outcomes, with 98% of graduates employed or pursuing further study within six months, according to the most recent DLHE Survey. This success is attributed to the high-quality teaching, as well as the campus and facilities that equip students for employment.

AUB's staff are exceptional, serving as inspiring teachers, researchers, industry practitioners, and technicians, all dedicated to supporting students in achieving outstanding outcomes. The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) by HEFCE, recognising its consistently outstanding teaching, learning, and student outcomes.

There are currently nearly 400 international students from over 60 countries studying at the university. The International Office has an ‘open door’ policy, where students can pop in for a casual chat or find out answers to any queries or concerns they may have.

Students also benefit from English for Academic Purposes appointments, an International Student Society as part of the Students Union, Country Ambassadors who are always there if you need a friend (and they run events throughout the year that you can go along to or get involved in), and great Careers and Student Services departments.

• 78th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 100th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• UK’s Top Specialist Art and Design University in The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021

Arts University Bournemouth consistently scores highly for student satisfaction and graduate prospects. AUB was awarded the Gold standard rating by the Teaching Excellence Framework. More than 12 per cent of the AUB’s research has now been classed as ‘world-leading’ with a further 42 per cent being classed ‘internationally excellent’, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Living and studying in Bournemouth is at least 20% cheaper than London plus there’s the bonus of being right on the coast with 10 miles of sandy beach! AUB offer a range of Halls of Residence, each offering something unique – from right on campus to the bustle of the town centre (and within walking distance to the beach!), to the quiet of residential streets. From modern self-contained studio flats to more traditional en-suite rooms in cluster flats or shared residential houses, there is something for everyone. AUB Halls are:

• On campus, 10 minute bus ride to the town centre
• Bath Road Lansdowne, Bournemouth town centre
• Madeira Road Lansdowne, Bournemouth town centre
• Skyline, Lansdowne, Bournemouth town centre

Alternatively, a number of students live in shared rented accommodation in areas including Bournemouth town centre, Winton, Charminster and Ensbury Park. Living in private rented accommodation can often be cheaper, with some students choosing to stay in the same house throughout their time at AUB.