Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
- 1. Overview
- 2. Programmes
- 3. University Information
- 4. Cost of Living
- 5. Tuition Fees (2025/2026 Estimates for International Students)
- 6. Scholarships
- 7. Rankings & Ratings
- 8. Campus Locations
- 9. Similar Universities
- 10. FAQs about Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
The Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a dedicated specialist institution focused entirely on art, design, media, and performance. Established in 1880, AUB has a long and celebrated history of turning creative passion into professional careers, standing out as one of the UK’s premier specialist arts universities outside of London.
Located in the vibrant seaside town of Bournemouth, England, AUB offers a close-knit, highly collaborative creative community that boasts excellent graduate employment rates. This guide details everything you need to know about starting your creative higher education in the UK at AUB.
1. Overview
| Feature | Detail |
| City/Location | Bournemouth / Poole, England (Coastal) |
| Specialization | Film, Design, Architecture, Performance, Photography |
| Student Population | Approx. 3,960 (Specialist focus) |
| Type | Public Specialist Arts University |
| Known For | Bournemouth Film School (BFS), Excellent Graduate Employability |
2. Programmes
AUB is home to the renowned Bournemouth Film School (BFS), one of the largest film schools outside of London. Its programs are highly practical, studio-based, and designed with heavy industry input.
Top Subject Areas and Programmes:
- Film & Media: Film Production, Animation Production, Visual Effects (VFX), Commercial Photography.
- Architecture & Design: BA (Hons) Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 1), Interior Architecture and Design, Graphic Design.
- Performance & Costume: BA (Hons) Acting, Costume, Performance Design, and Film Costume.
- Visual Arts: Fine Art, Illustration, and Textiles.
3. University Information
| Metric | Detail |
| Country/Region | England |
| Established | 1880 (University Status 2012) |
| Average UK Rank | Approx. 89 (Highly ranked for specific subjects) |
| Graduate Employability | Consistently high, over 93% of graduates employed or in further study. |
| Campus Type | Single, specialist campus (Poole/Bournemouth) |
4. Cost of Living
Bournemouth is a major tourist and student destination, but its cost of living is manageable and often cited as one of the UK’s most affordable student locations (NatWest Student Living Index).
| Item | Estimated Annual Cost (Excluding Tuition) |
| Estimated Monthly Budget (UKVI Minimum) | £1,023 per month (for 9 months) |
| Accommodation (University) | £7,000 – £12,000 (Based on 50-week tenancy) |
| Affordability Initiatives | On-campus Student Pantry, Super Saver Menu (lunch for approx. £4.25). |
5. Tuition Fees (2025/2026 Estimates for International Students)
Tuition fees reflect AUB’s status as a specialist provider with high staff-to-student ratios and industry-standard facilities.
| Study Level | Estimated Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate (BA/BSc) | Approx. £19,635 – £24,150 (Varies by subject) |
| Postgraduate Taught (MA/MSc) | Approx. £17,000 – £22,000 |
| Optional Placement Year | Reduced fee (not exceeding 20% of the standard annual fee) |
6. Scholarships
AUB offers a selection of competitive scholarships to support talented students pursuing a creative degree in the UK.
- International Undergraduate Scholarship: Awards of up to £5,000 for the first year of study for eligible international students.
- International Postgraduate Scholarship: Awards of up to £6,000 for postgraduate international students.
- Merit-Based Awards: Other bursaries and fee waivers may be available based on portfolio quality and academic excellence.
7. Rankings & Ratings
While its overall national rank is mid-tier, AUB excels in its specialist areas and has top ratings for teaching and quality.
| Ranking Body | Latest Achievement |
| Teaching Excellence | Gold Rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) |
| Specialist Ranking | Top Art and Design specialist university in the South West (Complete University Guide 2026) |
| Film School | Home to the Bournemouth Film School (BFS) |
| Ofsted | Rated Outstanding for its Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. |
8. Campus Locations
AUB operates a singular, dedicated campus, fostering a deep sense of community and providing world-class facilities in a collaborative setting.
- Main Location: Wallisdown, Poole, near Bournemouth, England.
- Campus Environment: The campus is entirely dedicated to creative disciplines, promoting cross-course collaboration. Facilities are industry-standard, including a purpose-built Drawing Studio (the first in the UK for 100 years).
- Location Benefit: The campus is just moments from Bournemouth’s award-winning beaches and is well-connected to the vibrant student nightlife.
9. Similar Universities
Students interested in a specialist creative focus, particularly a campus-based experience, often look at the following institutions:
- University for the Creative Arts (UCA): Another dedicated specialist arts university with multiple campuses across the South East of England.
- Falmouth University: A specialist arts university in Cornwall, also offering a high-quality coastal location.
- Goldsmiths, University of London: Renowned for its highly-rated Art department in a major city.
10. FAQs about Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
Q: Is AUB just for Art degrees?
A: No. AUB covers the full spectrum of the creative industries, including Architecture, Film, Performance, Design, Animation, and Media, in addition to traditional Fine Art.
Q: What is the Bournemouth Film School?
A: The Bournemouth Film School (BFS) is a dedicated division within AUB that specializes in world-leading film, animation, and media production courses, consistently training industry-ready professionals.
Q: How important is the portfolio for admission?
A: For almost all creative courses, the portfolio is the single most important factor for admission, often weighing more heavily than academic grades alone.
Q: Is Bournemouth a good city for students?
A: Yes, Bournemouth is a hugely popular student town due to its seven miles of sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and large student population (shared with Bournemouth University), creating a dynamic and fun social environment.
Ready to turn your passion into a profession at a specialist creative hub? Explore the world-class facilities and high employability rates at Arts University Bournemouth and unlock your potential in the UK creative industries!
We are an experienced tutors service platform who believes expert help should be affordable. We specialize in helping students overcome challenges and build confidence in a supportive, one-on-one environment. Our goal is to make learning accessible and effective for every student.
