For nearly 150 years, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has been shaping the future of the creative industries. Established in 1880 and granted full university status in 2012, AUB has evolved into one of the UK’s leading specialist institutions—dedicated exclusively to art, design, media, performance, and creative technologies.
Today, AUB is a global creative hub, welcoming students from over 70 countries to a campus built on innovation and practice-led education. The results speak for themselves: 92% of AUB graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). This proven track record of employability is backed by serious industry investment, including a recent £1.25 million OfS capital funding boost for the renowned Bournemouth Film School.
From film, animation, and games to fashion, architecture, and fine art, AUB provides the rigorous, industry-focused training needed to launch high-impact careers across the global creative sector.
To learn more about studying in the UK or begin your application at Arts University Bournemouth, book a free consultation with LCI Group today.
Arts University Bournemouth Key Statistics
- International Students: Around 400+
- Student-Faculty Ratio: Around 14.7:1
- Acceptance Rate: 56% on average
Arts University Bournemouth Accreditation and Affiliations
- Regulated by the UK's Office for Students (OfS)
- Degree-awarding powers granted by the UK government
- Member of Universities UK
- Member of GuildHE
- Strong industry partnerships across film, animation, gaming, fashion, architecture, and design sectors
- Collaborates with leading creative organizations and studios in the UK and internationally
Academic Information
Arts University Bournemouth Programs Offered
Arts University Bournemouth offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees focused exclusively on creative disciplines.
Arts University Bournemouth Popular Schools and Courses
- Animation Production
- Visual Effects (VFX)
- Film Production
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Branding and Communication
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture and Design
- Photography
- Fine Art
- Creative Writing
- Acting
- Costume and Performance Design
- Game Art and Design
Arts University Bournemouth Top Program Areas
Animation, Visual Effects, Film Production, Fashion, Graphic Design, Architecture, Photography, Fine Art, Games Design, and Performing Arts.
Arts University Bournemouth Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate International Students: £19,950 to £21,950 per year on average
- Postgraduate Programs: £18,500 to £22,500 per year on average
Fees vary depending on the course and level of study.
Arts University Bournemouth Admission Requirements
Undergraduate
- Completion of high school education equivalent to UK qualifications
- Strong academic background
- Portfolio submission required for most creative programs
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band) or equivalent
- Interview may be required for selected courses
Postgraduate
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline
- Portfolio and/or professional experience
- IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5–6.0 in each component)
- Additional course-specific requirements may apply
Arts University Bournemouth Rankings & Recognition
- QS World University Rankings 2026: N/A
- THE World University Rankings 2026: N/A
Arts University Bournemouth is consistently recognized as one of the UK's leading specialist creative institutions, ranked #2 art and design specialist in the UK by both The Times Good University Guide and The Guardian University Guide 2026, and the top specialist art and design university outside London according to The Guardian University Guide 2026. The university was also named runner-up Specialist University of the Year 2026 by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.
AUB is particularly respected for its programs in Animation, Visual Effects, Film Production, Design, and Creative Arts, with graduates regularly contributing to award-winning projects across the film, television, gaming, and design industries. The university has built a strong reputation for industry-focused education, practical learning, and graduate employability within the global creative sector.Arts University Bournemouth Campuses
AUB Campus and Facilities
AUB is based on a single creative campus in Poole, Dorset, on England’s south coast. The campus is located next to Bournemouth University and brings together studios, workshops, performance spaces, galleries, digital facilities, and collaborative learning environments.
| Campus | Top Courses/Faculties | Average Fees |
| Wallisdown Campus | Animation, Film, Design, Fashion, Fine Art, Architecture, Games | £19,950–22,500 |
| AUB Innovation Studio | Creative Technology, Digital Media, Industry Projects | Program-dependent |
Poole Campus
AUB is based on a single creative campus in Poole, Dorset, on England’s south coast. The campus is located next to Bournemouth University and brings together studios, workshops, performance spaces, galleries, digital facilities, and collaborative learning environments.
The campus is designed to support creative making, experimentation, and professional practice. Students work in specialist spaces that reflect the needs of their subject areas and help them develop practical, technical, and industry-facing skills.
Key facilities include:
● Bournemouth Film School facilities
● Film and production studios
● Animation and digital production spaces
● Photography studios and darkrooms
● Fashion and textiles studios
● Printmaking and fabrication workshops
● Performance and rehearsal spaces
● TheGallery
● Drawing Studio
● Innovation Studio
● Collaborative workspaces and specialist workshops
● Museum of Design in plastic
● Letterpress & Bindery room
● Historical Palace Court Theatre
AUB Innovation Studio
The AUB Innovation Studio supports entrepreneurship, creative technology, and industry collaboration. It provides students with opportunities to engage in real-world projects, develop start-up ventures, and collaborate with businesses and creative organizations. The facility plays a key role in bridging academic study with professional practice and innovation.
Arts University Bournemouth Support Services
International Student Support
- International student orientation programs
- Visa and immigration guidance
- Academic skills and learning support
- English language assistance
- Wellbeing and counseling services
Accommodation support
- Peer mentoring and student engagement programs
- Career Services
- Dedicated careers and employability team
- Industry networking opportunities
- Internship and placement support
- Portfolio development guidance
- Graduate career mentoring
- Entrepreneurship and freelance business support
- Creative industry recruitment events
Arts University Bournemouth Scholarships and Financial Aid
AUB offers international scholarships to support creative talent within its global student community.
For 2026/27 entry, eligible international students may receive up to:
- £5,000 for undergraduate study
- £3,000 for postgraduate study
AUB also offers an International Early Payment Fee Waiver for eligible international fee-paying students who meet the relevant payment conditions.Scholarship availability, eligibility, and deadlines may vary, so applicants should check the latest AUB international scholarships page before applying.
Study at Arts University Bournemouth
Arts University Bournemouth offers a highly specialized creative education designed for students who want to build successful careers in the arts, media, design, performance, and creative technology industries. Its industry-focused curriculum, exceptional facilities, and strong professional connections provide students with the practical skills and creative confidence needed to thrive in competitive global markets.
Located on England's south coast, AUB combines a vibrant creative community with an inspiring seaside environment, offering students an outstanding academic and personal experience. Whether pursuing animation, film, fashion, design, architecture, or performing arts, students benefit from an education centered on innovation, collaboration, and professional development.
To explore your opportunities at Arts University Bournemouth, book a free consultation with LCI Group today and begin your application for upcoming intakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The university is located in Bournemouth, Dorset, on England's south coast.
AUB is particularly renowned for Animation, Visual Effects, Film Production, Fashion, Graphic Design, and Architecture.
Yes. Most undergraduate and postgraduate creative programs require a portfolio as part of the admissions process.
Yes. The university maintains strong partnerships with leading employers across film, animation, gaming, design, fashion, and creative media industries.
Yes. AUB offers several scholarships, discounts, and financial support opportunities for eligible international students.