Arts University Bournemouth

Overview

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is one of just 15 higher education institutions in the UK that specialises in arts-based courses, including design and media. A standalone university with a tight-knit student body of 3,000, it has ties with Bournemouth University, with which it shares some facilities and resources.

AUB has a range of industry-standard facilities to help aid students’ creativity, including a drawing studio, dance studios, a printmaking room, workshops and its Innovation Studio. For inspiration, an onsite gallery showcases the work of artists and designers from around the world.

Courses blend practical and theory, tailored to individual subjects. Students can be confident that the expert-led courses at AUB are carefully designed to helping them pursue a career in their chosen field of study.

While not studying, there is the opportunity to get involved in a wide variety of clubs and societies and volunteering opportunities at the students' union.

And what’s not to like about studying by the sea? Students benefit from being close to the beach, an ideal place to relax with friends after class and at the weekend. Bournemouth also has a brilliant nightlife thanks to its huge student population, as well as a thriving arts scene and great transport links to London.

AUB offers a wide range of full- and part-time courses, as well as weekend and evening classes, allowing students to study at a time and pace that suits them, with levels ranging from foundation to postgraduate.

Students are taught by knowledgeable and experienced staff who are passionate about their subject areas, and equally committed to passing on that expertise to the next generation of talent. Assessments vary depending on the specific course, but will include essays, coursework, group work and presentations.

In terms of tuition styles, students will attend lectures and work on projects both in groups and independently, as well as being taught the skills needed to produce work of a professional standard so they can stand out to employers.

Collaboration is highly encouraged between different courses by the staff at the university. No creative subject stands alone at AUB, and the best work happens when different disciplines come together.

The entry requirements set for undergraduate programmes at Arts University Bournemouth will differ depending on the course that students are applying to. As a guideline, applicants will typically need between 112 and 120 UCAS tariff points, though consideration will be extended to any applicants who have fewer points – so students who are just below this level should still apply.

Students applying to AUB are expected to have level 3 qualifications, with at least one being in a creative discipline – typically related to the programme being applied to. Students from a variety of backgrounds, and with a diversity of level 3 qualifications, will be considered and are encouraged to apply.

Further requirements for the chosen course can vary. Completion of an interview and submission of a portfolio of prior work may be required to demonstrate ability and passion for a subject, as well as attending an Offer Holder day.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Students enrolling on a programme of undergraduate study at Arts University Bournemouth can choose from a wide range of accommodation options for their first year of study. Students will need to source a place in private accommodation for the later years of their course.

Students can choose from three main sites, which are:

Campus halls

These modern clusters of flats are found on the campus itself, offering en-suite rooms or studio flats.

Madeira Road

This residence is nearer to the centre of town, while still having easy access to campus by bus, bike or foot.

Home Park

This option is found close to the town centre, with good access to all the services and amenities it has to offer.

Facilities

AUB recognises the importance of excellent facilities in supporting student success when it comes to courses in the arts and creative disciplines. Exposure to industry environments, tools and processes is key, and as a result the university maintains a suite of professional-standard facilities.

The university also provides students with access to a comprehensive library service, offering every type of digital or print resource that students might require.

Student wellbeing is taken very seriously at AUB, and so several support specialist services are funded to ensure that everyone at the university can manage their studies more easily.

The services don’t just support with hardship but also cultural and religious needs – offering students the opportunity to study at a university where they feel welcomed.

This includes a shared chaplaincy that caters to people of all faiths and none, with prayer rooms for those who require a quiet place to worship.

Mental health is a priority for the support services at AUB, with a free confidential counselling service as well as medical services for anyone who feels they require physical or mental treatment.

International students also have access to additional support services, so anyone coming to Bournemouth from another country will be able to tackle any issues regarding visas and language barriers.

Students are also able to make use of skill support groups, helping with topics such as budget management. When students are considering their futures, they turn to the careers service to practice interview techniques, learn how to write a CV, and get contacts within their chosen field.

All the courses offered by AUB benefit from the university’s speciality focus on the arts – this focus allows all resources and faculty recruitment to be specific to these fields. AUB makes sure that every course provides the highest standard of education through theory and practical lessons.

However, certain courses do stand out for their wider recognition and graduate success. One of these is illustration, where 98% of students who graduate go on to either find work or commence further study upon completion of their course. Many illustration students who have graduated from AUB have gone on to work on notable projects, including doing illustrations for The Great British Bake Off and winning major prizes such as the Macmillan Prize.

Another outstanding course at AUB is costume, with students who have graduated then going on to work on major films such as the live action Cinderella movie, as well as partnering with celebrity names such as Jamie Oliver on various projects.

Students' Union

Despite the smaller size of AUB, the Arts University Bournemouth Students’ Union (AUBSU) is still a thriving support hub that helps to make sure every student’s experience is the best that it can be.

They organise events for the whole student body to take part in, ranging from Holi and Green Week to a large end-of-year party and even a fun ‘dogs on campus’ event.

Clubs and Societies

Everyone who enrols at AUB is encouraged to explore the various clubs and societies that are on offer. These clubs and societies give students an where they can meet like-minded people who will often become the closest of friends.

There’s a wide range of clubs to choose from, including LGBTQ+, film, gaming and more.

AUB also has a good range of sports teams for anyone looking for a more active hobby.

City life

AUB’s campus is quite self-contained, letting students who want to focus on their studies do so away from the bustling town centre. However, the facilities are only a short bus journey or bike ride away.

Bournemouth has been granted Purple Flag status, which means that its bars and restaurants are considered safe for students.

Cost of a pint This is the average cost of a pint.

Source: IDP Connect 2019

£3.40

per pint

Students who attend AUB don’t just study their passion – they develop the skills needed to succeed in their chosen career and thrive in what can be a very competitive world. This is through a combination of the various approaches to learning within the student’s chosen course, and also the additional support provided by the university.

According to the 2020 HESA survey, 93.5% of the university’s graduates find further study or employment within six months of leaving.

The careers-focused support services at AUB provide students with access to different skills workshops and advisory sessions to ensure they are prepared for the working world. These services include interview techniques, CV writing and more, They’re designed to help students start seeking work before graduation, so they’re best prepared to switch into their career seamlessly.

A careers advisor is also available for appointments for any students who want one-to-one advice on how best to secure the future career they want.

Scholarships/ Bursaries

Students who need extra financial support may be able to apply for a scholarship or a grant.

Some examples include:

Discretionary Support Fund – this provides important support such as bus and food vouchers, and occasionally loans or other grants, to students from under-represented groups with a household income below £25,000.

Level 6 Bursary – Any students who are already receiving a full maintenance loan and who are progressing onto Level 6 study at the university will be granted a £300 bursary.

Care Leavers –Students who attend AUB from a care background can claim up to £2,000.

Disabled Students – There is a fund to help support any students with a disability. A £200 contribution towards buying a laptop can be provided through the DSA for eligible students.

Fees

Students who wish to study at Arts University Bournemouth are required to pay annual tuition fees, just as they would at any university in the UK. These tuition fees stand at £9,250 per year for UK students, and £16,950 per year for international students, including those in the EU.