Arts University Bournemouth

Arts University Bournemouth. It is a public university in Bournemouth, Dorset, specializing in arts, design, media, and performance. Founded in 1885 as the Bournemouth Government School of Art, it gained full university status in 2012. The institution is known for its industry-focused curriculum and high graduate employment rates within the creative industries.

History

The institution's origins trace back to the establishment of the Bournemouth Government School of Art in 1885, operating from the Bournemouth School of Science and Art building. It evolved through several phases, becoming the Bournemouth Municipal College of Art and later the Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design. A significant development occurred in 2001 when it was renamed the Arts Institute at Bournemouth and granted the power to award its own taught degrees. Following approval by the Privy Council, it achieved full university title in 2012, adopting its current name. This transition was supported by figures like Lord Jenkins of Hillhead and marked a new era in its contribution to the South West England creative economy.

Campus and facilities

The campus is located on a single site in the Wallisdown area of Bournemouth, near the border with Poole. Key facilities include the Library and Learning Centre, which houses specialized collections for animation and visual effects. The university features extensive studio spaces, such as the Michael Ellis studios for fashion and textiles, and dedicated workshops for modelmaking and architecture. Performance and exhibition spaces include the Northlight building and the Gallery at AUB. The campus also contains the Bournemouth Film School, a significant centre for filmmaking and screenwriting education.

Academic profile

The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses focused exclusively on the creative arts. Its portfolio includes degrees in graphic design, illustration, animation, film production, acting, costume design, and architecture. Teaching is heavily studio-based and project-led, with an emphasis on professional practice and collaboration with industry partners like Aardman Animations and the BBC. The university validates its own degrees and has a strong research profile in areas such as sustainable design and digital culture, contributing to the Research Excellence Framework.

Student life

Student life is centred around the Students' Union at AUB, which organizes societies, events, and represents student interests. The union supports a variety of clubs related to creative practices, such as the Animation Society and the Fashion Society. The campus hosts annual events like the AUB Summer Show, a major public exhibition of graduate work, and the Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe. Students also engage with the wider cultural scene in Bournemouth, including venues like the Pavilion Theatre and festivals such as the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival.

Notable alumni and staff

The university has produced many influential figures in the arts. Notable alumni include Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan, film director Edgar Wright, and animator Nick Park of Wallace and Gromit fame. Other distinguished graduates are fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, illustrator Chris Riddell, and visual effects artist Sean Mathiesen. Prominent past and present staff include sculptor Sir Anthony Caro, painter Maggie Hambling, and the current Vice-Chancellor, Paul Gough, a renowned broadcaster and artist.

Category:Universities in Dorset Category:Art schools in England Category:Educational institutions established in 1885