The Arts University College at Bournemouth

The Arts University College at Bournemouth (AUCB) was founded in 1885 as a specialist institution and is now one of only fifteen higher education institutions in the UK devoted solely to the study of art, design, media and performance. The University College enjoys a strong national and international reputation.

Nearly 3,000 students are based on the AUCB campus. Both staff and students at The Arts University College at Bournemouth share a commitment to the disciplines of art, design, media and performance.

Students and staff work in partnership on different disciplines and are encouraged to work together in an innovative programme of professional practice and research. The academics at The Arts University College at Bournemouth are experienced practitioners in the creative industries sector who focus on preparing their students for a career within their chosen field.

Employability is a key feature of the courses at The Arts University College at Bournemouth. The University College (as the Arts Institute at Bournemouth) was rated 4th in the UK for graduate employment by the Times Higher Educational Supplement (July 2008).

Student involvement is of great importance at AUCB and there are many ways to become involved in University College activities through the Students' Union and the school's system of student representation. The European Exchange programme also offers exciting opportunities to study abroad as part of a student's education.

The Arts University College at Bournemouth is committed to its students' needs with individually-focused teaching from staff who get to know their students and their students' work. 

The facilities at The Arts University College at Bournemouth include well-equipped studios, workshops, tools and equipment to allow experimentation and learning of required industry skills. The school encourages student input: each course has a representational system allowing students a collective voice in the development and shaping of the community to ensure the quality of each course remains strong with relevant content. Students at The Arts University College are able to nominate members to all key University College committees and to sit on interview panels for academic staff recruitment.

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) gave The Arts University College at Bournemouth the highest possible grade in its most recent audit, awarding 'broad confidence' in the management of the quality of the courses. The report highlighted many features of good practice, including the contribution of technician tutors to students' learning and the provision of library services. The academic standards on offer were also commended.

The results of the 2008 National Student Survey placed The Arts University College at Bournemouth 22nd out of 129 universities and colleges overall, with joint 4th position for its student advice and support and joint 6th position for the enthusiasm of our teaching staff. The school was placed in joint 10th position overall and joint 2nd position for its library provision out of the 95 universities and colleges offering arts and design courses.  

The Arts University College at Bournemouth and its courses continue to offer a learning experience of the highest quality and real relevance.  Students who are successful in securing a place with the University College will join an exciting and developing community and could become influential members of the creative industries.