Arts University Bournemouth

Arts University Bournemouth, commonly known as AUB, is a specialist arts university in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. It focuses on creative subjects such as art, design, animation, architecture, film, photography, fashion, performance, games, media, creative business and visual communication.

For students planning the September 2026 intake, AUB can be a strong choice if they want a dedicated creative university, portfolio-based learning, industry briefs, studio culture and career support built around the creative industries.

AUB achieved its highest-ever position in the Guardian University Guide 2026, rising to 60th in the UK and being described by AUB as the best art and design specialist university outside London in that guide. Students should compare AUB mainly on creative course fit, portfolio development, facilities, industry connections and graduate outcomes.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
University type	Specialist arts university
Main location	Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
Popular intake	September 2026
Main study areas	Art, design, animation, architecture, film, photography, fashion, games, media, creative writing, performance and creative industries management
Guardian University Guide 2026	60th in the UK, according to AUB
Known for	Creative education, studio culture, portfolio development, specialist facilities and industry-ready graduates
Career support	AUB Futures, one-to-one coaching, industry events, workshops, alumni insight, enterprise support and employer connections
Placement options	Many undergraduate courses list an optional placement year

Why Arts University Bournemouth Can Be A Good Fit

AUB can suit students who want to study in a creative environment where most people around them are also making, designing, filming, performing, writing, building or experimenting. This can be valuable because creative students often learn as much from studio culture, critique and collaboration as from formal teaching.

The university focuses strongly on employability in creative industries. AUB Futures supports students with career coaching, events, workshops, talks, enterprise guidance and connections with creative professionals.

Bournemouth can also suit students who want a coastal UK location rather than a very large city. Students can access creative opportunities locally while also connecting to London and the wider UK creative sector.

2026 Tuition Snapshot

Tuition fees vary by course and level. Students should always confirm the exact fee on the official AUB course page and offer letter.

Study level or route	2026/27 international fee pattern	Notes
Undergraduate degree	GBP 19,950 per year	International/EU fee fixed for the duration of the course
Integrated Foundation Year	GBP 19,950	International/EU fee for undergraduate integrated foundation year
Optional placement year	GBP 1,850	Subject to inflationary increases based on government policy
Foundation Diploma	GBP 14,750 plus GBP 160 registration fee	International/EU foundation fee
Postgraduate full-time	GBP 19,950	International/EU postgraduate taught fee
Research degrees	AUB follows University of the Arts London doctoral fee settings	Check research fee page and course route

Fee And Admission Snapshot

Area	What students should check
Academic requirement	Depends on course, country and qualification
Creative assessment	AUB considers the whole application, including personal statement, reference and portfolio or audition where required
Undergraduate application	International students can apply through UCAS, direct to AUB, through an educational agent or through the Common Application
Postgraduate application	Apply directly to AUB for the chosen postgraduate course
English requirement	International students must meet AUB English language requirements or accepted equivalents
Scholarship	International undergraduate scholarships can be up to GBP 5,000 for year one; postgraduate scholarships can be up to GBP 3,000
Visa planning	Students needing a UK Student visa should prepare documents, financial evidence and CAS steps early
Work rights	Eligible Student visa holders on full-time degree-level courses can usually work up to 20 hours per week in term time

Application Snapshot

Study level	Application route
Undergraduate	Apply through UCAS, AUB direct application, educational agent or Common Application
Foundation Diploma	Apply through AUB's foundation application route
Postgraduate taught	Apply directly to AUB
Research degrees	Check AUB research information, supervisory fit and partnership arrangements
Creative courses	Prepare a portfolio, showreel, audition or written work where required

Students targeting September 2026 should start early because creative applications often need a strong portfolio, time for feedback and careful course selection.

Campus And Student Life

AUB offers a specialist creative campus environment. Students can access studios, workshops, production spaces, specialist equipment, creative facilities, student services, Students' Union activity and a community of artists, designers and makers.

Bournemouth offers a coastal student lifestyle with beaches, cafes, creative businesses, cultural events and access to the wider south coast. Students should still budget carefully for rent, materials, equipment, printing, travel and project costs.

Who Should Consider Arts University Bournemouth?

AUB can suit students who want:

• A specialist creative university
• A September 2026 intake option
• Portfolio-led art, design, media, film, fashion, animation, architecture, games or performance courses
• Studio-based learning
• Optional placement-year routes on many courses
• Career support through AUB Futures
• Creative industry exposure and networking
• A coastal UK student experience

Things To Check Before Applying

Before finalising AUB, students should confirm:

• Whether the chosen course is open for September 2026
• Exact tuition fee and payment policy
• Portfolio, audition, showreel or interview requirements
• English language requirement
• Scholarship eligibility and deadline
• Optional placement-year availability
• Additional material, equipment, software and production costs
• Accommodation and Bournemouth living budget
• UK Student visa work conditions

Arts University Bournemouth is popular with international students who want a specialist creative university, a portfolio-focused education and strong links to creative industries.

Popular area	Why students choose AUB
Art and design	Students study in a specialist creative environment with studio culture and practical projects
Animation, film and media	AUB offers creative production routes connected to screen, media, digital and storytelling careers
Fashion and communication	Students can explore fashion, communication, branding, marketing, content and creative direction
Architecture and interiors	AUB has specialist built environment and design-focused courses
Games and digital media	Students can build skills for games, future media, animation, digital content and interactive work
Portfolio development	Creative assessment, studio work and final projects help students build a professional portfolio
AUB Futures	Dedicated careers and enterprise support helps with coaching, events, workshops, industry insight and freelance planning
Guardian 2026 result	AUB reported rising to 60th in the UK and being the top art and design specialist outside London in the Guardian guide

Key Highlights For International Students

• 2026/27 fees: International undergraduate and postgraduate taught fees are GBP 19,950.
• Scholarships: International undergraduate scholarships can be up to GBP 5,000, while postgraduate scholarships can be up to GBP 3,000.
• Creative admissions: AUB considers the full application, including portfolio or audition where relevant.
• Placement options: Many undergraduate courses list an optional placement year.
• Career support: AUB Futures offers one-to-one coaching, industry events, alumni insight and enterprise support.
• Creative industry focus: AUB prepares students for employment, freelancing and entrepreneurship in creative sectors.