Ranking or recognition area	Latest available result	What it indicates
Guardian University Guide 2026	60th in the UK, according to AUB	UK student experience, teaching, feedback and career indicators
Guardian 2026 specialist position	AUB reported being the best art and design specialist outside London	Specialist creative university comparison
QS World University Rankings 2026	Not listed in the main QS global university ranking	Specialist arts universities may not appear in broad global research rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026	Not listed in the main THE global university ranking	Students should not use THE global ranking as the main AUB decision factor
Graduate Outcomes	AUB reports 92% of graduates in employment or further education in its recent graduate outcomes messaging	Employability and progression indicator
AUB Futures	Dedicated careers and enterprise service	Career coaching, enterprise support and creative industry connections

Ranking Notes

Arts University Bournemouth is a specialist creative university. It should not be judged only by broad global rankings designed mainly for large research universities.

AUB's most useful ranking story for students is its Guardian University Guide 2026 result, where AUB reported rising to 60th in the UK and becoming the best art and design specialist university outside London.

Students should compare AUB using:

• Creative course fit
• Portfolio outcomes
• Studio and workshop facilities
• Industry briefs and visiting tutors
• Placement-year availability
• AUB Futures career support
• Graduate destinations
• Tuition fees and scholarship options
• Bournemouth lifestyle and living costs

For AUB, portfolio quality and creative industry preparation matter more than a QS or THE global ranking number.