Overview of Arts University Bournemouth Rankings

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a renowned specialist institution in the UK, dedicated to creative arts, design, and media education. Established in 1995 and granted full university status in 2012, AUB has consistently built a strong reputation for excellence in its fields. Rankings play a crucial role in highlighting the university's strengths, particularly in subject-specific areas where it excels. This section provides a comprehensive breakdown of AUB's performance in various national and international ranking systems, focusing on recent data up to 2023-2024. These rankings are based on factors such as teaching quality, research output, student satisfaction, employability, and industry connections.

National Rankings in the UK

In the UK, AUB is evaluated by prominent guides like The Guardian University Guide, The Complete University Guide, and Whatuni Student Choice Awards. As a specialist university, AUB often outperforms larger, multi-disciplinary institutions in creative subjects, emphasizing its niche focus.

• The Guardian University Guide 2024: AUB ranks 12th overall among UK universities for Art and Design. This ranking considers student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey), teaching quality, and career prospects. AUB's score for student satisfaction in creative subjects is notably high at 85%, reflecting its supportive learning environment.
• The Complete University Guide 2024: Positioned at 15th for Art and Design subjects. Metrics include entry standards, student-staff ratio (AUB boasts a favorable 12:1 ratio), and graduate outcomes. AUB's employability rate stands at 95%, with many graduates securing roles in top creative industries within six months.
• National Student Survey (NSS) 2023: AUB achieved an overall satisfaction score of 84%, above the sector average for arts universities. In specific areas like "learning community" and "academic support," it scored 90% or higher, underscoring its personalized approach to education.

Historically, AUB has shown steady improvement. In 2020, it entered the top 20 for Art and Design in The Guardian Guide for the first time, climbing from 25th in 2018. This upward trend is attributed to investments in facilities, such as the £7 million Centre for Creative Education opened in 2022.

International Rankings

On the global stage, AUB's visibility is growing, particularly in subject-specific international rankings. While it may not feature in broad university rankings due to its specialized nature, it shines in creative disciplines.

• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 (Art & Design): AUB is ranked in the 101-150 band globally, placing it among the top specialist institutions worldwide. The QS methodology evaluates academic reputation (40% weight), employer reputation (10%), and research citations (20%). AUB's strong industry ties, including partnerships with BBC, Disney, and Adobe, boost its employer score to 85/100.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024: Although not ranked overall due to size, AUB appears in the subject-specific Impact Rankings for its contributions to creative industries and sustainability. It scores highly in "industry income" (4/5 stars), reflecting collaborations with global brands.
• Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) 2023: AUB does not feature in general lists but is recognized in art and design sub-rankings, contributing to the UK's strong position in global creative education.

Internationally, AUB's appeal is evident in its diverse student body, with over 30% international students from 80+ countries. This global perspective enhances its rankings, as evidenced by a 15% increase in international applications between 2021 and 2023.

Subject-Specific Rankings

AUB offers over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across animation, architecture, fashion, film, graphic design, performing arts, and more. Its subject rankings highlight depth in creative fields, often surpassing general universities.

Subject Area	Ranking Source (Year)	Position	Key Strengths
Animation	Guardian Guide (2024)	Top 10 UK	Industry placements with Aardman Animations; 98% employability
Graphic Design	Complete University Guide (2024)	8th UK	Award-winning faculty; strong portfolio outcomes
Fashion Design	QS Subject (2023)	51-100 Global	Collaborations with London Fashion Week; sustainability focus
Film Production	Guardian Guide (2024)	11th UK	State-of-the-art studios; alumni in Hollywood
Architecture	RIBA/ARB Recognition (Ongoing)	Accredited Excellence	Focus on innovative, eco-friendly designs

These rankings are bolstered by AUB's emphasis on practical, project-based learning. For instance, in animation, students work on live briefs from industry partners, leading to accolades like the 2023 BAFTA Student Award for one of AUB's short films.

Employability and Student Experience Rankings

Beyond academic metrics, AUB excels in preparing students for creative careers. The Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022 reports that 92% of AUB graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation, with average starting salaries £2,000 above the arts sector average at £24,000.

• Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023: AUB won Best University for Student Life in the creative arts category, praised for its vibrant campus community and events like the annual AUB Festival.
• PushFar Employability Rankings 2023: Ranked top 20 UK for creative sector employability, thanks to the Careers Service's tailored support, including portfolio reviews and networking events.
• Sustainability Rankings: In the People & Planet University League 2023, AUB scores 3rd for arts universities, with initiatives like zero-waste studios and green design curricula.

Student testimonials often highlight the "real-world ready" ethos. One graduate noted, "AUB's rankings reflect the hands-on experience that launched my career at a major advertising agency."

Research and Innovation Rankings

Though smaller, AUB's research impact is significant in creative fields. In the REF 2021 (Research Excellence Framework), 85% of AUB's research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent, particularly in art and design practice. This places AUB in the top 25% of UK institutions for research intensity in creative subjects.

Key research centers include the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), ranked among the world's top for CGI and VFX research. Outputs from NCCA have influenced films like Gravity and The Mandalorian, enhancing AUB's global research reputation.

Trends and Future Outlook

AUB's rankings have trended positively over the past five years, with a 20% improvement in subject scores across major guides. Factors driving this include expanded scholarships (over £1 million annually), new facilities like the £10 million Lansdowne Campus extension, and digital innovation post-COVID.

Looking ahead, AUB aims for top 10 UK status in art and design by 2025, supported by strategic partnerships and alumni networks. Its focus on emerging areas like digital arts and sustainable design positions it well for future rankings.

In summary, Arts University Bournemouth's rankings affirm its status as a leader in creative higher education. Prospective students can trust AUB's commitment to fostering talent in a supportive, industry-connected environment.