A British institution twice honored with royal awards, which built the country’s first specialized drawing studio in a century.

Location

The campus sits in Poole, Dorset, on England’s southern coast near the English Channel and UNESCO’s Jurassic Coast. Students can reach both London’s cultural scene and natural landscapes—Bournemouth beaches, Swanage bays, and Lulworth Cove with its Durdle Door arch. The campus itself houses the striking blue Drawing Studio, Britain’s first purpose-built facility for this discipline in over a century, designed by alumnus and architect Sir Peter Cook. This interdisciplinary space brings together costume designers, architects, and animators. The grounds also feature MoDiP, Britain’s leading research resource on plastics design, TheGallery as a significant contemporary art venue in southern England, and the 1930s Art Deco Palace Court Theatre. Proximity to Bournemouth University grants access to additional amenities, from SportBU fitness centers to bookshops.

Arts University Bournemouth Profile

Arts University Bournemouth ranks among Britain’s most distinctive creative universities, with roots stretching back to 1880. After gaining full status in 2012, it earned the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize twice—in 1998 for film education and in 2017 for its exceptional costume design program serving the nation’s leading creative sectors. The structure encompasses four schools: Arts and Communications, Design and Architecture, Art, Media and Management in Creative Industries, and Bournemouth Film School. Graduates collaborate with brands like Prada, Marni, and Missoni, develop designs for Smart Car, and contribute to film projects, establishing the university’s reputation for transforming creative talent into career momentum.

Rankings and Achievements

Arts University Bournemouth climbed 32 positions in the Complete University Guide 2026, reaching 61st among all British universities and entering the South West’s top five. It remains the region’s only specialized art and design institution. According to the National Student Survey, the university placed 20th for overall student experience, with acting, visual effects, dance, and creative writing programs receiving perfect scores. The employment record shows 93.5% of graduates finding work or continuing their studies immediately after completion, while 69% secure highly skilled positions—well above industry averages. The university holds Gold standard teaching status, while its Innovation Studio offers 3D printers, VR labs, laser and waterjet cutters, and a materials library. Meanwhile, the Business Incubator supports early-stage ventures with grants up to £5,000, workspace provision, coaching, networking, and expert guidance.

Programs

The curriculum spans IT, media, business, art, design, and architecture, blending traditional creative fields with technology-driven specializations. Notable offerings include Gaming Business, exploring industry models amid esports and content monetization; Digital Fashion Innovation, examining technology’s intersection with fashion through virtual shows and digital twins; and Visual Effects and Photorealistic Computer Graphics, training students to craft visual narratives for film and advertising. The Media, Marketing and Advertising program integrates creative production with commercial strategies, while the Innovation and Creative Entrepreneurship MA prepares those developing their own ventures and startups. Across these programs, 92% of graduates transition immediately into employment or further study.