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The complete guide to universities in Bournemouth
Considering Bournemouth for your studies? With its beautiful beaches, buzzing nightlife and thriving arts scene, the town is an incredible place to spend your student years – but what about its universities?
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the four main colleges and universities in Bournemouth, so that you can make the most informed decision on where to study.
Bournemouth University
The largest and most well-known university in town, Bournemouth University (BU) is a relatively young university that has steadily climbed the national rankings since its founding in 1992.
BU operates across two campuses; most facilities, including the student union, are based at the Talbot Campus in Talbot Village, while the Lansdowne Campus in Bournemouth town centre is where health and social care classes are held.
Collectively, the university offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes spanning 17 different subject areas. Each course is delivered by one of the university’s four main faculties:
Bournemouth University Business School
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
Faculty of Media & Communication
Faculty of Science & Technology
Of these areas, the university is especially well regarded for media and communications. It’s home to the UK’s only Centre for Excellence in Media Practice and the National Centre for Computer Animation, one of the top animation schools in the world.
Other areas of expertise include hospitality and tourism, where BU ranks among the best universities globally, as well as marketing, social care and sports science. Most courses have the option to undertake a work placement, which is great for building experience.
Roughly 17,000 students attend BU, accounting for just under 10% of the town’s entire population! This includes a growing international community which numbers around 2,500 students from more than 120 countries.
Locations: Talbot Village, Lansdowne
National ranking: #68
International ranking: #771-780
Source: QS World University Rankings
Arts University Bournemouth
Established in 1887, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a specialist arts school with a long-standing reputation in design, media and performing arts. Following various name changes and mergers over the years, it received full university status in 2012.
The AUB campus is based in Talbot Village (adjacent to BU’s Talbot Campus) and features some excellent facilities, including an art gallery, drawing studio and creative arts library. The university also owns and operates the historic Palace Court Theatre in the town centre.
AUB’s study programme consists of over 35 undergraduate courses. There are also more than 20 postgraduate degrees to pick from, many of which are offered as online courses. The four schools that make up the university are:
Bournemouth Film School
School of Arts and Communication
School of Arts, Media and Creative Industries Management
School of Design and Architecture
The specialist nature of the university means high-quality teaching is pretty much guaranteed whatever you study, but some of the most popular and highly-ranked courses are creative writing, events management and interior architecture and design.
One unique feature of AUB’s study programme is that each course has a designated ‘Industry Patron’ – generally either a local business or experienced individual from the field – who shares their expertise and insights with students.
Compared to BU, AUB is a relatively small university with a close-knit community of around 3,500 students. That said, its position next to BU means there’s plenty of opportunity to mingle with other students.
Locations: Talbot Village
National ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
Want to learn more about the UK’s leading universities? Check out our articles on the best places to study engineering and the top universities for sports!
Health Sciences University
Another specialist university, Health Sciences University offers a range of programmes in the health sciences disciplines and is worth looking into if you’re considering a career in social care, clinical health or sports science.
HSU has two campuses: one in Bournemouth and the other in London. The Bournemouth campus, based in Boscombe, is home to the AECC School of Chiropractic and School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Here, students can study in the following areas:
Chiropractic
Physiotherapy
Sports nutrition
Radiography
Psychology
Formerly known as AECC University College, the university adopted its current name in 2024. Historically, it’s been a leading centre for chiropractic study but over the years has evolved to encompass a broader range of disciplines.
It’s made up of around 1,000 students and has all the amenities you’d expect from a bigger university, including a gym, student union and on-site bar. Plus, the campus is just a 10-minute walk from stunning Boscombe Beach.
Location(s): Boscombe
National ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
Bournemouth & Poole College
An excellent alternative to the traditional university route, Bournemouth & Poole College delivers a range of degree-level programmes with a strong emphasis on work experience and career skills.
More than 50 degree-level courses are offered, encompassing a mix of apprenticeships, foundational programmes, diplomas and full bachelor’s degrees. The main subject areas for these courses are:
Business and finance
Computing and IT
Construction
Engineering
Performing arts
Health and social care
The college has three campuses in Bournemouth and Poole, each catering to different a group of subjects, so where you spend your time will depend on your chosen course.
If you chose to study here, you’ll be joining a huge community of around 20,000 students, which includes school leavers, adult learners and international students from over 40 countries.
Locations: Parkstone, Lansdowne, Alderney
National ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
Bournemouth: a university city
Whether you’re looking for a traditional degree, specialist education or vocational training, Bournemouth’s mix of universities covers all bases, giving you the flexibility to follow the academic pathway of your choosing.
Now that you know about the town’s higher education system, why not check out guide on the best things to do in Bournemouth? Alternatively, start exploring our range of student accommodation in Bournemouth!
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Frequently asked questions
How many universities are there in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth is home to four colleges and universities offering degree-level programmes: Bournemouth University – the most popular and well-known university – Arts University Bournemouth, Health Sciences University and Bournemouth & Poole College.
What is the highest-ranked university in Bournemouth?
With its focus on work experience, Bournemouth University is well known for its placement opportunities and strong graduate employment rates. In terms of specific subjects, it has a great reputation for media, hospitality and tourism, social care and sports science.