Arts University Bournemouth

Established in 1885, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a leading specialist institution in the UK dedicated to the creative industries. Located on a beautiful single-campus site between Bournemouth and Poole, it fosters a unique collaborative environment where architects, filmmakers, designers, and performers work side by side. Arts University Bournemouth is a distinguished specialist university focused entirely on art, design, media, and performance. With a community of approximately 3,000 students, the university is small enough to be personal but large enough to offer world-class, industry-standard facilities.

Its one-campus philosophy encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, mimicking the real-world creative industry where different skill sets must integrate to produce professional work. The university is home to the renowned Bournemouth Film School and features the iconic Drawing Studio, designed by Professor Sir Peter Cook. AUB has a strong reputation for employability, with over 90% of graduates entering the workforce or continuing their studies shortly after graduation. Its teaching approach is studio-based and practice-led, ensuring students develop a professional portfolio alongside their academic degree. In 2023, AUB was awarded a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting its high-quality student experience and outcomes.

AUB is consistently recognised for its excellence in creative education and sustainability.

• Guardian University Guide: Frequently ranked as a top UK university for Art & Design.
• Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Awarded Silver Overall (2023), with a high rating for student outcomes.
• People & Planet University League: Ranked in the Top 50 in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (2024).
• Ofsted: Its Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is consistently rated Outstanding.

• Academic Requirements: To join the first year, you typically need qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB). AUB looks for Level 3 qualifications (normally 104–120 UCAS Tariff points), and applicants are encouraged to include at least one creative subject.
• Foundation Pathway: If your secondary school qualifications do not meet direct entry standards, AUB offers an accredited Foundation Diploma in Art and Design to help you build the necessary skills and portfolio before starting your degree.
• Portfolio Requirement: A digital portfolio of your creative work is often essential for many courses, as it demonstrates your creative ideas, sketchbook development, and potential.

• Academic Requirements: You generally need an honours degree (typically a 2:1 or equivalent) in a subject relevant to your chosen course.
• Professional Experience: In some fields, applicants without a directly related degree may be considered based on professional experience or a strong portfolio that demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills for postgraduate study.
• Portfolio Requirement: A portfolio is highly recommended for all applicants, and in many cases, it is a mandatory requirement to allow course leaders to assess your ability.

• Standard Requirement: Typically, an IELTS Academic (or UKVI IELTS) score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component.
• Accepted Tests: The university accepts a range of tests, including IELTS Academic, IELTS Online, and LanguageCert International ESOL SELT.
• Exemptions: You may be exempt if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or have completed an English-taught degree in an approved country. Some national high school English qualifications may also be accepted if achieved within the last five years.

• Course-Specific Evidence: Certain programs may involve an interview, an audition, or specific subject-grade requirements.
• Documentation: You will need to provide official academic transcripts (with translations if not in English), a personal statement, an educational/professional reference, and a copy of your passport.

If you are planning to study at Arts University Bournemouth or any other institution in the UK, NWC provides comprehensive, expert support to help you achieve your academic goals:

• Personalised University Selection: We help you match your academic background, career ambitions, and budget with the right course and university.
• Streamlined Application Support: From preparing your SOP and organising transcripts to ensuring your application meets university-specific criteria, we handle the details to help maximise your chances of success.
• Visa Guidance & Interview Prep: We provide expert assistance with visa documentation, financial requirements, and mock interview sessions to ensure you are confident and fully prepared.
• Scholarship & Funding Advice: We keep you informed about available scholarships and tuition discounts to make your international education more affordable.
• End-to-End Support: Our guidance continues beyond your admission, offering help with accommodation, pre-departure briefings, and settling into your new environment.

NWC is strategically positioned to support international students wherever they are in their academic journey. With a dedicated network of offices across key international hubs. We provide localised, face-to-face guidance that understands the specific challenges and requirements of students in those regions. Whether you are navigating specific regional documentation, seeking local scholarship opportunities, or just need a personal touch, our team is available to help you close to home.