Overview

Bournemouth University (BU) is a modern public university located in Bournemouth, England, with its main campus in neighboring Poole. Established in 1992, it has grown from its early 20th-century origins into a vibrant institution with over 16,000 students, including more than 3,000 international students from over 120 countries. Known for its strong focus on employability, BU offers a wide range of courses across four faculties: Science and Technology, Media and Communication, Business, and Health and Social Sciences. It is particularly renowned for its media and animation programs, with graduates contributing to award-winning Hollywood films like Gravity. Situated on the scenic Jurassic Coast, BU combines academic excellence with a dynamic student experience.

Bournemouth University (BU) is a forward-thinking public university situated in Bournemouth, England, with its primary Talbot Campus located just over the border in Poole. Officially founded in 1992, its roots trace back to the early 1900s as Bournemouth Municipal College, evolving through various incarnations—such as the Bournemouth College of Technology and the Dorset Institute of Higher Education—before achieving university status under the Higher Education Act of 1992. Today, BU is home to approximately 16,000 students, including a diverse community of over 3,000 international students from more than 120 countries, reflecting its global appeal and inclusive ethos. The university’s motto, Discere Mutari Est ("To Learn is to Change"), encapsulates its mission to inspire transformation through education, research, and professional practice.

BU is organized into four faculties: the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Faculty of Media and Communication, the Bournemouth University Business School, and the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. These faculties offer a broad spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs, spanning disciplines such as archaeology, computer animation, business management, and nursing. The university is particularly celebrated for its expertise in media and creative industries, earning recognition as a Centre for Excellence in Media Practice. Graduates from its National Centre for Computer Animation have made significant contributions to Hollywood blockbusters, including Gravity, which won an Oscar for Achievement in Visual Effects in 2015, as well as films like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. This reputation underscores BU’s emphasis on blending academic rigor with practical, industry-relevant skills.

Located along England’s picturesque Jurassic Coast, BU operates two main campuses: the Talbot Campus and the Lansdowne Campus. The Talbot Campus, set in Fern Barrow, Poole, serves as the university’s hub, housing most of its academic buildings, the students’ union, the main library, and modern facilities like the Fusion Building, which exemplifies BU’s commitment to integrating education, research, and professional practice. The Lansdowne Campus, closer to Bournemouth’s town center, supports health and social sciences programs and features contemporary facilities like the Bournemouth Gateway Building, complete with advanced medical simulation suites. The university’s coastal location, just a short distance from some of the UK’s best beaches and less than two hours from London by train, enhances its appeal as a place to live and study.

BU’s focus on employability is evident in its course design, developed with input from employers and often including opportunities for work placements, study abroad, or volunteering. This practical approach has earned BU a silver rating in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework (2023) and a ranking among the top 100 young universities globally by the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings (2024). Research at BU is equally impactful, with 96% rated as internationally recognized or higher in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, addressing real-world challenges in areas like sustainability and healthcare.

Beyond academics, BU fosters a vibrant student community with numerous clubs, societies, and sports facilities, including partnerships with organizations like AFC Bournemouth. Its commitment to sustainability is notable, with a goal of achieving carbon net zero by 2030 and a top global ranking for UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) in 2024. Bournemouth University offers a dynamic blend of innovation, opportunity, and coastal charm, making it a compelling choice for students seeking a transformative education.

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