Jump to content

Arts University Bournemouth

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with the Bournemouth University.

Arts University Bournemouth
Former names
Arts University College at Bournemouth (AUCB), Arts Institute at Bournemouth (AIB), Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design
TypePublic
Established1880; 144 years ago (1880)[1]
Budget£4,159,000 (2013–2014)[2]
ChairmanDorothy MacKenzie[3]
Vice-ChancellorPaul Gough[4]
Academic staff
380 (2013–2014)[5]
Administrative staff
165 (2013–2014)[6]
Students3,890 (2022/23)[7]
Undergraduates3,665 (2022/23)[7]
Postgraduates230 (2022/23)[7]
Location
Poole, England, UK

50°44′29.2″N 1°53′52.1″W / 50.741444°N 1.897806°W / 50.741444; -1.897806
CampusWallisdown Campus
Websiteaub.ac.uk

Arts University Bournemouth (abbreviated AUB) is a public university in Poole, England, specialising in art, architecture, film, performance, and design. Established in 1880, the university has been ranked Silver and Gold by the Teaching Excellence Framework in 2017, and was rated Outstanding by Ofsted, having retained this highest ranking since 2018. [8][9][10] The Bournemouth Film School, a division of the university, was established in 1963 and is a full member of CILECT.

AUB alumni include BAFTA and Academy Award winning filmmakers, and a Turner Prize recipient.[11]

History

[edit]
Logos of the institution from 1998 to present

The first art school in Bournemouth was the Bournemouth Government School of Art, established in 1880.[1] There was a considerable demand in Bournemouth at that time for instruction in Art and the numbers in the art school soon rose to 180. In 1884, the school became a Science and Art school.[12] In 1885, the Bournemouth School of Science and Art moved to 1 Regent's Terrace, in Old Christchurch Road, where it remained until 1890.[13]

When the Bournemouth School of Science and Art was forced to close due to a decrease in numbers and loss of grant in 1890–91,[14] the majority of its students were transferred to the Bournemouth West School of Science and Art.[15]

In 1913, the two Science and Art Schools at Bournemouth East and Bournemouth West were incorporated into the Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design along with the Technical and Commercial Schools. All art subjects then came under the umbrella of the School of Art within the Bournemouth Municipal College.[16]

In 1964, Bournemouth and Poole College of Art was formed through the merger of Bournemouth Municipal College of Art and Poole College of Art.[17] The name was changed to Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design in 1979.[18] The first new building on the present campus was opened in 1984 and built at a cost of £2.3 million.[19]

In 1998, the name was changed to The Arts Institute at Bournemouth (AIB) and won a Queen's Anniversary Prize for "Education in the film industry".[20] In 2001, the AIB became a higher education institution.[21]

In 2009, the Arts Institute Bournemouth changed its name to the Arts University College at Bournemouth following the acquisition of taught degree awarding powers in 2008.[22]

In June 2012, Arts University College at Bournemouth satisfied the government's criteria for full university title and officially became Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) following approval from the Privy Council on 13 December 2012.[23]

Bournemouth Film School

[edit]
Arts University Bournemouth

Bournemouth Film School (BFS) has 1,500 students. The School was established in 1963 as part of a Cine pathway within the Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design by Reginald Johnson. [24] The Bournemouth Film School is a registered trademark owned by the Arts University Bournemouth.

In 2016 Bournemouth Film School (BFS) celebrated over 50 years of excellence.[25] and is a full member of CILECT.[26] In 2017 BFS won a second Queen's Anniversary Prize for 'distinguished degree-level education in costume design for the UK's leading creative industries.’

In 2021 AUB purchased the Palace Court Theatre, a 1930s art deco theatre with 550 seats in the centre of Bournemouth town. Regular productions, events and screenings of work by BFS students are held along with community and professional events.

In 2022, BFS unveiled ‘Funding Futures’, a platform of rolling funding schemes and training opportunities for filmmakers, creatives, artists and innovators. Central to Funding Futures is the Alumni Film Fund, which creates live, professional projects, with AUB students taking on roles working with Alumni and industry professionals.

In 2023, BFS Funding Futures began a collaboration with BFI Network Southwest that led in 2024 to a partnership on a first-of-its-kind Director Talent Hub and micro short film commission. The films, produced by BFS staff & students at its AUB Elliott Road Film Studios, are attached to regional Directors selected by BFI Talent Executives.

BFS is made up of:

  • BA (Hons) Acting
  • BA (Hons) Animation Production
  • BA (Hons) Costume
  • BA (Hons) Creative Writing
  • BA (Hons) Dance
  • BA (Hons) Film Production
  • BA (Hons) Make-Up for Media and Performance
  • BA (Hons) Performance Design and Film Costume
  • BA (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX) for Film and Television

Campus

[edit]
Centre of campus, the library & MoDiP

The Campus at Wallisdown in Poole covers roughly 5 hectares and houses 14 buildings with specialist workshops and workspaces, many of which are shared across similar courses. The campus sits within an area designated by the Talbot Village Trust as an innovation quarter. [27]

In addition to the award-winning campus, students have access to Pavilion Dance South West,Palace Court Theatre and Elliot Road Film Studios. In 2023 the university opened AUBMakers, a pop-up shop in Poole Town centre as a student-led outlet for sales of work.

Notable facilities include:

  • The CRAB Drawing Studio, an innovative building designed by the Cook-Robotham Architectural Bureau[28] led by Sir Peter Cook, which was shortlisted for the 2016 RIBA South West Awards.[29] Opened by Zaha Hadid, it is the first purpose-built drawing studio to be designed and built in the UK for 100 years, emphasising natural light and featuring a large circular north-light and a rear clerestory, which provides softer light.[30]
  • The Innovation Studio is an innovative building designed by the Cook-Robotham Architectural Bureau as a base for small business start-ups, R&D activities, and a home for the university enterprise activities. Resident businesses are assisted by leading experts who work at the university and from a network of ambassadors and supporters in the wider industry. [31] The Studio was opened by Odile Decq in October 2021 as part of an architectural jamboree featuring AUB alumni and internationally recognised architects, and shared as a two-day livestream event.[32]
  • The Library – Over 50,000 books available covering a range of art, design, media, and performance subjects.[33]
  • MoDiP (Museum of Design in Plastics) – The only accredited museum in the UK with a focus on plastics, MoDiP is located inside the AUB library.[34] As of 2021, the collection catalog listed over 10,000 objects.[35]
  • TheGallery – A gallery open to the public displaying both national and international touring exhibitions and work from alumni, staff, and students. The Gallery holds offsite exhibitions, pop-up events and other activities linked to the taught courses, and works closely with the AUB Student’s Union in harnessing and displaying student creativity. [36]
  • North Building Extension – A building mainly for photography courses offering flexible teaching spaces, IT suites, and a lecture theatre, which was shortlisted for the 2016 RIBA South West Awards.[29] It was designed by Design Engine Architects Ltd.[37]
  • The Student Services Building, which also houses the Students’ Union, and facilities management.[38] This building was also shortlisted for the 2016 RIBA South West Awards.[29]
  • The Refectory – Was a semi-finalist in the Bournemouth and Poole Tourism Awards 2018 "Breakfast of the Year" category[39]

Sustainability and environment

[edit]

AUB has pledged to be net zero by 2030 and is a signatory of the EAUC Race to Zero. The Sustainability and Net Zero (SNZ) programme of works (2021) is designed to meet the university signatory to the net zero pledge.

In 2024 the university installed air source heat pumps (ASHPs) replacing gas boilers that serve North Building and the library and future-proofed the North Light Studios development. The ASHPs (for North Building project) are designed to provide approximately over a third of the universities’ heat energy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.[40]

In 2019, the university was awarded EcoCampus Platinum.[41]

In 2024 AUB ranked in the top 50 of all UK higher education institutions in the People and Planet university league table. The university has consistently ranked highly in other environment and sustainability tables, such as The People & Planet Green League table.[42]

AUB explores ways to be connected to nature and increase biodiversity on campus through ecological surveys; wildlife camera’s; bat, birds, and insect homes; no mow May; and the planting of trees and other flora.

Academic organisation and governance

[edit]

The principal and vice-chancellor, through the Vice-Chancellor's Executive Group (VCG), is responsible for the executive management of the university, supported by a number of executive committees. The academic board is the university's principal academic authority. AUB is governed by its board of governors. Subject to the responsibilities of the board of governors and the principal and vice-chancellor, the academic board has oversight of academic activities.[43] In 2019, Paul Gough was appointed principal and vice chancellor of the university, following the retirement of Stuart Bartholomew, who had served as principal and vice chancellor at the institution since 1997.[44]

Arts University Bournemouth is currently divided into the following schools: • School of Arts and Communication • School of Design and Architecture • School of Arts, Media, and Creative Industries Management • Bournemouth Film School • AUB Graduate School

Under the auspices of AUB Academy, the university has a large pre-degree course Foundation in Art and Design (Ofsted rated 'Outstanding') and an expansive portfolio of short courses, evening classes, and summer schools. Seven postgraduate courses are delivered entirely online; the first degree apprenticeship course in Model Making with an internationally-recognised architectural practice has been validated for commencement in early 2025.

The university also validates courses in various art-related subjects for Bournemouth and Poole College and The Northern School of Art.[45]

During 2023 validation agreements have also been established with City and Guild London Art School London and ThinkSpace education. In 2024 AUB founded a transnational education agreement with British University Vietnam.

Arts University Bournemouth is a member of GuildHE, one of the two recognised representative bodies for Higher Education in the UK. In 2020 Paul Gough was elected chair of UKADIA one of the sector representative groups under the umbrella of GuildHE. [46]

Research and Knowledge Exchange

[edit]

Academic staff and technical specialists are bedded in the practice of their professional disciplines. Research is designed to address industry needs through creative collaboration, partnership and knowledge exchange projects with users.

AUB has four research groupings: Drawing: Transformative Matter, Material Trace; CRUX photography research; Animation and Moving Image; Creative Technologies.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 16% of outputs in UOA 32 Art and Design: History, Theory and Practice and 25% of outputs in UOA 33: Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies were ranked ‘world leading’. The university’s impact case studies scored 83% in UOA 32 and 50% in UOA 33 as internationally excellent. AUB saw a 200% increase in its QR funding as result of REF 2021. [47]

In March 2024 AUB was awarded a £1.6 million E3 grant from Research England to create a new Research Centre: Plastics Innovation and Curation, which will explore how plastics degrade over time or behave in different environments, resulting in research that will have international relevance to both museum collections and modern manufacturing. [48]

Rankings

[edit]
Rankings
National rankings
Complete (2025)[49]93=
Guardian (2025)[50]100
Times / Sunday Times (2025)[51]78=

Arts University Bournemouth has a distinct record of recognition as a higher education institution, since being ranked as a No.1 Creative University in the Which? University 2012 survey.[52] It was listed again in the top five and has since been recognised in other education league tables [53] In 2023 AUB provision in Foundation in Art and Design was rated Outstanding by Ofsted, having retained this highest ranking since 2018. Since the inception of the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework, a government assessment of the quality of undergraduate teaching in universities in England, the university has been ranked Silver and Gold in both national frameworks.

AUB has twice won a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.

In 2016 Arts University Bournemouth was the first university or college of art to receive The Sir Misha Black Award,[54] created in 1999 to honour the exceptional work of a teacher, team, department, or course within or between educational establishments in the UK.

In September 2024 AUB was awarded the Inclusive Employers Standard (IES) Silver award. The IES is an evidence-based inclusion accreditation run to help understand how inclusive the UK workforce is. AUB is the only UK university to be awarded at this level.[55]

In September 2024, the Nonsensical Agency, which designs social media campaigns for such companies as M&S, Interflora, and Uber Eats ranked AUB 29th out of UK universities for our TikTok channel. AUB is the top performing arts university, rated highly for “Unique events like the petting zoo on campus add a touch of joy to the content, while notable videos like the 1M views hit on their VC reacting to the conspiracy theory that he’s Banksy, highlights the creativity and fun fostered at the university.” [56]

Student life

[edit]

Students’ Union

[edit]

All students of the Arts University Bournemouth are automatically a member of the Arts University Bournemouth Students’ Union (AUBSU), a registered charity affiliated with the National Union of Students.[57] AUBSU runs over 30 clubs and societies,[58] organises Freshers’ Weeks, volunteering and fundraising events, trains course representatives, and hosts annual general meetings for all students.[59] Each year, elections are held for both sabbatical (president, vice-president) and all volunteer (e.g. Events Officer, Communications Officer and Equality and Diversity Officer) posts.[60]

AUBSU publishes a free, student led magazine called BUMF. It is published termly and includes content from university course programmes, music, poetry, and writing.[61]

Student housing

[edit]

The university maintains four off-campus student halls throughout the town. Places are allocated with a priority to students living further away from Bournemouth and to students with disabilities/medical conditions.[62] The university hosts two accommodation days before the beginning of each academic year, so prospective students can independently form house-sharing groups and view private rented accommodation.[63]

The three main halls of residence are:

  • Madeira Road – Built in 2014 with 378 beds, located in the town centre of Bournemouth[64]
  • Home Park – Located in the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth, the Home Park offers ensuite rooms and studios to first year students.
  • Campus Halls – Three on-campus block are being built to house 300 students.

In their second and third years, many students live in nearby suburbs of Bournemouth: typically Winton, Charminster or Boscombe, where they can live in independently owned residences.

Notable alumni

[edit]
See also: Category:Alumni of Arts University Bournemouth

Honorary Fellows

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Kelly's directory of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorsetshire and the Isle of Wight. London: Kelly and Co. 1885.
  2. ^ "Income and expenditure by HE provider 2013/14 and 2012/13 (£ thousands)". hesa.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  3. ^ "Governing Body Member Profiles 2020/21" (PDF). aub.ac.uk. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  4. ^ "ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR PAUL GOUGH AS NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR". aub.ac.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  5. ^ "All staff by HE provider, academic contract marker and mode of employment 2013/14". hesa.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  6. ^ "All staff by HE provider, academic contract marker and mode of employment 2013/14". hesa.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  7. ^ a b c "Where do HE students study?". Higher Education Statistics Agency. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Top 10 universities for getting a job (Oxbridge doesn't make the grade)". The Telegraph. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
  9. ^ "TEF Outcomes". HEFCE. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  10. ^ "TEF Statement of Findings: Arts University Bournemouth" (PDF). HEFCE TEF Outcomes. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  11. ^ "Alumni". AUB – Arts University Bournemouth. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  12. ^ Report of Science and Art Department. Bournemouth School of Science and Art. 1885. p. 113.
  13. ^ Bishop, Barbara. Secondary Education in Bournemouth from 1902 to the present day. Southampton: University of Southampton. p. 12.
  14. ^ Report of Science and Art Department. Bournemouth School of Science and Art. 1891. p. 67.
  15. ^ Bishop, Barbara. Secondary Education in Bournemouth from 1902 to the present day. Southampton: University of Southampton. p. 13.
  16. ^ Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design. Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design. 1984.
  17. ^ "Bournemouth & Poole College of Art | Artist Biographies". www.artbiogs.co.uk. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  18. ^ "New College of Art is approved". Bournemouth Echo. 10 October 1979.
  19. ^ BPCAD, Leek, M. (ed.) (1984). Grand Official Opening. Bournemouth: Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design.
  20. ^ "Previous Prize-winners". The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education. The Royal Anniversary Trust. Archived from the original on 1 August 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  21. ^ The Independent (2010). Getting Into University: A-Z Unis & Colleges: Arts University College At Bournemouth, The. Retrieved 16 Jan 2011
  22. ^ "The Education (Recognised Bodies) (England) Order 2008" (PDF). Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  23. ^ "Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) - A-Z Unis & Colleges - Getting Into University - The Independent". independent.co.uk. 3 August 2015.
  24. ^ "Bournemouth Film School Timeline 1963-2016". YouTube. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  25. ^ "Bournemouth Film School". AUB – Arts University Bournemouth. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  26. ^ "UK Full Members". CILECT. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  27. ^ "Estates Management Record: Environmental information 2013/14". hesa.ac.uk. Higher Education Statistics Agency. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  28. ^ "CRAB homepage". Archived from the original on 6 November 2016. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  29. ^ a b c "RIBA AWARDS 2016: SOUTH WEST SHORTLIST". architecture.com. RIBA. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  30. ^ Alexander, Hawkins. "Zaha Hadid to open Arts University Bournemouth drawing studio designed by Sir Peter Cook". It's Nice That. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  31. ^ "AUB Innovation Studio".
  32. ^ "Top international architects launch AUB's Innovation Studio".
  33. ^ "The Library - Arts University Bournemouth". aub.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  34. ^ "About us - Museum of Design in Plastics, MoDiP". modip.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  35. ^ "Collections". Museum of Design in Plastics. Arts University Bournemouth. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  36. ^ "TheGallery - Arts University Bournemouth". aub.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  37. ^ "Design Engine, Photography ñ Arts University Bournemouth". Design Engine. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  38. ^ Design Engine, Student Services | Arts University Bournemouth. designengine.co.uk. Retrieved 24 May 2015
  39. ^ BAPTA. "2018 BAPTAs Semi-Finalists Announced!". Bournemouth and Poole Tourism Awards. Archived from the original on 9 May 2018. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  40. ^ "Air Source Heat Pumps replace gas boilers at Arts University".
  41. ^ "AUB celebrates top environmental award for its eco-friendly campus". 22 January 2020.
  42. ^ "People & Planet University League 2019 - University Profile - People & Planet". peopleandplanet.org. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  43. ^ "Governance – Arts University Bournemouth". Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  44. ^ "Banksy expert and TV personality takes the reins at Arts University Bournemouth". 23 January 2020.
  45. ^ "Partner Institutions – Arts University Bournemouth". Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  46. ^ "Arts University Bournemouth | Members | GuildHE". Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  47. ^ "Research Excellence Framework Results Announced". Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  48. ^ "AUB awarded major research grant". Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  49. ^ "Complete University Guide 2025". The Complete University Guide. 14 May 2024.
  50. ^ "Guardian University Guide 2025". The Guardian. 7 September 2024.
  51. ^ "Good University Guide 2025". The Times. 20 September 2024.
  52. ^ Which? (2012)[1]
  53. ^ Hughes, Rebecca. "Top creative unis: Which? University Student Survey 2014". university.which.co.uk. Which?.
  54. ^ "The Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education | Misha Black Awards". Misha Black Award recipients. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  55. ^ "AUB celebrate after given inclusive employers silver award".
  56. ^ "Top 70 Universities on Tik Tok" (PDF).
  57. ^ "Structure & Partnerships - AUBSU". aubsu.co.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  58. ^ "AUBSU Clubs and Societies". aubsu.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  59. ^ "About Us - AUBSU". aubsu.co.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  60. ^ "UCAS Search tool - Arts University Bournemouth". ucas.com. Archived from the original on 25 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  61. ^ "AUBSU - Your Union - BUMF". aubsu.co.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  62. ^ "Halls of residence - Arts University Bournemouth". aub.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  63. ^ "Accommodation days - Arts University Bournemouth". aub.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  64. ^ "(BH1) Madeira Road - Arts University Bournemouth". aub.ac.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  65. ^ "Simon Beaufoy - Biography - IMDB". IMDb. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  66. ^ "Nick Berkeley". Proud Online. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  67. ^ "IMDb Resume for Paul Campion". IMDb. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  68. ^ "Adam and Joe Biography". BBC6 Music. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  69. ^ Peters, Oliver (June 2016). "Interview with Hot Fuzz editor, Chris Dickens". digitalfilms. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  70. ^ "Bille Eltringham - Biography - IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  71. ^ "Biography". Jonathan English Films. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  72. ^ "Oliver Irving Biography - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  73. ^ Film. Vol. c. British Federation of Film Societies. 1992. pp. 51–63. ... White Angel, from a former Bournemouth Film School student, Chris Jones ...
  74. ^ "Nick Knight – Photographer, Fashion Photography Bio (Vogue.co.uk)". vogue.co.uk. 21 April 2008. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  75. ^ "Honorary Fellows – AUB – Arts University Bournemouth". Arts University Bournemouth. 2000–1998. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  76. ^ "Notable Alumni". Arts University Bournemouth. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  77. ^ Roux, Caroline (21 September 2002). "Rake's progress - Film - The Guardian". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  78. ^ Halina Pasierbska (22 September 2005). "Smith, Alan Verner [Sam]". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/93092. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  79. ^ "FILM SCHOOL AND MOVIES - sarasugarman.com". sarasugarman.com. Sara Sugarman. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  80. ^ New and emerging photographs to watch in 2015
  81. ^ "Hasselblad Award 2015". HasselbladFoundation.org. Archived from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  82. ^ "Biography: Tony Weare - The British Cartoon Archive - University of Kent". cartoons.ac.uk. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  83. ^ "(Comments) Video Archives: Hot Fuzz – The Director's Cut Trailer (2007) Video Archives: Hot Fuzz – The Director's Cut Trailer (2007)". edgarwrighthere.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Arts University Bournemouth.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arts_University_Bournemouth&oldid=1258846039"