About Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University is a modern, professionally-focused university on England's south coast, known for world-leading media production, animation, and tourism programmes. With strong industry connections, high graduate employability, and a beautiful coastal location, BU offers practical education shaped by employers.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 18,000 total students
- • 3,500 international students
- • 80 student societies
Location
- • Located in Bournemouth
- • Public university
- • Established 1992
Subject Rankings
Sports-Related Subjects (2024)
151Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, Professional Doctorate
Popular Subjects
Computer AnimationVisual EffectsFilm ProductionTourism ManagementEvent ManagementNursingPsychologySports ScienceMedia Production
Student-Staff Ratio
18 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Media & Communication
National Centre for Computer Animation, Journalism, English and Communication, Film and Television, Media Production
Faculty of Science & Technology
Computing and Informatics, Design and Engineering, Life and Environmental Sciences, Psychology
Faculty of Management
Business School, Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Sport and Physical Activity, Marketing
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
Nursing and Clinical Sciences, Medical Science, Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences, Social Sciences and Social Work
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAB - CCC depending on programme
Alternatives: IB: 26-34 points depending on programme, BTEC: DDD-MMM depending on programme, UAL Diploma for creative courses
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 72
Portfolio/showreel for creative programmes • Interview for some programmes • DBS check for health programmes
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Honours degree (2:1 or 2:2 depending on programme)
GPA: 2.7
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 85
Portfolio/showreel for creative programmes • Two references • Research proposal for PhD
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £15,000
- Postgraduate: £15,000
- Foundation: £14,000
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £5,500
- Food: £2,200
- Transport: £500
- Entertainment: £1,100
- Other: £700
- Total: £10,000
Scholarships
BU International Scholarship
MeritMerit-based scholarship for international students.
Value: £4,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic achievement
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship
MeritPremium scholarship for top international applicants.
Value: £6,000 (Partial)
Outstanding academic record • Exceptional applicants
BU Bursary
Need-basedFinancial support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Value: £1,000 (Partial)
UK students • Household income below £25,000
Campus & Facilities
Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole BH12 5BB
Modern parkland campus with state-of-the-art facilities including the National Centre for Computer Animation, one of the most advanced of its kind in Europe. Close to Bournemouth's beaches and town centre.
Size: 50 acres
Facilities
Academic
National Centre for Computer Animation, Media production studios, Motion capture suite, Film editing suites, Nursing simulation centre
Research
Centre for Excellence in Media Practice, National Centre for Computer Animation Research, Tourism Research Centre, Bournemouth University Clinical Research Unit
Student Life
Students' Union Bournemouth University, The Old Fire Station (student venue), Campus cafes, Student Hub
Libraries
Bournemouth University Library
Modern library with 24/7 study spaces, specialist media collections, and digital resources.
24/7 during term
Lansdowne Library
Town centre library for business and law students.
09:00-21:00
Sports Facilities
SportBU
Modern gym, fitness studios, sports halls, and outdoor facilities.
Chapel Gate
Sports grounds with 3G pitches and outdoor facilities.
Beach Sports
Access to beach for surfing, volleyball, and water sports.
Student Services
askBU
Central point for student support and administration.
askbu@bournemouth.ac.uk
Wellbeing
Mental health support, counselling, and disability services.
wellbeing@bournemouth.ac.uk
Careers
Career guidance with strong industry connections.
careers@bournemouth.ac.uk
Accommodation
Purbeck House
University-managedModern accommodation close to Talbot Campus.
Cost: £130 - £160 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • Social spaces • Laundry
Distance: 5-minute walk
Contract: 42 weeks
Cranborne House
University-managedPopular campus accommodation.
Cost: £115 - £145 (per week)
Standard and en-suite rooms • Kitchens • Common rooms • 24/7 support
Distance: On campus
Contract: 42 weeks
Bournemouth town centre halls
Private partnerPartnership with private providers near beaches.
Cost: £120 - £180 (per week)
Various room types • Town centre location • Beach access
Distance: 15-25 minutes by bus
Contract: 44-51 weeks
First-year undergraduates guaranteed accommodation if applying by deadline. Apply through BU accommodation portal after receiving offer.
International welcome programme, airport pickup, peer mentoring.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 80
Teams: 35
Cultural Activities
- BAFTA Student Awards — Annually
- Beach Events — Throughout summer
- Film Screenings — Monthly
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@bournemouth.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)1202 524111
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
200
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 84%
Further study: 8%
Unemployed: 5%
Average Salary
£25,000
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
FramestoreDouble NegativeIndustrial Light & MagicDisneyBBCITVHiltonMarriottNHSTourism organisations
Career Services
- Careers and Employability: Strong industry connections particularly in media and tourism.
- Industry Placements: Many programmes include professional placements.
- Creative Industry Network: Exceptional connections to VFX and animation studios.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Bournemouth Airport
8 km • 15 minutes by car
Public Transport
- Train: Bournemouth station with direct services to London Waterloo (2 hours), Southampton, and Weymouth. • From £30 to London (advance)
- Bus: Extensive local buses and National Express to major cities. • £2.00 local single
Local Area
Bournemouth is a popular seaside resort with 7 miles of golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and excellent weather. Regular host of major events and festivals.
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth Pier, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery, Jurassic Coast (nearby), New Forest (nearby)
Shopping: Bournemouth town centre, Castlepoint shopping park, Westbourne boutiques
Entertainment: Beach and pier, Bournemouth nightlife, BIC (Bournemouth International Centre), Pavilion Theatre, Beach volleyball
Additional Information
Accreditation
Royal Charter, Skillset (Media Academy), NMC (Nursing), BPS (Psychology), CIPR (Public Relations)
Partnerships
- Creative: Framestore, DNEG, ILM — Strong partnerships with major VFX studios for training and recruitment.
- Tourism: Major hotel chains — Partnerships with Hilton, Marriott for placements and careers.
- NHS: Local NHS trusts — Clinical training partnerships for nursing and health programmes.
Research Highlights
- Computer Animation Research — World-leading research in VFX, animation, and digital media. (2024)
- Tourism and Hospitality — Research on sustainable tourism and hospitality management. (2024)
- Media Production — Research in film production, journalism, and digital storytelling. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Chris Mayoh — Animation Supervisor at Framestore (2005)
- Edgar Wright — Film director (Shaun of the Dead) - attended (1994)
- NCCA graduates — Have won Academy Awards for VFX (Gravity, Interstellar) (2014)
Metadata
Source: Bournemouth University official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io