Bournemouth University

Overview

Bournemouth University (BU) is one of the UK’s leading modern institutions, dedicated to producing forward-thinking graduates equipped with the skills and adaptability needed to thrive throughout their careers. BU's courses are designed with input from employers, emphasising the value of work experience as part of the degree.

With a community of around 16,000 students, including approximately 2,600 international students from over 120 countries, BU offers a diverse and dynamic environment. The university's four faculties provide degrees in creative, professional, technological, scientific, and humanities fields. BU is ranked among the top 100 young universities in the world by the THE Young University Rankings.

International students are drawn to BU for many reasons. Studying at Bournemouth University opens doors to exciting careers in fields such as Computer Animation & Visual Effects, Media Production & Communication, Forensic Science & Archaeology, Sports & Events Management, History, International Business and Management, Politics & Social Studies, and more.

Located on England’s scenic south coast, less than two hours from London by train, Bournemouth offers a vibrant setting for international students, with beautiful surroundings and some of the mildest weather in the country.

Research plays a vital role at BU, addressing real-world challenges and shaping the education offered. Students are integral to this research process, collaborating with the university to co-create knowledge and contribute to key projects.

Services for International Students

Bournemouth University provides a range of support services, from orientation and language support to assistance with immigration and visa issues. The Academic Services department and Ask BU Student Services will be available to help with any issues throughout your time at Bournemouth.

Ranking

• 82nd in the Times University Guide 2025
• 105th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 401-500th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• 95th in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024

Bournemouth University has been recognised for the quality and volume of its research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.  

94% of BU’s research was found to be internationally recognised or above, with 95.7% of the research delivering considerable impact or above. 19% of the university’s research was found to be world-leading in quality with 31.5% achieving an outstanding impact score.  

Accommodation

Bournemouth University guarantees accommodation to all non-UK students for September entry, providing they meet the application deadline. For postgraduate students starting courses in January, a range of Bournemouth University-managed accommodation options are available, but some students may be in the private sector.

There are nine halls of residence, all with en-suite bathrooms, and some with studio apartments available. The Student Village is on a green just outside Bournemouth and offers three to seven-bedroom houses and several studio apartments for postgraduate students.

Location

Bournemouth, in the county of Dorset, is a long-established tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the UK. Famous for its 12km of sandy beaches and beautiful parks, Bournemouth blends a traditional British seaside resort with a busy and thriving town.

Bournemouth is situated on the south coast of England and is less than two hours from London by train. There are convenient transport links with international airports in and around London. Bournemouth has some of the best beaches in the UK, and has been awarded the Blue Flag for clean, well maintained coastal areas. There are numerous theatres, concert venues and cinemas in the town as well as a vibrant nightlife through its nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

Alumni

• Angela Browning – Member of Parliament
• Dan O'Hagan – commentator, BBC
• Gary Taphouse – commentator, Sky Sports
• Karl Neilson – television director
• David Amess – Member of Parliament
• Andrew Lockley – Oscar winner for Inception
• Tommy Sandhu – presenter, BBC Asian Network