Bournemouth University institutional logo

Bournemouth University

Poole, United Kingdom Founded 1992 World Rank #930

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Bournemouth University
Acronyms: BU
Founded: 1992
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #930
Rank in United Kingdom: #60
Bournemouth University institutional logo

Established in 1992, the Bournemouth University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Poole (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), South West England.

This institution also has branch campuses in Weymouth, Yeovil, Poole and Dorchester. Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Bournemouth University (BU) is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution.

Bournemouth University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 32-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address book entry for Bournemouth University: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.

Address: Poole House, Fern Barrow
Postal Code: BH12 5BB
Phone: +44 (1202) 524 111
Fax: +44 (1202) 702 736

Academic Details

Bournemouth University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Bournemouth University's qualifications.

Academic Year: October to July (October-December; January-March; April-July)
Recognition: Privy Council
Admission Requirements: Level passes supported by 3 General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)/General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary ('O') level passes; 3 Advanced ('A') level passes supported by 1 GCSE/GCE. 'O' level; BTEC or SCOTVEC National Certificate or Diploma, or equivalent. For non-native English speakers a minimum IELTS (academic) 6.0 or equivalent
Total Students: 14,293
Student Enrollment: 10
Academic Staff Range: 700-799
Full-Time Academic Staff: 595
Academic Staff with Doctorate: 432
Campus Setting: Urban

Degrees

Bournemouth University's qualifications, sorted by level, give a quick overview of study routes. Use this view to scan from foundation through to research-level options before drilling into specific names.

Doctoral 16 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Biology
  • Computer Science
  • Design
  • Ecology
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Finance
  • Health Sciences
  • Hotel Management
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Psychology
  • Technology
  • Tourism

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Privy Council.

Science and Technology (Faculty) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Heritage Preservation
  • Industrial Design
  • Psychology
  • Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
  • Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Business (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Taxation

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health and Social Care (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Social Work
Media (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Mass Communication
  • Media Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Media Producer
  • Content Strategist
  • Broadcast Journalist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Tourism (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cooking and Catering
  • Hotel and Restaurant
  • Leisure Studies
  • Sports
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Tour Operator
  • Hospitality Manager
  • Travel Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Bournemouth University's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.

193 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

Master of Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Philosophy 7 programmes

MPhil - Faculty of Business and Law
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MPhil - Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
Social Sciences & Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MPhil - Faculty of Health, Environment and Medical Sciences
Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MPhil - Faculty of Management
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MRes - Faculty of Business and Law
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MRes - Faculty of Health, Environment and Medical Sciences
Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

MRes - Faculty of Media, Science & Technology
Media Studies & Mass Media

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate 5 programmes

PhD - Faculty of Business and Law
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

PhD - Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
Social Sciences & Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

PhD - Faculty of Health, Environment and Medical Sciences
Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

PhD - Faculty of Media & Communication
Communication Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

PhD – Faculty of Media, Science & Technology
Media Studies & Mass Media

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes

PG Cert Education Practice
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

PG Cert Enhanced Clinical Practitioner Apprenticeship

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

PG Cert Intellectual Property
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Bournemouth University

Practical steps to apply to Bournemouth University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Bournemouth University

    Bournemouth University's catalogue includes 193 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Bournemouth University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Bournemouth University's official website at www.bournemouth.ac.uk. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (1202) 524 111. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bournemouth University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Bournemouth University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

In what year was Bournemouth University established?

Bournemouth University was founded in 1992 (approximately 34 years ago).

Where can I find Bournemouth University?

The institution is located in Poole, United Kingdom.

What is Bournemouth University's control type?

Bournemouth University is a public institution.

How many students does Bournemouth University have?

The institution has a student body of 10,000-14,999.

How is Bournemouth University ranked?

Bournemouth University holds rank #930 globally and #60 in United Kingdom.

What programmes are available at Bournemouth University?

Programmes at Bournemouth University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Who recognises Bournemouth University?

Bournemouth University is accredited by Privy Council.

What is Bournemouth University's official website?

The institution's website is www.bournemouth.ac.uk.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom

When shortlisting in the United Kingdom, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Bournemouth University, helpful for calibrating where Bournemouth University sits in the broader landscape.

Faculties at nearby universities

Geographic neighbours to Bournemouth University appear below — each worth considering if location is part of your decision. Nearby institutions tend to share academic calendars, making cross-applications less complex.

Where Else to Study Business & Management

Programme-level scholarships for Business & Management students vary substantially across the United Kingdom institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.

Universities Compared with Bournemouth University

Joint research consortia among universities at Bournemouth University's level — shared grants, co-supervision arrangements — make peer institutions natural collaborators rather than just competitors.

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

Explore More Universities in United Kingdom

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →

Compare Compare