Bournemouth University, UK - Ranking, Reviews, Courses, Tuition Fees

Overview

About Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University (BU) is a world-renowned higher education provider on England’s stunning south coast, just two hours from London. BU welcomes over 2,000 international students every year, producing career-ready graduates with relevant industry experience, gained through the right blend of education, research and practice.

BU offers a broad range of programmes including Foundation level, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Research degrees, with a particular focus on practical learning. Students are also encouraged to undertake a work placement in the UK or abroad.

Students benefit from small class sizes and a teaching faculty of highly experienced academic staff who bring industry insights and professional expertise into the classroom. Listed among the top 100 young universities in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024, BU is closely linked with employers and professional organisations.

BU also makes the top 800 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, with three courses also individually rated: Hospitality and Leisure Management (17^th), Communication and Media Studies (201-250) and Business and Management (401-450). BU also places fifth in the world in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024 for Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The town is situated between the historic port of Poole and the peaceful New Forest national park, with seven miles of golden sandy beach and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast on the doorstep. Bournemouth has an international airport and excellent road and rail links to countryside, coastline and culture for students to explore all over the UK.

BU’s reputation, combined with its extensive student support and extracurricular programming, ensures graduates leave with a valued and versatile degree, as well as a memorable university experience.

University Ranking

Academic Ranking of World Universities

2023 801

QS World University Rankings

2026 801 30

2025 771 40

2024 731

Times Higher Education World University Rankings

2026 401

2025 401

2024 401

What's new

Bournemouth University is committed to staying at the forefront of education, investing in facilities and services, engaging in pioneering research and establishing world-class industry links.

Students in Hanoi can study BU’s Tourism Management and Events Management degrees as part of a Transnational Education (TNE) partnership agreement with British University Vietnam (BUV). Graduates receive a Bournemouth University degree on completion of the course.

BU Business School (BUBS) Principal Academics Dr Mili Shrivastava (Strategy) and Dr Sukyana Ayatakshi-Endow (Entrepreneurship) have contributed recommendations and research to a government report on female entrepreneurship. An inquiry led by the Women and Equalities Committee is examining the barriers facing women in business, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

BU’s Centre for the Study of Conflict, Emotion and Social Justice (CESJ) is partnering with the Kurt Schork Memorial Fund to host the Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism. Schork was killed in a military ambush in Sierra Leone in 2000 while reporting from the front line. BU’s research centre will help to honour courageous, trustworthy and fact-based journalism from dangerous locations around the globe.

BU Engineering students have made the national finals of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering’s Design Challenge. They were tasked with creating an autonomous robot and simulating an electric vehicle docking at a recharging station. The challenge gives students a taste of real-world engineering, seeing them design, create and run a device to a strict technical specification while networking with industry experts.

BU is proud to have been shortlisted for the 2025 WhatUni Student Choice Awards in the mental health and wellbeing category. This recognition reflects the impact of the drop-in services provided by the University Retreat, as well as BU’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and health-focused environment.

Finances

How much will it cost?

Average tuition fees per year

13,11,226 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

15,47,473 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

Scholarships & funding

Bournemouth University awards a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to help students with the financial aspect of higher education. In the 2023/24 academic year, 3,854 students - about 20% of BU’s entire population - were awarded a bursary or scholarship, totalling GBP 7,069 million.

For international students, awards include:

BU Academic Excellence Scholarship: Automatically awarded based on the university’s assessment criteria for achieving outstanding academic results

BU Sport Scholarship: Awarded to students who excel in sports, offering between GBP 500 and GBP 5,000 based on sporting achievements.

BU Music Scholarship: Available for students with exceptional musical talent, this award offers a package worth GBP 600 for those who have reached Grade 8 or equivalent in their instrument or voice.

International students also have access to a range of country-specific and external scholarships, with specific eligibility requirements. All students can receive targeted financial and cost of living advice through BU’s student services team and students’ union.

Eligibility

Entry requirements

Bournemouth University accepts a wide range of overseas qualifications to assess international applications, and other accreditations and degree-relevant work may also be considered. Some courses may also require an interview or portfolio submission. Prospective students can check individual course pages for specific entry details before applying to ensure they are eligible.

International applicants must also demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency, typically through the IELTS assessment system. A score of 6.0 overall, with no less than a 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, is required.

For full details of BU’s entry requirements and admission criteria, prospective students are encouraged to consult the university’s website or contact their International admissions team.

Department and Faculty

Department structure

Bournemouth University is structured into four main academic faculties:

Faculty of Health & Social Sciences

This faculty offers a range of programmes in Health, Social work, Psychology and Public Health. It is recognised for its focus on research and practical training in health and care professions.

Faculty of Media & Communication

Renowned for its creative approach to tuition, the faculty offers degrees in Media, Journalism and Communication. It has a strong reputation for its emphasis on media practice and industry engagement, with facilities including a Sony HD TV studio and a professional radio station. BU’s National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) has been ranked top university in the UK for animation (Animation Career Review 2024), third in Europe and fourth internationally.

Faculty of Science & Technology

This faculty encompasses programmes from Computer Science to Forensic Archaeology. It is a leader in research related to tourism, hospitality and crime scene sciences. Students are taught in modern facilities with industry-standard technology and equipment.

Bournemouth University Business School

BU Business School offers programmes in Business, Marketing, Finance and Management. BU is among the 6 percent of business schools around the world accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

BU students receive expert knowledge and guidance from an academic network of 1,200 professionals who are not only highly qualified but often have extensive experience in their respective industries. Teaching methods focus on practical learning, and graduates leave career-ready, with relevant, industry-specific skills and professional connections.

The university’s efforts are reflected in strong graduate outcomes. 90 percent of first-degree graduates have relevant work experience when they leave, and 88.7 percent are in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22).

Campus and facilities

Facilities

Bournemouth University occupies two main campuses in the town: Talbot and Lansdowne. Both are self-contained learning environments, equipped with everything students need for academic and personal success. Students can take a virtual tour of the university, customised by selecting study level and subject.

Talbot Campus is where most of the university's teaching facilities and research centres are found, with specialised equipment for media, science and technology. It is also home to the Student Centre, a dedicated hub of social and collaborative learning spaces, with meeting rooms, cafes, places to network and relax and the Students’ Union (SUBU).

Lansdowne Campus, in the heart of Bournemouth town centre, is home to the new Bournemouth Gateway Building, a dedicated facility for the study of health and social sciences, and the Executive Business Centre.

BU also has a range of other campuses, partner colleges and off-site facilities supporting specialist areas of study across health and social sciences.

Seven halls of residence are available to undergraduates, providing comfortable and affordable accommodation within easy walking distance of campus. For postgraduates, there is a selection of university halls and private rental accommodation available throughout the town.

English Language Support

Bournemouth University Language Centre can help students improve their academic and general language skills, including an English conversation and culture club.

Students can also join the Languages@BU programme, an independent learning programme which offers six different languages, from beginner to advanced level.

Academic Skills Hub

Bournemouth University Academic Skills Hub provides support for students to enhance their academic, practical and personal skills. Online resources can help develop academic writing, critical thinking, grammar and vocabulary, presentation and seminar skills, reading and referencing. Students can also book individual in-person appointments or sign up to group workshops.

Student support

Bournemouth University offers a suite of student support services throughout learners’ academic journey.

Health and wellbeing: Students can access plenty of support services for mental health, personal challenges, addiction or simply adjusting to university life. One-on-one consultations are available to help them navigate any difficulties they may be facing.
Free and confidential counselling: Students can access counselling for personal, emotional, or academic issues and be signposted to more specialised services.
Academic support: BU offers dedicated support for students who may need a little extra help with their workload - from additional learning support to writing assistance and timekeeping help.
Careers service: Students have lifetime access to CareersBU, a careers and employment platform offering guidance on placements, internships and job seeking.
Multi-faith centre: A dedicated reflection centre provides a welcoming space for people of all faiths and is open 8am-8pm on weekdays.
The Students’ Union: SUBU plays a key role in student support, offering advice services, social events and opportunities to get involved with clubs and societies.

Student safety is a top priority at Bournemouth University and each campus has a dedicated security team available 24/7. The university has achieved the nationally recognised accreditation ‘Secured Environments’ in recognition of its commitment to staff and student safety.

All campus buildings are well-lit and secured, with keycard access, and trained staff are always on hand to respond swiftly in the event of an emergency. The university’s proximity to local emergency services adds further reassurance for a timely and coordinated response when it matters the most. Whether heading home from the 24/7 library or going out into town, students can feel safe on campus even after dark. Bournemouth itself is considered a student-friendly place to live, known for its welcoming community and reputation for safety.