The Arts University College At Bournemouth

The Arts University College at Bournemouth (formerly The Arts Institute at Bournemouth)

Age: 128

History: Established in 1883 in Bournemouth and 1913 in Poole, and became a higher education institution in 2001. Achieved taught degree awarding powers in 2008, and changed its name to the Arts University College at Bournemouth in July 2009. One of only a few HEIs that focus exclusively on creative work in contemporary art, design, media and performance.

Address: The campus is at Wallisdown, half way between Bournemouth and Poole.

Ambience: AUCB is situated between Bournemouth and Poole in Dorset, on the south coast of England. Dorset is a county of outstanding natural beauty, providing a unique location for creative work. It boasts miles of sandy beaches, the rolling Purbeck Hills, Poole Harbour and opportunity for a wealth of water sports. Bournemouth has a large cosmopolitan student population, and one of the most vibrant club scenes outside London.

Vital statistics: There are around 4,000 full and part-time students, aiming for careers in art, design, media and performance. Full-time students regularly take part in - and win - national and international competitions.

Added value: Courses have an excellent record of employment within their creative profession. Excellent work placement opportunities, live projects, visiting specialists and a graduate show in June which attracts many potential employers. It has achieved centre of excellence status for its work in lens-based media. The Enterprise Pavilion is on site, offering business support and mentoring for start-up ventures within the creative industries.

Easy to get into? Five GCSE passes at grade C or above (including English and maths), as well as two A-level passes and a Foundation Diploma or equivalent are required for most courses. A strong portfolio is vital.

Glittering alumni: Simon Beaufoy, writer of The Full Monty and winner of the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Slumdog Millionaire; Wolfgang Tillmans, Turner Prize Winner 2000; Nick Knight, fashion photographer.

Transport links: London is less than two hours away and is easily reached by regular train and coach services or the motorway. Both Bournemouth and Southampton have international airports.

Who's the boss? Professor Stuart Bartholomew

Teaching: Given 4.2 out of 5 in the 2008 National Student Survey.

Research: The majority of its submissions to the Research Assessment Exercise were deemed to be of 'quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour'.

Nightlife: Bournemouth is a clubbers favourite, so expect a lively social scene.

How green is it? Quite. It has a dedicated environmental policy and strategic plan to ensure a sustainable future for the university. It came 89th out of 138 universities in the People and Plant Green League 2011, an assessment of environmental performance.

Any accommodation? Yes, in halls of residence on campus or in Bournemouth town centre, ranging between £95 and £120 per week.

Cheap to live there? Not overly, a room in a shared house averages £80, plus bills, or £85 per week for lodgings.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time students for 2011/2012. Students starting in September 2012 will pay £8,600 a year.

Bursaries: The university offers a means-tested additional grant as part of its widening participation commitments. See the website for details.

Prospectus: 01202 363 228; www.aucb.ac.uk

UCAS code: A66 (for 2011 entry)