The establishment, maintenance and development of a flourishing research and scholarship culture are a priority for Arts University Bournemouth. This culture celebrates and enables original investigation undertaken in order to extend existing knowledge fields and gain new knowledge and/or new understanding both within and across the range of arts, design and media disciplines at the University. We promote the pursuit of innovation and creativity, encourage opportunities for establishing and sharing best practice in research and foster the development of critical perspectives that have traditionally lain outside discrete disciplines, and provide possibilities for self-reflective practices in teaching and learning in an interactive relationship with research.

Staff research is supported from within Arts University Bournemouth by grants for particular projects and by a Research Fellowship programme offering generous remission from teaching and administration. Researchers are also encouraged to apply for external funding for the full range of research from practice through history and theory. Recent grants received include those from the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC), NESTA and the Paul Mellon Centre. A proactive Research Forum enables staff to present work in progress and to hear, and participate in, discussions of research by distinguished visitors. Training and advice is available to those intending to apply for external funding.

The University occupies a significant position in the cultural nexus of the south west. The University’s own Gallery is an important showcase for creative work and there are established links with other arts institutions in the area.