Research - Arts University Bournemouth

There’s more than one route into studying in our creative community. From Evening & Saturday Courses, to Foundation and BA courses, to research degrees, you’ll find a path through AUB that suits you. Simply select the course level you’d like to study.

Found a course that you’d like to apply for? Simply select from the boxes below to find out how to apply for each of our courses and for advice on entry requirements.

We believe people learn best in a vibrant, caring environment. We want to help you thrive while you’re here.

On campus, you’ll find lots of great resources, facilities and, most importantly, a friendly environment. Lots of the courses overlap or collaborate, so you’ll meet plenty of new friends studying other subjects.

You can find out more about life at AUB by exploring the sections below.

Established in 1883 as a specialist institution, Arts University Bournemouth is a leading University offering high quality specialist education in art, design, media and performance across the creative industries.

We’re passionate about the creative subjects we teach and continue to encourage curiosity, risk-taking and adventure in exploring and pushing subject knowledge and its boundaries.

The University is situated two miles from the centre of Bournemouth, on the border between Bournemouth and Poole. Here are details on how to get in touch and how find us.

At AUB, our flourishing research and scholarship culture celebrates and enables original investigation; extending knowledge fields and developing new understanding within the arts.

By promoting the pursuit of innovation and creativity, we encourage opportunities for establishing and sharing best practice in research and foster the development of critical perspectives that have traditionally lain outside discrete disciplines. We encourage the use of reflective teaching and learning practices as part of an interactive relationship with research.

Staff research is supported from within AUB 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:

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.

The deadline for applications is 30 May 2020.

Applicants are invited to contact the research office on researchoffice@aub.ac.uk or +441202 363334 for an initial discussion about their MPhil/PhD topic.

Alternatively you can make an initial expression of interest by email including a brief outline of no more than 1,000 words explaining your area of interest, reason for study and your relevant academic/professional background.

This will enable the University to make an initial assessment of whether your topic and experience are appropriate for research degree study at AUB before you make a formal application.

Full-time and part-time applications should be made direct to AUB through our online application system.

Apply for a full-time PhD here or a part-time PhD here.

Although we welcome applications for study towards a research degree throughout the year, the University has one point of entry at the start of each academic year.

Interviews

Selected applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview to discuss their proposal.

DOWNLOADS

Download our research degree Pr oposal Guidelines
Download our Academic Reference Form

Entry Requirements

You will normally be expected to have a Masters Level qualification in an appropriate subject to be considered for registration for MPhil / PhD at AUB.

In some instances, applicants without this requirement may be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate alternative qualifications, professional experience or previous research and an understanding of research methodologies appropriate to their proposed programme of study.

Those for whom English is not a first language will have to pass an International Language Test (IELTS) scoring at least 7.0+ (with a 7.0 in writing).

Applicants should be aware that meeting the University’s minimum entry requirements does not guarantee entry. This is only one of the factors taken into account when the University makes its decision.

Many other factors are also important, such as the availability of suitable supervisors and resources; suitability for research degree study at AUB; relevant experience; and references.