Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has been announced as a ‘major advancer’ in this year’s Complete University Guide. The 2026 guide, which was released on 10 June, ranks AUB up 32 places from last year to 61st, making it one of the few ‘newer universities’ that are challenging older universities for a spot in the top 70.
The new high ranking also places AUB in the top five universities in South West England, alongside University of Bath, University of Exeter, University of Bristol, and Bristol UWE. Of those five, AUB is the only art and design specialist institution.
“We’re thrilled to have gained 32 places, it’s an incredible achievement in just one year," comments Lisa Mann, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at AUB, "and to now be in the top five universities in South West England is something we’re all very proud of.
“These guides and league tables are vital for prospective students when they’re deciding where and what to study, and in a challenging and competitive market, it will make a big difference to the University to be so highly ranked, and is testament to the hard work of all AUB staff and their commitment to providing an excellent student experience.”
The good news is very welcome for AUB following recent announcements of unavoidable redundancies due to the challenging economic environment.
The local creative and business community have stepped forward in support of AUB during this difficult time and offer congratulations for gaining 32 places in this year’s Complete University Guide and becoming one of the top five universities in South West England.
Elspeth McBain, Chief Executive at Lighthouse Poole, says, “Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) plays a vital national role in nurturing talent across the performing and digital arts. Through hands-on, industry-focused training, AUB equips its students with the practical skills and experience needed to thrive in the creative industries.
“In recent years, creative education has faced significant challenges – from the erosion of arts subjects in the national curriculum, the disproportionately rising costs across all aspects of running a university, to government policies that are limiting income generation. These pressures have made it increasingly difficult for institutions like AUB to offer the broad, high-quality training that the sector demands and it’s a very tough landscape to navigate.
“Against this backdrop, AUB’s sharp rise in the rankings is a remarkable and richly deserved achievement. It reflects the University’s unwavering commitment to excellence in creative education. Congratulations to Lisa Mann and her outstanding team on this success.”
The annual independent university league tables and rankings from the Complete University Guide are designed to give prospective university students all the key information they need for university research by ranking the best universities in the UK.
Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, says, “This year, we’ve seen considerable movement in the subject tables, underlining their importance as a resource for students who know what they want to study, but are still weighing up where to apply.
"Whether making early choices or preparing for Clearing, our university and subject league tables, along with regional insights, are here to help students navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.”
