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Bournemouth University

30th year animated logo

2022 marked 30 years of university status – and we're #BUProud of how far we have come over this time. We've achieved a lot and created a lot of change. Our timeline celebrates this, bringing together 30 milestones and highlights.

Scroll to explore or download a non-moving version (PDF 1.97mb)

1992

Granted university status

  • An image of our coat of arms which we were granted by the College of Arms in 1992
  • A newspaper clipping from the Bournemouth Echo, covering our formal inauguration ceremony on 27 November 1992
  • The ceremonial party walking along Exeter Road in Bournemouth to the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)
  • The ceremonial party walking into the BIC, with the ceremonial mace being carried

Becoming Bournemouth University in 1992 marked a turning point for us – we were able to validate our degrees for the first time and we've grown steadily ever since. But our history goes back further. We've been educating in Dorset since the early 20th century. While we've come a long way since then, one thing has always stayed constant – our determination to create change.

More about our history

1992

Design and Engineering Show started

  • Angela

    Youtube Video
  • The logo for the Festival of Design & Engineering 2022

For 30 years, we’ve been celebrating the work of our Design and Engineering students. Fast forward to the present day and the Festival of Design and Engineering (as it’s now known) continues to showcase final year students’ designs, models and prototypes – many of which aim to improve people’s lives and tackle societal issues.

View students’ work

1994

Over 9,000 students studying with us

Coastline

Youtube Video

Just two years after gaining university status, over 9,000 UK and international students had joined BU. Today, over 16,500 students from around the world study with us. And once their BU journey has finished, lots of our graduates continue to call Bournemouth their home, enjoying successful careers with a life by the coast.

Read graduates’ stories

1994

First SUBU Summer Ball held

  • Summer Ball

    Youtube Video
  • Summer Ball DJ: SUBU's Summerball in full swing. The sun is shining and a DJ is entertaining the crowd
  • The legendary Summer Ball survivors’ photo, which takes place at sunrise on Pier Approach in Bournemouth

Firmly established as the UK’s biggest student party, SUBU’s Summer Ball sees thousands of BU students, with many in fancy dress, celebrate the end of the academic year in style. From live music to funfair rides, DJs to roaming entertainment and food stalls galore, there's lots for everyone to enjoy.

More about SUBU

2006

BU hosts Question Time

  • The Question Time set in the Sports Hall at BU, with David Dimbleby looking out to the audience
  • A headshot of Question Time host, David Dimbleby. He presented the popular show from 1994-2018 and since retiring has presented occasional BBC documentaries

On air for over 40 years and still going strong, Question Time – the BBC current affairs programme – came to BU for the fourth time in 2006, with the Sports Hall on Talbot Campus transformed into a TV studio as members of the public posed their questions to panel members. Pictures here are from one of the show’s earlier visits in the 90s.

2007

The Sir Michael Cobham Library opens

  • The Sir Michael Cobham Library at night. Its lighting creates a striking effect against the dark night sky
  • A close up of The Sir Michael Cobham Library on Talbot Campus
  • Two students browsing through a book in The Sir Michael Cobham Library. The Library is home to thousands of printed collections, alongside a large collection of e-books and e-journals
  • A group of students sitting on sofas in The Sir Michael Cobham Library. The Library offers a wide variety of spaces, from more formal study areas to those that are more relaxed

The late Sir Michael Cobham, a BU Honorary Doctorate and former Chairman and Life President of Cobham plc, made a significant difference to BU – and this was recognised when the Library and Learning Centre was renamed in his honour. Today, The Sir Michael Cobham Library remains at the heart of our Talbot Campus and is a hub for learning and support.

Take a virtual tour

2009

Executive Business Centre opens

  • The exterior of the Executive Business Centre on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth. Inside, it's a modern, light-filled building with lots of formal and informal spaces
  • Students utilising the learning booths in the EBC. They're ideal spaces for group work, with dividing walls and a large flat screen TV.

The official opening of the Executive Business Centre (EBC) in 2009 marked the start of the transformation of our Lansdowne Campus. For over 10 years, the EBC has been a centre for students, academics and the local business community, where ideas and knowledge can be exchanged and new partnerships are formed.

Take a virtual tour

2010

Professor John Vinney appointed Vice-Chancellor

Professor John Vinney in The Fusion Building on Talbot Campus

For 12 years, Professor John Vinney (himself a BU graduate) has led the university as Vice-Chancellor. During his time, BU has most recently risen to a top 70 global university in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022, among many other achievements. Professor Vinney supersedes three BU Vice-Chancellors: the late Dr Bernard McManus, Professor Gillian Slater and Sir Paul Curran.

Read John’s profile

2010

Professor Tim Darvill appointed an OBE

  • Stonehenge

    Youtube Video
  • Professor Tim Darvill standing next to one of the stones at Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • BU's Professor Tim Darvill and Hollywood actress Megan Fox in the Preseli Hills, a mountain range in Wales, in 2018. Megan was filming 'Legends of the Lost' – an American TV show that sought to uncover the secrets of old legends from around the world, including Stonehenge.

From undertaking pioneering research into the history and development of Stonehenge to the archaeology of early farming communities in northwest Europe and much more, the work of BU’s Professor Tim Darvill has certainly made an impact. This was recognised in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours list when he was appointed an OBE.

Discover more

2010

Partner with Dorset HealthCare NHS Trust

Partnership

Youtube Video

When Dorset HealthCare NHS University Foundation Trust was given university status, this marked the beginning of our partnership. The collaboration continues to benefit both university and hospital students, graduates and staff – and ultimately promotes better patient outcomes. We’re now also partnered with Universal Hospitals Dorset, reaffirming our commitment to the health of our local communities and helping people live better, for longer.

Find out more

2011

BU awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize

  • The late Queen Elizabeth II meeting Professor John Vinney at the Queen’s Anniversary Prize event in 2011
  • A selection of stills from students work – showcased at the NCCA degree show 2022

Over the years, our National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) has become one of the most established and regarded centres for computer graphics and animation education and research. In 2011, this was formally recognised when the NCCA was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.

Explore the NCCA

2012

BU graduate Andy Lockley wins an Oscar

A close up of an Oscar with Bournemouth beach and pier in the background

To be awarded an Oscar is the ultimate industry accolade. And Andy Lockley, who graduated from BU in 2000 with an MA in Special Digital Effects, has achieved just that, picking up a total of three Oscars to date. In 2012, Andy picked up the Best Visual Effects award for his work on Inception, the Special Visual Effects award for Interstellar in 2015 and Best Visual Effects for Tenet in 2021.

Read a Q&A with Andy

2012

Princess Anne visits BU

  • Princess Anne chats to students from BU's Media School (as it was then known) in 2012
  • Degree show 2022

    Youtube Video
  • MA Digital Effects

    Youtube Video

Following BU being awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, Princess Anne met with students from the Media School (now the Faculty of Media and Communication) to celebrate their achievements and learn more about their work. This included taking part in a live TV chat show about the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and exploring the latest technological developments.

More about the Faculty

2012

First Festival of Learning

  • Children examining fossils at the 2016 Festival of Learning
  • The Festival of Learning at Poole Quay. In addition to on-campus activites, the Festival of Learning also popped up around the local area.
  • Children trying on paper mortarboard hats at the Festival of Learning on Talbot Campus
  • Delegates at the 2018 Global Festival of Learning in India

In 2012, we launched our Festival of Learning – a programme of free activities and events for all ages, designed to bring learning to life. Over the six years that the festival ran, our Talbot Campus was transformed into a hub of hands-on exploration, and off-campus activities extended across Bournemouth and Poole. In 2016, the first Global Festival of Learning took place, putting BU on the international stage.

Watch highlights

2013

Signed partnership with AFC Bournemouth

  • Women's team

    Youtube Video
  • In 2016, Eddie Howe, ex-AFC Bournemouth manager, answered questions from BU students about  his career, his management style and more, ahead of the annual BU Big Match
  • BU's John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor; Jess Mostyn, AFC Bournemouth Chairman; Eddie Howe, ex AFC Bournemouth Manager; Steve Cuss, AFC Bournemouth Women's Manager; Ian Jones, BU's Head of External Engagement at the official signing of the partnership
  • Former Cherries star Josh King with local children on our Talbot Campus
  • Players from AFC Bournemouth's women's team celebrating on the pitch. Over the years, the development of the women's and girls' teams has been one aspect of our partnership that has gone from strength to strength
  • BU physiotherapy students and AFC Bournemouth physiotherapists working together in the gym. Our students have regular access to the club's physio team, putting their learning into practice

BU has been the official higher education partner of AFC Bournemouth for ten years – a relationship that benefits BU students, staff, supporters, and the local community. From player appearances on our campuses to students working on live campaigns and the opportunity to become a matchday ambassador, there are lots of ways to get involved.

Read more

2013

BU generates more than £1 million a day spending

Catalyst for growth

Youtube Video

The publication of the BU Economic Impact Study 2013 marked a turning point for us. At a headline level, the study found that BU, its students, and staff were bringing more than £1 million a day spending to the South West Region. This demonstrated the impact that we were making – and continue to make – to the local economy.

Read the study

2013

Cycling against Hip Pain programme launched

  • Live better, for longer

    Youtube Video
  • BU's Tom Wainwright - who is a member of our Orthopaedic Research Institute - with a patient on an exercise bike
  • BU's ORI team in 2018
  • BU's Professor Rob Middleton. In 2017, Professor Middleton partnered with Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital to develop the world's first robot-assisted hip replacement research

As we've developed over the last 30 years, so has our research in helping people to live better lives for longer. One of the ways in which we're doing this is through our ground-breaking Cycling against Hip Pain (CHAIN) programme. For nine years, CHAIN has helped people suffering from hip arthritis to live pain-free lives – and this looks set to continue.

Discover more

2015

Praised by the Prime Minister in Parliament

Computer Animation

Youtube Video

Following success for BU graduates at the 2015 BAFTAs, then Prime Minister David Cameron commended BU in Parliament, demonstrating the reputation that we were building for our computer animation and visual effects courses. He said: “Bournemouth University plays a very important part because of its training of some of our digital effects specialists [and] because many of our creative people [are] an absolutely key part of this vital and growing industry.”

Read more

2015

Big Dig uncovers Iron Age town

  • Big Dig

    Youtube Video
  • An aerial view of the Big Dig taking place near Winterbourne Kingston in Dorset
  • Two students digging for archaeological finds, overseen by a BU archaeologist
  • A close up of an animal's skull, which was uncovered at the site

Every now and then, archaeological excavations reveal significant finds. In 2015, BU students and academics uncovered a previously unknown prehistoric town near Winterbourne Kingston in Dorset. Remains of 16 Iron Age roundhouses were examined and a geophysical survey in fact revealed at least 150 roundhouses. To date, this is one of the largest townships to be discovered in Britain.

Read the story

2015 - 2016

Three new buildings open

  • Chole Schendel-Wilson, SUBU President 2014-16 and Jim Andrews, BU's Chief Operating Officer at the opening of The Student Centre
  • Professor John Vinney, BU's Vice-Chancellor, and Lord Nicholas Phillips, then Chancellor, standing either side of the time capsule in The Student Centre
  • Our six-storey Student Centre is at the heart of our Talbot Campus and is home to SUBU offices, the Student Advice Centre,  radio studios, Nerve student media and a range of social and learning spaces
  • From left to right: Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney, then SUBU President Chloe Schendel-Wilson and Chief Operating Officer Jim Andrews at the opening of The Fusion Building in 2016
  • The Fusion Building is topped with a glass-domed roof, filling the building with natural light.
  • The Fusion Building Atrium contains a cafe and plenty of comfy seating –  ideal for informal get-togethers or group work
  • The exterior of The Fusion Building.
  • This is one of two terraces, both of which offer great views of Talbot Campus and the chance to enjoy some downtime and fresh air.
  • Students working in The Fusion Building. It provides a range of formal and informal learning and study spaces, depending on what you're looking for.
  • The Bournemouth University International College is located at the heart of the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth, offering bright learning spaces and a variety of social areas for students to enjoy
  • One of the College's light-filled social spaces, containing table football and table tennis

Throughout 2015-16, we invested in three new buildings across our campuses – The Student Centre, BU International College and The Fusion Building – so that we could continue to offer our students a great university experience. The Fusion Building is a physical manifestation of our 'Fusion' approach, where we combine research, education and practice to enable our students to excel.

Take a virtual tour

2016

Became a member of the Race Equality Charter

  • Race Equality Charter Member logo
  • A group of students sitting at a table with laptops
  • A group of postgraduate students walking along the beach
  • The SUBU Black-owned Business Market first took place in 2021, providing black-owned businesses with the opportunity to showcase and sell their goods and services to the BU community

BU is home to a diverse community and we're committed to creating an inclusive culture. For the last six years, we've been a member of the Race Equality Charter – an initiative that exists to improve the representation, progression and success of under-represented groups within higher education – and undertake a range of initiatives to advance racial equality.

Read about our work

2016

Reality of financial scamming highlighted

  • BU's Professor Keith Brown and wider team at the awareness raising event in the House of Commons’
  • Professor Keith Brown holding the 'Financial Scamming and Fraud booklet' – one of the outputs of the research project

Through our research, education and practice, we're helping to protect vulnerable people in society – many of whom are at risk of financial scamming. Led by BU's Professor Keith Brown, who co-ordinated research around preventing financial scamming, an awareness-raising event took place at the House of Commons. This marked the start of a campaign and a 'call to arms' that society must take the matter seriously.

Read the news story

2019

Kate Adie appointed Chancellor

  • Kate Adie CBE

    Youtube Video
  • Kate Adie speaking at a BU graduation ceremony. The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university and Kate's most public role is to preside over BU's annual graduation ceremonies
  • Kate Adie at the topping out ceremony for our latest building development – the Bournemouth Gateway Building. From left to right: Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor; Kate Adie, Chancellor and a representative from building construction company, Kier

In January 2019, Kate Adie CBE became BU's fifth Chancellor. Kate is well known for her role as the BBC's Chief Correspondent, which she held for 14 years, covering major international events. She is also a prolific author on a range of subjects and presents on BBC Radio 4. Previous BU Chancellors include: Baroness Caroline Cox, Baron John Taylor, Lady Dione Digby and Lord Nicholas Phillips.

Read the news story

2019

Awarded Athena SWAN Bronze Award

  • The Athena SWAN Bronze Award logo
  • Staff from our Department of Media Production celebrating their Athena SWAN Bronze Award in 2018

Our Athena SWAN Bronze Award recognises our commitment to strive for a gender inclusive culture. Since 2019, a number of departments have also received the Bronze Award, demonstrating that progress is being made throughout our community.

Find out more

2019-2020

Gateway Buildings open

  • The exterior of the Bournemouth Gateway Building. Floor to ceiling windows flood the building with light, enhancing the large, open inside spaces
  • Nursing students with a dummy patient in one of the simulation suites within the building - designed to enable students to get hands-on and practice essential skills
  • The exterior of the Poole Gateway Building.
  • One of the media production rooms in our Poole Gateway Building. Its home to a range of industry-standard facilities and equipment, so that students can translate what they've learnt in lectures and seminars into real-life scenarios

2019-2020 marked a further period of estates development, with the opening of the Poole Gateway Building on Talbot Campus and the Bournemouth Gateway Building on Lansdowne Campus. Both have been designed to give students and staff access to the latest industry-standard equipment and facilities, so that they can get hands-on and, in the case of students, hit the ground running when they graduate.

Take a virtual tour

2022

BU becomes a top 70 global university

Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings

2022, our 30th year of university status, got off to a great start. In February, the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2022 were announced – and we were thrilled to find out that we had been placed, for the first time, in the top 70 global universities aged 50 years old or younger.

Read the news story

2022

Success in the THE Impact Rankings

  • Sustainability

    Youtube Video
  • Images of the various climate action initiatives taking place at BU. Since March 2021, we've invited our community to take part in Climate Action Month, so that we can continue to make positive changes to our campuses and the local area
  • Researchers examining artificial rockpools installed on the wall of Poole Harbour. BU is part of the Marineff project, which aims to find ways of protecting and enhancing coastal ecosystems
  • Local authority and emergency services staff in Freetown, Sierra Leone holding the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) booklet - an output of BU's Disaster Management Centre, in response to the necessary emergency management of Freetown's waste and sanitation
  • Rubbish in a landfill site in Freetown, Sierra Leone with smoke rising

Our celebrations continued in April when we were placed in the top 3% of universities internationally in the THE Impact Rankings. The Rankings measure the success of universities against the UN Sustainable Goals and we work hard to weave these throughout life at BU. We're now ranked first in the UK against three of the Goals: Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth and Responsible Consumption and Production.

Read the news story

2022

94% of research internationally-recognised

  • BU's Dr Ann Luce, Principal Academic in Journalism and Communication. Dr Luce, in partnership with Dr Sallyanne Duncan from the University of Strathclyde, created the Suicide Reporting Toolkit – a free, online resource that enables journalists to make ethical decisions while under pressure from various news processes
  • BU's Professor Mark Maltby, Principal Investigator on the ‘chicken project’. This research has helped to educate and reframe public perceptions on the importance of chickens across the world
  • Research into Stonehenge has helped to improve the visitor experience, deepened understanding of  the anicent English Heritage landmark and how the site can improve mental health
  • A Nepalese woman standing in front of buildings affected by an earthquake. By engaging with journalists, we've helped to strengthen disaster preparedness and the resilience of news media in Nepal
  • Professor Mike Silk at the bodyparts exhibition in London. Through art and mixed media pieces, the exhibition bought to life research into perceptions of disabled sport

And the celebrations didn't stop there! In May, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 results were published. We pride ourselves on research that makes a real difference to the world around us – and this was acknowledged in the results. 94% of our research was found to be internationally-recognised or above, with 95.7% of the research delivering considerable impact or above.

Find out more

2022

Big Dig unearths human remains

  • The Big Dig 2022

    Youtube Video
  • Human remains were unearthed at this year's Big Dig
  • A cow skull, jaw bones and vertebrae were also discovered

Seven years after BU students and staff discovered one of the largest Iron Age townships in the UK, this year's Big Dig uncovered further significant remains: 2,000-year-old human remains and animal sacrifices. The team, made up of 65 students, uncovered the bodies of women and men, as well as animal body parts, providing fascinating new clues into the Iron Age lifestyle.

Discover more

2022

2022: our story continues

Our story

Youtube Video

In our time as a university, we have come a long way. We're proud of our successes, the change we've initiated and the impact we've made – but we're always focused on the future. We will keep playing our part in tackling global challenges head-on, as we strive for more a sustainable, inclusive and healthy society. Here's to the next 30 years and more.

Discover our story

BU celebrates 30 years of university status

This year sees Bournemouth University celebrate a landmark birthday, as the institution was granted university status 30 years ago.

BU graduates making an impact in the region

While BU has a growing network of graduates living and working around the world, an increasing number are choosing to build their careers closer to home. 

Protecting a sustainable environment and helping cultural heritage to thrive

BU's research and practice in the region helps to protect and preserve a sustainable environment and our cultural heritage.

Professor John Vinney reflects on BU's 30 years as a university

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney shares some of his thoughts and memories as BU marks 30 years with university status. 

30th year timeline accessibility statement

  • Our timeline moves sideways on desktop computers and larger screens, breaking the expected scroll direction for visual users. You can however still use your mouse, keyboard, trackpad, or touchscreen to scroll through the timeline
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  • A downloadable, non-moving version of our timeline is available above.

Our Awards

  • BU rises 15 places in the the Young University Rankings 2022
  • BU celebrates eco award
  • Athena Swan Success
  • BU has risen to 42nd globally in the the Impact Rankings 2022
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