At Bournemouth University our motto is Discere Mutari Est – to learn is to change.  

Professor Alison Honour, Bournemouth University's Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive Officer sat on a bench on Talbot Campus Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive Officer at BU’s Talbot Campus

It’s at the heart of who we are, and results in an approach that is: 

  • Naturally curious 
  • Naturally ambitious, and 
  • Naturally connected. 

Inspired by our beautiful location, we are built on open minds and open spaces. 

Our vision is to be a vibrant educational community, creating solutions to real-world challenges and shaping the future of our society and economy.  

Our mission is to drive prosperity and improve lives through education, research and innovation that has impact. 

While we are on a journey of transformation, we are proud of our strengths and achievements.  

They include being 1st in the UK for Mental Health and Wellbeing Support (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025), a top-10 university in the South West (Complete University Guide 2025), and holding a TEF Silver rating for the quality of our teaching and student outcomes. Indeed, in the latest Graduate Outcomes survey (2022-23), 89% of BU graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their studies. 

Our work across education, research and innovation means that we are ranked 41st in the UK and among the top 500 universities globally by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. Our growing educational partnerships, both in the UK and around the world, are opening pathways to learning and expanding our global reach.  

We are serious about our commitment to sustainability and recognised internationally for our work towards the United National Sustainable Development Goals. This includes being joint 1st in the world for Responsible Consumption and Production, and 9th for Decent Work & Economic Growth. 

Our 10-year strategic plan, BU2035, sets out our ambitions to build on these strengths to deliver transformational change for our students, staff, for the region and communities worldwide. We are setting out to deliver an industry-connected and future-focused education that builds adaptability in our students and gives our graduates the skills and confidence to create a future that is still being written.  

Whatever your interest in BU, I would encourage you to get in touch or to come and visit us to discover how we are re-imagining what the very best university can be. 

Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive Officer