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UNITED KINGDOM · BOURNEMOUTH

Bournemouth University

public · Founded 1992 · Languages: English

In short

Bournemouth University offers industry-connected, future-focused education with strong employability support and a vibrant coastal location. It provides a range of degrees and a diverse international community, with scholarships available for eligible students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1992
Students: 16,000
International students: 2,800
Acceptance rate: 78%
Tuition (intl): €22–27k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Bournemouth University, located in the vibrant coastal town of Bournemouth, UK, is a dynamic institution committed to fostering curiosity, ambition, and global connections. Guided by its motto "Discere Mutari Est – to learn is to change," the university aims to provide an industry-connected and future-focused education. Bournemouth University prides itself on creating solutions to real-world challenges through impactful education, research, and innovation, contributing to society and the economy. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research degrees, alongside apprenticeships and professional development courses. With a strong emphasis on employability, BU integrates work placement opportunities into many of its programs and provides lifetime career support to its students and graduates. Recognised for its commitment to student wellbeing and academic excellence, Bournemouth University boasts a diverse and inclusive community. It is actively engaged in research that addresses global issues, including sustainability, and strives to equip its graduates with the adaptability and confidence needed for future careers.

Why study here

Access industry-connected and future-focused education with opportunities for work placements.
Benefit from comprehensive lifetime career support, including one-to-one appointments and an online careers portal.
Join a diverse and inclusive international community with strong global alumni networks.
Engage with impactful research, contributing to solutions for real-world challenges, particularly in sustainability.
Study in a university recognised for its excellent mental health and wellbeing support.

Student life

Bournemouth University fosters a vibrant and diverse community, encouraging students to expand their horizons both academically and personally. The university is dedicated to student wellbeing, offering comprehensive mental health and support services. Students have opportunities to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities and can connect with a global network of alumni. The local area of Bournemouth provides a picturesque coastal setting with various social and recreational options. Students can also chat with current student ambassadors to learn more about life at BU.

Fees

InternationalFor September 2026 and January 2027 entry, Taught Master’s fees range from £18,900 to £23,000 for full-time study (MA, MSc, LLM). The MBA fee is £20,000. An optional placement year incurs an additional reduced fee, not exceeding 20% of the standard annual UK tuition fee for that academic year. International students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit: £8,000 for students from Haryana and Punjab (India) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan), and £5,000 for students from all other countries.

HomeFor September 2026 and January 2027 entry, Taught Master’s fees range from £10,500 to £12,075 for full-time study (MA, MSc, LLM). The MBA fee is £15,250. An optional placement year incurs an additional reduced fee, not exceeding 20% of the standard annual UK tuition fee for that academic year. Postgraduate loans are available for eligible students, with up to £12,858 available for January 2026 entry (2026/27 figures not yet released).

LivingStudents should budget for accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses in the Bournemouth and Poole area, generally around £12,000–£14,000 per year, in line with UK student-visa maintenance requirements.

Fees are inclusive of essential course elements. Additional costs for optional items like textbooks, discretionary placements, and printing may apply. Specific course fees and anticipated additional costs are detailed on individual course pages.

Admissions

Taught Master's ProgramsA Bachelor Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject, or equivalent.

IELTS (Academic)Minimum 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component for Bachelor's or Master's programs.

IELTS (Academic)Minimum 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component for Research degree programs (some may require higher).

Kaplan Test of English (KTE)Accepted (25% discount available for BU applicants with code BOURKRS65).

Oxford International English Language Level Test (ELLT)Accepted (10% discount available with code BU10).

Rankings

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 202641st in the UK and among the top 500 globally

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026Best university in the South West, Top 20 in the UK

University scholarships

Academic Excellence Scholarship (International)£2,500

Academic Achievement Scholarship (International)Varies

Accreditation

Bournemouth University holds a TEF Silver rating for the quality of its teaching and student outcomes. The BU Business School is AACSB-accredited. The MSc Finance course offers 11 exemptions towards the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Adv Dip MA). The university is also a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA).

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Bournemouth University · United Kingdom

LLM Law

The LLM Law program at Bournemouth University offers a flexible postgraduate law degree designed for those seeking to deepen their legal knowledge. You can tailor your studies by selecting from a wide range of specialist legal units, allowing you to create a Master of Laws degree that aligns with your specific interests. The program is taught by internationally recognized staff, ensuring high-quality education and insights into various legal fields. Students benefit from a diverse and inclusive community, networking opportunities, and career support to enhance their professional prospects in diverse sectors.

Bournemouth University · United Kingdom

MSc Finance

The MSc Finance program is designed for individuals with a background in finance or a related field who wish to advance their financial skills in a dynamic global economy. This course blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing you to tailor your learning through optional units and a significant independent research project. You will gain a deep understanding of key financial areas, including risk management, derivatives, data analysis, and financial modeling. The program also offers an optional 30-week placement, providing valuable real-world experience in the financial sector.

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international Master's students at Bournemouth University?

For September 2026 and January 2027 entry, taught Master's fees range from £18,900 to £23,000 for full-time study (MA, MSc, LLM). The MBA fee is £20,000. International students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit, varying by country of origin.

What are the living costs for students at Bournemouth University?

Students should budget approximately £12,000–£14,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses in the Bournemouth and Poole area. This aligns with UK student visa maintenance requirements.

What are the English language requirements for international applicants?

For Bachelor's or Master's programs, a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each component is generally required. Research degrees may require a minimum of 6.5 overall. Other English tests like Kaplan Test of English and Oxford International ELLT are also accepted.

What academic qualifications are needed for Taught Master's programs?

For Taught Master's programs, applicants typically need a Bachelor Honours degree with a 2:2 classification or equivalent in any subject.

Does Bournemouth University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Bournemouth University offers scholarships for international students, such as the Academic Excellence Scholarship (a £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible undergraduate students) and the Academic Achievement Scholarship for postgraduate international students.

Last updated 3 July 2026