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.
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1992
Granted university status
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 history1992
Design and Engineering Show started
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’ work1994
Over 9,000 students studying with us
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’ stories1994
First SUBU Summer Ball held
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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
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 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 tour2009
Executive Business Centre opens
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 tour2010
Professor John Vinney appointed Vice-Chancellor
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 profile2010
Professor Tim Darvill appointed an OBE
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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
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 more2011
BU awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize
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 NCCA2012
BU graduate Andy Lockley wins an Oscar
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 Andy2012
Princess Anne visits BU
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 Faculty2012
First Festival of Learning
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 highlights2013
Signed partnership with AFC Bournemouth
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 more2013
BU generates more than £1 million a day spending
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 study2013
Cycling against Hip Pain programme launched
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 more2015
Praised by the Prime Minister in Parliament
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 more2015
Big Dig uncovers Iron Age town
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 story2015 - 2016
Three new buildings open
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 tour2016
Became a member of the Race Equality Charter
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 work2016
Reality of financial scamming highlighted
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 story2019
Kate Adie appointed Chancellor
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 story2019
Awarded Athena SWAN Bronze Award
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 more2019-2020
Gateway Buildings open
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 tour2022
BU becomes a top 70 global university
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 story2022
Success in the THE Impact Rankings
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 story2022
94% of research internationally-recognised
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 more2022
Big Dig unearths human remains
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 more2022
2022: our story continues
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
30th year timeline accessibility statement
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