We were delighted to be approached by AUB to create a sand drawing in Bournemouth with the help of students from the university. Their reputation as a leading creative institution gelled well with our creative passions and belief in the arts and its importance. Also Jamie spent his student years in Bournemouth so it holds a special place in our hearts. The sand drawing was to launch the Universities new logo.
A day on the beach
Dave and Peter travelled from our studio in West Yorkshire to mark out the sand drawing in Bournemouth ready for the students to help rake the image in. As we have licensed drone pilots in our team, we could capture all the assets too. The image was 50 metres in length. Thank you so much to AUB for letting us be a part of this event.
When people think about studying art and design in the UK, names like London colleges or Central Saint Martins often dominate the conversation. But tucked away on England’s stunning south coast is a university quietly building a reputation for creative excellence: Arts University Bournemouth.
Known simply as AUB, the university has become one of the UK’s leading specialist institutions for art, design, media, film, and performance. With its industry-focused courses, collaborative culture, and beachside lifestyle, it offers a very different university experience from the typical large academic institution.
A Specialist University Built for Creatives
Unlike traditional universities that offer hundreds of unrelated degrees, AUB focuses almost entirely on the creative industries. Students can study everything from animation and fine art to costume design, photography, architecture, makeup, and film production.
This specialist approach creates a unique atmosphere. Creativity is embedded into everyday campus life. According to the university, the campus functions like a “microcosm of the creative industries,” where collaboration across disciplines is encouraged.
It’s common to see film crews shooting projects outside lecture spaces, fashion students carrying garments across campus, or animation teams working late in studios. That constant creative energy is one of the biggest reasons students choose AUB over larger universities.
A Campus Designed Around Creativity
One of AUB’s strongest selling points is its modern campus. Located between Bournemouth and Poole, the university has invested heavily in specialist facilities and industry-standard equipment.
Students have access to:
- Professional film studios
- Photography darkrooms
- Animation suites
- Performance theatres
- Printmaking workshops
- Dedicated design studios
- Contemporary gallery spaces
For creative students, this matters enormously. Having access to professional equipment during university often makes the transition into industry much smoother after graduation.
The university also places a strong emphasis on practical learning rather than purely theoretical teaching. Many courses involve live briefs, collaborative projects, exhibitions, screenings, and portfolio development.
A Strong Reputation for Animation and Film
AUB is particularly well known for animation, film, and visual storytelling courses. The university’s animation programmes are often discussed alongside some of the UK’s strongest creative schools. Students appreciate the chance to explore multiple animation styles, including 2D, 3D, stop motion, and experimental work.
The university’s Bournemouth Film School also has a respected reputation within UK creative education. Students gain practical experience through collaborative productions that mirror real industry environments.
That hands-on approach is increasingly important in creative careers, where portfolios and practical experience often matter as much as academic grades.
Bournemouth
We have worked in Bournemouth many times over the years including sand sculpture, ice sculpture and workshops, so it was lovely to bring sand drawing too. We always make sure we pop into Chez Fred for fish and chips (vegan alternatives for most of us!). Jamie spent his uni years working the shop and we have kept in touch ever since.
