In 2025, BU ranked 59th and top 10 in the UK out of 2,526 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, which measure universities all over the world against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. BU also ranked within the top 500 universities in the THE World University Rankings 2026. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise, 94% of BU’s research was rated as internationally recognised or higher.
Student experience is at the heart of the university’s vision, and Bournemouth University was awarded first place in the category of Mental Health and Wellbeing Support at the 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, an award voted for by students.
BU holds a TEF Silver Ranking and is one of just six universities in the UK to have been awarded an Ofsted Outstanding for the quality of its apprenticeship provision.
BU ranked 6th in the UK overall in the People & Planet University League 2025/26, which ranks university environmental and ethical performance, including two joint-1st rankings for BU in water reduction (for the university’s rainwater harvesting) and energy sources (for the percentage of renewable energy generated on campus).
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alison Honour joined Bournemouth University in the summer of 2024, and has led the university towards a new structure, and the imminent launch of the university’s new 10-year strategic plan; BU2035.
Bournemouth University is home to three Faculties, the Faculty of Health, Environment and Medical Sciences; the Faculty of Business and Law; and the Faculty of Media, Science and Technology.
BU’s research, education and practice helps people live better for longer; protects and preserves a sustainable environment; helps to prepare for and recover from crisis; challenges marginalisation, misinformation and underrepresentation; and helps creative industries and cultural heritage to thrive.
BU is a catalyst for growth in the region, underlining its key civic responsibility, with regional partnerships in healthcare, business and sport.