Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has announced a significant expansion of its undergraduate offerings. All programmes housed in the School of Arts, Media and Creative Industries Management now carry dual accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The partnership delivers a Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership alongside a university degree without additional coursework, examinations or extra cost.
In the competitive skills‑gap landscape, employers increasingly demand candidates who combine creative expertise with proven business acumen. The dual accreditation ensures that AUB graduates are equipped with both skill sets – a powerful edge in the creative and media industries.
What Dual Accreditation Means for Students
A dual accreditation is more than a badge on a CV. It reflects a curriculum that has been rigorously mapped to CMI’s professional standards, covering themes such as strategic thinking, team leadership, project management and stakeholder engagement. Students who complete any of the accredited courses receive:
- University degree (BA or BSc (Hons))
- Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership
- Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status immediately upon graduation
- Access to CMI membership resources, including the career development centre and Management Direct portal.
Because the CMI framework is internationally recognised, graduates can showcase a universally respected competency set to potential employers within the UK, EU, or globally.
Benefits Breakdown
- Immediate professional recognition: Holders of fCMgr status are viewed as ready to take on leadership roles.
- Clear progression path: After two years of experience, graduates can apply for full Chartered Manager status.
- Networking opportunities: CMI membership provides access to events, webinars, and peer groups.
- Work‑ready skillset: Coursework includes case studies, simulations, and industry projects that mirror real‑world challenges.
How AUB’s Partnership Enhances Employability
CMI research shows 89% of partner employers believe the Chartered Manager title boosts a graduate’s career prospects. AUB’s integration of this credential into its creative programmes aligns the university’s output directly with employer needs.
By embedding management concepts into creative curricula, students gain the following competitive advantages:
- Strategic project management for creative campaigns.
- Budget oversight and cost‑control for media productions.
- Stakeholder negotiation skills for brand partnerships.
- Data‑driven decision making for content strategy.
Employers in media houses, advertising agencies, fashion houses, and digital studios actively search for candidates who can bridge creative output with business objectives. AUB graduates, with dual accreditation, fit this profile effortlessly.
Industry Feedback Snapshot
- Creative directors at leading agencies cite the management training as a differentiator.
- Fashion brands value graduates who understand supply‑chain economics and brand positioning.
- Digital marketing firms welcome candidates who can translate analytics into actionable guidance.
Course‑Specific Accreditation Details
The dual accreditation currently applies to the following AUB courses:
- BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy – Explore course details
- BA (Hons) Content Creation with Marketing – Explore course details
- BA (Hons) Creative Direction – Explore course details
- BSc (Hons) Fashion Management and Strategy – Explore course details
- BA (Hons) Media, Marketing and Advertising – Explore course details
Students enrolment is open for the upcoming academic year. Prospective applicants should review the specific entry requirements on each programme page and consider how the dual accreditation aligns with their career ambitions.
Practical Learning Opportunities
- Industry‑hosted workshops covering brand launch strategies.
- Simulation labs for budget management in production environments.
- Peer‑led leadership retreats to develop conflict resolution skills.
- Mentored projects with real client briefings, enabling students to practice stakeholder management.
Career Pathways and Professional Development
Graduates enter a broad spectrum of roles: creative director, brand manager, content strategist, fashion strategist, media planner, and more. The dual accreditation facilitates entry into senior mid‑level roles that traditionally require managerial experience.
Typical career trajectories include:
- Junior Designer → Design Lead → Creative Director (with an fCMgr foundation)
- Marketing Graduate → Brand Manager → Chief Marketing Officer (enhanced by CMI pathway)
- Fashion Student → Supply Chain Analyst → Global Fashion Manager
- Media Graduate → Production Coordinator → Head of Production
Professional Resources and Support
CMI membership—available to all dual‑accredited students—provides:
- Online learning modules on advanced leadership techniques.
- Access to a private community of alumni and industry leaders.
- Discounts on professional events, conferences, and courses.
- Regular webinars on emerging trends in media, tech, and creative business.
In addition, AUB offers dedicated career support through the Future & Enterprise centre, where students receive personalized job‑search coaching and bespoke interview preparation.
How to Take Advantage of the Dual Accreditation
For students deciding between programmes, consider the following steps:
- Identify your long‑term role interest and check whether the associated course carries CMI accreditation.
- Review the curriculum to ensure it integrates core management modules.
- Speak with a course advisor or attend an open day to see how the partnership is implemented on campus.
- Apply before deadlines and gather supporting evidence of relevant work or volunteering experiences that showcase leadership potential.
- Once enrolled, actively participate in CMI‑hosted events, and leverage the membership resources to build a professional portfolio.
By deliberately aligning your study choices with the dual accreditation framework, you can accelerate your progression into creative leadership positions and stand out to employers worldwide.
Next Steps
Explore our full catalogue of accredited programmes and determine which aligns best with your career goals. Take advantage of the dual accreditation to add measurable business leadership credentials to your creative portfolio.
Apply today and secure your place in one of these industry‑aligned courses.
Have questions about the dual accreditation or how it will affect your future? Contact us for detailed guidance.
Ready to review the complete list of courses? Browse undergraduate programmes and discover how the dual accreditation can enhance your career prospects.
