Capital Investment Aims to Expand Bournemouth Film School
On 19 November 2025, the Office for Students (OfS) announced that Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) had been awarded £1.25 million in capital funding. The grant is earmarked for the Bournemouth Film School (BFS), the largest independent film school outside London. This investment will broaden course offerings, upgrade facilities and strengthen ties with industry partners across the South‑West.
The Funding Allocation and What It Covers
The OfS grant is a direct response to the university’s strategic bid to enhance the quality and relevance of its film‑related programmes. The most noticeable areas of impact include:
- Studio and Production Infrastructure – The new money will finance the refurbishment of existing sound stages, lighting bays and post‑production suites. Additional high‑end rigging will enable students to work on projects that mirror the technical standards of professional TV and feature film production.
- Industry‑ready Equipment – BFS will acquire the latest cinema‑grade cameras, motion‑capture rigs and virtual‑reality rigs. These tools are essential for training in the growing fields of augmented reality storytelling and interactive media.
- Teaching Spaces and Learning Labs – Dedicated workshop areas for costume, prop and makeup design will be expanded, alongside a new multimedia lab that supports 3‑D printing and digital fabrication.
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency – Part of the grant will fund upgrades to HVAC systems and the introduction of LED‑powered lighting, reducing the school’s carbon footprint and operating costs.
BFS: A Hub of Innovation and Practical Learning
BFS has long been recognised for its blend of creative exploration and industry‑directed curriculum. The OfS fund will bring this approach to a new level. According to Dean Jonathan Carr, “We’re thrilled to receive this support at a time when the craft of filmmaking evolves rapidly. The new facilities will enrich the student experience and position BFS as a pillar of the UK’s creative economy.”
Students will benefit from increased access to professional‑grade tools, enabling them to produce work that meets the calibre of today’s broadcasters and streaming platforms. Furthermore, the university’s close collaboration with regional employers means that course placements and real‑world projects will be more deeply integrated into the curriculum.
Impacts on Students and Employment Prospects
The capital injection will translate into tangible advantages for current and prospective students:
- Expanded Course Offerings – New modules such as ‘Virtual Production’ and ‘Digital Storytelling for Social Media’ will be introduced, bridging the gap between traditional film studies and emerging online content creation.
- Enhanced Practical Experience – With upgraded facilities, students will work on longer, industry‑sourced projects, providing portfolio pieces that demonstrate proficiency with cutting‑edge technology.
- Career Counselling and Networking – The BFS career services will receive additional funding to host guest‑speaker series, alumni panels and job fairs, strengthening connections with production houses and media agencies.
- Financial Sustainability for Students – By investing in energy‑efficient infrastructure, the university can reduce operational costs in the long term, potentially allowing for smaller tuition or better bursaries.
According to OfS Director of Resources and Finance Nolan Smith, “The projects we are supporting will make a tangible difference to current and future students, expanding opportunities in strategically important subject areas and promoting national growth.” This is a strong endorsement of BFS’s alignment with the UK’s creative sector strategy.
How the Funding Supports Regional Growth
The OfS statement highlighted a four‑fold justification for the grant: industry strategy, local employer needs, value for money, and environmental sustainability. AUB’s role as a hub for creative talent means that the university’s growth directly fuels the local economy. Increased student spending, support for local production companies and the attraction of visiting industry practitioners all contribute to a thriving regional creative ecosystem.
Practical Steps for Prospective Students
If you’re considering a career in film, animation, costume design or any of the creative disciplines offered by BFS, the timing is ideal. The new facilities and expanded programme options set up a learning environment that matches industry demands.
Here are the next steps to engage with AUB and BFS:
- Book an Open Day – Experience the campus, meet faculty and explore upgraded studios.
- Start Your Application – The early‑application window is open; be sure to submit your portfolio and personal statement by the deadline.
- Chat with Current Students – Get firsthand insights into course life and the impact of new facilities.
- Explore Career Services – Learn about mentorship and internship opportunities within the local media sector.
Getting the Most from BFS’s New Infrastructure
Students who enrol in the coming academic year should focus on:
- Hands‑On Projects – Seek out units that require the new equipment. Apply your skills across a range of mediums, from practical lighting setups to virtual set design.
- Cross‑Disciplinary Collaboration – Use the joint workshops for costume and makeup design to collaborate with departments like animation or digital effects. This breadth of skill often attracts employers.
- Portfolio Development – Build a cohesive body of work that demonstrates technical mastery as well as creative vision, showcasing the capacities of the upgraded facilities.
- Industry‑Oriented Networking – Attend the regular networking events. The university’s alumni network in the film and television industry can be a powerful launchpad.
Where to Find More Information
The university’s website hosts detailed pages on each programme, application deadlines, scholarship options and industry partnership descriptions. Regular updates via the news portal provide insights into ongoing developments, including the impact of the new funding on course structures.
Take Action and Secure Your Creative Future
The OfS investment confirms that Arts University Bournemouth is investing in the next wave of creative talent. For students ready to build a career in the high‑growth creative industries, now is the time to act.
- Submit your application today to become part of a dynamic learning community.
- Schedule a campus tour to see the new facilities firsthand.
- Contact admissions for any specific queries about programmes or funding.
- Share your experience in the comments below or join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram to connect with fellow creatives.
With new infrastructure, closer industry ties and a proven track record of delivering high‑quality creative education, Arts University Bournemouth stands ready to launch the next generation of film and media professionals into the global market.
