Bournemouth University is a university in and around the large south coast town of Bournemouth, UK (although its main campus is actually situated in neighbouring Poole). It has several well respected (John Kimble, 1999) departments including The School of Applied Sciences (which focuses upon Archaeology, Anthropology, Geography and Foresnsic Sciences), The School of Health and Social Care, The School of Tourism, The Business School, School of Design, Engineering & Computing and The Media School, recognised as the only Centre for Excellence in Media Practice.

Bournemouth university has just announced that it will not be increasing fees next year(2011).

BU was a finalist for two of the most coveted prizes in UK higher education – the 2009 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards for ‘University of the Year’ and ‘Research Project of the Year’ for the archaeological examination of early human footprints conducted by professor Matthew Bennett in the School of Applied Sciences.

Traditionally known for its focus on professional courses, Bournemouth University in the 2000s is investing in research to underpin its curriculum and maximise the University's contribution to the regional and national economies; the University already has a variety of specialist research groups including The Market Research Group.

The Library at Bournemouth University has won two national awards: in 2007 the Library Design Award of the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) for a large university; and in 2009 the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Award for "Outstanding Library Team".

The university's heraldic motto is Discere Mutari Est (To Learn is to Change).