Bournemouth is ranked the UK's Number One New University according to 'The Guardian University Guide 2009', being placed 38th overall. During the last two years alone, it has leapt a remarkable 41 places in the Guide.

The University is especially strong in the field of Tourism & Hospitality and has been ranked No.1 in the UK in this field by the 'The Guardian University Guide' in both 2007 and 2008. It has been voted by UK headteachers as the best for Tourism for three straight years in a survey published in 'The Sunday Times University Guide' (2005, 2006 and 2007).

The University's origins can be traced to the early part of the 20th century with the foundation of the former Bournemouth Municipal College. Its modern history began in the early 1970s with the creation of the Bournemouth College of Technology. In 1992, it became Bournemouth University with inauguration on November 27th of the same year. Throughout its life, Bournemouth University has developed a strong reputation for offering a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate study, research and consultancy. The number of students attending the University has risen to almost 16,000 within a quarter of a century. Inspired by an entrepreneurial spirit, the University continues in the development of learning opportunities and is amongst the leaders in the UK for graduate employment.