BU & Beyond 2012 - Bournemouth University

“It’s life Jim, but not as we know
it”. Life sometimes does imitate art
(or, indeed, Star Trek), and the world
of higher education is certainly
changing beyond all recognition.
We are shifting from an age of
certainty to an age of uncertainty,
driven primarily by changes to the
way that English universities are
funded. Whereas previously we used
to receive a block grant from the
Government; that money has now
been re-directed through student
loans so a university’s income is
directly linked to the exact number
of students it teaches.
Now, for the record, I think it’s
absolutely right and proper that
a university’s income should be
determined by how many students
choose to study there, and of
course, its research funding. But
it does mean that our finances are
much more variable and difficult
to predict. And of course, success
now hinges largely on being able
to attract a suitable number of high
quality applicants; a task that takes
on a new level of complexity when
tuition fees, and therefore student
expectations, are increasing at the
same time.
This is why we needed a new
approach. We have to continue to
offer the same excellent academic
experience that we have always
offered, but we also have to think
of new ways to add even more
value to our students’ educational
experience. Earlier this year the
“ Creating the most
stimulating, challenging
and rewarding university
experience.
”
36 | BU & Beyond
Fusion at BU
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney explains BU’s exciting
new vision.
University Board approved a new
vision for Bournemouth University:
“Creating the most stimulating,
challenging and rewarding
university experience in a worldclass
learning community by
sharing our unique fusion of
excellent education, research and
professional practice and inspiring
our students, graduates and staff to
enrich the world”.
It is a vision I want us all – alumni,
staff, and students - to share as we
seek to establish BU as a world class
centre of academic excellence in
education, research and professional
practice; a learning community with
a truly global reach, combining the
elements of Creating, Sharing and
Inspiring to deliver the ultimate
experience for all.
But rewind a moment. A unique
fusion of excellent education,
research and professional practice
– what does that actually mean?
Don’t all universities offer education,
research and professional practice?
How is that different to what BU was
offering when I was studying there?
Well, I’m glad you asked, and as an
alumnus of BU’s predecessor myself
I fully recognise the importance