Arts University of Bournemouth and British University Vietnam Collaboration Brings New Opportunities for Professional Communication Students

The visit and cooperative discussions highlight promising career opportunities for students in BUV’s Professional Communications programme, paving the way for communication enthusiasts to reach positions like Creative Director, Brand Designer, and Media Strategist in the future. 

The visit commenced with a fruitful meeting between Ms. Lisa Mann – Executive Director of Academic Innovation, Mr. Jon Reynard – University Secretary from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and representatives from BUV, led by Prof. Rick Bennett – Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, to introduce AUB Learning, Teaching and Assessment Framework (LTAF) to BUV’s staff and shared to the public. This framework addresses academic buoyancy, health and well-being, and will be applied to students who attend the Professional Communication Programme. Following this visit, the new Professional Communication Programme (Business, Design and Strategy) is set to be delivered at BUV starting in 2024. 

Promising future for Professional Communications Programme graduates 

 This brand-new programme, awarded by AUB, equips students with a comprehensive view and strategic thinking in communication, extending beyond mere creativity. It prepares communication enthusiasts for future roles such as Creative Director, Brand Designer, and Media Strategist. 

Ms. Lisa Mann – Executive Director of Academic Innovation giving a presentation about Arts University Bournemouth to prospective parents and students. 

With a rich history of 140 years in providing creative education, AUB stands as a beacon of excellence in the academic world. AUB also boasts an impressive track record, with 92% of its graduates securing employment in roles such as Creative Director, Brand Designer, and Media Strategist within 15 months of graduation. Reflecting its strong entrepreneurial spirit, AUB ranks 16th among all UK universities in terms of the proportion of graduates who start their businesses. This combination of robust employment rates and entrepreneurial success underscores AUB’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic creative industries. 

Advantage programme structure 

In terms of the structure of the Professional Communication Programme (Business, Design and Strategies), Ms. Lisa Mann shared that AUB and BUV have created a highly focused and industry-relevant curriculum. Unlike traditional programmes that include filler courses such as basic business fundamentals or generic modules, this programme is tailored specifically to meet the demands of the modern Communication industry. “The curriculum is designed in a way that helps students take up at the beginning, and then build on their skills as they work through the second and third year of the programme. By the time they reach year 3, they are ready to tackle projects alone, so they become almost professionals themselves,” shared Ms. Mann.  

Regarding the teaching methods of the Professional Communication Programme, Mr. Jon Reynard emphasised the crucial role of practical applications in the programme’s curriculum: “Practical skills are crucial in our courses, which are designed around hands-on creation and active learning. Students engage in a continuous cycle of making, reflecting, and improving. They start by creating and then reflecting on their work to enhance it, learn from tutors, collaborate with peers, and refine their skills”. At AUB and BUV, students have limitless opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of communication through placements, live projects, and internships. These experiences are designed to prepare students for the professional world, helping them understand the transferability of their skills and effectively communicate their abilities. 

Following the meetings at BUV, the visit from AUB representatives provided a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussions about the programme at BUV Experience Day. During the panel talk session at the event, interested parents and students had the chance to engage directly with AUB representatives. They learned more about the curriculum structure, career prospects and shared their thoughts on this programme’s opportunities offers. 

Dr. Paul DJ Moody – BUV’s Lead of the School of Communications & Creative Industries and AUB’s representatives joining the Panel discussion at BUV Experience Day. 

The collaboration between AUB and BUV holds promising prospects, with plans for enhanced opportunities for student exchange programmes on the horizon. This alliance ensures that students are equipped with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills needed to excel in an ever-evolving global landscape, reinforcing both institutions’ dedication to educational excellence and innovation.