Nestled in the heart of Dorset are prestigious educational institutions, comprising three
esteemed Higher Education establishments and three highly regarded Further Education colleges. These academic hubs cater to a diverse array of disciplines, fostering expertise in:
- Arts University Bournemouth – igniting creativity in arts, design and innovation
- Bournemouth University – offering expertise in media, visual effects, design, engineering, business, biomedical science, sport and law
- Bournemouth and Poole College – providing training in engineering, marine studies, construction, digital technology, IT, accounting, catering and performing arts
- Health Sciences University – a centre of excellence in applied health, sport, exercise and social science disciplines.
- Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College – bringing together two Further Education colleges the college supports the evolving and growing skills demands in the region, offering a wide range of courses across agriculture and agri-tech, animal welfare and science, business, construction, military studies, engineering, manufacturing, health sciences and catering.
With a student body of almost 23,000 pursuing degrees in Dorset, employers have access to a rich talent pool. Annually, 7,500 graduates emerge from Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, and Health Sciences University alone. Additionally, businesses can tap into the wider pool of graduates from neighbouring counties.
Further Education Colleges in the region provide a plethora of courses, ranging from full-
time to degree level, T-level, and A-level, along with apprenticeships and adult skills
training. These institutions maintain close ties with Dorset's businesses to ensure course offerings remain relevant to the evolving needs of the modern workplace and industry.