[6] As early as 1965, in the House of Commons, the number of students at the college was highlighted, and the Secretary of State was asked to consider a university application.

Bernard MacManus was appointed Director in 1983 and presided over a significant expansion in curriculum and student numbers, against a backdrop of initial uncertainty over the Weymouth Campus.

The period between 1983 and 1994 saw the Institute expand into new disciplines including heritage, tourism, tax, public relations, computer animation and information systems.

The foundation stone for the College of Technology (1970s) resides in the main lobby of Poole House, Talbot Campus.

The expansion under Dr MacManus allowed the institute to make a strong case to become a polytechnic, which was gained in 1990.

[5] By 1996 the university had 11 endowed professorial posts, including:[9] In recent years the university has announced a significant investment programme, and by 2018 it plans to invest £200 million in new buildings and facilities including a new Student Centre, which opened in March 2015.

[15] The blue represents the nearby sea, reflecting the location of the university,[15] on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset.

[31] The high salary increases awarded to Bournemouth University Vice Chancellor John Vinney were justified as a reflection of this improvement.

SUBU operates numerous venues including the nightclub The Old Fire station on the Lansdowne campus, the Student Shop, Ground Up Cafe and with Dylans Bar on Talbot.