Bournemouth University graduate Luke Fribbens (BSc (Hons) Software Systems Framework) is celebrating a major milestone as his digital agency, Cold Banana, has been named a finalist at the National Digital Awards 2026 in the Best Agency Team (Small) category. Founded in 2015, the Bournemouth‑based company has grown from Luke’s post‑university ambition into an international agency delivering… Read more » about From BU Graduate to Digital Leader: How Luke Fribbens Built an Award Nominated Agency
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Shaping Change Through Lived Experience: Charity’s Path Beyond BU
From the moment Charity Omoduemuke discovered Bournemouth University (BU), she felt drawn to its reputation for practical, career‑focused learning and its supportive, inclusive student community. For her, university was never just about gaining academic knowledge—it was about building confidence, developing real‑world skills, and finding a place that would help her grow personally and professionally. BU… Read more » about Shaping Change Through Lived Experience: Charity’s Path Beyond BU
Blue Skies Lifestyle: a Bournemouth University Success Story
Bournemouth-based luxury travel agency Blue Skies Lifestyle has strong roots in Bournemouth University, with a third of its current team made up of BU graduates across a range of disciplines. Founded in 2005 by Bournemouth University alumni Andy and Fran Castle, Blue Skies Lifestyle is a family-run business specialising in high-end luxury ski chalet and… Read more » about Blue Skies Lifestyle: a Bournemouth University Success Story
Rising strong: How resilience led BU graduate to the world stage
Claudia Gowland’s journey to representing Great Britain at the 2026 IPF World Bench Press Championships is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and personal growth. Her path into elite sport began at age 15, when she first started training with a focus on cardio. Over time, her interests shifted toward strength work, eventually guiding her… Read more » about Rising strong: How resilience led BU graduate to the world stage
Pioneering Progress: The Inspiring Journey of Dr Connie Wilson
For Dr Connie Wilson, embarking on a Doctorate in Business Administration at Bournemouth University marked the beginning of a transformative journey—one that would blend academic curiosity, technological innovation and a passion for creating change in the engineering world. As part of the first doctoral cohort at BU, Connie was drawn to a programme that offered… Read more » about Pioneering Progress: The Inspiring Journey of Dr Connie Wilson
From Childhood Holidays to a Forensic Career: Laura Songhurst’s Path to Purpose
Laura Songhurst’s journey to Bournemouth University began long before she enrolled as a mature student. Having spent her childhood visiting Dorset, she had always felt a strong connection to the area. This familiarity became a key factor in her decision to study at BU, offering both comfort and confidence as she embarked on the next… Read more » about From Childhood Holidays to a Forensic Career: Laura Songhurst’s Path to Purpose
Animation skills led to a career in film and gaming
Jie credits his time at BU with helping to focus his career aspirations on becoming a character artist. Having impressed the team at Motion Picture Company (MPC) with his graduate showreel, he secured a role as a technical animator with the company – specialising in fur and cloth – and went on to contribute to films including… Read more » about Animation skills led to a career in film and gaming
Meet the BU graduates behind this year’s Oscar-nominated films
Bournemouth University graduates are behind some of the biggest films in the running for this year’s Academy Awards. Graduates from the National Centre for Computer Animation and Media School have contributed to all five films nominated in the Best Visual Effects category and at least four of the titles nominated in the Best Picture category, including Hamnet,… Read more » about Meet the BU graduates behind this year’s Oscar-nominated films
Graduate Story: Mark Roberts – BSc (Hons) Information Systems Management, 1993
A journey through BU’s transformation Mark Roberts began his studies when the institution was still the Dorset Institute, experiencing its transition to Bournemouth Polytechnic and finally Bournemouth University. Drawn by BU’s strong reputation for industry‑aligned education, he chose Information Systems Management for its blend of technology and leadership—equipping him for the increasing importance of technology… Read more » about Graduate Story: Mark Roberts – BSc (Hons) Information Systems Management, 1993
Rediscovering her Calling: Kate Williams’ journey back to nursing
Kate Williams completed her undergraduate degree in nursing from BU in 2008. Kate worked within health promotion before taking on a commissioning role. She returned to BU in 2022 to complete her return to nursing practice. “During my career, I’ve seen many sides to the health and care system, gained a Master’s in commissioning, and… Read more » about Rediscovering her Calling: Kate Williams’ journey back to nursing
BAFTA Special Award for animation studio founded by BU graduates
An animation studio founded by three BU graduates is to receive a BAFTA Special Award in recognition of its social and cultural impact. The award for Blue Zoo Animation Studio recognises its 25-year legacy since being founded by classmates from BU’s National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) – Tom Box, Adam Shaw and Oli Hyatt,… Read more » about BAFTA Special Award for animation studio founded by BU graduates
From BU to AI Innovation: Graduate Andac Akpulat on Technology, Healthcare, and Finding Purpose
BU alumnus Andac Akpulat, who completed his MSc in Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence in 2023, is already establishing himself as an emerging voice in the rapidly evolving world of medical AI. His journey began with a lifelong passion for technology and human wellbeing—an interest that grew during his undergraduate studies in Electrical and Electronics… Read more » about From BU to AI Innovation: Graduate Andac Akpulat on Technology, Healthcare, and Finding Purpose









