The university was first founded in the early 20th century as the predecessor Bournemouth Municipal College. The college initially offered courses to prepare students for University of London degrees (1942-1976).[5] In the mid 1960s there were 6,850-day and evening students.[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.[6] At the time the Government did not intend to create any new universities until the late 1970s,.[6]