PROSPECTIVE students can tour a Bournemouth university's campus - without ever leaving their home.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has launched an augmented reality (AR) app which allows users to tour the site.

Representatives from the university say the app, which will form an "essential part" of the recruitment process, will give would-be students an "immersive insight into campus life".

Work by current students will also be showcased.

Karen Thurlow, who heads AUB's marketing department, said: "Recruitment strategies are having to change to connect with, and attract the attention of, Generation Z.

"The way young people research universities is evolving, as is their relationship with mobile technology. Smartphone leaders are investing heavily in AR and we saw the opportunity to use the growing capabilities of AR to intrigue prospective students.

"We want to attract the most creative people to our university, and so it makes sense that we use effective creative marketing techniques to attract the best students."

The app is activated by a marker in AUB's prospectus. Users who focus their smartphone camera on the front cover can access animation and 360-degree imagery.

It will be used at higher education events. Prospective students can also access it ahead of open days.

It was created by Jason Hancock, a former AUB student. He said: "Augmented reality provides an element of novelty, but we believe it also enables the university to showcase the very best of life at AUB."

The university will also launch a video on how to use the app. The event will take place in a giant cube on the campus. Students will be invited to experience the app for themselves during the launch.