Bath Spa University

Overview

Bath Spa University describes itself as a creative community of educators, makers, entrepreneurs, thinkers, innovators and leaders. Its origins date back to 1852 when the Bath School of Art was opened. 

The uni is spread across multiple sites which include both historic and modern elements. The Locksbrook Campus is the newest site and is centrally located in the city, alongside the River Avon. You’ll find a modern open-plan building with studio and social spaces sitting among food and drink establishments and a gallery. Newton Park Campus, on the other hand, is a parkland estate that has all the classic uni facilities on it, as well as a castle and a lake.

As a student at Bath Spa, you’ll be able to access the Students’ Union, which has over 70 clubs and societies to join, as well as the Student Wellbeing service, which provides professional, short-term counselling to those who want it.

The city of Bath itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its outstanding universal value, including its Roman ruins and baths. It’s a buzzing and friendly city that’s easy to explore and has plenty to offer. Known for its great pub scene, there are plenty of places to get a drink and student club nights are common. 

As well as its Roman history, Bath has loads to offer culturally. Annual events in the city include Bath in Fashion, the Bath Festival (celebrating music and literature), the Bath Film Festival and the famous Christmas markets.

The train station is a short walk from the city centre and gives access to the rest of the country, while Bristol International Airport is merely 15 miles from town and offers routes to Europe and further afield.  

Bath Spa University specialises in degrees across the arts, sciences, education, social science and business, meaning you can choose to study courses ranging from biology to criminology, politics to publishing, and more.

Courses are taught by outstanding creative professionals in cutting-edge, industry-standard facilities, like specialist workshops and labs, multi-camera TV studios and other purpose-built facilities.

Most students choose to study full-time, however, several courses can be done part-time as well, usually over a period of five to six years. You’ll also be able to find certain distance learning courses.

Typically, full-time undergraduate degrees at Bath Spa take three years to study, but a number of courses include placement years, study abroad options or an integrated master’s year. These courses usually take four or five years to complete.

Most degrees include optional modules, as well as core modules, meaning you can study the degree topics you’re most interested in.

It's also possible to combine two subjects within an undergraduate degree in what’s called a combined honours degree. For example, you could study history and politics.

Bath Spa accepts a wide range of Level 3 qualifications, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels.

You’ll be able to find each course’s specific entry requirements online on the uni’s course search pages, including any extra requirements like having studied a specific subject or needing to go to an interview as part of the application process. We’ve also given you an idea below of the kind of grades you’ll need to study various subjects.

For instance, to study a degree in business, accounting or finance, you’ll need A-levels ranging from BBB–BCC (or equivalent qualification), and to study a communication & media degree, you’ll be asked for BBB–CDD. For computing & IT degrees, you’ll need BBB–CCC, and for health & medicine courses, you’ll likely be asked for A-levels ranging from BBB–BCC (or equivalent qualification).

It should be noted that entry requirements can change so you should always confirm these with the university before applying.

At Bath Spa, there’s a variety of accommodation options available to students with a range of budgets and preferences. If you select Bath Spa as your firm choice and apply before the deadline, you’ll be guaranteed uni accommodation, meaning you won’t miss out on living with other students in your first year of study.

There are around 1,700 rooms available, both in the city and on campus, and you’ll have a choice between single and double rooms and en suite and shared bathroom residences. If you want to be in the city, Locksbrook Campus or Waterside and Charlton Court may be the best options for you.

Wherever you’re based, you’ll be in a convenient location and travel between all campuses is simple, with a student bus service running between the uni and the city. All accommodations are within easy reach of supermarkets, delis, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Rent prices for self-catered accommodation range from around £128 to £211 per week and include WiFi costs. 

As a student at Bath Spa, you’ll be able to use the Careers and Employability service to improve your job prospects by exploring different career options, getting work experience and progressing your career plan. The service offers lots of information on jobs, placements, enterprise and more.

There are loads of online resources you can access, as well as the opportunity to book one-to-one appointments with careers advisers. In these sessions, you’ll be able to talk about anything career-related, like writing your CV and cover letters, or perfecting your interview technique.

Regular events on campus can be attended, like workshops and skills sessions to help you improve important employability skills. Industry events like careers fairs will also give you the chance to meet employers and learn more about different industries.

The uni also runs an industry mentor scheme that pairs students up with industry professionals who can offer help and advice. You can also access start-up and enterprise support if you have your own business or freelancing idea.

There’s a range of scholarships, bursaries and awards available at Bath Spa to help certain students fund their studies. This extra financial help can go towards study and living costs and doesn’t need to be paid back.

The Bath Spa Bursary, for example, is worth up to £4,000 per applicant, split over three years. To be eligible, you must come from a home address that doesn’t see a lot of students go on to uni after school or college. How much you receive depends on your household income. This bursary doesn’t need to be applied for, as it will be awarded automatically.

The Undergraduate Scholarship is worth £500 for first-year students who get better A-level (or equivalent) grades than they’re predicted, or get AAB at A-level, or who show outstanding talent in the creative or performing arts.

There are also several scholarships that are provided by external organisations, e.g., for students who choose to study abroad during their degree.

You can find out about all the scholarships and bursaries available, as well as their eligibility criteria, by visiting the uni’s online funding pages.