Bath Spa University

Address and Location

Bath Spa University is spread over several campuses. The largest is Newton Park, which boasts a rural setting with lakes, woods and farmland and is located four miles from Bath city centre. Sion Hill, the base for most Art Design courses, is a short walk from the centre, while the teacher training facility Culverhay is located in the grounds of Culverhay School, three miles away.

Background and History

Bath Spa University's origins go back to the Bath School of Art, founded in 1852. In 1975, Bath College of Higher Education was formed after the merger of Bath College and Newton Park, both teacher-training institutes. In 1992 the college was granted the power to award degrees, and the name Bath Spa University was first used in 1999. University status followed in 2005.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: Bath Spa railway station sits in the city centre, next to the bus station. For the Newton Park campus, the orange bus services SPA1 and SPA2 run every 20 minutes during term time. To reach Sion Hill, take service 2 and for Culverhay campus service 20a/c or service 10. Visitors to Corsham Court should take the train to Chippenham.

By Road: From the M4 motorway, join the A46 southbound at Junction 18 and take the A4 into Bath. The M4 and M5 provide access to London and Birmingham in under two hours.

Accessibility: Mobility access across the university is good. For information on additional services offered, visit the university website or contact the disability services team.

What's On Offer

BA, BSc, FdA, FdEd, FdMus, FdSc, Grad Cert, MA, MFA, MMus, MPhil, MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip, PhD.

Entry Requirements

Offers for most students start at BCC at A-Level, equivalent to 240 UCAS Points. Courses such as English and Pschyology have a slightly higher offer, at BBC, or 260 UCAS Points.

University Accommodation

Bath Spa offers a range of individual and shared accommodation, with prices rising where en suites are included and if rooms have been recently refurbished. First years are housed at Newton Park or in other halls between Newton Park and the city centre. For students at Sion Hill campus, halls of residence are a ten minute walk away.

Private Accommodation

The University secures houses in the private rented sector for first year students, prices are highest close to the centre of Bath and near the campuses.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Bath Spa consistently ranks in the top 100 universities in the UK, regularly scoring well for teaching quality, while teacher-training is a particular speciality. Several members of staff are National Teaching Fellows. Each academic school is also research-focussed, and world-leading ratings have been awarded to the university's programs in music, communication, media studies, art, history and English.

Tuition Fees

Currently, all undergraduate courses cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students, postgraduates and foundation courses vary. Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

The main Newton Park campus boasts a library building, bookshop, stationer's and new PC labs. Sion House, home to the University's Art and Design department, is equipped with a library, stationery materials shop, studios, workshops, Students' Union offices and a refectory. The Culverhay campus does not offer extensive facilities but internet access is available at all sites.

Other On-site Amenities

The Newton Campus offers a new Students' Union building, which includes a bar, gym, shop, office space, and new refectory with a restaurant-deli, coffee bar and theatre.

Medical and Social Care

Students registered with Bath Spa University Medical Centre can use the medical services provided by doctors at Fairfield Park. Surgeries are held at Newton Park and Fairfield Park. Also available is a chaplaincy, counselling and a drop-in student advice guidance service.

What's On in the Area

Bath is one of the UK's most beautiful cities. Alongside the historic Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery and Holborne Museum, various arts events are held throughout the year, including the annual Bath Festival. Shoppers are particularly well-served. Bristol's eclectic nightclub scene is only 12 minutes away by train, while London is a 90 minute journey in the other direction.

Moving on

Bath Spa Careers Service offers help to students planning their futures and looking for job opportunities. Information and resources are widely available and students are invited to workshops and practice interviews to improve their employability and interview skills. Recent graduates also have access to advice and job boards.

Notable Bath Spa alumni include Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop and Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moakes.

Is Bath Spa the place for you?

Bath Spa offers a wide variety of excellent vocational courses and is particularly well-equipped for those wanting to teach. The university combines campus-living with easy access to the city - ideal if you want a mix of both worlds. The institution is small but perfectly formed: if it's a large student community you're after then try nearby UWE or Plymouth.