Bath Spa University
Bath, United Kingdom
Bath Spa University
Bath, United Kingdom
Founded
1852
Institution Type
Public University
Students
7,500+
Guardian Ranking 2026
61st in UK
Discover Bath Spa University: A Creative Hub in a UNESCO World Heritage City
Discover Bath Spa University: A Creative Hub in a UNESCO World Heritage City
Bath Spa University traces its roots to 1852, when the Bath School of Art was established following the Great Exhibition of 1851. Over more than 170 years, the institution evolved through mergers and growth, gaining full university status in August 2005. Today, it is recognised as a champion of creativity, culture and enterprise, offering teaching and research across arts, sciences, education, social sciences and business.
Set across multiple campuses in and around the historic city of Bath, the university's main campus at Newton Park features Capability Brown-designed grounds, Grade I listed buildings, a lake, nature reserve and modern academic facilities. The Locksbrook Campus, a renovated Nicholas Grimshaw-designed factory, houses the Bath School of Art, Film and Media and the Bath School of Design. The Corsham Court Centre serves as a base for postgraduate research students.
Bath Spa University was named University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 and rose 47 places to 61st in the 2026 Guardian League Table, making it the highest-rising university in the UK that year. The university is home to students from over 80 countries and maintains a growing alumni network, with notable graduates including food writer and television presenter Mary Berry and Turner Prize winner Sir Howard Hodgkin.
Key Milestones
- 1852: Bath School of Art founded following the Great Exhibition of 1851, establishing the institution's creative heritage.
- 1975: Bath Teacher Training College and Bath College of Domestic Science merged to form the Bath College of Higher Education.
- 2005: Granted full university status and officially renamed Bath Spa University.
- 2019: Opened the new Locksbrook Campus, a state-of-the-art renovation of the historic Herman Miller factory for art and design students.
Academic Schools and Programmes at Bath Spa University
Academic Schools and Programmes at Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University organises its academic offering across several schools, covering a diverse range of disciplines from creative arts and education to business and sciences. The university offers over 190 programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a strong emphasis on creativity, practical experience and employability across all subject areas.
Bath School of Art, Film and Media
Based at the Locksbrook Campus, this school is renowned for its creative arts heritage dating back to 1852. It offers programmes in fine art, photography, film production and media, nurturing students in purpose-built studio and workshop spaces.
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Film and Screen Studies
- BA (Hons) Photography
Bath School of Design
Also located at the Locksbrook Campus, this school focuses on design innovation and creative practice. Students work in open-plan, collaborative spaces designed to foster experimentation and professional development.
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- BA (Hons) Fashion Design
- BA (Hons) Textile Design
School of Education
One of the largest providers of teacher education in the South West of England, this school has a long-standing reputation for training high-quality education professionals. It offers initial teacher training, education studies and early childhood programmes.
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- PGCE Primary Education
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
School of Music and Performing Arts
Home to the Michael Tippett Centre, the only purpose-built concert hall in Bath, this school offers programmes in music, drama, dance and performing arts. Students benefit from dedicated dance studios, a theatre and professional performance spaces.
- BA (Hons) Music
- BA (Hons) Drama
- BA (Hons) Dance
Bath Business School
The business school provides practical, career-focused programmes in business management, marketing and accounting. It emphasises enterprise, entrepreneurship and real-world industry engagement through placements and live briefs.
- BA (Hons) Business and Management
- BA (Hons) Marketing
- MBA Master of Business Administration
School of Sciences
Offering programmes in biology, environmental science, food and nutrition, psychology and computing, this school combines scientific rigour with practical application. It is particularly noted for its food and nutrition programme, which ranks among the top in the UK.
- BSc (Hons) Biology
- BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
Admission Requirements for Bath Spa University
Admission Requirements for Bath Spa University
Undergraduate Admissions
- Typical OfferUCAS tariff points vary by programme; A-levels, BTEC, IB (minimum 27 points) or equivalent qualifications accepted
- IELTS (International)6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component for most programmes
- Application MethodVia UCAS or directly through the Bath Spa University website
- Personal StatementRequired; some programmes also require a portfolio or audition
- Application FeeContact the university directly for the most current data
Postgraduate Admissions
- Degree RequirementA bachelor's degree in a relevant field, typically a Second-Class honours (2:2 or above)
- IELTS (International)6.5 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component; some programmes require 7.0
- Application MethodApply directly via the university's online application system
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, references, personal statement, proof of English proficiency
- Research ProgrammesTOEFL minimum 75; research proposal typically required for MPhil/PhD applicants
Undergraduate applications submitted by this date receive equal consideration from the university.
Final deadline for undergraduate applications through UCAS for most programmes.
Postgraduate taught and research programmes accept applications on a rolling basis; early application is recommended.
The primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes begins in September each year.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Bath Spa University
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University offers competitive tuition fees for both home (UK) and international students. Fees vary by programme and level of study, and the university provides a range of scholarships to support students financially. All figures below are approximate annual amounts; please check the university website for the most current fee schedules.
| Fee Category | Home (UK) Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | GBP 9,250 per year | GBP 10,565 - 15,400 per year |
| Postgraduate Taught | Contact university for details | GBP 15,905 - 19,155 per year |
| On-Campus Accommodation | GBP 83 - 310 per week | GBP 83 - 310 per week |
| Estimated Living Costs | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 per year | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 per year |
| Total | Contact university for total programme costs | Contact university for total programme costs |
International Recruitment Office Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship for international students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, offering a significant reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 5,000
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students with strong academic records
- Application: Automatically considered upon admission; no separate application required
Alumni Progression Scholarship
Bath Spa University graduates progressing to a taught Master's course may be eligible for a tuition fee discount, available to UK, EU, international and part-time students.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 2,000
- Eligibility: Bath Spa University graduates enrolling in a taught postgraduate programme
- Exclusions: Not available for PGCE courses
Campus and Facilities at Bath Spa University
Campus and Facilities at Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University operates across three distinctive campuses in and around the historic city of Bath. Each campus offers unique facilities, from Grade I listed heritage buildings and Capability Brown gardens to state-of-the-art creative studios and modern learning spaces, providing an inspiring environment for study and research.
The university's largest campus, set in Capability Brown-designed grounds leased from the Duchy of Cornwall, featuring historic listed buildings, the Commons academic building, Michael Tippett Centre concert hall, student accommodation, and a nature reserve.
A renovated listed building designed by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, this campus opened in 2019 and houses the Bath School of Art, Film and Media and the Bath School of Design with wide open-plan creative spaces.
Located near Corsham, this Grade I listed house dating back to 1582 serves as the base for postgraduate research students, offering study spaces, a library and seminar rooms in a tranquil setting.
Housing and Student Facilities
Accommodation
Bath Spa University offers self-catered accommodation across six locations including the Newton Park campus and city-centre halls. First-year undergraduates who make Bath Spa their firm choice are guaranteed an offer of accommodation.
- Single, shared and en-suite room options available
- All rooms fully furnished with Wi-Fi, heating and 24/7 security
- Weekly rents range from GBP 83 to GBP 310 depending on room type
Key Facilities
The university provides extensive learning and recreational facilities including a 24-hour library, purpose-built concert hall, dance studios, theatre, green screen film studios, and a Students' Union with a bar, cafe, gym and shop.
- 24-hour University Library with print and digital resources
- Michael Tippett Centre: Bath's only purpose-built concert hall
- SU gym, sports pitches, netball court and walled garden social space
Student Life at Bath Spa University
Student Life at Bath Spa University
Student life at Bath Spa University is shaped by a close-knit, creative community set within one of the UK's most beautiful and culturally rich cities. The Students' Union runs a vibrant programme of clubs, societies and events, while the city of Bath itself offers theatres, galleries, festivals and a thriving arts scene just minutes from campus.
Bath: A UNESCO World Heritage City
Bath: A UNESCO World Heritage City
Living and Studying in Bath
Bath is one of the UK's most attractive and safest cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its outstanding Georgian architecture and Roman heritage. The compact, walkable city offers a rich cultural scene with theatres, galleries, literature festivals and a thriving independent food and shopping scene, all surrounded by beautiful countryside including the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills.
UNESCO World Heritage Status
Bath's stunning Georgian architecture, Roman Baths and natural hot springs have earned it recognition as one of only a handful of entire cities designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Excellent Transport Links
Regular 90-minute train services run directly to London, while Bristol is just 10 minutes away by train. Bath Spa train station provides connections across the UK and to Bristol Airport.
Vibrant Cultural Scene
Home to the Theatre Royal, Holburne Museum, annual literature and film festivals, and over 150 independent restaurants and bars, Bath offers a rich social and cultural life for students.
Safe and Student-Friendly
Bath consistently ranks as one of the safest university cities in England and Wales, with a compact layout that makes it easy to get around on foot, by bike or via the dedicated university bus service.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Bath Spa Graduates Work
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
The English Language Unit offers free one-to-one tutorials and short courses throughout the year for all students whose first language is not English, helping improve academic writing and speaking confidence.
The international student support team provides advice on Student Route visas, the Graduate Route (allowing graduates to stay in the UK for two years after completing their degree), and related immigration matters.
International students can pay fees securely via Flywire or EasyTransfer in over 130 currencies. The university also assists with opening UK bank accounts and provides guidance on budgeting and living costs in Bath.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Bath Spa University Rankings
Bath Spa University Rankings
Bath Spa University has demonstrated significant upward momentum in UK league tables, achieving its highest rankings in recent years. The university is recognised particularly for student satisfaction, teaching quality and social inclusion, and continues to climb across multiple national ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Food and Nutrition | The Guardian | #2 in UK |
| Computer Science | The Guardian | Top 20% in UK |
| Creative Writing | Complete University Guide | #12 in UK |
| Journalism | The Guardian | #26 in UK |
Features
Bath Spa University is a public, teaching-led university with strong emphasis on creativity and professional practice across arts, humanities, education, business, and the sciences. With its origins dating back to 1852 and achieving full university status in 2005, it maintains a small‑student community (~13K–17K students depending on metrics), a staff community of ~1,200, and a relatively low proportion of international students (~4–8%). Employability of graduates is decent (~76% in work or further study). Known for excellent creative and education courses, the campus is community-focused and student‑centred, with a favourable staff‑to‑student ratio and recognition for social inclusion.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - January
Location
Newton St Loe, Bath BA2 9BN, United Kingdom
Map not found.
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