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What are the facilities like?
As a 'teaching-led' university we put a lot of effort into helping you get the most from your studies. You'll expect first rate lecturers, but you'll also want modern, well equipped libraries and IT suites; innovative teaching methods; the chance to study abroad - and much more!
Libraries
Each campus has a library with stock that reflects the courses that are taught there. At Bath School of Art and Design, the University has invested in equipping a central new specialist library facility which opened at Sion Hill in 2009. Here you can seek creative inspiration from a wealth of specialist books, up-to-date journals as well as collections of exhibition catalogues, slides and DVDs.
At Newton Park, our larger campus library, there is a comprehensive collection of books, journals, CDs and DVDs covering the wide range of subjects we teach. If you’re an Education student there is a separate collection of resources to use when you are on teaching placements in schools. As well as traditional library materials there’s also large and increasing range of electronic resources such as electronic journals, electronic books and online services to help you access high quality information for your university work.
Both libraries benefit from state-of-the art self-service equipment and photocopying and printing facilities.
Study Areas
The libraries are divided into separate areas for different kinds of study. If you want to work in peace there are “amber zones” where we ask people to talk quietly and not use mobiles. If you really need to concentrate you can work in a “red zone” where we ask people not to talk or use equipment that might disturb others. However, at other times you’ll need to work with others on group projects, so we’ve set aside “green zones” where you can talk, use mobile phones, eat and drink. During 2010/11 the front area of Newton Park Library has been completely re-designed and refurbished to improve services and facilities for students. One of the main aims is to provide additional collaborative learning space and laptop docking points as well as a vibrant, modern and welcoming reception area and library information point. This exciting new study space will open 24/7 in term-time.
Getting Help
Professionally qualified librarians run sessions that teach you how to find and use information - helping you to produce good quality work but saving you time as well. We also offer one-to-one tutorials, an electronic enquiry service and advice as and when you need it.
If you're a disabled student you'll get help on an individual basis to make sure we best meet your library and information needs.
Computer Facilities
There are several hundred networked computers for students to use, many in open access rooms which are available in the evenings and at weekends as well during the day. You can use these computers for word-processing, spreadsheets, database work, email and access to the Internet. And you’ll find user-friendly online help pages covering all aspects of IT at the University.
There are also specialised computer facilities across the campuses for subjects such as music, art and design, and media production. We have both PCs and Apple Macs as well as wireless connections for laptops.
When you become a Bath Spa student you’ll be given your own email account – which you can keep for life!
Learning Development
Our Writing and Learning Centre can help students improve their learning and reach their potential. The transition to university can seem daunting, and you may be concerned about skills such as academic writing, referencing, critical thinking, time management, oral presentation, reading and note-taking. All of these skills – and more – can be developed with the help of the Writing and Learning Centre.
Online Learning
As a teaching-led university we make sure we’re right up to date with the most advanced teaching methods, and all students have access to our online virtual learning environment, ‘Minerva’. Minerva allows your lecturers to send course materials to you via the web – and makes these easy for you to find. It also provides various other features such as discussion boards which allow you to have online conversations with others from your course, and lets you submit coursework electronically.
