Bath Spa University

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Helping Your Learning

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. So at the Bath School of Art and Design you can select from a wealth of specialist books along with up-to-date journals and collections of exhibition catalogues, slides and DVDs.

At Newton Park there are books, journals and DVDs covering the wide range of subjects we teach. If you're an Education student there are also lots of CD s and resources to use in schools.

As well as traditional library materials there's also a range of electronic resources such as electronic journals, electronic books and online services to help you access high quality information for your university work.

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 even use personal audio 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.

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 during 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, broadcast media, GIS. 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!

Study Skills

If your study skills need brushing up you'll find our Student Study Skills Centre very useful - it's there to 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, maths and numeracy, reading and note-taking. All of these skills - and more - can be developed with the help of the Study Skills 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.