Dyslexia Support

Currently 8% of the students studying at Bath Spa University have dyslexia, many of whom have been assessed and diagnosed since starting university. It is important that you tell us about your dyslexia as soon as possible, so that we can arrange the support you are entitled to.

What is Dyslexia?

  • The word ‘Dyslexia’ comes from Greek and means ‘Difficulty with words’.
  • It is not a reflection of an individual’s intelligence.
  • It is a combination of abilities and difficulties that affects:
    • an individual’s ability to take in, remember and recall information
    • how they can present information in written or spoken form.

Often, dyslexic people possess strengths in creativity and original thought, and in visual and spatial abilities. Students with dyslexia can find conventional teaching methods quite difficult. The effects of dyslexia can be reduced by specialist teaching, technology and support with organisational and study skills.

Misconceptions About Dyslexia

Have a look at the following 'True or False' statements...

  • If you have dyslexia you can't read.
    • False - some people with dyslexia can read very well.
  • If you have dyslexia you mix up right and left.
    • False - some people with dyslexia don't have any problems with telling left from right.
  • If you have dyslexia you can't spell.
    • True - all people with dyslexia have some difficulty with spelling.
  • If you have dyslexia you can't write clearly.
    • False - many people with dyslexia have beautiful handwriting.
  • If you have dyslexia you're stupid.
    • False- dyslexia is found in people of all ability levels.
  • If you have dyslexia you'll grow out of it.
    • False - whatever the cause of dyslexia you never grow out of it. However, many people do learn strategies that allow them to overcome the difficulties they experience because of their dyslexia.
  • If you have dyslexia you can't do maths.
    • False- people with dyslexia are often good at abstract reasoning, although arithmetic can be a problem area. There may be difficulties in memorising tables, reading numbers the right way round and remembering sequences.
  • If you have dyslexia you can't do anything about it.
    • False - you can't make dyslexia go away, but you can find ways around the difficulties it creates.

How can Dyslexia Affect my Study?

Students with dyslexia may have difficulties with one or more of the following:

  • reading;
  • note-taking;
  • spelling, grammar and punctuation;
  • organising and expressing their ideas in writing or in verbal presentations;
  • handwriting;
  • time management;
  • memory.

Each student is an individual and may be affected by dyslexia in different ways; there may also be other issues related to dyslexia that can affect a student in their studies.

Dyslexia Screening

If you have not had a formal diagnosis of dyslexia before, on arrival at Bath Spa University, you can take computer screening tests – Quickscan and Studyscan. These are available on all the library computers on the Newton Park campus, and in the library at Sion Hill and Culverhay.

If you complete these and are shown to have indicators of dyslexia, we can refer you for a formal diagnostic assessment which can also take place here. You would be asked for a minimal contribution to the cost of this.

Disclosing Dyslexia

If you already have a diagnosis of dyslexia, you need to let us know so that we can put any necessary learning support requirements in place.

Telephone: (01225) 876543.

You may tell us about your dyslexia at any time during your programme of study although we recommend that you do so as soon as possible so that you can receive the support you are entitled to.

When you apply to Bath Spa University and disclose your dyslexia on your UCAS application form, we will contact you asking for details about your learning support requirements.

In order to apply for the DSA (Disabled Students' Allowances), you do need evidence from an assessment for dyslexia that has been carried out by an independent Educational Psychologist since you were 16.  If you think that your assessment may not meet these criteria you should contact us.

International Students with Dyslexia

Please contact us to discuss your learning support requirements and how they may best be met.

You will also need to approach your national funding body (ie in your home country) to see if they can provide support for your dyslexia needs.

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