We require Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance checks to be carried out before you’ll be able to join some courses.

You will be required to do a DBS check if you're studying any course that requires you to attend a school for a placement. The University will be in touch with you via email if a DBS is needed.

Your application must be made through Bath Spa University who use UKCRBs as their DBS registered body for applications. If you don’t complete your DBS Enhanced Check application you won’t be allowed to enrol.

In addition to the above, any module, study or voluntary experience that involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults will also require you to apply for a DBS Enhanced Check.

If you have to make an application for a DBS through Bath Spa University, our teams will be in touch with details of the process you need to follow.

Please note, overseas applicants or those who have lived overseas for more than six months in the last five years will also require a police certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.

Already hold a DBS Enhanced Check?

We can't accept an existing DBS Enhanced Check unless it is registered with the DBS update service and at exactly the same level of check required for your course . If you’re registered with the update service you’ll be making an annual payment direct to the DBS. If not then your DBS was not registered with them and you’ll need a new one.

Completing your DBS application

We’ll send you details and a link to apply for your DBS Enhanced Check once you have firmly accepted your offer to study with Bath Spa University and not more than 12 weeks before the start of your course. If you wish to advise us of any changes to your contact details please email us, including your UCAS personal ID or Bath Spa application number at registrycompliance@bathspa.ac.uk.

Frequently asked questions

Further information on valid ID can be found via this link: ID Documents.

Digital ID Verification

As part of your DBS application via UKCRBs, you will have the opportunity to use digital verification to verify your identity. You will need photographic ID to pass this successfully.

By email

If you do not pass digital verification, you should send electronic copies of your documents, either scanned images or photographs to: registrycompliance@bathspa.ac.uk

Please ensure your email includes:

  • Your full name (as used for your DBS application form)
  • Your Bath Spa student number
  • The electronic copies of your documents.

Please note: We can't verify your electronic application until you've provided the necessary and correct documents, together with the completed consent form.

In person

If you did not pass digital verification of your identification on UKCRBs, we must also see the original ID documents that you emailed copies of to us. You will be able to show us your documents at either of the new cohort days, during registration week, or by making an appointment at any of the weekly sessions we offer throughout the summer. 

An enhanced DBS application currently costs £49.50 (plus an administration fee and VAT). You'll be asked to make an online payment before you're able to submit your application.

It usually takes between two and three weeks, but it can take longer if the details given for the check are incorrect or if several police forces need to be involved in the check. The time of year can also affect the time it take for checks to be completed. For example, it can take longer during the peak application period in August and September.

The progress of your DBS can be checked online using the reference number of the DBS application form and your date of birth.

The disclosure will be posted to the address you state in section B as your current address.

Your DBS enhanced disclosure is a valuable document and it is your responsibility to keep it safe. The University can take no responsibility for disclosures that are lost or not collected from Post Office delivery offices.

The DBS will only issue reprints if the original disclosure has been lost in the post. If your reprint request meets the DBS criteria complete the relevant reprint form and email it to DBSReprints@dbs.gov.uk.

You may be asked to bring the original DBS certificate with you to registration or any placements you attend.

We'll be in touch with you to arrange an opportunity to bring in your original documents; please wait for an email from us for further information. Alternatively, you can contact us at registrycompliance@bathspa.ac.uk to make an appointment at any of the weekly sessions we offer throughout the summer from June to August.

We're unable to validate DBS applications by post. Contact us If you have any questions about DBS by emailing registrycompliance@bathspa.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.

Contact us

If you have any questions about DBS, please contact us by emailing registrycompliance@bathspa.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.