How to apply through UCAS
Did you know you can start and save your UCAS application, then come back and submit when you have everything ready? Here’s what you’ll need to submit your application.
There's still time to apply
If you apply before the deadline, you’ll receive equal consideration, regardless of how early or late you apply. Your school or college may give you an earlier deadline to ensure you have time to arrange for your academic reference, write your personal statement and submit your application on time.
If your application is late, it may still be considered if there are still places available on the course. If you applied after the deadline and you receive an 'unsuccessful' decision, even though you meet the entry requirements, it is likely that it’s because the course is full. You may also receive a 'withdrawn due to course being full' notification.
Are you desperately seeking a gap year? We totally understand.
Get your future self organised by applying now for a deferred entry. Just like any other application, an application for a deferred start needs to meet the entry requirements for the year in which the application is made. If you decide to defer after you’ve already applied, please get in touch.
Are you already studying at a different university, but would prefer to be studying with us?
You can apply to transfer to Bath Spa for your second or third year, by adding ‘2’ or ‘3’ to the ‘point of entry’ box.
We recommend that you contact us to discuss your situation, qualifications and experience before you make your application. We’ll advise you on your best course of action.
About your application
Your application needs to include:
- Bath Spa University’s UCAS institution code: BASPA B20;
- The course you’re applying for;
- A personal statement;
- Your predicted grades and / or highest qualification achieved so far;
- An academic or professional reference.
Personal statement
We want to hear why you’re applying, your ambitions, what makes you suitable for the course and any relevant skills and experience you can bring to your studies.
This is your opportunity to show your motivation, readiness and commitment to studying your chosen course at Bath Spa University. Don’t be afraid to be your quirky self.
A strong personal statement should include:
- Evidence that you have researched the course content including information about your specific interest areas within the subject/s;
- How your chosen studies support your long-term goals;
- Any transferable skills you can bring to your studies;
- Examples of any relevant work-experience and/or extra-curricular activities;
- If appropriate, how your current qualifications will help you to be successful in your chosen studies;
- Supporting evidence to back up your statements.
If you need more guidance, please see the UCAS guide to writing a personal statement.
Personal statements and AI
We realise that AI tools are already reshaping the way we work and will become integral to many careers.
Tools such as ChatGPT can be helpful to you in helping to brainstorm ideas, improve the structure of your personal statements, and check readability; however, so can a trusted friend or supporter. Remember, your personal statement is your chance to show us who you are – and we expect it to be written by you.
A personal statement written using generative AI is likely to be less personal and therefore less effective at conveying who you are and why you want to study the course. If we find that a personal statement has been written using generative AI, we'll consider this plagiarism and your application may be rejected.
UCAS has a helpful guide on AI and personal statements that potential applicants at all stages of their studies could benefit from reading.
Predicted grades
Your predicted grades will be used as part of our selection process. It is essential that your referee includes all predicted grades for any qualifications which you have not yet completed.
Academic or personal reference
Your referee should preferably be someone who knows you academically. If you’re applying from a school of college, a teacher or tutor will be able to write you a reference. If not, you should ask your employer or a school/college you recently attended.
- Include your referee’s contact details, so that UCAS can contact them.
- Don’t use friends, family or a partner as your referee, as this may result in your application being cancelled.
- Your referee needs to provide predicted grades for any qualifications which you haven’t completed.