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Why Bath Spa? – Bath Spa University

Why Bath Spa?

From our picture-perfect campuses, to our diverse and unique courses, to our sense of community, there are so many reasons to love Bath Spa...

“The campus is amazing, the lecturers are amazing, and Bath in general is amazing. The University is so welcoming and there's ample opportunity. The accommodation is cosy, the facilities are great and the nightlife isn’t half bad, either. You’ll have such a great time – I wish I could do it all again!”

– Leonie Deveney, BA (Hons) Sociology

Our campuses

Newton Park

Set in acres of idyllic English countryside just four miles from Bath city centre, Newton Park is Bath Spa's main campus. Here you'll find historic buildings such as the Georgian Main House and the castle, as well as our ultra-modern academic building, industry-standard digital and studio facilities, our library with dedicated subject librarians to support you in your studies, Bath's only purpose-built concert hall, as well as our award-winning Students' Union, and some of the halls of residence.

With excellent facilities and a blend of the traditional and the modern, it's a tranquil, reflective and safe place to learn and live. 

Which courses are taught at Newton Park?

Subjects including science, business, humanities, film and TV and performance are taught at Newton Park, but please check the location information on each course page for specific details.

Key facts

  • Fifteen minutes on regular bus service to Bath city
  • Close to cycle path between Bristol and Bath
  • State-of-the-art facilities and a historic past

Key facilities

  • Commons building with television studios, Apple Mac suites and communal study space
  • University library
  • Science laboratories
  • Students' Union building with gym, shop, bar and kitchen
  • University theatre, dance and performance studios
  • On-site student accommodation

Locksbrook campus

Buzzy, innovative and vibrant, our state-of-the-art Locksbrook Campus is located in the heart of Bath’s industrial quarter next to the River Avon. Once a furniture factory, it has been lovingly restored and is now a purpose-built creative space. Locksbrook has even received both a RIBA South West Award and RIBA National Award, recognising and celebrating the clever design of the building in which we teach the makers and designers of the future.

Which courses are taught at Locksbrook?

Courses from the School of Art, Film and Media and School of Design are taught at Locksbrook, but please check the location information on each course page for specific details.

With top-class technical workshops, flexible studio spaces, a gallery area, art shop, café and large, open social areas, it's been designed to encourage creativity to flourish.

Key facts

  • Five minutes from Waterside and Charlton Court, and Twerton accommodation
  • Cycle path to Bath city centre and regular bus services
  • On-site café with hot and cold food options
  • Open-plan and collaborative

Key facilities

  • Workshops, including ceramics, metalwork, print and screen printing, textiles and more. As a Bath Spa student of any course, once you’ve booked and attended your safety induction, you can use any of our workshop facilities.
  • Permanent gallery space displaying student and alumni work
  • Art shop which offers a discount for students, staff and alumni
  • Social areas and open-access computer facilities

"It was the campus that swung me. It’s small enough that it feels community-like and I could see myself feeling a lot more at home at Bath Spa than I would in a big city university."

- Lauren Emery, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

#BathSpaProud

Bath Spa stories

We're #BathSpaProud of every member of our Bath Spa community, and when they accomplish something great we love to shout about it

Our students become creative thinkers, doers and makers. They create and achieve amazing things. We encourage our students to think big – and outside of the box – and they don’t disappoint. 

Our students and alumni have won awards for their creativity, given their time up to help the community, invented world firsts and achieved sporting success, and regularly appear in local and national press.

Our staff are not only educators, but makers, entrepreneurs, thinkers, innovators and leaders. They push boundaries, are leaders in their fields and advise on national policy.

Make connections around the world

We have partnerships with businesses, organisations and institutions in every corner of the globe. You’ll see our students at international conferences, tours and events, from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the Canadian ‘International Next Way’. You’ll leave Bath Spa as a global citizen with ambition, drive and focus.

“I’d never see any young mixed race scientists promoting their work. That’s actually why I’m doing this – to inspire other (black, white, and everything else!) youngsters to get into something that they’re interested in.”

Professor Jermaine Ravalier
Jermaine Ravalier

“When I added up all the keynotes and talks I’ve done, it’s then when I realised how much I was doing. It all helps the research but it’s also supportive for the teachers to hear about the resources directly.”

Dr Sarah Earle
Profile picture of Sarah Earle

Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion

Proud to be you

At Bath Spa we're committed to providing an environment that respects and celebrates all members of our community, and is free from discrimination, prejudice, harassment and bullying.

We value the diverse individuals that make up the Bath Spa community, and want our University to be a safe space where everyone can feel free to be who they want to be.

We recognise that equality, diversity and inclusion are essential to building the creative, innovative and nurturing ethos that we pride ourselves on. That’s why Inclusion forms one of our four core cultural values alongside Respect, Collaboration and Sustainability.

Support is available 24/7 to everyone in our community, no matter how you identify or what you’re going through.

How we can support you

Our specialist Student Wellbeing Services staff provide information, guidance, advice and practical support to students who identify as disabled (including specific learning difficulties, mental health conditions, medical conditions, physical/vision/hearing impairments and students who are neurodivergent), students who identify as trans or non-binary, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Events

Throughout the year we organise events to celebrate the diversity in our community, including Black History Month, LGBTQIA+ History Month and Equality Week. We are also sponsors of the Bristol Pride Queer Vision Film Festival 2023. 

Students' Union societies

Our Students' Union is home to a range of protected societies which exist to represent a range of liberation groups, including the Disabled Student Network, BAME Student Network, Women’s Network, Multi-Faith Network, LGBT+ Network, Mental Health Network and Afro Caribbean Society.

"I’m lucky to lead a diverse community of about 1,000 staff and 11,000 students. What I value about them is that diversity. No-one is the same as another. No one group should be privileged over another. And inclusivity, to me, is about hearing all of those voices and celebrating all of the people who have those voices, and knowing that they’re listened to."

- Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor

Reasons to love Bath Spa

Student room with single bed and desk space nearby

Where you'll live

Whether you prefer to live in halls on our insta-worthy campus, or in the vibrant city centre, you'll be able to find somewhere you'll be happy to call home.

Three dogs looking happy on grass

Bath Spa cares

At Bath Spa we care about you. Our Student Wellbeing Services offer advice and support on mental health, disability, accessibility, coping with the cost of living, and more. We even have Care Dogs for you to cuddle!

Your Students' Union

The Bath Spa Students’ Union (SU) is led by students for students. It represents student views, runs student facilities, hosts events, organises campaigns, and is home to a variety of clubs and societies - from cosplay to cocktails.

A great city for students

Bath is a very special city. Whether you're into culture or clubbing, festivals or fashion, Bath has something for everyone! Plus, it's officially the second safest city for students in the UK.

Historic traditions and forward-thinking visions

Bath Spa University dates back to 1852 and the original Bath School of Art, so we’ve built our reputation on more than 160 years of tradition and success. We’re growing steadily too, with exciting new courses and areas of research, and lecturers and academics who are leaders in their fields.

A happy student graduating from university

A bright future

We offer a range of support services for students and recent Bath Spa graduates, from guiding you into employment and further study, to taking that next step in your career. 

Photographer

Placement opportunities

Whatever your degree, you can choose to take a Professional Placement Year between your second and third years. You'll also have the opportunity to broaden your horizons by working or studying abroad.

Close up view of a caucasian male's hand pointing on a computer touch screen with a black graphic pen in an photo editing software on a blurry orange background with flair.

We're an Adobe Creative Campus

Bath Spa has partnered with Adobe to become one of three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK. This means that as  Bath Spa student you'll have full access to the entire Adobe Creative Suite to use throughout your studies.

Hedgehog on green moss near wooden border

A commitment to sustainability

At Bath Spa we're committed to sustainability. From student allotments to helping hedgehogs, there are a range of environmental societies and activities that you can get involved in to help protect our environment.

Come and visit us!

Find out what it's like to study at Bath Spa at one of our Open Days. You'll be able to meet students and lecturers, tour our campuses and see our amazing facilities first-hand, visit accommodation and ask any questions you have about being a student at Bath Spa.

Missed the Open Day? You can also book a tour.

Stay in touch

Make sure to follow us on InstagramFacebook and Twitter for all the latest from the Bath Spa community! 

Find out more

Discover more about all our innovative courses and life at Bath Spa in our prospectus.

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