Apply for up to £1,000 towards travel or activity to study art, design or craftsmanship in 2026.

Are you a second-year undergraduate within Bath School of Art, Film and Media or Bath School of Design? If so, you’re eligible to apply for the BSU Gane Trust Travel and Development Award – up to £1,000 to support a study trip abroad or a development activity within the UK, to further your studies and practice within art, design or craftsmanship.

Gane Trust

For a number of years, Gane Trust has provided an annual travel award for students studying at Bath Spa University. Gane Trust is a Bristol-based charity, and its aim is to support people engaged in all aspects of craft, design, and the arts. It was founded in memory of Crofton Gane, the pioneering furniture designer (1877-1967).

In 2026, the BSU Gane Trust Travel and Development Award will support up to three undergraduate second-year students from eligible Schools to undertake a study trip or development activity that will enhance their studies and practice within art, design or craftsmanship.

There are two Award categories, with three non-repayable awards available:

  • Category one: 1 x Travel Award – £1,000 for an overseas activity. The student will be undertaking a trip outside of the UK for the purposes of further study or an activity/project which will enhance their degree studies and contribute to their learning and practice. This could be a course overseas, a cultural visit/exchange or other significant activity directly related to the student’s field of study.
  • Category two: 2 x Development Awards – £500 for a UK based activity such as a residency, course or retreat. The activity must be closely related to the student’s studies and should enable them to enhance their learning and develop and apply their skills further.

The trip or activity cannot commence before 1 April 2026 and must complete by end of September 2026. Applicants may only apply once and may only apply for one Award category.

The successful award recipients will be expected to deliver a short presentation to peers, staff and Gane Trust representatives about how the activity has influenced their practice, studies, and future career.

Criteria

To apply for this Award, you must fulfil and agree to the following:

  1. You are a second-year (level 5) undergraduate student within the School of Art, Film and Media or School of Design at Bath Spa University.
  2. You must be studying at either Newton Park, Sion Hill, Locksbrook or Corsham Court. Students studying at BSU London or via BSU’s Educational Partner institutes or other providers and students on exchange programmes, distance learning or other modes of study are not eligible.
  3. You are aged 18 years or over.
  4. The trip or activity you would like to undertake is directly related to your studies and learning development. This Award is not for the purposes of funding general travel, holidays or non-course related activities.
  5. The trip or activity cannot commence before 1st April 2026 and must complete by end of September 2026.
  6. The Award is available to both home and international students. However, any funds granted cannot be used to pay for travel to the recipient’s home country.
  7. In October/November 2026, the successful Award winners will be expected to deliver a short presentation to peers, staff and Gane Trust representatives about their experience.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 10am on Friday 6 March 2026.

How to apply

Eligible students can apply via MyCareer (login required). Follow this application link for the BSU Gane Trust Travel and Development Award 2026 or find the Award under the Resources area within MyCareer.

The application requires:

  • A breakdown of the expected trip/activity costs, including supporting evidence – supporting documentation to evidence the costs should be added to the online application as attachments.
  • A brief synopsis (250-500 words) of your proposed travel plans or activity. This must:
    • 1) identify how the activity relates to and encompasses studies and practice within art, design or craftmanship, and
    • 2) explain what you hope to achieve and how the activity will impact on your future studies, your practice, and your future career.
  • Details of a BSU staff member who can act as a referee to support your application. This could be your course leader or lecturer, academic advisor, or other appropriate BSU staff member who is familiar with the activity you're seeking to fund and is happy to support your application should we require a reference. Please make sure you seek permission from your referee in advance, so they are aware to expect a request for a supporting statement.

Please read the Terms and Conditions before applying and complete all sections of the form before submission.

How applications are judged

The successful applicants will be selected by a panel of BSU staff and Careers colleagues. The panel aims to convene within four weeks following the application deadline.

Applicants should expect to receive decision feedback within six weeks of the deadline. However, where additional information or clarification is required, decisions may take longer to confirm.  

Payment

The Award will be paid in two instalments:

  • First instalment: 80% on confirmation of Award
  • Second instalment: 20% on completion of the presentation. 

Payment will be made directly to the successful recipients via the UK bank account details they have registered with the University. Further instructions and guidance will be provided.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about this award, please login to MyCareer and submit a question. Select the 'scholarships and bursaries' option in the question type list.