Community

Some courses include fieldwork, which is research and data collection in the real world. For example, Geography students have so far conducted research in the English Lake District, South Wales, Spain and India.

Students often assume that they'll be taught in big groups in lecture theatres – and that's true! You'll also have seminars which are smaller groups, similar to classes in school or college. Seminars provide an opportunity for you to discuss in greater detail with your tutors and peers the material that you've been taught in a lecture. It's a chance to ask questions, explore ideas in depth, or even argue about new topics!

Modules are the individual components, like building blocks, that make up your course. Each module has a specific 'credit point value'. Modules are considered 'core', 'required' or 'optional' for any given course, so you have some flexibility in tailoring the course content to your particular interests.

The My Bath Spa App gives you access to University services on your phone, tablet and desktop. It brings together news, information and updates in one place as well as your welcome checklist. You'll use the app to check in to your lectures and check your timetable.

You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play store.

MyServices is the place to go for questions or queries to do with IT, or to log calls with student services such as the Library, Student Information Team and more.

My Wellbeing is your place to go for all things Student Wellbeing Services. You can ask questions, book appointments, access screening and assessments for Specific Learning Differences, and view upcoming events and workshops.

This will depend on your specific course but relates to learning and then demonstrating the skills and experience you have gained in a practical way.

This is where the Student Information Team are based alongside IT. Other University Services such as Student Wellbeing and Finance are available on select days. It's your 'one-stop-shop' for information, support and advice. The Student Hub is located in Twiverton at Newton Park campus opposite the Refectory.

Once you have access to MyServices, you can use this to log a call with the Student Information Team. Otherwise, you can call the team on +44(0)1225 876115.

Led by students, for students, the Students' Union is an independent charity which represents all Bath Spa students. Your SU ensures your voice is heard as well as providing lots of opportunities for you to make the most of your University experience. Head to the SU website to find out more.

Ultra is the name for our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), your digital home while you’re at Bath Spa. This is where you'll find all the information you need for the academic side of university. Find out about modules, course notices and interact with your course leaders and other academics.

Virtual Learning Environment (see 'Ultra')

Workshops provide you with the opportunity to collaborate on a project, sometimes with guidance from a visiting industry expert. You may also be called on to provide critical analysis and feedback when reviewing the work of your peers.

The Vice-Chancellor is like the CEO of an organisation and is the most senior executive role within the University. Our Vice-Chancellor is Professor Sue Rigby. 

Postgraduate (PG) students are those studying at Master's level including PGCert or researching for a PhD/Doctorate. The home campus for postgraduate students is Corsham Court. 

Undergraduate students are typically studying a Bachelor's degree (BA or BSc). The home campus for undergraduate students will depend on the course you're studying, and you'll likely use more than one.

The academic member of staff who designs and manages the course, making decisions on modules, placements and so on.

You'll have most contact in your course with Lecturers and Tutors (see below) who, like teachers at school or college, facilitate the learning, set and mark your assignments, and support you with your studies.

At Bath Spa most students are allocated an Academic Advisor, who will support your academic and professional development throughout your University career.

Your Academic Advisor will be a member of the teaching team from your course and will be available to help and advise you throughout your studies at Bath Spa University. They'll be your key point of contact and offer you appropriate academic advice, guidance and structured support at key stages of your academic career. They'll also be able to effectively signpost you to our relevant Student Services support service teams across the University.

The Sabbatical Officers (known as Sabbs/Sabs) are the representative voices of the students in the Students' Union (SU). The Sabbs are generally former students who have studied at Bath Spa, so they've been in your shoes before!

Together with the President of the SU, who oversees the SU, the Vice Presidents represent and speak up for the various areas of student life at Bath Spa.

The Sabbatical Officers for 2022-23 are:

• Students' Union President - Jas Raymond-Barker
  The President is the lead spokesperson for the Students' Union and all Bath Spa students. They chair the Students’ Union’s Board of Trustees and work closely with the University’s senior management team to champion you and your interests.
• Vice President Welfare and Community - Laura Bold
  The VP Welfare and Community leads on issues relating to the Bath Spa student community. This includes welfare, mental health and wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, housing, and the Students’ Union’s relationship with the local Council and local residents.
• Vice President Opportunities - Elise Booth
  The VP Opportunities'  job is to help you make the most of the opportunities available to you outside of your course which enable you to have fun, make friends and develop your skills. They lead on Students’ Union activities including all clubs and societies, events, volunteering and trips abroad.
• VP Education - Neetu Karwal
  The VP Education's role is to represent your academic interests. They are the student representative on many University committees which make decisions about the policies which affect your learning and teaching.

Find out more about the Sabbatical Officers on the Students' Union website.

Student volunteers who gather feedback from their peers, present it to academic staff, and work as part of the Students' Union to make change. Course reps are really important in making sure that the student voice is heard when decisions are made about your course. Your course staff and the SU will invite those interested to sign up for this role in the coming weeks. For more information, email su-academicreps@bathspa.ac.uk.

The SU Advice Centre provides independent, confidential advice and support on a range of issues including academic matters, sexual health, housing and general wellbeing. If you have a concern or you just want a chat, contact us via email: su-advice@bathspa.ac.uk.

The SU Bar on Newton Park campus offers space to study and socialise; it’s a great place to unwind. The SU Shop is right next to the bar and offers a range of snacks, drinks, groceries and stationery – it's also where you can buy a Bath Spa University hoodie! Please check the latest opening times.

Your Students' Union provides loads of opportunities for you to make the most of your time at Bath Spa. From volunteering as a course rep to joining a club or society to developing a campaign or fundraising idea, there are lots of ways for you to make friends and develop your skills. More information can be found on the SU website.

Your Students' Union is led by a team of four Sabbatical Officers, who are full-time student representatives voted for annually by the student body. They work closely with the University, the local community and the National Union of Students (NUS) to represent you and your interests. Head over to the SU website to get to know your Sabbs – there you’ll find contact details for all your elected representatives, their areas of work and how to get involved.

The SU Gym on Newton Park provides a range of fitness and weight machines. Personal training is also available free of charge as part of your membership. More information can be found on the SU website.