A guide to study abroad
Introduction
Welcome to Bath Spa University’s Study Abroad Programme. Studying abroad is one of the most exciting decisions you may ever take in your academic career and where better to begin your international experience than at Bath Spa University? Located in Bath, England’s only UNESCO World Heritage city, Bath Spa University is the UK’s university of choice for creativity, culture and enterprise. Bath Spa University’s long established academic reputation, historic campuses and creative community of scholars will provide you with a truly inspirational experience. Our dedicated International Relations team understand that leaving your country to study in the UK can be a challenging process. We also appreciate that it will take time for you to adjust to your new surroundings and feel settled. We will be here from the very start to help, support and guide you during your time with us, ensuring you gain the best student experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Bath Spa University and being part of your journey to a successful future. International Relations team interational@bathspa.ac.uk www.bathspa.ac.uk/international
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Ten Reasons to Study Abroad at Bath Spa University
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1. Great Location Study in Bath, England’s only UNESCO World Heritage city. The city of Bath is one of the most desirable places to live and is ranked number 1 in the safest university cities in the country according to the Complete University Guide. 2. Historic Campuses Our campuses are renowned for exceptional beauty and are historically significant. We take great care to ensure they provide and inspirational setting and we invest in our campuses to ensure they meet the needs of future generations of students. Our students tell us it’s a great environment in which to succeed. 3. Immerse Yourself in UK Life Bath Spa University is a friendly university with small class sizes. You will study alongside UK and international students. Our student satisfaction rates are high, including scoring 87% overall in the latest National Student Survey. This is higher than the national average of 85%. 4. Long Established Academic Reputation Bath Spa University’s heritage goes back over 160 years to the original Bath School of Art, so our reputation is built on tradition and success. We have an established commitment to the highest of standards.
5. Flexible Courses You can choose from a range of courses with a focus on creativity, culture and enterprise. You can select courses that relate to you major, minor or general education. You will have high standard facilities, collaborative learning spaces, tutorials, and professional advice and guidance. 6. Happy Community Our community is happy and thriving, strengthened by all the services you might expect and more: our network of student support services; library and learning facilities; a wide range of extra-curricular courses, clubs, societies and sport teams, as well as work based opportunities and volunteering make our community fulfilling, rewarding and successful. 7. Accessible to Travel the UK and Beyond Bath is only 90 minutes west of London, and two hours east of some of England’s most beautiful beaches. The accessible location means that you can easily travel by road, rail or air to the rest of the UK, Ireland, the rest of Europe and beyond.
8. Top Quality Teaching Our teaching is of a very high standard but don’t just take our word for it. The 2013 National Student Survey reported a 89% satisfaction rate for teaching. Our teachers always ensure they make themselves available to students to offer help and guidance. Our teachers are include leading researchers, international academics, industry practitioners and as well as experienced lecturers. 9. Strong Caring Ethos Our caring ethos runs through everything we do. Our students rate their tutors and lecturers for the support and accessibility they deliver. Our student services offer advice on anything from finances to well-being, with specialist services to international students. 10. Exciting Career Prospects Our support and partnerships connect our students to a wide range of career pathways and employment opportunities. Our graduates enjoy prospects above the national average with 93% of graduates in work or further study after 6 months.
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THE CITY OF BATH AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
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Welcome to Bath, England’s only UNESCO World Heritage City. Bath boasts stunning architectural and historical sites such as the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey. Established by the Romans as a spa town to take advantage of the natural springs, Bath has always been a place where people come to relax. By day you can enjoy Bath’s quaint tea rooms, independent cafes and award winning restaurants. At night Bath offers pubs, nightclubs, cinemas, the famous Theatre Royal, and a great comedy scene. The compact city centre has both grand Georgian streets and picturesque passageways packed with small independent shops and stylish boutiques. For sports enthusiasts, entertainment can be found at Bath Rugby Club, one of the oldest, most prestigious rugby clubs in the country; Bath City Football Club and Bath Races.
Bath welcomes thousands of overseas visitors every year to its diverse collection of museums and art galleries including the Holburne Museum, the restored Georgian townhouse at Number One Royal Crescent and the Jane Austen Centre. Throughout the year, Bath Spa University students play a key role in many of Bath’s festivals including Bath Literature Festival; the Food Festival; the Bath International Music Festival; and the world famous Jane Austen Festival. It is easy to explore further afield from Bath. To the west you are not far from the ancient sites of Stonehenge or Glastonbury Tor, the literature epicentres of Shakespeare’s Stratford or Hardy’s Dorset, or some of Britain’s finest coastlines in Devon or Cornwall. And to the the east London is only 90 minutes on the train.
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BATH SPA UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUSES
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Bath Spa University is built on a long and distinguished history. With its first college founded in 1852, the university has grown into a leading higher education institution for creativity, culture and enterprise. Bath Spa University has four campuses. Newton Park - Newton Park’s history dates back to the 14th century and evidence of this can be seen today in the historic Castle building. Developed in the 1760s for Joseph Langton and set in Capability Brown Gardens, Newton Park’s Main House was build as a stately home which is now Grade 1 Listed. Bath Spa University began leasing the estate from the Duchy of Cornwall, (now owned by Prince Charles), in the 1940s. Newton Park is the heart of creativity, culture and enterprise; hosting the Schools of Humanities and Cultural Industries, Society Enterprise and Environment, Music and Performing arts and the School of Education. Opening in the Spring of 2014, Bath Spa University’s multi-million pound, world class academic building will provide state of the art teaching, learning and social
facilities for all students. The academic building includes study space, open access technology and the best digital studio resources in the South West of England. Sion Hill - The university’s reputation was founded 160 years ago as the Bath School of Art and has produced some of Britain’s best known artists including Walter Sickert and Howard Hodgkin. Enjoying a reputation as one of the leading art schools in the country, the Bath School of Art and Design is now the main campus for art students. This campus is walking distance from the city of Bath and is well equipped with bespoke studios and workshops relevant to our diverse range of creative arts. Corsham Court - Corsham Court, dating back to the 16th century, is another prestigious, Grade 1 Listed stately home. It is now our specialist postgraduate research and study centre. Hartham Park - The most recent addition to the Bath Spa estate, Hartham Park is set to house all teacher training and new industry-led programmes.
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Academic programme
As a Bath Spa University student you have the opportunity to experience innovative teaching, partake in group work and independent learning, and grow in confidence in a truly international environment. You will be studying as a regular Bath Spa student and be fully integrated into British university life and culture at its best. You will work alongside world renowned academics, inspiring teachers and industry professionals who are excellent in their field. At Bath Spa University courses (classes) are called modules and your choice of programme and modules depends on your background, your academic interest and the requirements of your home institution. Some modules may require previous study in that subject area. Before commencing your studies you will liaise with your home study abroad adviser and Bath Spa’s international office to pre-approve your credit transfer. You can study on a semester or yearlong programme and you can choose a general or specialised programme within our five schools: Society, Enterprise and Environment; Art and Duration
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Bath Spa credits
Design; Humanities and Cultural Industries; Education; Music and Performing Arts. A specialised programme is related to a major subject. You study defined modules relevant to a specific subject area and you a part of just one school. The general programme is more flexible and you can choose modules from one or more schools and from different subject areas. Pages 10 to 14 show example modules from each school as well as specialised programmes where the modules are pre-selected. Choosing your credit load The university credit system in England differs from the US and from Europe, but it is easily transferrable. Your choice of modules is flexible but you must study a full load. If you are coming for one semester you are required to take a minimum of four modules totalling 60 Bath Spa credits (12 - 15 US credits or 30 ECTS credits). If you are coming for a full year you are required to take classes totalling 120 Bath Spa credits (26-30 US credits or 60 ECTS credits). US credits
ECTS credits
Courses / modules 10 or 20 or 40
3 or 4 or 8
5 or 10 or 20
Semester
60
12 - 15
30
Year
120
26 - 30
60
Choosing your level of study Study Abroad students usually come to Bath Spa in their sophomore (second) or junior (third) year of their degree and are advised to take modules from level four or five. Teaching methods and assessments Teaching and learning in England differs from the US and from the rest of Europe. Typically, in England you study an undergraduate degree for three years in total, with the final year being an honours year. There is strong focus towards a specialised subject (major) from the beginning. Because of this, most students will take modules belonging to one school or faculty and undertake in-depth study. Classes will include large lectures and seminars (smaller discussion groups) and there is a stronger focus on independent research and study. Assessments would typically be assignments during the course or a final exam. This differs from the US and European systems where an undergraduate degree is studied over four years or longer. The study is broader and typically students take courses from across subject areas and then specialise towards a major subject. Assessments are more frequent, with regular tests and feedback sessions. For further information about modules and module selection, contact the International Relations team at international@bathspa.ac.uk UK Level
European Qualification Framework
US Level
Suitability
Level 4 / Year 1
Level 4
200
Modules are suitable for students who have little or no previous knowledge of the subject
Level 5 / Year 2
Level 5
300
Modules are suitable for students who have previous study and good knowledge of the subject. Some modules will require prerequisites
Level 6 / Year 3
Level 6
400
Modules are suitable for students with advanced knowledge of the subject and are ready for honours level assessment. Some modules will require prerequisites.
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School of Society, Enterprise and Environment
The School of Society, Enterprise and Environment includes the departments of Business and Management, Biology, Food and Nutrition, Psychology and Sociology.
Food and Nutrition modules: Advanced food and nutrition; Food processing and packaging; Nutrition in society; Nutritional sciences; Food safety; Diet activity and health; Contemporary issues in food and nutrition.
The Department of Business and Management holds the number 1 ranking for UK student satisfaction (Complete University Guide, 2014) and is ranked 26 out of 138 in the UK in the subject league table (The Guardian University Guide, 2014).
Geography modules: Global cities; River and coastal systems; Environmental hazards; Climate change and sustainability; Climatology; Coastal and river management; Development and disasters; Globalisation.
Example modules:
Sociology modules: Social diversity and social divisions; Globalisation crises and opportunities; Living and working in the global economy.
Business and Management modules: Creativity and innovation in the workplace; Marketing business; Human resource management; Information and operations management; Destination management; Marketing for managers; Enterprise - Creating a business; New trends in management; International business; Tourism - contemporary issues; Business strategy; Management accounting.
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Specialised programme - Business and Management (full-year): Creativity and innovation in the workplace; Marketing business; Human resource management; Information and operations management; Living and working in the global economy.
Bath School of Art and Design
Established in 1852, the original Bath School of Art was founded as a result of government debate about the strength of international design and manufacture. The School moved to Corsham in 1946 and was renamed the Bath Academy of Art. The presence of tutors and visiting artists such as Terry Frost, Howard Hodgkin, Claus Oldenburg, Michael Craig-Martin, John Ernest, Richard Hamilton and Jim Dine, along with the establishment of a Research Centre for Arts Education funded by the Gulbenkian Foundation resulted in the Academy receiving national and international recognition. Today, as part of the University and known as Bath School of Art and Design, the school provides teaching, facilities and inspiration in the dedicated Sion Hill campus. Workshops and studios support a range of traditional and modern techniques in wood, metal, ceramics, textiles, print, photography, plastic, casting, paint, fashion, and digital technologies.
Example modules Fine Art modules: Studio - painting; Studio - sculpture; Studio - media; Studio practice; Professional practice; Contextual studies Creative Art modules: Introduction to media textiles; Introduction to contemporary painting and drawing; Advanced textiles; Graphic communication 3-D Design modules: Drawing and visual research; Professional context; Material; Object; Idea; Creating narratives; Live industry project; Experimentation and development Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors modules: Textile design; Surface design; Professional contexts; Developing textile design.
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School of Humanities and Cultural Industries
The School of Humanities and Cultural Industries provides courses in Creative Media and Technologies, Creative Writing, English Literature, History and Heritage, Film, Media Communications, Publishing, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. The School is leading the way in combining traditional academic subjects with the latest creative practice and live industry-related projects. The School’s facilities includes state-ofthe-art publishing and broadcast labs, with new film and tv studios due to be launched in September 2014. The Creative Writing department is one of the most prestigious in the UK with a professoriate and ever-growing alumni base of world-renowned authors, poets and published writers. Example modules Creative Writing modules: Writers workshop; Short stories; Writing for young people; Writing for new media; Sudden prose; Researching and writing a novel; Advanced script project; Planning and writing a novel for young people; Professional writing. English Literature modules: Critical reading; Writing, gender and politics 1500-1750; Scandal and sobriety - from the Enlightenment to Victorianism; From decadence to the naughties 1890 - the present; Gothic origins and innovations; Three women writers; Postcolonial literature; Reading animals; Crime fiction; Shakespeare; Aspects of Modernism; Writing and the environmental crisis; 20th century European literature; Virginia Woolf; Gothic revivals; Authors, books and readers in early modern England; Literary London; In search of America.
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Religions, philosophy and ethics modules: Beyond Belief - introduction to the study of religions and spiritualities; Spirituality, culture and civilisation; Global religions and philosophies; Darshana, Dharma and Dao; Exploring global Christianity; Life and liberation in the Hindu tradition; Philosophy, religions and the environment. History and Heritage modules: Changing histories; Age of discovery; Age of the people; Medieval and renaissance worlds; Unruly lot women in Europe and North America; Making history - theories, sources and methods; British Empire - the opium wars to decolonisation; Heritage in Practice; Peace, prosperity, depression and war; The great war; Popular protest in England; Humanities at work; George Orwell - politics and literature; The business of heritage. Media and Creative Media Practice modules: Media today; Introduction to TV; Popular media culture; Sound and vision; Copywriting and text editing; Media production; Lens-based media; Media power and audiences; Music cultures, media and markets; Journalism and citizenship; Editorial product development; Designing visual narratives; Popular music journalism; Media, risk and panic. Film and Screen modules: Framing film - from silent screen to world cinema; Understanding Hollywood; TV, representation and gender; Stardom and celebrity; Popular cinema and culture; Film and philosophy; Film Noir - the dark side of the screen; Asian film - national cinema and global impacts; Film cultures project; Wired up - computer and video games; European cinema; Power, pleasure and
feminist film criticism; Rock and reel - popular music on screen; Short film documentary making. Specialised programme - Creative Writing (semester two): Writers workshop; Writing for new media; Independent writing project; Writing for young people: reading as writers. Specialised programme - History and Heritage (full-year): Heritage placement project; Heritage in practice; Heritage in context; Humanities at work.
School of Music and Performing Arts
The School of Music and Performing Arts provides high-quality, practice-based programmes for a wide a range of talented students. Performance is at the heart of all activities and is supported through state-of-the-art facilties including theatres, performance spaces, music rehearsal rooms and recording and editing studios. Example modules: Performance; Creative forum; Musicology; Music in action; the professional musician; Ensemble performance.
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School of Education
The School of Education is one of England’s most respected institutions for teacher training and education studies. The School has achieved the outstanding(grade one) rating for its primary, secondary and further education programmes from OFSTED, the UK Government’s inspecting department for teacher training institutions. The School prides itself on taking an innovative approach to education and runs a range of research and development projects in collaboration with schools, local authorities and international organisations helping them to develop and improve the education offered to children and young people.
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Education modules: Education for change; International perspectives on education; Understanding classrooms; Education and international development; Care and education birth to five; Globalisation and international education; Early childhood education; Creativity, ICT and learning. Specialised programme - Education (full-year) International perspectives on education; Childhood narratives; Education for change; Learning a language; How young children play and learn.
Student support – academic and well–being
Most students will require some support throughout their programme and you can access a range of university services that are dedicated to your welfare. International Relations The International Relations team are based in dedicated international student space in Main House, Newton Park. As well as the international orientation and induction programme, International Relations offers a first point of contact for practical advice and support. Personal tutor To help you settle into academic life, you are paired with a personal tutor. Your personal tutor is an academic member of staff who will support your through your studies. Healthcare You are encouraged to register with a local doctor (GP) as a first point of contact for any medical issues. You can attend one of the surgeries on campus or make appointments at the practice health centre in Bath. Counselling and advisory service Counselling offers you the chance to explore your concerns, in a confidential setting, with someone who is trained to listen and respond to you.
Writing and Learning Centre (WLC) The WLC aims to improve student learning, enhance the student experience, and help you reach your potential during your studies. Special services include one-to-one tutor support; English Language support; online learning resources; workshops on all aspects of academic learning such as academic writing, referencing, preparing for exams, improving study habits and understanding the UK higher education system. Faith and worship In a multi-faith environment, we welcome students of all faiths and none. Members of the university chaplaincy team visit the campus each week for a drop-in session and special events are organised to coincide with significant festivals. You can also find out about places of worship in the local area. Career development and volunteering The Career Development Centre provides you with opportunities to gain practical experience and insights into industry which will help make you highly attractive to future employers. Services include careers advice and job search strategies, industry and career events, networking and mentoring programmes, business enterprise competitions, work and voluntary placements and the JobShop for part- time job vacancies.
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Housing
When you are studying outside of your home country, there is nothing more important than where you will live. Bath Spa University’s Study Abroad programme includes homestay accommodation as part of the package. On-campus accommodation may be available with a supplement. Homestay Our Student Housing department has long established links with local families who host students of the university in their own homes. Homestay hosts are located in the Bath area and are inspected by our accommodation team to ensure they are safe, secure and close to local amenities and transport links. Homestay accommodation is inclusive of breakfast and evening meals and all utilities. Homestay is a great way to get to know local people and experience a new culture.
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Campus Accommodation From 2014, you may also be able to choose on-campus halls of residence in Newton Park campus. Currently under redevelopment, Newton Park campus is already home to over 300 students and phase 2 of our campus development will increase the number of rooms to over 800. Study Abroad students would be housed in en-suite accommodation. A typical flat would consist of 8 to 10 individual rooms where students sharing a communal, fully equipped kitchen and living space. All utility bills and wifi is included but students are responsible for meals and laundry. Campus accommodation is subject to availability. Updated information on housing options will be available on the Study Abroad pages at http://www.bathspa. ac.uk/international and during the application process.
Student life
As well as a first-class academic education, the University is there to ensure you get the best out of your overall student experience. You are encouraged to take an active role in the Students Union, sports clubs and societies. Students’ Union (SU) - the SU is run by students at Bath Spa University, for students at Bath Spa University and you automatically become a member for free when you enrol. The SU is a representative organisation which ensures that the student voice is listened to and acted upon. They will support, develop and entertain you outside of your studies as well as run clubs and societies for anyone to join. Activities - the SU manages a range of different clubs and societies so you can be sure to find an activity to suit you. Popular activities include: cheerleading; drama; dance; yoga; board sports. If you have an idea or interest, you can start a new society! The SU also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including the prestigious annual Summer and Winter Ball.
Sports - the University has 20 active sports teams and is a member of the British University and College Sport (BUCS), the national governing body that runs competitive sports with all UK universities. Twelve Bath Spa University teams compete at various levels and in different leagues. These teams include: football; rugby; hockey; badminton; cricket; netball; American Football. No matter what your standard, you will always be able to join in with the team in some way. Social programme - the International Relations Office offers an exciting social programme for all international students. Past events have included: trip to London; movie nights; sporting events; cultural visits and creative activities.
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Entry requirements and How to apply
Entry requirements Academic requirement * 2.8 / 4.0 GPA or equivalent English language requirement Applicants whose first language is not English must have a recognised English language qualification to the appropriate standard: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL ibt 80 or other recognised qualification to the equivalent standard. How to apply The Study Abroad application pack is available at the Study Abroad pages at http://www.bathspa.ac.uk/international
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The application pack includes full instructions and there is no application fee. You should submit the application form and the following documents: • academic transcript • personal statement • letter of recommendation • copy of passport • module selection form Application forms and supporting documents should be sent by scanned copy by email to International Relations, international@bathspa.ac.uk
Costs and dates 2014/15
Costs The Study Abroad package includes: tuition fees, academic support, library, assessments, transcripts, airport pick-up and homestay accommodation with meals. Semester one £ 7,500 Semester two £10,700 Full year
£17,100
For 2014, campus accommodation may be available at an additional cost. Contact the International Relations team, international@bathspa.ac.uk Important dates and deadlines Date and action
Fall 2014
Spring 2015
Full year 2014/15
Application deadline
1 June
1 Nov
1 June
Arrival
18 Sept
5 Jan
18 Sept
International Orientation
19 Sept
7 Jan
19 Sept
University Induction
During first week
During first week
During first week
Classes start
22 Sept
5 Jan
22 Sept
Classes finish
19 Dec
15 May
15 May
Assessment weeks
During week 15 Dec
18 - 29 May
18 - 29 May
Last departure date
20 Dec
4 June
4 June
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Contact us
We hope you found this guide an exciting and useful introduction to studying abroad at Bath Spa University. The International Relations team is here to support you International Relations Office Bath Spa University Main House Newton Park Newton St Loe Bath BA2 9BN E: international@bathspa.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1225 875777 www.bathspa.ac.uk/international https://www.facebook.combathspauniversityinternationalrelations @Bsuglobal
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Photography of Bath by Bath Tourism Plus, www.visitbath.co.uk
Bath Spa University, International Relations Office, Main House, Newton Park, Newton St Loe, Bath, BA2 9BN. E: international@bathspa.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1225 875777 www.bathspa.ac.uk https://www.facebook.com/bathspauniversityinternationalrelations @Bsuglobal