A Vibrant Community: Bath Spa University's Student Population

Bath Spa University is a public university in Bath, England, with its main campus at Newton Park. The university has a rich history, dating back to the foundation of the Bath School of Art in 1852. With a focus on arts and humanities, Bath Spa offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including Acting and Wildlife Conservation. The university is known for its creative arts facilities and extra-curricular activities such as music, theatre, and dance. In terms of student population, Bath Spa is considered a medium-sized university, with around 7,500 students enrolled from over 40 different countries. The university offers a variety of accommodation options and is recognised for its commitment to social inclusion and student welfare.

Student satisfaction

In 2015, the university ranked joint 20th in the UK for student satisfaction, with an impressive 90% satisfaction rate, which was 4% above the national average. This placed Bath Spa 20 ranks higher than the previous two years, where student satisfaction was recorded at 87% and 89% respectively.

However, more recently, in 2021, student satisfaction dipped to 71.7%, placing the university at 113th in the UK. This is a significant drop and may be cause for concern.

Despite this recent decline, Bath Spa University still boasts a relatively high overall student satisfaction rate of 81% across all subjects, according to one source. Another source reports a slightly lower satisfaction score of 76%, which is considered low compared to other universities.

The university's focus on creativity, curiosity, and confidence, as well as its strong reputation for social inclusion, may contribute to its overall student satisfaction. The university also offers high-quality teaching, dedicated staff, and access to cutting-edge facilities, all of which can enhance the student experience.

The university's ranking as one of the top six creative universities in the UK by 'Which? University' Guide, and its diverse range of courses, from art and design to business and management, may also be factors in student satisfaction.

Additionally, the university provides comprehensive student support services, including advice on immigration, travel, and accommodation, as well as an international orientation week to help international students transition to life at the university.

While Bath Spa University has experienced a dip in student satisfaction in recent years, it still maintains a relatively high overall satisfaction rate, and the university continues to work to ensure the best experience for its students.

Student population

Bath Spa University is a relatively small university with a student population of just over 7,500 students, according to one source, while another source states that 13,250 students attended the university last year. The university has a strong focus on teaching and student welfare, and its intimate size contributes to a personal and positive learning environment. The student population consists of individuals from over 40 different countries, offering a diverse and multicultural experience.

The university's main campus is located at Newton Park, about 3.5 miles west of the centre of Bath, a historic city in the south-west of England. The Newton Park campus is home to students from all schools, except art and design and most postgraduate courses. It offers a range of accommodation options, including single and shared rooms, with en-suite options, with a capacity of 868 students. The campus also boasts impressive Grade I and II listed buildings, a lake, a nature reserve, woodlands, and farmlands.

In addition to the main campus, Bath Spa University has several other campuses in and around Bath. The Sion Hill campus, located in the north of Bath, houses the Bath School of Art and Design, where most art and design courses are taught. The university also has a specialist centre for postgraduate research and teaching at Corsham Court in Wiltshire.

The university's student population is diverse, with 80% of students being undergraduates and 4% studying part-time. The student body includes individuals from a range of international backgrounds, with 8% of the student population consisting of international students. The university offers a wide range of courses, including business and management, biomedical science, art and design, and wildlife conservation.

The university values creativity, curiosity, and confidence and encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities. Sports and clubs are an integral part of student life, with facilities including three dance studios, a theatre, and green screen film studios. The Students' Union plays a significant role in student life, offering a range of societies and sports clubs, as well as organising events and providing academic advice.

Student accommodation

Bath Spa University offers a range of self-catered accommodation options for its students, including single, shared, and en-suite rooms, as well as private studio flats. The university accommodates 2,264 students across several locations in Bath and on its main Newton Park campus.

Newton Park Campus

The Newton Park Campus is the largest of the university's campuses and is located about 3.5 miles west of Bath's city centre. The campus offers a tranquil setting with a lake, woodland paths, and historical buildings. The accommodation is divided into two groups, known as Lakeside and Gardens, housing 868 students in total. The Lakeside accommodation comprises a cluster of dorms situated near the lake, offering both shared and single rooms. The Gardens accommodation provides a village feel with bright, modern student housing and easy access to green spaces. It houses 561 first-year students in separate houses of up to ten students.

Bankside House

Bankside House is located in central Bath, just a ten-minute walk from the city centre and a short bus journey from the main campus. It is the smallest residence, accommodating 42 students in single or studio options.

Charlton Court

Charlton Court is located on Lower Bristol Road, close to supermarkets and a gym. It offers 330 en-suite rooms, managed by Unite Students, and is perfect for students who enjoy socialising.

Twerton Mill

Twerton Mill is situated on Lower Bristol Road as well, providing easy access to main bus routes, supermarkets, and Chelsea Road, a popular student area. It offers a mix of en-suite rooms and traditional townhouses with shared bathrooms and kitchens. The site is carless, with only a few disabled and maintenance parking spaces.

Waterside Court

Waterside Court, also located on Lower Bristol Road, provides over 300 en-suite rooms. It is a short distance from both the city centre and the university, with convenient bus connections to both locations. Like Charlton Court, it is managed by Unite Students and offers comfortable communal spaces.

In addition to these options, the university also offers support for students seeking private accommodation in Bath.

Student life

With just over 7,500 students from more than 40 countries, Bath Spa University is a relatively small institution, allowing for a more personal and intimate experience with a strong focus on teaching and student welfare. The university has a high student satisfaction rate of 81% across all subjects and a teaching satisfaction rate of 90%.

The university is spread across three main campuses in and around the historic city of Bath, with the main centre being Newton Park, which features some of the best digital media teaching facilities in the UK. The other campuses are Sion Hill and Corsham Court, with additional smaller teaching spaces around Bath. The university provides accommodation to 2,264 students in several locations around the Bath area, as well as on its main Newton Park campus. The Newton Park Campus houses 868 students in single, shared, and en-suite rooms, with the accommodation forming two groups, known as Lakeside and Gardens. The campus also has sports facilities, including rugby and football pitches, a netball court, and changing facilities inside a walled garden.

The Students' Union has a presence on all campuses, with the main facilities located at Newton Park, including a bar, cafe, gym, and shop. The Union runs 12 sports societies, 43 interest societies, and 16 sports clubs, many of which compete in the BUCS. It also organises social events such as Freshers, the Winter and Summer balls, and cultural events like film nights and parties, particularly for international students.

The university offers a wide range of subjects, including business and management, biomedical science, art and design, acting, and wildlife conservation. It values creativity, curiosity, and confidence and provides extensive support to students, including access to cutting-edge facilities during and after their studies. The Go Global scheme enables students to broaden their horizons by studying abroad at partner institutions worldwide.

The city of Bath itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Georgian architecture and ancient Roman baths. It offers stunning views, beautiful parks, and iconic historical sites.

Student union

The Students' Union at Bath Spa University is based on the Newton Park campus, and is run by the students, for the students. The Union is overseen by a team of Sabbatical Officers, including the Students' Union President, Vice President Education, Vice President Opportunities, and Vice President Welfare and Community. These officers are elected by the student body and are responsible for representing the students and ensuring they have the best experience possible during their time at the university.

The Students' Union facilities include a bar, kitchen, gym, and shop. The SU Bar offers a space for students to study and socialise, with a range of food and drinks available at affordable prices. The gym is exclusive to Bath Spa University students and staff and is equipped with cardiovascular and strength equipment, free weights, and a multi-station training zone. The Union also hosts a variety of events, such as the annual Summer Ball, which has featured headline performances by artists such as Sigma and Sub Focus.

In addition to providing facilities and hosting events, the Students' Union plays a crucial role in ensuring that the student voice is heard and their welfare is prioritised. They provide support and advice on a range of matters, from academic appeals to personal issues. The Union also manages a network of Student Academic Representatives who collect feedback from their fellow students and relay it to the tutors and the university. This network ensures that the students' feedback and concerns are addressed effectively.

The Students' Union at Bath Spa University offers a range of clubs and societies, with over 70 options to choose from. These include sports clubs and societies, such as rugby and netball, as well as creative interest societies, such as baking and musical theatre. The Union also organises trips and events for international students, including film nights and parties, through its International Student Representative.

Frequently asked questions