Bath Spa University College - In Depth

Founded: 1983 from Bath College of Higher Education and Bath Academy of Art.

Site: Newton Park (4 miles from city centre) and Sion Hill (1 1/2 miles from centre).

How to get there: Rail, road (M4/A4). local buses.

Academic features: Most courses part of a flexible modular scheme.

Awarding body: Bath Spa University College.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, Fd.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years for BA/BSc education with PGCE; 2 years for Fd.

Library & information services: Library at each site; 170,000 volumes, 6000 AV resources in total, 2800 periodicals, 270 study places; slide library. Annual expenditure on information provision, £56 per (FTE) student. IT and library services converged. 560 points with access to library and internet (ratio 1:11 workstations to students). IT facilities open average 10 hours/day; support from ICT technicians and telephone help. Introductory talk and self-guided tour of library and information services; IT skills courses within curriculum and on voluntary basis.

Study abroad: Erasmus/Socrates programme; links with 28 european institutions.

Careers: Information, advice and placement service.

Student advice & services: Guidance and support through careers office (including Job Shop), counselling, disability and welfare offices. Advice on managing study and other commitments and financial issues.

Accommodation: Approx 95% of first years in college accommodation, 30% of all students. 860 self-catering places available. £60-£86 per week, Sept-June. Students live in privately owned accommodation for 2-3 years: £250-£280 per month self-catering. Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £10,283 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term-time work: 15 hours pw recommended maximum. Job Shop helps students find work on and off campus.

Financial help: Total available £359,000 government funds, 760 students helped. Awards range £75 to £3000 in exceptional circumstances. Apply for help to Welfare Office.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6200-£8075 pa.