Gain an international, interdisciplinary perspective by studying Global Citizenship alongside your undergraduate course.

  • Hear from leading international figures on a variety of global topics through our lecture series.
  • Experience overseas placements that relate back to your degree subject, in work, study or research.
  • Receive an award of up to £1,000 to support you while on your placement.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Global Citizenship Programme which you’ll study alongside your degree.A colourful illustration of a paper map

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience.

"Global Citizenship opened up the world for me."

Alexandra Wilbraham, Global Citizenship Programme

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The programme recognises the global perspective of undergraduate studies and will open up opportunities for you in the global employment market.

On successful completion of the programme you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

What you'll learn

Overview

You’ll attend between five and eight lectures each year. These insightful talks are given by high profile, internationally renowned speakers from outside the University, including leaders in business, education, politics, arts, culture, and government. Each lecture is followed by a question and answer session with the speaker. Lectures this year will be a mix of virtual and in-person.

Course structure
  • Year one and two
    You’ll attend Global Citizenship events and are required to complete an international placement. You’ll also spend some time working as part of a small group as a part of the Global Citizenship Forum. We hope that you’ll enjoy getting to know each other; you will have flexibility over when and how often you meet.
  • Year three
    In addition to attending the Global Citizenship events, you’ll complete a critical and creative reflection on the programme and your placement in your final year.

This structure will be extended accordingly if you are a part-time student, or a student whose degree includes a Professional Placement Year.

How will I be assessed?

To receive the Certificate of Global Citizenship at the end of the programme, you’ll need to:

  • Attend the lecture and seminar series offered throughout the course of the academic year
  • Work with a small group (three to eight students) as a part of the Global Citizenship Forum
  • Make an active contribution to your group work in your first and second years
  • Submit a reflective assignment in your third year on your experience of the Global Citizenship course and your own development as a global citizen (this should draw on your experiences attending the lecture series and on what you have learned as a result of your international study or work experience).

Students on the course will complete an international study, research, or work experience placement related to their degree.

How will I be taught?

As a Global Citizenship student you should expect to learn through:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Events
  • Group work
  • Placement opportunities

Global Citizenship events usually take place in the evenings to avoid lecture clashes with your undergraduate degree course. Should a clash occur, we advise you to attend your degree course commitments; you’ll need to let us know ahead of time to avoid this counting as 'non-attendance'. In the same way you're not expected to schedule work during your class time, you're not expected to schedule work on evenings when you know a Global Citizenship event is taking place.

You’ll also participate in small group work and present this work at the Global Citizenship Forum.

Opportunities

Placements

Global Citizenship study and experiences are included in each year of participating students’ degree programmes. Placements must be completed by the time you start your third year (work placements take place during the summer holidays; study abroad placements take place for one semester during the second year).

Global Citizenship funding

Students on the course will be eligible for Global Citizenship funding of up to £1,000 towards an international placement.

Facilities and fees

Where the subject is taught

This year's lectures are expected to be delivered as a mix of in-person events and online lectures accessed through the Ultra virtual classroom. The in-person events will be held at Newton Park campus.

Fees

There are no additional fees relating to this certificate. Students on the course will be eligible for Global Citizenship funding up to £1,000 to support an international placement.

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Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

The programme is for curious and enthusiastic individuals who are interested in international and global issues, as well as expanding their knowledge and friendship bases outside of their degree courses.

To give you a flavour of what the course covers, talks in the past have been on a wide range of subjects and have included subjects on:

  • Digital security
  • Conflict and conflict resolution
  • Imposter syndrome
  • Refugees at home and abroad
  • Food waste
  • The history of slavery in Bath
  • Art activism

You don’t need to have a huge amount of background experience, just an enthusiasm and interest in developing your understanding and building your skills and understanding as a global citizen.

How do I apply?

Applications for this academic year are now closed.