Life in Bath
From our picture-perfect campuses, to our unique range of courses and our strong sense of community, there are so many reasons to come to BSU.
Why choose Bath Spa University?
Exchange students
Experience university life and culture in Britain, studying alongside our home students.
If you're studying at one of our partner universities, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full academic year studying at Bath Spa University as part of our International Exchange programme.
Alternatively, if your university is not on our partner list, you may still be able to join us as either a Freemover or Study Abroad student.
"The months I spent in Bath have definitely been the best few months of my life. As soon as I arrived in Bath, I instantly felt like it was home. I miss Bath dearly and I can’t wait to visit again soon!"
Kylie Muscat Melito, Exchange Student from Italy
How to apply
To apply, you need to be registered on an undergraduate course at one of our exchange partner institutions.
You'll then need to:
- Check that your home university has an International Exchange agreement with Bath Spa University. You need to be nominated by your home university before you can apply for the programme. Please contact the study abroad office at your home university to find out more.
- Wait to hear from our International Exchange team. You'll receive an application form with further information on what to do next.
- Complete the exchange application form in full, with your study abroad advisor's signature on the form and submit to the Go Global team along with the required supporting documents (listed below) by the advertised application deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
Supporting documents
Please provide us with:
- An academic Letter of Recommendation from a professor at your home university.
- A copy of your current transcript. You need to be in good academic standing – 3.0 GPA (minimum) or an equivalent grade.
- A copy of the photo page of your current passport.
You also need to meet our general academic and English language requirements. For most undergraduate classes, this is an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent).
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What you'll study
Choosing your classes
At Bath Spa University, classes are called modules. Your home institution can help you select modules that fit in with your own academic programme.
Each module has a certain number of credit points allocated to it.
- If you study for one semester, you'll need to gain 60 BSU credits (30 ECTS in the European Credit Transfer System);
- If you study for a full year, you'll need to take 120 BSU credits (60 ECTS). This will usually meet the minimum requirement of your home university;
- Modules labelled as ‘advanced’ should only be taken if your language proficiency is equivalent to or greater than IELTS 7.0.
It's your responsibility to gain pre-approval of the modules you'll study at BSU before arriving at the University. Your home exchange or international team should be able to provide you with all the information you need.
Choosing your level of study
You'll be required to engage in more independent study than you would perhaps do at your home university. Many UK higher education Institutions focus less heavily on in-class contact time and you should be prepared for this when you begin studying here.
UK/US Level Suitability
- UK level 4 / year 1 or US level 200
These modules are suitable for students who have little or no previous knowledge of the subject. - UK level 5 / year 2 or US level 300
These modules are suitable for students who have good knowledge of the subject through previous study or experience. Some modules will require pre-requisites. - UK level 6 / year 3 or US level 400
These modules are suitable for students with advanced knowledge of the subject and are ready for final degree assessment. Some modules will require pre-requisites.
FAQs
When will I get my module choices confirmed?
You'll normally receive your timetable just before you arrive at Bath Spa University. If you are taking any undergraduate Level 4 (year one) modules, then you are likely to receive your timetable after you arrive at Bath Spa University, as these modules can change during the first weeks of term.
When will I get my transcript?
After the end of the semester, your tutor or lecturer will notify you of your grade. A few weeks after the end of your study period an official Bath Spa University transcript will be sent directly to the study abroad office at your home university.
How many hours a week will I study?
There is less in-class and contact time than some other countries, and you'll be required to engage in more independent study than you would do at your home university.
Can I leave early if I’m coming to BSU for the second semester?
It is important that you take your final exams, because it will form a substantial part of your grade. The exam timetable is posted around Easter for the spring semester. The Exam Period lasts two weeks, usually during the end of May. If you are taking Art, Music, Drama, or Dance classes, you may also have assessments after this period. Please always check with your module tutors for full information before booking any return flights.
Did you know...
Bath's stunning scenery is often used as the backdrop for films and TV shows!
The Holburne Museum, one of our cultural partners, is one of the iconic settings in Netflix series Bridgerton, and you may recognise the streets of Bath in the recent Timothée Chalamet movie, Wonka.
Venture outside of the city, and you can visit Lacock Abbey – the halls of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films – or the small city of Wells, where Hot Fuzz was filmed.
Contact us
If you have any questions about studying at BSU as an international exchange student, please contact us.
- Call: +44 (0)1225 875875
- Email: bsuexchange@bathspa.ac.uk