Exchange information for universities
We welcome students from all over the world to spend a semester or a year with us.
Our partner universities may nominate their students to study abroad at Bath Spa University. On this page, we've collated everything you need to know:
Application information
Nomination process
- Applicants are nominated to Bath Spa University by their home universities (via email)
- The Go Global team will then send applicants the application form and further information
- Completed applications must be returned to BSUexchange@bathspa.ac.uk and will be considered by the relevant academic departments
- Offer letters will be emailed to successful applicants
- Accommodation information will then be issued
- Pre-departure information will then be issued
- Students may then arrive at Bath Spa University
Deadlines
Semester 1 (September–February) and Full Year applications:
- Nomination deadline: 15 May
- Application deadline: 31 May
Semester 2 (February–June) applications:
- Nomination deadline: 15 October
- Application deadline: 31 October
Late applications will not be considered.
Academic information
Teaching year
Most of our modules run for a single semester; however, it is important to note that BSU’s semester schedule may not match up with that of the student's home university.
We strongly recommend that students stay until the end of the semester in order to obtain all the required credits. If students cannot stay until the end of the semester, they should let both universities know as soon as possible.
Language of instruction
All courses at Bath Spa University are taught in English and students are expected to have the equivalent of CEFR B2 Level in English.
Credits
Students will need to register for a total of 60 BSU credits* per semester in order to be considered a full-time student.
- *60 Bath Spa credits = 30 European Transfer Credit System credits (ECTS)
- *60 Bath Spa credits = 12-15 Semester Credit Hours (SCH)
Module catalogue
For an overview of specific subject areas, visit our course index page. We will issue links to module descriptions when we invite students to complete the application form.
It is important to note that modules may be amended, added, or removed, and we are therefore unable to confirm a student’s timetable until their enrolment.
Registration and enrolment
As part of the registration process, students will be invited to register online approximately two weeks prior to their start date.
They will then be able to view their timetable, as well as have access to the student portal called ‘The Hub’ and the Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.
Transcripts
We will email a digital copy of the Transcript of Records to both the student and their home university. If a physical copy is required, this can be requested.
Semester 1 transcripts will be issued in March/April. Semester 2 and Full Year transcripts will be issued in July.
Academic calendar
Semester 1 (Autumn Term) runs from September–February.
Semester 2 (Spring Term) runs from February–June.
Please see our website for confirmed semester dates.
All important dates will be included on the student’s Admissions Offer letter, including arrivals and accommodation move in date, International Orientation Day, course start date, assessment and examination period, course end date, and departure date.
Pre-departure information
Airports
Students are encouraged to arrive in the UK on the designated arrival day so that we can offer guidance on airport transfers to campus from London Heathrow or Bristol Airport.
Bristol International Airport is the closest airport to Bath Spa University, with direct flights operating across Europe. London Heathrow is approximately two hours from Bath Spa University.
We are unable to offer a bespoke airport pick-up service, but we can provide advice and guidance on using public transport.
Insurance
Students must be adequately insured for loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings, passports, travel documents, health care, etc.
Students can find their own insurance in their home country or contact Endsleigh Insurance (supported by the Students’ Union).
Visa requirements
The type of visa students require depends on how long they will be at Bath Spa University. For further information please see Visas and Immigration.
Students can check if they will need a visa on the UK Government website. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they apply for a visa, but they can contact immigrationadvice@bathspa.ac.uk should they have any questions.
Accommodation
Bath Spa University has a limited number of on-campus rooms available for students studying with us for a single semester. We will allocate these rooms on a first-come, first-served basis.
Any student on exchange for a full academic year can apply through our main accommodation portal by the deadline (30 June). Further information can be found on our Accommodation pages.
Some students may wish to live in a house-share in the city. Bath is a compact, safe and student-friendly city, and the University has a list of registered landlords and other resources which we will send to students as part of their pre-arrival information.
Living expenses
Below are approximate costs of living in Bath (per week). Please remember this depends on what sort of lifestyle the student chooses. It is an indicator that students can work from and adjust according to their circumstances.
| ITEM | PER WEEK |
|---|---|
| Rent (accommodation)* | £130-250* |
| Food (not including eating out) | £35.00 |
| Laundry, cleaning, etc | £10.00 |
| Local bus travel (based on bus pass) | £15.00 |
| Telephone/mobile phone | £10.00 |
| Personal toiletries (soap, toothpaste, etc) | £5.00 |
| Medicines/contingencies | £10.00 |
| Social activities/sports/eating out/clubs | £35.00 |
| Personal belongings insurance | £5.00 |
| Course materials | £15.00 |
| TOTAL | £300.00* |
*Cost varies by type of accommodation. This is based on a typical rent of £160 per week.
Contact information
Students who are living outside the UK and are interested in studying at BSU for a semester abroad should email bsuexchange@bathspa.ac.uk. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 09:30–16:00 GMT/BST.