University of Bath

In world top 100 for six subjects

The University of Bath has been named in the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject as one of the top universities in the world across 23 subject areas. Bath stands out for sports-related subjects, where it is ranked 11^th overall. It placed at 46^th for social policy and administration, and in the top 100 for architecture and the built environment, education, business and management, and statistics and operational research. When compared to other UK universities in the rankings, Bath places within the top ten for the following six subjects:

• Architecture and the built environment
• Mathematics
• Chemical engineering
• Business and management studies
• Social policy and administration
• Sports-related subjects.

National rankings

Bath performs exceptionally well across UK university rankings. This includes:

• Guardian University Guide 2020 – 6^th overall, with 11 subjects in the top ten
• Complete University Guide 2020 – 9^th overall, and 5^th for graduate prospects
• Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 – 11^thoverall, and 5^th for graduate prospects
• Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019 – 9^th for job prospects and 16^th for clubs and societies.

International rankings

Equally, the university shines among global institutions:

• QS World University Rankings 2020 – 172^nd overall
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020 – 251–300 overall

Teaching

At the University of Bath, teaching is led by research and designed to meet the needs of industry. It provides students with a real-world experience where they learn through diverse teaching methods. Wider thinking is encouraged as is making a positive impact on society. All of this is to ensure graduates have the best career opportunities.

Research

The university has a strong emphasis on research, with a research grants and contracts portfolio worth around GBP 150 million. The Research Excellence Framework recognised 87 per cent of its research as being world-leading or internationally excellent. It has also been awarded two of the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education.

Bath is one of the four universities in South West England that make up the GW4 Alliance. This is a relationship between four of the most research-intensive and innovative universities in the UK. It highlights the expertise of these universities and how they work towards addressing major global challenges.

The university has four faculties and schools that are home to a number of academic departments. From these, international students have a wide choice of innovative programmes to study.

Faculty of Engineering & Design

• Architecture & Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electronic & Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

• Economics
• Education
• Health
• Politics, Languages & International Studies
• Psychology
• Social & Policy Sciences

Faculty of Science

• Biology & Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Mathematical Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Pharmacy & Pharmacology
• Physics

School of Management

• Accounting, Finance & Law
• Marketing, Business & Society
• Information, Decisions & Operations
• Strategy & Organisation

Pre-sessional and foundation courses

International students who don’t meet the English language requirements for undergraduate study at Bath can take a pre-sessional course. This helps them improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, so they are ready to pursue their degree studies.

The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a pathway for international students who can’t meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study at Bath. It is delivered by the university’s partner institution, Bath College, and lasts one year when studied full-time. Students develop their skills and, upon successful completion, can directly progress to their chosen degree course.

Depending on the chosen course of study, there are different English language requirements for non-native speakers at the University of Bath. Courses are grouped into four categories – A, B, C and D. Students must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This is so they will be able to cope with and enjoy their academic courses. These are generally a minimum of:

• IELTS – minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT – minimum overall score of 90 with no section band below 21

This is dependent on the course and students are strongly advised to check the specific requirements of the courses they are interested in.

There are also other accepted language tests, where students must achieve results equivalent to the ones listed above. Tests must have been taken within the 24–30 months prior to the intended course start date.

A number of scholarships are in place to support eligible international students with their studies at Bath. These include:

Chancellor’s Scholarship

Up to GBP 2,000 is available as a first-year tuition fee waiver for international students who demonstrate academic excellence.

International Baccalaureate 50th Anniversary Scholarship

Up to GBP 8,000 is available as a first-year tuition fee waiver for international students who demonstrate academic excellence in the IB.

Doctor Shakuntala Gokhale Award

One GBP 1,400 award is available for a student in their first year of study who demonstrates academic excellence and has completed the Indian 12^th Standard exams.

International Foundation Year Progressing Student Scholarships

GBP 2,000 is available as a first-year tuition fee waiver for international students who demonstrate academic excellence in the International Foundation Year.

Over the past ten years, more than GBP 450 million has been invested in facilities at the university’s main campus. This ranges from a GBP 10.9 million arts and management building, the Edge, to a GBP 30 million Sports Training Village. Other facilities include:

• Library – open 24 hours a day, the library is home to an extensive collection of learning resources as well as study spaces and support staff.
• Students’ Union (SU) – the SU building consists of food outlets, a pub, a nightclub, the Student Centre and SU offices
• Dental Centre – NHS and private dental services
• Medical Centre – NHS treatment and services such as medical appointments, vaccinations, prescriptions and advice.
• Chaplaincy – space and support for people with all faiths or no faith
• Learning Commons – across campus there are dedicated spaces where students can study independently or in groups.

University sport

Bath is famous for its excellence in student sport. On campus, around 250 international-level athletics competitions are held, alongside national and regional teams in ten sports. The Sports Training Village is open to the entire community and features a gym, sport and fitness centre, and coaching, physiotherapy and sport science services.

Accommodation

International students can enjoy comfortable specially-designed accommodation either on-campus or within the city. Student housing suits a range of budgets and lifestyles, and accommodates those with a disability or medical condition.