There is a fantastic amount of creative freedom. The staff are there to support you at every turn, and there is facilities available to take your creative vision and make it real.
The learning feels tangible, and your progress is celebrated along the way.

I am a student at Bath Spa University – RAK, their main campus in the United Arab Emirates. As far as I know, there are other Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman campuses. I’ve only been to the RAK and Ajman campus and I could say that their campus and environment needs some work. Their walls, hallways, classrooms, and canteen need some decorating to entice their students. Their campus is also fairly small compared to the students that are enrolled in their university. Despite all the improvements needed in their environment and campus, their education standard is pretty good as it is a British curriculum. If you are looking for a university with a British curriculum, is cheap, and has accommodating teachers, Bath Spa University could be the choice for you. They give out free scholarships that could range up to 50% off your original tuition fees. This could be a big help to students who are looking for high education quality but at the same time managing their finances.

Bath Spa University transformed my life in many ways. It became my home. My community. I felt supported by many departments including the careers team and the Students’ Union. I felt there were many opportunities to gain experience. For example, I was elected as the environment and ethics officer at the SU, started my own volunteering projects and was a sustainability ambassador. There was a strong sense of community within my course. I felt my lecturers inspired me to believe in my work and helped me develop as a creative. The location is beautiful and access to nature was a real gem as it gave me inspiration. Bath Spa isn’t perfect, but it always tries to do and be better.

First of all, I joined Bath Spa because they offered a combined degree with both subjects I want to study so I am very grateful to be given that opportunity. However, because it is a unique course there was no point of contact for both subject areas. I could only speak to the business teachers but they would know nothing about the criminology department. This became stressful when I was in my third year as they were not clear about it. major and minoring and what subject I needed to do a dissertation it. I ended up majoring in Criminology when I wanted a complete split degree but the system for this was not explained to me so that was disappointing. I have enjoyed the teaching and assignments we have been given. However, Covid disrupted this but being able to go back in the third year was very beneficial. The support I received was outstanding, especially from my dissertation supervisor. Our campus is lovely and has a great walk around the lake which is perfect for having a break. There is lots of fields and grass with animals. Our university also has multiple places to eat and drink and they are hosting a big summer ball with DJs, stalls and fairground rides. However, they got rid of their gym and turned it into a dance hall. Therefore, if they had more facilities and sports areas like a gym, tennis court or gym this would be more beneficial for students. Furthermore, our university has an excellent careers team and put on multiple career fair events for all university students. to improve I believe they could market these events more as I believe most people weren’t aware of them.

I find aspects of my degree very interesting to research and fun to learn about. Although there are some aspects that aren’t always well suited to my interest but still made compulsory. The tutors and leaders are very knowledgeable and always on hand to help which is well appreciated.

Bath Spa University takes creative inspiration to new levels. Whether it’s walking to campus on a crisp autumnal morning beside the cows grazing or exploring the city of Bath on a hazy summer’s evening; the motivation to craft a narrative can be found anywhere.
There are plenty of spaces on campus to settle down and study (the desks overlooking the lake in the library being my favourite).
The staff delivering both the Creative Writing and Publishing modules have been nothing but supportive of all students, offering plenty of feedback and guidance where necessary. The publishing staff does a fantastic job of encouraging our pursuit of careers in the industry, and I know of a few friends who have gone on to secure great roles post-graduation.
While I do feel that the delivery of the course content suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic and therefore decreased the value of my experience, I get the sense that the 21/22 academic year is going ahead well with its blended approach to learning and I look forward to learning more in my final year.

My time at Bath Spa did two things for me: it inspired my creativity and encouraged my personal growth. Studying Publishing and Creative Writing throughout the last three years have taught me invaluable skills that I will no doubt take into the working world. The staff within both of these programmes were an essential part of why I feel confident to enter the working world. With hands-on help and technical support, particularly within the Publishing department I was able to challenge my creative problem-solving skills, design and management skills on a weekly basis. The facilities at Bath Spa including the library and computer labs were extremely helpful in ensuring my success in my assessments. Every single staff member at the university had my own growth beyond the course as their focus. I would highly recommend Bath Spa University, in particular the Publishing and Creative Writing courses to anyone that wants to challenge their creativity, grow in their interpersonal skills and learn about the industry in a hands-on way.

Overall, I have had a pleasant experience at Bath Spa University. The facilities and grounds are amazing and communication between students and staff is good. Although the nightlife isn’t as good as in some places, you can still have a good night out with your friends. The only complaints could be the expenses as it is such an expensive city. Also, as the university is not in a local location, you have to heavily rely on the buses which can often be unreliable. As a whole, I would definitely recommend!