Student Services Information Bulletin 15

19/06/2013 12:02:29

Student Finance for 2013/14

A reminder for all continuing students to complete your Student Finance application by 28 June 2013. Applications received by Student Finance after this date will still be processed, but with no guarantee your Student Loan will be ready for the start of the new academic year.

If you are in receipt of a Disabled Students' Allowance, DSA, do also remember to indicate on the form you want your DSA support to continue.

If you have any queries about your application, or would like to check you are receiving all the Student Finance you are entitled to, please contact Student Support: studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk

Student Services Bulletin 10

17/06/2013 10:53:40

How is my Foundation degree classification calculated?

For all Foundation degrees you must have gained 240 credits accumulated through the modules you pass during your studies. Your actual degree classification is based on the modules taken at level 5 only (second year); modules taken at level 4 (i.e. first year modules) of your programme of study do not count towards your degree classification but you do need to pass them.

The final overall percentage mark for your Foundation degree is calculated by finding the mean of all the module marks you were awarded at level 5.

A Pass will be awarded to students whose module mean mark at Level 5 (year 2) is between 40 and 59.49.

A Merit will be awarded to students whose module mean mark at Level 5 (year 2) is between 59.5 and 69.49.

A Distinction will be awarded to students whose module mean mark at Level 5 (year 2) is above 69.5.

Videopoems call for Poetry Festival

03/05/2013 10:53:48

Staff and students are invited to submit videopoems of three minutes or less to be screened at the Liberated Words Poetry Film Festival 2013

The festival has been organised by publishing lecturer Lucy English and Sarah Tremlett, in conjunction with Colin Brown of Poetry Can as part of the Bristol Poetry Festival in October 2013.

There are two separate categories for this year’s inaugural festival:

Four by Four

Videopoems of three minutes or less are invited as a response to a printed poem by four poets.

The poets and poems are:

Philip Gross: Heaps
Lucy English: from 'Take Me to the City'
Jo Bell: The Shipwright’s Love Song
Johnny Fluffypunk: Bill Blake’s Birthday Cake for Adrian Mitchell

Winning entries of each poem will be screened as the highlight of the festival at the Arnolfini, Bristol.

Liberated Words II

Videopoetry makers are also invited to submit three minutes of their most recent work broadly supporting the theme of ‘liberated words’.

The selected poetry films will be shown at a Liberated Words II screening at the Arnolfini Bristol.

Submission deadline for both competitions is Sunday 30 June.

All entry forms, poems and rules can be downloaded from the Poetry Can Website here

Important Announcement for Continuing Students

24/04/2013 10:05:34

This is a reminder to inform you that the deadlines to submit your student funding applications are fast approaching. In order to ensure that your funding is in place for the start of the new term you need to submit your application by the following dates:

• Student Finance England 28th June 2013
• Student Finance Wales 31st May 2013
• Student Finance Northern Ireland 14th June 2013

To avoid delays please read the notes carefully and be aware of what information needs to be sent. Ensure any paperwork is sent by recorded delivery and call Student Finance to check they have received your application/evidence and are working on your application. Please do not assume they have automatically received information you have sent them.

Their contact details are as follows:

• Student Finance England 0845 300 5090
• Student Finance Wales 0845 602 8845
• Student Finance Northern Ireland 0845 600 0662
• Student Awards Agency for Scotland 0300 555 0505

Or you can visit:

• www.gov.uk for further information on how to apply and what funding is available.

If after contacting Student Finance you are still experiencing difficulties with your application you can contact the Student Support Service for further advice and guidance either by calling 01225 876543 or e-mailing studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk

Bath Spa University Professor and Graduate in list of top 20 British writers

17/04/2013 14:28:09

Granta magazine has published its once-a-decade list of the most promising writers.

Professor Naomi Alderman and graduate Evie Wyld were joined on the list by other novelists including Zadie Smith, Adam Thirlwell and Sarah Hall, for the announcement at the British Council in London on Monday (15 April).

Granta first published a list of the top 20 writers aged under 40 in 1983. That list included illustrious writers such as Martin Amis, William Boyd, Ian McEwan and Salman Rushdie. It is published once-a-decade and focuses on existing and emerging talents.

Evie Wyld graduated from Bath Spa in 2002 having studied creative writing as part of a BA Creative Arts Course. Her debut novel After the Fire, a Still Small Voice won the 2009 John Llewellyn Rhys literary prize. As well as writing novels, Evie also runs an independent bookshop in London.

Professor Naomi Alderman joined Bath Spa in September 2012. Her debut novel Disobedience, was published in ten languages and like her second novel, The Lessons, it was read on BBC radio's Book at Bedtime. In 2006 she won the Orange Award for New Writers and in 2007, she was named Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year.

She also co-created Zombies, Run! - a fitness game and audio app for smartphones and was the lead writer on Bafta-shortlisted alternate reality game Perplex City.

A launch of this special issue of Granta Magazine will take place at Topping & Co. in Bath on Thursday 25 April. Naomi Alderman, Evie Wyld and Granta Editor Ella Allfrey will be in attendance to celebrate this historic moment in British literature. Tickets for the event can be purchased on the Topping & Company website here

The Creative Writing course at Bath Spa has been running for over 20 years. During that time it has become one of the most successful and popular in the UK. Course tutors are themselves respected writers and their links with the publishing industry are invaluable to graduates.

Student Services Information Bulletin 8

17/06/2013 10:55:35

How is my undergraduate degree classification calculated?

For all undergraduate Bachelor’s degrees you must have gained 360 credits accumulated through the modules you pass during your studies. Your actual degree classification is based on the modules taken at levels 5 and 6 (second and third years); modules taken at level 4 (i.e. first year modules) of your programme of study do not count towards your degree classification but you do need to pass them.

Below is a list of the possible classifications with common abbreviations and in brackets the overall percentage bands for each class. When you are awarded a degree with honours (Hons) it may be suffixed with the type of degree, for example BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons):

• First Class Honours (First or 1st) (69.5% and above)
• Upper Second Class Honours (2:1 or 2i) (59.50-69.49%)
• Lower Second Class Honours (2:2 or 2ii) (49.50-59.49%)
• Third Class Honours (Third or 3rd) (39.50-49.49%)

If you studying a degree in the undergraduate modular scheme then your degree classification is calculated as follows:

Level 5

The 120 credits you have passed at level 5 are taken and the lowest 20 credit mark is removed. The average mark is calculated of the remaining 100 credits then weighted at 40%. This means you have an average mark worth 40% that will be used in the final calculation.

Level 6

The 120 credits you have passed at level 6 are used and again your lowest 20 credit mark is removed. The average mark is calculated of the remaining 100 credits then weighted at 60%. This means you have an average mark worth 60% that will be used in the final calculation.

The two weighted marks are then added together to give the final overall percentage for your degree.

If you are studying a degree in Bath School of Art & Design then your degree classification is calculated as follows:

Level 5

The average mark of the 120 credits you have passed at level 5 is calculated then weighted at 20%. This means you have an average mark worth 20% that will be used in the final calculation.

Level 6

The average mark of the 120 credits you have passed at level 6 is calculated then weighted at 80%. This means you have an average mark worth 80% that will be used in the final calculation.

The two weighted marks are then added together to give the final overall percentage for your degree.

If you have only studied part of your degree programme at Bath Spa University you will only be judged on your performance in modules taken here. Credit for prior learning at other institutions is regarded solely on a pass/fail basis, as is credit awarded for exchange programmes. A minimum of 6 modules must be passed at level 5 or 6 to gain a BSU award. Where the minimum number of modules has been passed, the degree classification will be calculated as an average of the marks gained in all 6 modules.

University experts awarded for their contribution to teaching and learning in religious studies

16/04/2013 09:21:46

Two lecturers from Bath Spa University have been recognised for their exceptional work in the teaching of religions.

Dr Catherine Robinson and Professor Denise Cush from the University’s School of Humanities and Cultural Industries, have been presented with an annual award by the Shap Working Party for World Religions in Education.

The award recognises a person or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to education in religions, including resources for learning in the study of religions at university level and religious education in schools.

Dr Robinson and Professor Cush have been awarded this year’s prize for their project and website Living Religion: Promoting Fieldwork Placements in Theology and Religious Studies which has been judged as making a profoundly significant contribution to the field of the study of/education in religions.

Commenting on receiving the award, Dr Robinson said: “This came as a great surprise but the award acknowledges the value of fieldwork placements which have been part of the programme here for over 35 years and for which we must thank the many colleagues and communities who have been involved over that time.”

Professor Cush added: “We were delighted to hear that our project had received this award from Shap, as the Shap Working Party shares our vision of the importance of learning about the diverse range of religions and beliefs that have such an influence on individuals and societies in the world today.”

The project was funded by the Higher Education Academy and built upon the many decades of experience at Bath Spa University in working with religious and belief communities to provide experiential placement learning for students.

Bath Spa remains unique in that it includes a seven day placement with a religious or belief community as a compulsory part of its core curriculum in the Study of Religions course.

The Shap Working Party for World Religions in Education was founded in 1969 by a group of university lecturers in comparative religion, teacher educators and teachers. This group pioneered the non-confessional study of a diverse range of religions and beliefs at all levels of education, from primary schools to universities.

More information about the Shap prize can be found here

Taking a dive for charity

15/04/2013 10:20:52

A Bath Spa University student is currently organising a student Skydive to raise money for dementia research charity, RICE.

The Research Institute for the Care Of Older People (RICE) is a registered charity based in Bath.

Lucy Mitchell, a third year business and management student, has been volunteering at RICE for the last three years, assisting with finance, fundraising and marketing activities as well as running several projects and events, including sponsored Skydives.

Last year, Lucy organised a jump with five students participating which raised over £1,000 for Alzheimer’s research.

This year, ten Bath Spa students will be jumping and Lucy hopes that they can raise double last year’s figure with the jump scheduled to take place on Saturday 4 May.

Commenting on the arranged Skydive, Lucy said: "I am delighted that there has been so much interest in the Skydive this year! Not only is it fantastic publicity for RICE, but it is also set to raise a lot of money.

“The charity conducts research and clinical trials into Alzheimer’s and other dementias and also provides support for those with the disease, and their families.

“Some of the students have really moving reasons for doing the Skydive specifically for an Alzheimer's charity. I am happy that I have been able to facilitate the jump and thus the opportunity to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. I thoroughly enjoy volunteering for the charity and relish the challenge of running my own projects such as the Skydive.”

RICE fundraiser, Gina Caddick, added: “Lucy has been amazing over the last three years, helping out in so many ways and she will be sorely missed when she graduates. That’s two years now where she has whipped up the enthusiasm among her fellow students to dive from a plane, helping to promote our charity. Thanks to everyone who has taken up the challenge.”

For more information about the dive, including how to sponsor the students, please visit http://www.rice.org.uk/bath+spa+uni+skydive+20132

Speed dating with a difference

04/04/2013 11:03:23

The University recently hosted a Speed-dating event with a focus on networking rather than the usual ‘date’.

Bath Spa held a Speed-networking event as part of its partnership with Creative Bath where over 50 media communications students and local creative businesses met up and networked at an event held at Circo Bath.

Local companies such as Suited and Booted studios, Cahootify, Cultural Forum, Media Clash and Xcetra Media had the opportunity to meet creative and entrepreneurial Bath Spa students to discuss any potential jobs or opportunities and how they might be able to collaborate with these students in the future.

BA Publishing and Media student Chloe Hall attended the event and said: “Thanks for such a fantastic evening, who knew Bath has such great employment opportunities!”

Employers commented on how valuable it was witnessing the quality of students and variety of talents and skills they possessed, with a view of retaining them in the City. It was also considered a great way for local businesses to find out more about the potential for links with the University.

One local creative professional, Tom Brereton Downs from Artolo, said: “It was a great event. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and have already had a number of enquiries for internships from some excellent students.”

Adam Powell, Head of Enterprise and Local Partnerships at Bath Spa University said: “This is the fifth event of its kind we have held bringing together local creative professionals with emerging creative talent from across the University. The relaxed and enjoyable format really works and it’s great to see real opportunities emerging from the event already. Thanks to Creative Bath and Circo Bath for helping make the event such a success.”

The University’s long-standing relationship with Creative Bath was formalised in February in a partnership to promote creative enterprise in Bath.

The partnership will give creative professionals in Bath access to the University’s creative talent through regular membership events. Events such as the speed networking evenings will generate quick introductions and structured discussion.

This collaboration will also benefit Bath Spa University students through the Creative Bath Intern Scheme, which aims to retain graduate talent in Bath, a shadowing scheme, and work experience opportunities with members’ companies.

Undergraduate Module Selection for Continuing Students 2013-2014

29/04/2013 08:09:37

Online student module selection is for all continuing first and second year undergraduate students is now CLOSED.

Students who have not yet chosen their modules should submit their module choices by emailing mycourse@bathspa.ac.uk. You should include your name, student number, course and module codes and titles in your email. Your module selections will be manually entered into the timetabling software once the online student module selections have been scheduled. This may mean that you are unable to take the modules of your choice.

Please note that on some courses all your modules are compulsory, for example BA Acting, so you will not need to make any module selections. If you are not sure if you need to choose modules for your next year of study then please contact the Student Administration Service by email at mycourse@bathspa.ac.uk or talk to your Personal Tutor or Course Leader.

Before making your module selections it is important that you consult the Guides to Level 5 & 6 Modules for 2013/14 (available here) and that you have discussed your module choices with your Personal Tutor or Course Leader.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the requirements of the award for which you are registered, and ensure that you choose a `legal' combination of modules. If you are in any doubt please email mycourse@bathspa.ac.uk.

Personalised timetables listing the modules to which you have been scheduled and all your classes will be available online at the beginning of July 2013.

Bath Spa University signs Manifesto for Public Engagement

27/03/2013 10:45:56

Bath Spa University has signed the Manifesto for Public Engagement. The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) is inviting all UK universities to sign the Manifesto and make a commitment to supporting staff and students in their public engagement efforts.

There is an increasing recognition that universities play an important role in the UK’s intellectual and cultural life. The Manifesto emphasises the positive ways universities can make a different and generate value from engaging with the public.

Bath Spa University has a strong focus on creativity, culture and enterprise which results in a large number of publically focused activities on an annual basis including exhibitions, performances, workshops, networking and research events.

Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor at Bath Spa University said: “The ethos of creativity at Bath Spa University means we are engaged with various public audiences. The quality of our academic output and research endeavours has a direct impact on the cultural wellbeing of our society. We are pleased to be signatories of the Manifesto for Public Engagement and will continue to be engaged with the public in all aspects of university life.”

Paul Manners, Director of the NCCPE said: “We are really delighted that Bath Spa University has decided to sign up to the Engaged University Manifesto. Bath Spa’s commitment to supporting its graduates to become socially engaged global citizens provides a perfect platform for us to work together to push the boundaries of how a modern university can really make a difference.”

Further information about the public engagement events and activities on-going at the University is available on the website www.bathspa.ac.uk/research/public-engagement

More information about the Manifesto for Public Engagement is available on the NCCPE website http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/why-does-it-matter/manifesto

Image caption: Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University signing the Manifesto for Public Engagement with Sophie Duncan of the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE).

Bath Spa School of Education invited to present national Web-Ex by the Department for Education

22/03/2013 12:01:03

The School of Education was recently invited by the National College of School Leadership, an executive agency of the Department for Education, to present a national Web-Ex (online seminar) hosted by the National College.

The event was led by School of Education Award Leader for Early Childhood Education, Dr Janet Rose, in collaboration with Julia McDonald, an Early Years Consultant with the Bath and North East Somerset Council's Early Years and Extended Services.

The presentation and seminar was part of a series of seminars led by the National College examining how 'quality matters' in relation to Foundation Years. This event focused on developing quality provision for two-year-olds, including considering the importance of attachment.

The presentation also included the dissemination of some of the preliminary findings from the Emotion Coaching pilot research project currently in progress within the Centre for Education Policy in Practice.

The event was attended online by participants from all across the country and was extremely well-received.

Dr Rose will also be a keynote speaker at the National College's Conference on 'Leadership for Learning: securing achievement and progress in the early years' on 9 May in Nottingham.

Latest success news from the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries

20/03/2013 16:07:27

Many of our alumni from the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries have experienced recent success. Below is a list of the latest achievements.

Anthea Nicholson

The novel The Banner of the Passing Clouds written by MA Creative Writing alumna, Anthea Nicholson, will be published this April.

More information is available here.

Jennifer McVeigh

MA Creative Writing alumna, Jennifer McVeigh, has had her book The Fever Tree selected as a Richard and Judy Spring 2013 book club pick.

Her interview with Richard and Judy can be seen here.

More information about Jennifer and the book is available here.

Lu Hersey

One of last year’s graduates from our MA Writing for Young People course, Lu Hersey, has won the Mslexia Children's Novel competition with her book Deep Water.

More information about the competition is available here.

Nikita Lalwani and Sam Harvey

Nikita Lalwani, a current PhD creative writing student and a former MA Creative Writing graduate, and Sam Harvey, now a part time member of staff having completed her MA and PhD in Creative Writing, have both been included in The Sunday Times fantasy list of the 20 best British novelists under 40.

Commenting on the recent successes, Dean of the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries, Dr Steve May, said: “This latest batch of successes confirms Bath Spa Creative Writing as the leading centre in the UK.

“Yes, we’re celebrating new writers and first novels, but also producing writers who win prizes, whose work gets right out there where it’s visible, and who are recognised by their peers. This is wide, sustained achievement with a true cultural legacy.”

Digitrope highlights all that is great about the city

20/03/2013 09:32:06

The Roman Baths were lit up on Friday and Saturday night by the latest projection artwork of Illuminate Bath Creative Director and Bath Spa Senior Lecturer Anthony Head.

Anthony Head’s Digitrope is a new projection-based artwork which was created especially for the Bath Digital Festival. It was supported by Bath Spa University, Legacy Trust UK and Enlightened Lightened who took charge of the technical aspects of the event. Legacy Trust UK is creating a lasting impact from London 2012 by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

The Digitrope artwork was influenced by the nineteenth Century animation device, the Zoetrope - a cylinder-shaped toy with a sequence of pictures on its inner surface which, when viewed through the vertical slits spaced regularly around it while the toy is rotated, produces an illusion of movement.

The Digitrope is a scalable, playful installation that used a live video camera to capture willing participants who interacted with the piece. The participants’ movements were then digitised and played back instantly as a series of eight or more giant frames each measuring three metres high.

The work explored the notions of creative control, participation, performance and the playfulness that occurs when you are presented with yourself live on video which is curiously different to just seeing yourself in a mirror.

Anthony said: “On two cold rainy nights, we brought smiles and laughter to the participating public, who appeared impressed with the engaging power of an interactive artwork. It’s something you have to experience!

“My thanks go to the Bath Spa University students who volunteered to encourage people to take part, and the hyper efficient tech crew from Enlightened Lighting. It’s been a pleasure to create a piece for the Bath Digital Festival, a symbol of the growing dominance Bath is showing in the software and technology sector.

“I hope to bring back another Illuminate Bath Festival in the near future.”

David Kelly, Director of the Bath Digital Festival, said: “It has been a pleasure to partner with the team behind Illuminate Bath in what we hope is the first of many demonstrations of the power of combining technology with community involvement. The Digitrope was a great addition to this year's Digital Festival and we're looking forward to working with Anthony again in the future.”

This is the second Bath Digital Festival which offers ten days of exciting events run at venues across the city, and offers something for everyone in the community. Bath has a fast-growing digital sector, and the Festival has been developed to allow members of the public to explore the city’s thriving digital scene and to get involved in a variety of interesting projects. The festival runs from 14 to 24 March and details of the exciting events still on-going are available on the website www.2013.bathdigitalfestival.com

Bath Spa University is a proud partner of the Festival and many staff and students are playing a pivotal role in helping make it a success. The University is also sponsoring the ‘Biggest success story of 2012’ award at the Festival’s SPARKies awards, later this week.

Bath Spa University at heart of city’s Literature Festival

26/02/2013 16:36:08

The West’s biggest Literature Festival, the 2013 Independent Bath Literature Festival will be welcomed into the city of Bath between Friday 1 and Sunday 10 March.

The city will welcome the finest writers and creative minds to Bath to discuss topics as diverse as religion, science, morality, art and the environment. The focus will be on the themes of Freedom, Landscape and as the centenary of the Great War approaches, Europe in 1913.

Bath Spa University annually supports the Literature Festival and is proud to be Bath Festivals' Creative Partner. Once again, students and staff are contributing in many ways to this year's programme, including student-led events such as ‘Voices in the City’, sponsorship of the fantastic ‘Landscape’ strand and the popular free ‘Writers Surgery’ workshops for new, aspiring writers.

To celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 7 March, the University is running two free events for the general public:

Writers Surgery: Speculative Fiction, 6:00-7:30pm, Roscoff Deli – Have you always wanted to have a go at writing horror, fantasy or science fiction? Is your mind full of fantastical ideas? Writers from Bath Spa University will help you to explore these genres in an informal workshop.
Pitch Perfect, 8:00-10:00pm, St James Wine Vaults Bath - Writers don’t just write: they have to research their books. Topics range from the nature of genre and issues of gender to how to create a world and write authentic historical voices. Come and hear a group of Bath Spa University’s distinguished Creative Writing PhD students pitch their projects to a panel of academics. Then vote for the winner…

Commenting on the University’s involvement, Dean of the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries at Bath Spa, Dr Steve May, said: “For many years Bath Spa's involvement with Bath Festivals has been exciting and of great benefit to our students and the local community.

“Now that our ‘union’ has been regularised and we are formal ‘creative partners’, it gives us even more opportunities to contribute to these wonderful events.”

Bath Festivals’ Marketing and Development Director, Owen McNeir, added: “In what is a challenging climate for the Arts in the UK, the Creative Partnership between Bath Festivals and Bath Spa University stands out as a confident and dynamic collaboration. We look forward to building on our established heritage, embarking on new creative projects together and above all, to inspiring students across the University to help us grow and sustain the Arts in Bath and North East Somerset.”

Ranked in 2012 by Which? as one of the UK’s top five creative universities, Bath Spa University has creativity, culture and enterprise at its heart. Students benefit from great courses, leading facilities, enterprising staff and strong industry partnerships.

The University offers a wide range of postgraduate courses – including MA Travel and Nature Writing, MA Writing for Young People, MA Literature, Landscape and Environment and MA Creative Writing

If you would like to find out more about any of these courses and others, come along to the Postgraduate Open Day on Saturday 23 March 2013. Please visit the website to book a place.

Helping better educate our troops’ children

26/02/2013 09:40:19

Bath Spa has recently announced a new partnership project with the Service Children Support Network (SCSN).

The University’s Widening Participation Team has joined forces with the SCSN in an initiative which will trial an educational enrichment and support project for primary and secondary aged Service children in schools across Wiltshire and Somerset in 2013.

This programme will geographically extend the current project in place with the University of Oxford in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

The aims of the project are:

Inspire intellectual, global and personal curiosity in pupils.
Enrich and enhance students’ self-esteem, aspirations and hopes for the future.
Introduce the language and context of Further and Higher Education and dispel any misconceptions about university study and life.
Give students a greater understanding of their progression through school.These aims will be achieved through delivering interesting, informative and relevant programmes to learners between the ages of 10-18 both in schools and in universities.

Dr Sally Griffin, Bath Spa Widening Participation and Access Manager, has been spearheading Bath Spa’s involvement, working closely with Joy O’Neill, founder of the SCSN and Dr Mel Macer from the University’s School of Education.

Dr Griffin and Dr Macer already work together on the School of Education's Education Policy into Practice (EPIP) group and Dr Macer’s involvement in the programme adds additional understanding and experience having previously worked supporting Service schools in Wiltshire.

Service School children move around a considerable amount during their schooling and can also be under a lot of strain if their mother or father is deployed away from home on a detachment or active service.

The project has already received expressions of interest from a number of schools in Wiltshire and Somerset to deliver Higher Education awareness and aspiration-raising activities for their Service children, with events planned for a number of schools this summer.

Dr Griffin said: “Dr Macer and I are delighted to work with Joy O’Neill on this project and to be able to support the children of service families in this way. We believe that everyone with the potential to benefit from higher education should have the opportunity to do so, and through this programme we hope to inspire these young people to consider university as an option for their future.”

A recent Ofsted report highlighted that the impact of mobility and deployment on the lives of children and young people from armed service families, is an area of concern for a wide range of providers of services to children, young people and their parents.

Bath Spa University Master’s courses receive funding from Arts and Humanities Research Council

22/02/2013 10:57:11

Bath Spa has been awarded a number of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) studentships reflecting the high quality and prestige of its creative Master’s awards.

Students looking to study certain creative Master’s courses at Bath Spa University can now apply to receive an AHRC-funded studentship. The AHRC funding has been made available under the AHRC Block Grant: Capacity Building Scheme and a number of Bath Spa Master’s courses have benefitted.

Courses that have studentships available are: MA Creative Writing; MA Writing for Young People; MA Scriptwriting, Master of Fine Art (MFA), MA in Design as well as a PhD in Creative Writing.

The Creative Writing course at Bath Spa is now in its twenty-first year and is one of the most successful and popular in the UK. Many graduates secure book publishing deals within a year or two of completing the course. Awards and nominations received by graduates include the Man Booker Prize long-list, Orange Prize, Costa Prize and The Guardian First Book Award, the Betty Trask Prize, the Manchester Book Award, and also a W.H. Smith New Talent Award.

The University has demonstrated its commitment to expanding its impressive list of Creative Writing staff with the appointment of ten new Professors including author Kate Pullinger, novelist and screenwriter Fay Weldon, poet David Harsent, writer and novelist Naomi Alderman, author David Almond, and novelists Philip Hensher and Tessa Hadley.

Dean of the School of Humanities & Cultural Industries at Bath Spa, Dr Steve May, said: “It is a mark of the quality of our programmes, tutors and students that the AHRC has supplied this funding. Our students are very high calibre - for example, the recipient of the AHRC PhD Studentship last year was T S Eliot prize shortlisted poet Sean Borodale. We’ll be looking for equally strong candidates in 2013.”

Bath School of Art and Design was founded more than 160 years ago and has a successful history and an international reputation for creativity and innovation. The School provides students with the opportunity to work with a wide range of internationally recognised art and design practitioners and thinkers. The staff have recently been joined by new Professors, artists Gavin Turk and Dexter Dalwood and curator, Mike Tooby.

To ensure student learning is closely linked to industry practice, certain courses work collaboratively with museums and galleries of national and international significance, notably local institutions such as the Holburne Museum, Bath; Arnolfini, Bristol; Spike Island, Bristol; and Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.

Professor Mike Tooby, Acting Dean of Bath School of Art and Design, said: “The studentships provide a valuable opportunity for students to participate in outstanding MA programmes. The courses reflect the best of current work in art and design and are closely linked to the highest level of professional practice.”

More information on how to apply for an AHRC Studentship is available here

Bath Spa University student wins prestigious fashion competition

22/02/2013 10:46:03

Bath Spa fashion student, Stephanie Kitchen, has won the 2013 Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) competition.

Stephanie Kitchen, a BA (Hons) Fashion Design student, was announced the overall winner of a national design competition at a catwalk event in London on Tuesday 19 February. Fifteen finalists were selected from over 100 entries submitted to the FAD competition, to design optimistic solutions for the next decade.

The catwalk final took place during London Fashion Week as part of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout showcase where aspiring young designers compete for vital funding and top industry placements.

Stephanie’s work was judged alongside that of other contestants by a top industry panel including iconic fashion journalist and talent spotter Hilary Alexander.

Stephanie not only won the final of this prestigious competition, but also had her work personally selected by Hilary Alexander to be showcased on the catwalk at the London Fashion Weekend, which is open to the public and takes place at Somerset House this weekend to round off London Fashion Week. More information is available here

Commenting on the high standard of designs, Hilary Alexander said: “Overall, the standard of this year's FAD entries was extremely high. The three winners stood out immediately and the decision of the judging panel was unanimous.

With reference to Stephanie, she added: “The winning entry was outstanding, in concept, inspiration, execution and creativity - with an extremely high degree of sustainability, wearability and commercial appeal, as well.

“It was eye-catching, functional, futuristic, fun and accompanied with fabulous accessories which looked to the future in an original eco-manner.”

Commenting on winning the final, Stephanie said: “It was so amazing to have the opportunity to see my designs on the catwalk and I was so flattered and shocked to have been announced the winner of the FAD competition.”

Louise Pickles, Course Leader and Coordinator of Fashion at Bath Spa, added: “It is fantastic that Stephanie has won this prestigious national design competition. The level of thought and attention to detail that went into the development of this mini collection was astounding.

“This is the fourth year that we have had finalists in the FAD competition, and we are thrilled for Stephanie and the tremendous opportunities that this will open up for her.”

This is the twelfth year that creative charity FAD has run the competition with the aim of challenging fashion students to think outside the commercial box, encouraging them to look to art, culture and wider social trends in their research and design work.

Bath Spa University lecturer speaks at prestigious Fine Arts Academy in Munich

21/02/2013 12:30:07

Professor Maria Lalic gave a lecture at the Academy on Thursday 7 February.

Professor Lalic is Principal Lecturer in Fine Art at Bath Spa University and an artist of international repute. She was invited to give a lecture as part of the Academy’s ‘Jour Fixe’ series. Jour Fixe is an annual lecture series organised by students of the Academy who invite selected artists to speak on a particular topic.

Professor Lalic’s talk was held on the centenary of the first ever lecture at the Academy and discussed ‘The Material of Colour. The Colour of Material’ in relation to her paintings. These can be broken down into three groups:

The ‘Colour and Metal Paintings’ in which certain paints are used with the metals from which they derive;
The ‘History Paintings’, in which a Winsor and Newton paint chart is used as a readymade for the categorization of colour by era, and
The ‘Landscape Paintings’ which link the name of a paint and particular landscape by paintings and places.

Speaking about her lecture Professor Lalic said: “It was a tremendous honour to be asked to give this lecture, and significantly for me, in relation to Max Doerner. His seminal text, ‘The Materials of the Artist and their Use in Painting', was hugely influential to me as a student and remains a valuable source of information.”

The event was open to both students and members of the public with a workshop for students being held the following day. The lecture and related workshop was fully funded by the Akademieverein (a circle of friends and supporters of the Munich Academy of Fine Arts) and the Studentenvertretung (Student Council).

The Academy of Fine Arts in Munich was established in 1770. Notable Alumni include Giorgio de Chirico, Vasily Kandinsky, Josef Albers and Paul Klee.

The Fine Art course at Bath Spa is a studio-based course covering media, painting and sculpture taught by internationally recognised tutors such as Professor Lalic. Students have access to excellent facilities and technical support and are given their own substantial workspace in one of the University’s purpose built studios.

The majority of Fine Art graduates go on to become professional practising self-employed artists. Alumni include painter and Turner Prize nominee Glenn Brown, Paul Harrison and John Wood whose videos are exhibited around the world, Nina Dolan, Louisa Fairclough, Laura Ford, Nicholas May, Peter Randall-Page, Nigel Rolfe, Michael Stubbs and Alison Turnball.

More information about the BA (Hons) Fine Art course is available here

Student Services Bulletin 6

25/02/2013 15:16:31

What is Unfair Practice?

Unfortunately, every year some students engage in Unfair Practice - so make sure you know what this means…….… If a student attempts to gain an un-permitted advantage or a higher mark or grade by engaging in unacceptable academic practice they will be considered to have 'engaged in Unfair Practice' or to have cheated.

Unfair Practice can take one or more of a number of forms in relation to non-examination and examination conditions, including:

• Plagiarism
• Collusion
• Self plagiarism
• Examination misconduct
• Acting dishonestly

The University takes any allegation of Unfair Practice extremely seriously. For more information on the University’s Unfair Practice Policy and Plagiarism Detection follow this link: http://www.bathspa.ac.uk/services/student-services/policies/unfair-practice.asp

Partners in Creative Enterprise will benefit Bath

13/02/2013 11:37:09

Bath Spa University’s long-standing relationship with Creative Bath has been formalised in a partnership to promote creative enterprise in Bath.

Bath Spa University’s degree courses reflect its strong focus on creativity, culture and enterprise. Matched with Creative Bath’s aims to promote the creative industries and support the growth of creative businesses, the result is a powerful partnership to help the economic development of Bath and the growth of the creative industries sector. It will also give local businesses an insight and link to the University and the resources it can offer.

The partnership will provide creative professionals in Bath with access to the University’s creative talent through regular membership events. Speed networking evenings will generate quick introductions and structured discussion. ‘Design Matters’ breakfast sessions will be supported by specialists from the University leading discussion on subjects such as the importance of branding.

Creative Bath members will be contributing to students’ creative showreel and social media projects, as well as welcoming students to Design Matters and keynote events. The partnership will also benefit Bath Spa University students through the Creative Bath Intern Scheme, which aims to retain graduate talent in Bath, a shadowing scheme, and work experience opportunities with members’ companies.

Adam Powell, Head of Enterprise and Local Partnerships at Bath Spa University said: “We’re delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Creative Bath. This two-year initiative will help students and graduates grow their professional networks and portfolios and help us celebrate local creative businesses that have benefitted directly from accessing Bath Spa University’s creative talent.”

Greg Ingham, Chair of Creative Bath said: “It’s tough out there. Tough for graduates seeking work. Tough for businesses aiming to expand. Bath Spa University’s work in fostering links between the university and local businesses is absolutely essential. Students need opportunity and knowledge of the sector. Businesses need fresh, bright new talent and so we are delighted to be forging ahead with Bath Spa on this Strategic Partnership.”

Bath Spa University lecturer takes mathematics to Holland

08/02/2013 12:40:14

Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education, Snezana Lawrence, recently opened the Dutch Mathematics Day in the Netherlands.

This is its nineteenth annual event and took place in a little town called Noordwijkerhout, not far from Leiden and Amsterdam. It was organized by the Freudenthal Institut from the University of Utrecht, and annually attracts hundreds of mathematics teachers and educators for an opportunity to network internationally, and take part in continuing professional development sessions.

The opening plenary of the Nationale Wiskunde Dagen (as it is called in Dutch) is usually given by a well-known mathematician or public figure such as a minister for education.

This year Snezana had this honor and opened the conference on 1 February with her talk on ‘Seeing mathematics through architecture, or how to develop an interest in developable surfaces’.

Snezana’s expertise is in the history of mathematics and mathematics education. She addressed in excess of 750 Dutch teachers and educators of mathematics.

SPARKies 2013

07/02/2013 14:46:36

Entries for the West’s biggest digital and tech awards, #theSPARKies, are now open.

This year the awards have 12 categories and 24 fantastic judges lined up to find the very best digital and tech projects, companies and individuals in the region.

Of the 12 categories, the ‘Future SPARK’ award will be of most interest to our students.

Entries for this award should be from The SPARKies qualifying region and must be aged 25 or under and have been in full time education until at least January 2012.

Judges will be looking for an entry who has gone above and beyond in the digital sector. They aren’t just doing well in their studies, they are also making waves outside education and have the potential to become the ‘next big thing’ in the sector.

Students cannot nominate themselves so it is down to tutors, mentors or others in direct contact with the ‘Future Spark’ to put them up for an award.

Included in the 24 judges is Bath Spa University Lecturer in International Business, Nilashis Ghosh.

The SPARKies awards ceremony will be in Komedia on 20 March and is one of over twenty events taking place during the 2013 Bath Digital Festival. For more information, click here

More information including how to enter someone for nomination, is available on The SPARKies website

*Entries close on Thursday 21 February at 11:59pm*

Bath Spa University Department of History / Downside Abbey Archive and Library Partnership

01/02/2013 11:12:40

The Department of History is pleased to announce its formal partnership with Downside Abbey Library and Archive.

As well as providing placements for some 15 students, the partnership will provide the opportunity for collaborative PhDs; joint teaching projects; conferences and joint publications. Level five and six History students are currently working to digitise and catalogue important parts of the overall collection. In the near future we hope to include in the partnership staff and students from English, Studies of Religions; Music and Publishing.

Dr Bobby Anderson, BSU leader in the partnership said: "Our many project placements with Downside Abbey have continued to expand over the years, so it is fitting that we are now working closer together to further develop our relationship."

As part of the new partnership a meeting for interested staff from both organisations will take place on a regular basis to share new projects and propose ideas for future collaboration and partnership working. The date of the first meeting will be advertised shortly.

Bath Spa University Masters graduate receives recognition for her work in textile design

29/01/2013 16:12:12

A Masters Textiles graduate from Bath Spa University has been awarded for her work in textiles design with her collection recently featuring at a prestigious exhibition.

Penny Seume, MA Design: Fashion and Textiles graduate has recently had a selection of her work shown at the prestigious Society of Designer Craftsmen annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London.

The range, inspired by New York, was firstly one of four finalists in the fabric category for the New Design Britain awards at Interiors UK in January 2012, winning a stand at the show and a highly commended recommendation.

Following her recommendation, at New Designers in June 2012, Penny’s work was then selected by the Society of Designer Craftsmen and invited to show at the annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London which was held this January.

For the exhibition, Penny designed printed velvet fabric based on the New York skyline and worked with upholsterer, Ann Dyke and interior designer for Dulux, Chris Read, to produce a spectacular sofa. Capturing the atmosphere of New York glittering in the winter sunlight the sofa, entitled Vagabond Shoes (in homage to Frank Sinatra singing New York, New York - the very hub of this design) is a true collaboration of all their skills.

The whole body of work has been given a Distinction award by the Society and in addition to the sofa, Penny showed cushions and linen lampshades based on her paintings and collages of the city.

Following the exhibition, the sofa will be featured with the Dulux colour of the year, a deep midnight blue in contrast to the golden sofa.

Penny, who following her training at Bath Spa, now works full time from her studio in Bristol, designing and creating beautiful printed fabrics, wallpaper and interior products. Her products reference the original location in a subtle way and capture some of the inherent mood and magic.

Commenting on the success of her work, she said: “I’m overjoyed to have received the award from the Society and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing people stroking my velvet printed sofa and cushions!”

Her collections have been variously inspired by the Bath skyline, New York and London, the latter capturing twinkling lights, barges and architecture by the Thames Embankment and was designed for the ‘London: A Celebration’ show at the Oxo Tower Gallery in May 2012.

Mary Berry and Bath Spa on BBC2

29/01/2013 11:38:24

President of our Alumni Association and honorary graduate Mary Berry is the feature of a documentary to be shown on BBC2 tonight (Tuesday 29 January). ‘The Mary Berry Story’ is a two-part documentary in which Mary shares personal milestones in her life and talks about the highs and lows on a lifetime spent teaching the nation to cook. The first programme includes her visit to Newton Park to meet with the Vice-Chancellor and talk about her days as a student at Bath College of Domestic Science. The second programme in the series will be broadcast on BBC2 on Tuesday 5 February.

Bath Spa University graduate placement schemes working wonders for students

25/01/2013 15:54:32

The University has seen a substantial increase in the number of placement schemes including the continuation of the highly successful Parragon Books placement scheme.

Over two thirds of the University’s undergraduate awards provide students with the opportunity of a placement or work-based learning module. Placements can range from a month to a year in industry and are flexible and responsive to the needs of the employers.

There has been around a 300 per cent increase in the number of students opting to take the University’s work placement module since the 2011/12 academic year.

One of the most successful programmes has been the Parragon Graduate scheme. This three month paid internship for graduating publishing students, at international publisher Parragon Books in Bath, provides a fantastic opportunity for them to experience a real working environment.

Head of HR at Parragon Books, Claire Williams, explained: “The scheme is designed to prepare graduates for the world of work and to build up local relationships within the community. It aims to integrate students into the workplace, encouraging the appropriate attitudes, responsibilities and commitments which are all vital in the work place.

“We try to make the whole experience for graduates as professional as possible where they will go through the whole recruitment process including professional interviews and feedback as well as the full induction process when they join the business.

“So far the placement scheme has been a great success. We have had some really fantastic graduates join the business, some of which have gone on to secure permanent roles and for others, it has provided a great stepping stone into the industry they want to work in.”

Acting Head of Department for Creative Writing and Publishing, Katharine Reeve, said: “Parragon has been amazing through this whole process and thought carefully about the quality of the experience. Students have taken editorial assistant and licensing roles and the feedback has been extremely positive on both sides. Those taking the placement have either been offered jobs within Parragon or elsewhere. We are delighted to be working with them.”

The importance for students to gain high quality work experience is continually being highlighted and reflected in employer and student surveys. Results from the most recent High Fliers research warned that graduates without work experience will struggle to get jobs no matter how good their grades.

The University last year established a dedicated placements team which, in partnership with its employer liaison team, is supporting more students and local business than ever before in seeking and developing new placement opportunities.

Employers who offer placement schemes benefit from highly-motivated university students who bring fresh ideas and new energy to the workplace.

With over 1,500 Bath Spa students on placement in a range of businesses, schools and other settings, Head of Enterprise & Local Partnerships at the University, Adam Powell, added: “Placements and industry-led projects are an essential part of degree programmes today not only for the skills, knowledge and networks developed, but to gain an understanding of how formal and informal recruitment works.”

Businesses interested in discussing potential placement opportunities or industry projects should contact Dorothy James or Jamie Bradbury by emailing placements@bathspa.ac.uk

Recruiting volunteer Peer Mentors

17/01/2013 13:12:06

Student Support are currently looking for First and Second Year Bath Spa University students to apply to become volunteer Peer Mentors.

Bath Spa University Peer Mentor Scheme is where current BSU students provide informal guidance and support to other students. They offer; knowledge and support, a friendly face, a listening ear and where necessary, referrals to the appropriate University support staff.

As part of the role we offer full professional training, a chance to develop and improve skills and enhance employability prospects, recognition - certification of volunteering at BSU and an opportunity to help other students.

For more information about the Scheme and how to apply, visit the Peer Mentor Scheme webpage here

or email peermentor@bathspa.ac.uk

Deadline for applications 15th February 2013

Bath Spa Porthleven Prize 2013 – deadline for applications 20 January

14/01/2013 12:27:40

The Bath Spa Porthleven Prize is an exciting new opportunity for students to win one of five fully funded art residencies in Porthleven, Cornwall, where they will create artwork for a major touring exhibition.

The five Prize winners will take part in a ten-day residency based at the Porthleven Lifeboat Art Studio in May, with travel, accommodation and other expenses included. Whist there, they will work together to produce a body of collaborative work in any discipline including performance and text, as well as visual art.

At the end of the residency the artwork created will be exhibited to the public at the Lifeboat Artist Studio in Porthleven, followed by a touring exhibition at the O3 gallery in Oxford and at Bath School of Art and Design.

The aim of the Prize is to encourage students to work together across subjects to create a fusion of creative thinking in the heart of the Porthleven community. It is funded by the Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust in association with Bath Spa University.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain professional artistic experience and promote their own work and practice to commercial galleries, prospective customers and clients.

What to expect

The judges are looking for dynamic and confident students who are able to adapt their practices to accommodate other perspectives. Prize winners will be asked to respond to the following theme:

‘PROVENANCE’; the place or source of origin.

(1860-65; < French, derivative of provenant, present particle or provenir < Latin provenire to come forth; pro-, convene,-ant)

Art historians, archaeologists and conservators are constantly concerned with the questions of where, when and by whom an object or artwork was produced. Stylistics considerations combined with aesthetic evaluations and comprehensive archive studies can usually provide answers. But whilst provenance offers us a language in which to converse with artwork, the sense of ‘belonging’ or responding to ones location has been a major preoccupation of the artist throughout history. The artist is often perceived as the vehicle by which a place and moment is truly captured.

During the residency, Prize winners can either work together as a group to produce a single piece of work or create individual works that are tied together by a common theme. The project may take the participants beyond their normal fields of expression including links through the visual and performing arts, poetry and the spoken word.

It is hoped the Prize will result in an entirely new artistic direction “The Porthleven Direction” of contemporary art. This is a wonderful chance to be involved with shaping a new artist movement in the UK and be part of something very special.

How to apply

Students should submit a letter of application explaining why they should be chosen and how the experience will benefit their personal practice. Application letters must be accompanied by a digital portfolio of recent work (eight images or two films) and curriculum vitae marked for the attention of:

The Bath Spa Porthleven Prize,

Bath School of Art and Design,

Bath Spa University,

Sion Hill Campus,

Sion Hill,

Lansdown,

Bath

BA1 5SF

Applications must be received by no later than noon on 20^th January. Ten shortlisted students will attend a fully funded three day site visit to Porthleven in March. This will be followed by a brief presentation to a selection panel consisting of industry and external partners later in March.

Student Services Bulletin 3

19/12/2012 15:16:41

Mitigating Circumstances

What if I experience problems outside my control that affects my studies?

Mitigating circumstances are unforeseen, unpreventable circumstances such as an illness affecting you, a serious illness affecting a close family member, unanticipated or unavoidable events or bereavement that significantly disrupts your academic performance.

Independent documentary evidence, such as medical certificates, must be provided in all cases to verify mitigating circumstances.

How to report mitigating circumstances, how cases are considered, and what action might be taken should your circumstances be accepted can be found on pages 47-50 of the Guide to the Undergraduate Modular Scheme.

Bath Spa student finalist in prestigious fashion competition

19/12/2012 11:05:07

Bath Spa University fashion student, Stephanie Kitchen, has been selected as one of 15 undergraduate finalists in the 2013 Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD) competition.

Stephanie Kitchen, a BA (Hons) Fashion Design student will be representing Bath Spa as one of only 12 colleges and universities in the UK to have a student in the final.

Stephanie and the fourteen other finalists were selected from over 100 entries submitted to FAD over the last year in which they were asked to design optimistic solutions for the next decade. The brief challenged students to ‘look forward and explore’ and asked students to envisage a key development or change taking place in the next ten years, and design two outfits which respond to it.

The catwalk final is set to take place at London Fashion Week in February 2013 as part of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout showcase where aspiring young designers compete for vital funding and top industry placements. The contestants have until February to make their final designs which will be judged by a top industry panel including iconic fashion journalist and talent spotter Hilary Alexander.

Commenting on making the final, Stephanie said: “I am so excited to have been selected for the FAD final. I really enjoyed working on such an inspiring brief and am really grateful to have been given the opportunity to showcase my designs during the London Fashion week.”

Louise Pickles, Course Leader and Coordinator of Fashion at Bath Spa, added: “This is the fourth year that we have had finalists in the FAD competition, and we are thrilled that Stephanie will now have the opportunity to develop her collection and showcase at Vauxhall Fashion Scout to the fashion industry in February.

“Developing this collection at the same time as her own collection for her degree will be challenging, and we wish her every success for the finals.

“This has been a successful year for the Fashion Design course at Bath; Stephanie’s success follows that of Chloe Jones who won the Gold Award at Graduate Fashion Week in June 2012 and helps to confirm the high level of creativity, quality, and professionalism of our students.”

Email - problems with google mail

10/12/2012 17:32:05

We are getting reports that users are experiencing problems (including slow and unresponsive webmail) with the University's email service. It appears that this problem is not isolated to us, but to other gmail users.

We hope that normal service will resume shortly.

Upgrade of the Bath Spa University Web Site to 1.2

12/12/2012 11:29:13

After our upgrade to version 1.1 of Orchard to incorporate the KIS course widget and links from the UNISTATS web site, we've now released version 1.2 of the Bath Spa University website (Codename Cybele). The main reason was to incorporate the benefits of version 1.4 of Orchard which sees a great increase in performance... but you should see other improvements too. Read below for the finer detail with some more techincal details.

Software Projects Team Changes

Nesting of taxonomy / sitemap checkboxes when adding courses, pages and posts should make it easier to choose where to place your content
All errors moved to the error log for better monitoring by the Software Projects Team
Upgrade work to make our own code reflect Orchard's changes
Google Analytics Page Load Tracker added so page load times can be monitored
The Course Picker look and feel has been made cleaner and simpler.

Orchard 1.4 Release

Performance Improvements: Initial testing suggests our site now copes well at 10 requests per second. Periods of high load around the time of clearing saw around 5 hits per second. We still need more load testing work work before clearing but we're confident we have a site which copes well with load.
Projections: A new way of listing content. You can add to a page and list any content based on the filter criteria you choose.
New Fields for us to work with for HTML5

Bug fixes

Fees and finance information wording fixed for International / EU
Titles in Study With Us - High Contrast layout sees titles not wrap into the boxes but run over
Problems with high contrast render
Task Slider displaying multiple Google Analytics Script blocks (live version)
Task Events - All Events map display issues
Combined Courses - Subject tabs should take up full width of page. They don't quite reach the edge on the right
Combined Courses - Content doesn't appear to be full width
WMS 232220 - 'Study With Us' course boxes all link open the course picker at Undergraduate level
Image upload problems becasue of image server permissions
Some courses are not being displayed in the Course tab on site search
Revive the H1 tag on pages and posts
Basic admin users shouldn't be able to see left hand navigation items
The play button on the slider has dropped down - to be repositioned
Stop menu changes being cached in the admin area

Please get us in touch with marketing for any content updates or changes which can't made by you or the content editors in your school or department and let us know of any bugs or suggested improvements to projectsteam@bathspa.ac.uk.

Ken Loach awarded an honorary doctorate by Bath Spa University

14/11/2012 09:39:10

Bath Spa University is pleased to announce that film director Ken Loach is to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Thursday 22 November in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the film industry.

Loach has won multiple awards for his work including the Palme D’Or in 2006 for his film ‘The Wind That Shakes The Barley’. He is also well-known for his films ‘Kes’ and ‘Looking for Eric’. His film ‘The Angels’ Share’, which won the Jury Prize at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, was recently screened at Bath Spa University to raise funds for Community Arts Therapies. Loach, who is Patron of the Community Arts Therapies, was in attendance and answered questions from the audience.

Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University comments: “As a university dedicated to nurturing creativity, we take inspiration from individuals such as Ken Loach. His illustrious body of work demonstrates that film making can offer a realistic reflection of our world and open our eyes to things we may often miss. The power of his films to inform thought and shape opinion is a masterclass for film makers of the future! We are honoured to award him an honorary doctorate and look forward to welcoming him to the Bath Spa University community.”

Speaking about his award, Ken Loach said: “This is very generous of the University. I’m looking forward to meeting the staff and, particularly, the students. In response, I hope I can make a small contribution to the University’s work.”

Professor Slade will present the award at an event celebrating Loach’s career alongside guests from the film industry and University staff and students at the University Theatre at Newton Park.

Bath Spa PhD student nominated for prestigious T.S.Eliot Prize

26/10/2012 09:13:08

Sean Borodale, a PhD Creative Writing student at Bath Spa University has been shortlisted for the prestigious T.S.Eliot Prize, one of the most important poetry prizes in the UK.

Sean has been shortlisted for his first collection of poems ‘Bee Journal’, a poem journal which tells the life of a bee hive. He has been shortlisted alongside major names including Simon Armitage, Sharon Olds and Kathleen Jamie. This is a remarkable achievement for a newly published poet.

The T.S.Eliot Prize for poetry was established in 1993 by the Poetry Book Society to honour its founder. It is regarded as the most prestigious and valuable prize in the UK for poetry. Previous winners include Seamus Heaney, Derek Walcott and Ted Hughes.

Judges Carol Ann Duffy, Michael Longley and David Morley chose six collections from 131 submissions, and a further four collections were selected by the Poetry Book Society, making up a shortlist of 10 poets. The winner will be presented with a cheque for £15,000, donated by Mrs Valerie Eliot, and each of the shortlisted poets will receive £1,000.

David Harsent, newly appointed Professor of Creative Writing at Bath Spa said: “The T.S.Eliot Prize is considered one of the most prestigious awards for poetry - not just in the UK, but internationally. Sean Borodale's outstanding first collection, 'Bee Journal' makes him a worthy candidate for this year's prize. His shortlisting is further evidence of the strength and depth of the Bath Spa University Creative Writing programme.”

Course Leader Richard Kerridge added: “We are delighted. Sean's book deserves this recognition. It is original, powerful and subtle - a poetic journal of beekeeping, starting with the arrival of the bees and telling their story with intense, exact observation and strong undercurrents of feeling."

The winner of the Prize will be announced at an award ceremony on Monday 14 January 2013. More information is available at http://www.poetrybooks.co.uk/projects/4/

Local company Musica fast becoming a well-known name thanks to Bath Spa University graduates

12/10/2012 08:27:37

In May 2010 Rosanna Campbell (now Mead) won the Bath Spa University Business & Enterprise Competition and was awarded £1,000 prize money which allowed her to set up her business Musica. The company provides interactive music workshops to benefit the health and well-being of older adults and particularly those with dementia. Following the initial success of the business in Dorset, care homes across the South West have expressed interest and Musica has therefore employed a team of representatives to run workshops in other parts of the country.

A team of five people are now leading Musica sessions, and four of these are recent music graduates from Bath Spa University. Frankie Whittingham who graduated this summer, has taken on the first Musica license – Musica Wiltshire – and through this Frankie will be running her own Musica business providing workshops for older adults in care homes and hospitals across the county.

Rosanna says: “The support I have received from Bath Spa University since winning the Competition back in 2010 has been fantastic. I can honestly say that if it hadn’t been for the support and encouragement from Bath Spa I don’t think that my business would have expanded at the rate that it has. Taking on Bath Spa graduates to run Musica workshops has been an excellent decision and I have been overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and professionalism. They are an asset to the company and are already proving popular, with many clients making repeat bookings.”

Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University said: “Here at Bath Spa we seek to create a culture of creativity and enterprise and foster skills in our students that will help them in their careers outside higher education. The annual Business & Enterprise Competition is an excellent way for students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and turn their creative ideas into business realities. The experience of Rosanna is testament to the value of the scheme and I am delighted that her business is growing thanks to the work of Bath Spa graduates.”

More information about Musica is available at: www.musica-music.co.uk

Time to change – It's time to talk

09/10/2012 13:26:55

1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives, but we still don’t want to talk about it. What are we afraid of?

BSU Student Services, Human Resources and Students Union want to encourage students and staff to talk about mental health. You don’t have to be an expert to talk about mental health, just a few small words can make a big difference.

Join the thousands of people, including Stephen Fry and Gok Wan, who have made a pledge to start a conversation.

Your conversation will help end the silence around mental health.

Come and join in the conversation in @Moreton on Thursday 11 October from 11.30 to 2.

http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/timetotalk

Stars have a whale of a time on Moby-Dick project

13/09/2012 09:23:46

An ambitious project designed to bring a literary classic to the attention of a new generation of fans is nearing completion.

The Moby-Dick Big Read has been two years in the making and will run for more than three months from its launch on 16 September at the Plymouth International Book Festival. Some of the nation’s best loved stars – from Sir David Attenborough to Stephen Fry, Benedict Cumberbatch and Simon Callow – are among those supporting the project, along with personalities from right across the globe.

A cast of 270 people including community leaders and young people, have created an incredible digital version of Herman Melville’s prophetic masterpiece, which was first published in 1851.

The project is being co-curated by Dr Philip Hoare, artist in residence at Plymouth University’s Marine Institute, and Angela Cockayne from Bath Spa University, and is hosted by Peninsula Arts at Plymouth University.

Dr Hoare said: “Moby-Dick is a novel that everyone has heard of but, I would suggest, very few people have read. This is a way of introducing it to a new audience and is something people can pick up as and when they choose – it is completely suited to the digital age.”

The project will be officially launched with actor Simon Callow reading to a live audience. The first chapter of the book, read by actor Tilda Swinton, will then appear online the following day with a chapter then being released every day.

30 staff and students from Bath Spa University are involved in the project and Angela Cockayne said: “Moby-Dick is a shape shifter, as a work it hovers somewhere between natural history, philosophy, autobiography and fiction. A compendium of cetology, anthropology, obsession, prophesy, self-destruction and morality, it is saturated with metaphor. This will be a very contemporary and visual response to a text which is as pertinent today as when it was first written in 1851, and perhaps arguably even more so. A work ahead of its time, revisited its eco-poetics for the 21^st Century.”

Other highlights include Sir David Attenborough’s poignant recording of “Does the Whale's Magnitude Diminish? - Will He Perish?”, Stephen Fry in bed with the tattooed Queequeg, Benedict Cumberbatch musing on krill and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Rick Stein on how to eat a whale.

Other readers include authors China Miéville and Will Self, directors John Waters and Tony Kushner, and pop stars Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys and Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews.

The project also features art works, which will be released online, from Anish Kapoor, Mark Wallinger, George Shaw, Antony Gormley, Matthew Barney, Gavin Turk, Pae White, Marcus Harvey, Boyd Webb and Susan Hiller, among others. Many have created new work for the project, from paintings to installations, sculptures and films and their works are not illustrative, but provocative, risk-taking and even shocking – like Melville’s book itself.

OFFA approves Bath Spa University’s 2013-14 access agreement

26/07/2012 09:23:31

The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) today announced its decisions on access agreements submitted by universities that wish to charge tuition fees of more than £6,000 a year in the academic year 2013-14. Bath Spa University is among those institutions whose access agreement has been approved by OFFA.

Bath Spa University has an impressive record of attracting a high number of students from non-traditional backgrounds. In 2010/11 95 per cent of full-time undergraduate students were from state schools and colleges and 34.5 per cent were mature students. The University has an extensive and successful outreach programme working with local and regional schools and further education colleges to encourage progression to higher education. This involves working with young people, their parents and supporters, mature and Access to Higher Education learners, people with disabilities and specific learning needs and a range of community groups, including those that support BME learners and young people in care or from a care background.

The University is investing over £1.4 million in its access to higher education initiatives which include the following:

A targeted programme for pre-16 students in selected Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) schools delivered in collaboration with the University of Bath. The initiative will focus on supporting schools in raising results at GCSE Mathematics, Science, English, Modern Foreign Languages, History and Geography, drawing on the complementary subject specialisms of the two universities.
The Wessex Partnership which allows the University to offer foundation degrees at further education colleges and private providers, so that students from under-represented groups have an opportunity to study a higher education programme at their local college or private institution.
Long-term outreach programmes and partnerships with local school and colleges. These programmes will also be developed with a number of the University’s partner academies, trust and teaching schools.
Through the Western Vocational Progression Consortium (WVPC) of seven higher education institutions, online resources including the Lifepilot website that offers information, advice and guidance to adult, part-time and work-based learners about progression routes to higher level study and the Careerpilot website that helps 14 to19 year olds plan their progression to study and work.
Developing the progression of students with Access to Higher Education Diploma qualifications to undergraduate degree programmes.
The Bath Education Trust which was formed with the University of Bath, the City of Bath College and Rotork, an industrial partner, to offer school students from three partner schools access to a wide range of courses and enrichment activities.

Public invited to take part in Bath Spa University multimedia art installation

19/07/2012 14:24:47

Members of the public are invited to take part in a new collaborative art installation called ‘Touchpoints’. This multimedia, creative project is being coordinated by international PhD research student and artist Luba Diduch from Bath Spa University.

To take part participants must first visit a website and choose a persona connected with the history of Corsham Court. They are then asked to submit information about their chosen persona by using written, auditory, videographic or photographic material. They can also contribute by writing a narrative about their persona which could be anecdotes, poems, stories or myths. The information gathered from all the participants will be remixed and displayed at an exhibition at 33 Broad Street in Bath from 23 to 29 July.

As well undertaking a PhD at Bath Spa University, Luba teaches New Media Production and Design at SAIR Polytechnic in Calgary, Canada. She splits her time between Bath and Calgary and often uses distance correspondence, such as Skype tutorials with her PhD supervisors at Bath Spa.

Speaking about the new installation she said: “In the ‘Touchpoints’ project I am investigating the possibility that within the context of architectural spaces, interactive artworks are enlarged through the architectonic systems that surround them. As part of my research, I have been re-evaluating the totality and finitude of an artwork’s interface within new media practice and the capacity for audiences to make extensions to the life of the work.”

Anyone can take part in the project by visiting the website http://corshamremix.com The results of the project will displayed at the ‘Touchpoints’ exhibition, archived and posted online.

Professor Stephen Ward named Professor Emeritus by Bath Spa University

18/07/2012 08:47:21

Professor Stephen Ward, Dean of the School of Education at Bath Spa University has been awarded the title of Professor Emeritus. The title is conferred upon individuals who are already a Professor and have achieved outstanding success throughout the course of their career.

Professor Ward has worked at the University for over 30 years having joined the Bath College of Higher Education in 1980. He was responsible for developing the field of Education Studies and having been made Dean of the School of Education in 2006, went on to lead the School to an outstanding OFSETD ranking. Bath Spa University is now a pre-eminent provider of education and teaching degrees in the UK. The Emeritus Professorship means that Professor Ward will continue to work with closely the University, supervising PhD students and giving guest lectures. He is the first Professor in the University’s history to be made an Emeritus.

Speaking about his Emeritus Professorship, he said: “I’m delighted to be honoured with an Emeritus Professorship. The decision to retire was difficult and this role will allow me to continue to be part of a University I have seen evolve over time, growing from a teacher training college into a leading higher education institution.

“I am proud to have worked with excellent colleagues and students and pleased I will continue to hear about all their successful endeavours. This is a wonderful place to live and work and I am very grateful for 32 happy years.”

Professor Ward is retiring from the University at the end of this academic year. He will be formally announced as Professor Emeritus at the University’s graduation ceremony on Friday 20 July by Vice-Chancellor Christina Slade who said: “Professor Ward has been an exceptional member of Bath Spa University for over 30 years. His dedication has resulted in Bath Spa becoming one of the best places in the UK for teacher training and education courses. His role as Professor Emeritus will ensure he continues to be an inspiration to our staff and students in years to come.”

Bath Spa University graduate wins D&AD New Blood Award

17/07/2012 13:37:02

Bath Spa University graduate wins D&AD New Blood Award 2012

Sophie Kemp, a Graphic Communications graduate at Bath Spa University has won the D&AD New Blood Award 2012. Sophie was awarded the prize for her project ‘1 Down 2 Sit’ a photographic exploration of the people behind Crufts.

The series of photographs were compiled into a book encased in a slipcase made to look like the cages dogs are kept in throughout the event. To get to the book, people must work by tearing through the slipcase, mirroring the effort of owners who have to work more than their dogs in the competition.

Speaking about her award, Sophie said: “It’s very exciting to be recognised by the industry for my documentary photography, which is something that I am really passionate about. I now plan to explore this practice further professionally.”

Stuart Henley, Course Leader Graphic Communications congratulated Sophie on her win and said: “Sophie deserves this win, she has worked tirelessly across all her modules; making use of all that the course has to offer from screenprinting, letterpress and etching workshops through to her photography, illustration and typography lectures and studio classes.”

The D&AD New Blood Awards showcase the best work of graduates in graphic design, visual communication, advertising, digital media, illustration, photography and other commercial creative arts. It is a prestigious, international festival and helps graduates prepare to enter the world of work.

The final degree show from Bath Spa’s Graphic Communications graduates ‘Assembly 2012’ was much acclaimed and was featured in Creative Review. More information about the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication at Bath Spa University is available at http://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/graphic-communication.asp

Student Services Information Bulletin 13

01/06/2012 08:43:59

Results for this academic year will be available via the Student Portal on the following dates:

Bath School of Art and Design All Years Thursday 28th June

Undergraduate Modular Scheme Year 1 Monday 16th July

Years 2 & 3 Tuesday 3rd July

What happens if I fail a module?

If you fail a module at the first attempt you will normally be given the chance to resit the failed item(s) of assessment in August. The maximum mark you are able to achieve for any re-sit assessment is 40% (unless you have mitigating circumstances which have been accepted). Make sure you know exactly what assessment you need to do and have the correct re-sit information from the Student Portal. It is your responsibility to access this information as soon as possible following receipt of your results. If you’re in any doubt about what you need to do please contact the module coordinator immediately. If you do not re-sit failed assessments it could impact severely on your progression.

The deadline for all resit coursework is 5pm on Friday 17th August. Resit examinations will be held during the week beginning Monday 20th August.

Student Services Information Bulletin 12

17/06/2013 11:11:04

Student Finance for 2012/13

A reminder for all continuing students to complete your Student Finance application by 29 June 2012. Applications received by Student Finance after this date will still be processed, but with no guarantee your Student Loan will be ready for the start of the new academic year.

If you are in receipt of a Disabled Students' Allowance, DSA, do also remember to indicate on the form you want your DSA support to continue.

If you have any queries about your application, or would like to check you are receiving all the Student Finance you are entitled to, please contact Student Support: studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk

Student Services Information Bulletin 11

15/05/2012 10:06:06

How your degree classification calculated if you take 40 credit modules in your degree course?

Your overall degree mark is determined by:

• The mean percentage from the best 100 credits at Level 5, weighted at 40% of the total

• The mean percentage of the overall marks from the best 100 credits at Level 6, weighted at 60% of the total

You can ‘drop’ your worst module mark from modules worth 120 credits, regardless of whether it’s a 40 credit module or a 20 credit module so that you’re left with only the highest marks for 100 credits, for your degree classification.

If you drop a 20-credit module mark, the module mark is simply dropped to get your best marks for 100 credits. If you drop a 40-credit module mark, the mark is dropped, but because all 40-credit modules are counted as two 20-credit modules, what we actually do is drop the mark once, and count it once.

For example:

In Year 3, Joe is taking two 40-credit modules and two 20-credit modules.

His marks are:

Module 1 (40 credits): 56 (counted as two 20-credit modules: 56 +56)

Module 2 (40 credits): 72 (counted as two 20-credit modules: 72 + 72)

Module 3 (20 credits): 85

Module 4 (20 credits): 58

Joe will drop his 40-credit module mark of 56 as it is the lowest but a mark of 56 will also be counted in the calculation.

The average of the marks for his best 100 credits is calculated as 56 + 72 + 72 + 85 + 58 = 343/5. This gives him an overall mark of 68.6% for his year 3 modules.

Visit the library for a little sit down

13/12/2012 14:54:49

We want your feedback on new classroom chairs. These have been on show in Main House for the last few weeks but since no-one's noticed them, we've moved them to the main foyer in the Library instead!

The Estates team is keen to find out which ones you prefer, as part of Project Spruce, which is refurbishing some of the existing facilities and buildings on the Newton Park campus.

Chairs in ten classrooms in Stable, Dairy, Twiverton, Stanton, Compton and Castle are to be replaced and we would like staff and students to help us decide which model to go for. Please test them out in the Library and tell use what you think at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TCXQ65W.

Also as part of the refurbishment of the toilets in Moreton, we are replacing the hand dryers. Examples of three different types have been temporarily installed in both the male and female toilets for you to test out and give feedback on. These have been chosen for their energy efficiency and noise levels and we now would like to know which you like best. Tell us what you think at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T2Q3DBT by 1 June.

Not that you need an incentive of course, but everyone providing feedback will go into a draw for a £25 Amazon or iTunes voucher!

Student Services Information Bulletin 10

17/06/2013 11:08:30

How is my degree classification calculated if I am taking a ‘top up’ third year after my Foundation degree?

For all undergraduate Bachelor’s degrees you must have gained 360 credits accumulated through the modules you pass during your studies. Your Foundation degree counts as 240 credits and you take the remaining 120 credits in year 3.

Your actual degree classification is calculated as the average mark for all of the modules you take in year 3.

You cannot drop your ‘worst mark’ from the calculation as the University’s regulations state that the minimum number of credits a student can take and receive an award for is 120.

Also the marks you gained for the level 5 modules you took in your Foundation degree are not counted in the classification of your BA/BSc degree. This is because these marks have already been used to determine the classification of your Foundation degree so it would mean we would be ‘double counting’ the marks if they contributed towards your BA/BSc degree.

This is a list of the possible classifications with common abbreviations and in brackets the overall percentage bands for each degree class. When you are awarded a degree with honours (Hons) it may be suffixed with the type of degree, for example BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons):

•   First Class Honours (First or 1st) (69.5% and above)
•   Upper Second Class Honours (2:1 or 2i) (59.50-69.49%)
•   Lower Second Class Honours (2:2 or 2ii) (49.50-59.49%)
•   Third Class Honours (Third or 3rd) (39.50-49.49%)

Minerva – Currently Unavailable in Waterside, Bankside and Charlton Student Accommodation (Friday, 27 April 2012)

28/04/2012 08:26:25

Problem now Fixed!

CableCom (Unite student accommodation broadband provider) are working to resolve a significant access issue affecting Waterside, Bankside and Charlton Courts.

The University has communicated to CableCom that this problem needs to be resolved with the highest degree of urgency. Staff from the University, CableCom and Blackboard are trying to resolve this issue.

There is no issue with connecting to Minerva from any BSU teaching campus (Newton Park / Sion Hill / etc) . You may also find that other ISP's are unaffected for example your home broadband or Internet Cafes or Public Libraries.

This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

Update 12:51pm 27/04/2012

Cablecom have confirmed to our computing services department that this issue is not isolated to BSU halls of residence. It is also affecting students in other universities who are trying to access their VLEs.

Update 4:36pm 27/04/2012

Cablecom and Blackboard are continuing to investigate a routing issue (network traffic can't get to Blackboard servers from Cablecoms network, preventing you from seeing Minerva)

Update 8:50am 28/04/2012

We had confirmation that this problem was fixed by the Cablecom and Blackboard engineers in the early hours of this morning. If anyone is still experiencing problems please log a wms job with Information Services.

Library (NP) Open until Midnight from Today

23/04/2012 12:58:13

Extended Newton Park Library opening for summer 2012

To help with your dissertations and revision the whole library* will be open

until Midnight every Monday to Friday from 23rd April until 1st June

* including the books

Student Services Information Bulletin 9

23/04/2012 09:59:05

How is my Foundation degree classification calculated?

The final overall percentage mark for your Foundation degree is calculated by finding the mean of all the module marks you were awarded at level 5.

A Pass will be awarded to students whose module mean mark at Level 5 (year 2) is between 40 and 59.49.

A Merit will be awarded to students whose module mean mark at Level 5 (year 2) is between 59.5 and 69.49.

A Distinction will be awarded to students whose module mean mark at Level 5 (year 2) is above 69.5.

Music Research Forum

27/07/2012 12:11:11

Music Research Forum
Ralf Dorrell (BSU)
Whose piece is it anyway? - Big Band Jazz Composition

Thursday 22nd March, 1 - 2pm, MT.G18

After a brief introduction to big band jazz composition, Ralf Dorrell will discuss his recent works for improvising soloist and jazz big band. These explore various ways of guiding the soloist with the aim of integrating the improvised solo into the musical argument of the composition.

Ralf Dorrell has been active in the South-West as a jazz composer, performer (trombone and bass), bandleader, workshop tutor and jazz educator since the mid-1980's. Performances include BBC Radio 3 jazz broadcasts and jazz festivals in Britain and Europe. His works have been commissioned by Radio 3 and SWJazz and performed at the Purcell Room. He has recorded several CDs.

_______________________

The Music Research Forum runs from 1 - 2pm on Thursdays. The full timetable is here.
Recordings and other materials from sessions are available to BSU staff and students at the Music Research Forum archive.
Admission to Music Research Forum session is free and everyone is welcome.

Next session: Trevor Wishart, Thursday 22 March 2012, 1 - 2pm, MT.G18.

Student Services Information Bulletin 8

19/03/2012 11:00:03

Keeping your personal details up-to-date

It is your responsibility to ensure that your personal details are correct and up-to-date. We may need to contact you, or send you documents or letters about your course so it is important that we hold the correct information.

You can change your

• Term Time address
• Home address
• Email address
• Telephone numbers (including mobile number)

By logging on to the Student Portal: https://studentportal.bathspa.ac.uk/Home/

If you have any queries please contact mycourse@bathspa.ac.uk

National Student Money Week Events

14/03/2012 09:52:15

Indian Cinema The new Film Studies Module

08/03/2012 13:47:52

Coming in September 2012 To a Lecture Theatre Near You!

FL 5010: 20 credits available as an elective

CONTACT: SUMAN GHOSH
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL INDUSTRIES
Office: ST 105 Email: s.ghosh@bathspa.ac.uk

Specialist alcohol and drug advisory drop in sessions every Thursday from 2 to 4 in Doynton at Newton Park

06/03/2012 15:55:00

The drop in sessions will be staffed by the DHI, (Developing Health and Independence) which is an organisation in Bath that specialises in providing advice and guidance for people who may be concerned about either their own, or others drug and/or alcohol use.

The service is confidential and may consist of a one off meeting, or discussion about longer term support. You are welcome to drop in on a Thursday between 2 and 4, or if you would like to book an appointment please mail: studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk

Do remember that Student Support is a useful point of contact for a range of queries, such as; finances, health and academic progress.

Student Services Bulletin - Undergraduate degree classification

27/02/2012 14:02:42

Student Services Information Bulletin 7

How is my undergraduate degree classification calculated?

If you studying a degree in the undergraduate modular scheme then your degree classification is calculated as follows:

Level 5

Level 6

The two weighted marks are then added together to give the final overall percentage for your degree.

If you are studying a degree in Bath School of Art & Design then your degree classification is calculated as follows:

Level 5

The average mark of the 120 credits you have passed at level 5 is calculated then weighted at 20%. This means you have an average mark worth 20% that will be used in the final calculation.

Level 6

The average mark of the 120 credits you have passed at level 6 is calculated then weighted at 80%. This means you have an average mark worth 80% that will be used in the final calculation.

The two weighted marks are then added together to give the final overall percentage for your degree.

Lecturer’s Film to Air on BBC HD

22/02/2012 10:01:40

Robert Brown, Lecturer in Film and Creative Production at Bath Spa University, will see his film 'Silent Things’ broadcast on BBC HD on Sat 11 February at 23:30.

‘Silent Things’ is a short film about an autistic man and woman who undergo an extraordinary test of character and friendship. The cast of this character driven drama includes Georgia Groome (star of London to Brighton) Antonia Campbell Hughes (Jane Campion’s Bright Star) and Andrew Scott (2005 Olivier Award Winner, Band of Brothers).
'Silent Things' received its international premiere at the 40th International Film Festival Rotterdam, winning the IFFR New Arrivals award. The UK premiere was at the 18th Raindance Film Festival.

Rob Brown is an award winning writer/director whose nominations include 'European Competition' at Brest European Short Film Festival, 'Best Newcomer' at Rushes Soho Shorts and the BBC New Filmmakers Award.

Catch ‘Silent Things’ on BBC HD on Sat 11 February at 23:30 or BBC iPlayer shortly afterwards.

http://www.silentthings.whitelantern.co.uk/

Student Bulletin - Missing Classes

22/02/2012 10:01:44

Are you a student who has missed quite a few classes and are worried how they will affect your assessments? Are you worried that this will mean failing modules and want to know if there is anything you can do about it?

Your options will depend on why you have missed classes. If it is due to medical or personal reasons, you will need to make a claim for mitigating circumstances. How to report mitigating circumstances, how cases are considered, and what action might be taken should your circumstances be accepted can be found here: http://www.bathspa.ac.uk/services/student-services/current-students/your-course/mitigating-circumstances.asp

If you have missed classes due to poor time-keeping, or from being overwhelmed by the freedom of University to make your own decisions and keep your own hours, you will have less leeway. However, try not to panic. The most important thing, if you realise that you have not been putting enough commitment into your studies, is to take steps to change that as soon as possible. Your personal tutor, module tutors, student support staff and student's union staff can all help you to talk through why you're struggling and what you can do to get yourself back on track, so contact someone before it's too late! Also, students are normally given one further opportunity to re-sit failed assessments in August.

The Mayor Multi-Faith Gathering

22/02/2012 10:01:57

The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath & The Mayoress (Councillor Bryan Chalker & Mrs Glenys Chalker) request the pleasure of your company with guests at THE MAYOR'S MULTI-FAITH GATHERING followed by a free Buffet in the Banqueting Room, Guildhall, Bath on Sunday 5 February 2012 at 2.45 pm
Mayor’s Secretary, Guildhall, Bath, Somerset, BA1 5AW

Find out more at: http://www.thecityofbath.co.uk/home

New Year Brings New Vice-Chancellor to Bath Spa University

22/02/2012 10:02:08

The start of 2012 sees a new direction for Bath Spa University as Professor Christina Slade takes the helm as Vice-Chancellor at a time of exciting changes.

In 2012 alone, the new Vice-Chancellor will lead the University through major changes to the campus during a world-class development project and navigate the greatest changes for a generation in the way UK universities are financed.

Professor Christina Slade brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Dean of the Schools of Arts and of Social Sciences at City University London. She has been Dean of Humanities at Macquarie University (2003-8) and Professor of Media Theory at the University of Utrecht in which capacity she led a €1.25 million seven nation EU funded project entitled ‘Media and Citizenship: transnational television cultures reshaping political identities in the EU.’

Trained as a philosopher of logic and language, her research has focussed on issues of the media since 1990. Her monograph, ‘The Real Thing: doing philosophy with media’ (2002) examines the role of reason in the media, while ‘From Migrant to Citizen: testing language, testing culture’, (2010) jointly edited with Martina Möllering, looks at linguistic, legal and philosophical aspects of citizenship testing.

Professor Slade is delighted to be joining Bath Spa and is looking forward to her future in the city. She said: “There couldn’t be a better time to join Bath Spa University as we move through one of the most interesting times in higher education for quite some time. This is a wonderful opportunity to help the University pursue its ambitions, and to promote its reputation both at home and abroad.”

Prestigious Book Award

22/02/2012 10:02:13

Andrew Miller, Bath Spa University Lecturer in Creative Writing, won ‘Best Novel’ at the Costa Books Awards 2011. His sixth novel outshone Booker Prize winner Julian Barnes to win the prestigious award.

Pure, a parable of the French Revolution set in 18th-century Paris, was commended by the judges: "A structurally and stylistically flawless historical novel, this book is a gripping story, beautifully written and emotionally satisfying. A novel without a weakness from an author who we all feel deserves a wider readership.”

Miller humbly said: “With the kind of work I do the occasional attention of a prize jury makes everything a little easier. For me there's a great sense of relief. Huge amounts of luck involved, of course. No good pretending otherwise.”

The Costa Book Awards started life in 1971 as the Whitbread Literary Awards and is one of the UK's most prestigious and popular literary prizes. The awards recognise some of the most enjoyable books of the year by writers based in the UK and Ireland. It’s unique for having five categories: First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children's Book.

The winner in each category receives £5,000, and then one of the five winning books is selected as the overall Costa Book of the Year. This year's individual category winners have been announced for the prestigious awards and the overall winner will be announced on 24 January.

Synopsis of Pure:

Deep in the heart of Paris, its oldest cemetery is, by 1785, overflowing, tainting the very breath of those who live nearby. Into their midst comes Jean-Baptiste Baratte, a young, provincial engineer charged by the king with demolishing it. At first Baratte sees this as a chance to clear the burden of history, a fitting task for a modern man of reason. But before long, he begins to suspect that the destruction of the cemetery might be a prelude to his own.

Bath Spa University Lecturer Chosen for Film Festival

22/02/2012 10:02:02

Robert Brown, Lecturer in Film and Creative Production at Bath Spa University, will see his film 'Paper Hearts' screened at the London Short Film Festival (LSFF) on 13 January.

The film has already obtained backing from Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey and received positive reviews whist showing at Rushes Soho Shorts, Singapore International Film Festival and Leeds International Film Festival.

The idea for the short drama came when Rob spent several months working with homeless people as part of his ‘Rough Sleepers’ multimedia project. The documentaries he made during this time inspired the script for 'Paper Hearts' and people sleeping rough contributed ideas for the story. The film script was brought to life after being selected for funding from IdeasTap, a funding body for emerging art talent, by a panel that included Kevin Spacey.

Mr Spacey said: "What I really liked about this project was its potential to give homeless people a creative voice and make a difference."

‘Paper Hearts’ was soon spotted by BFI London Film Festival and LSFF programmer Philip Ilson who encouraged Rob to submit it to LSFF for consideration.

Rob is delighted that it was selected for the festival: "It was a real honour to be awarded funding by Kevin Spacey to get the film off the ground. He spoke very highly of the project and this made me determined to make a success of it. I’m delighted that it has been selected for such prestigious festivals."

The film tells the story of a dysfunctional father and son who make a surprising discovery about each other. It tackles the perceptions of homelessness and aims to break down social barriers.

Paper Hearts - trailer for a short film by Rob Brown from Rob Brown Director on Vimeo.

OBE for Former Bath Spa University VC

22/02/2012 10:02:18

Professor Frank Morgan, who retired as Bath Spa University Vice-Chancellor in December 2011, has received an OBE for services to Higher Education. The New Year honours list accolade follows 15 years in the post of the University’s Vice-Chancellor and 25 years' service at the University.

Professor Morgan's retirement follows a career of very significant accomplishment, steering the then Bath College of Higher Education to University College status in 1999 and University title in 2005.

In his final year as Vice-Chancellor he worked hard to deliver a real momentum for the University to ensure its future prosperity. His final project for the University saw him signing a contract that would see a major new academic development in the heart of Newton Park campus. The new building will transform facilities for staff and students.

Equal Pay Review 2011 - Findings

22/02/2012 10:02:38

During the autumn of 2011 the University conducted its first Equal Pay Review. The working group consisted of representatives of the recognised Trade Unions, UNISON and UCU, a member of the Equality and Diversity Steering Group, Human Resources, Information Services and Finance. As this made the group predominantly female we asked the Trade Unions to nominate a male member of staff who also joined.

This Equal Pay Review showed that there were no pay gaps, based on basic average hourly pay, of over 5% in jobs of equal value. However, the University’s overall basic average hourly pay % pay gap shows that the average hourly pay of men is 21.23% higher than the average hourly pay of women. This percentage rate is slightly higher than the ASHE (Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings) % pay gap for Higher Education of 20.2%. The reason why overall men are paid more than females is the current gender distribution of the University which is predominately male in senior roles, has more females in lower graded roles, and has more females in part time roles compared to males. These issues are broader equality issues around gender representation and the University will continue to consider initiatives to increase gender representation across all levels as published in the University Equality Objectives.

The University continues to be committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and part of this commitment is equality in the application of its pay and grading structure to ensure equal pay for work of equal value and will undertake a further Equal Pay Review in 2012.

Bath Spa University appoint new vice-chancellor

22/02/2012 10:02:47

Bath Spa University has announced the appointment of a new vice-chancellor!

Professor Christina Slade, the dean of the schools of arts and social sciences at City University London, will take over from Professor Frank Morgan when he retires at the end of this year. She has previously been dean of humanities at Macquarie University in Australia and professor of media theory at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.

Prof Slade said she was delighted to be joining Bath Spa and was looking forward to her future in the city. She said: “Universities are under increasing pressure to prove their worth and deliver outstanding value to students. Bath Spa University is a unique university in a wonderful setting. “While I’m sad to be leaving City University London, I’m excited about leading Bath Spa University to take advantage of the opportunities that the current climate creates.”

Stella Pirie, the chair of the university’s board of governors, said everyone was looking forward to welcoming Prof Slade when she joined them in January 2012. She said: “Prof Slade has impressive experience both internationally and in the UK. “I am sure that this experience will be invaluable for the university’s development, including its student-centred approach and research and estates strategies. “Prof Slade will be able to build on the significant achievements made by Prof Morgan and I have every confidence that she will lead the university well through what will certainly be the greatest changes for a generation in the way UK universities are financed.”

Vice-chancellor of City University London Professor Paul Curran wished Prof Slade well on the next step in her career. He said: “Bath Spa University is to be congratulated on its appointment of Prof Christie Slade as its next vice-chancellor. “Christie’s strong academic credentials, energy and leadership experience will equip her very well indeed for this role. Christie will make an excellent vice-chancellor and I am delighted for her.”

Bath Spa University Hosts Information Event on Student Fees and Funding

22/02/2012 10:03:05

Bath Spa University is joining forces with the University of Bath to help people in the South West with questions about student finances and the new 2012 higher education fee and funding arrangements. The two universities are holding an information evening on 14 November between 7 and 9pm at the Newton Park campus of Bath Spa University.

The free event supports a national campaign led by the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance dedicated to explaining the 2012 changes to student finance in England. The event will help to ensure people understand how the new student finance package works. There are also presentations on other areas of student finance, such as local university financial support, Government Student Support loans and grants, and how to budget at university.

The event is for students, parents, carers, teachers and careers advisers who would like to know more about student finances and there is an opportunity to meet and talk to local experts. Speakers will include admissions staff, money advisers and Student Ambassadors from the University of Bath and Bath Spa University. There will also be a finance quiz for students with Amazon vouchers as prizes.

For bookings and enquiries contact Missy on m.beal@bathspa.ac.uk or Sue on s.garrett@bath.ac.uk

The Independent Taskforce on Student Finance has a range of useful resources: http://www.studentfinance2012.com/resources

Bath Spa University Supports Entrepreneurs and Innovation in Technology

22/02/2012 10:02:56

Bath Spa University was the proud Festival Sponsor of Venturefest Bristol 2011 which took place place at SPark One, the innovation centre at the Bristol and Bath Science Park.

Venturefest Bristol is an exciting new event for the South West business community and unites entrepreneurs and innovators from across the Bristol and Bath region with investors and professional service providers. The event helps to join technology business ideas with potential funding and support to see the future commercialisation of the South West’s best new ideas.

The event attracted a wide range of investors, business service providers and universities seeking to commercialise the outputs of their research activities. The festival also included an Innovation Zone to showcase business ideas based around emerging technologies.

Bath Spa University (BSU) exhibited at the event to highlight the research and consultancy it conducts at the cutting edge of science, technology and creative industries.

Dr Anil de Sequeira, Subject Leader for Food and Nutrition in the Department of Science who represents BSU on the Science City Bristol steering group said: “This was an exciting opportunity for the four universities in the Bath and Bristol region to come together. We are telling the world and business community what great places Bath and Bristol are. We have a wealth of intellectual property generated in Universities and we can work with businesses to innovate and create the products and services of tomorrow. Together we can increase the economic wealth of businesses and the country, while enhancing the lives of the communities that live in two great cities.”

Dr Greg Garrard (Senior Lecturer English Literature) and Anthony Head (Senior Lecturer in Digital Technologies Design) showcased Poetiks Pro, an idea based around an ‘e-learning app’ that they developed at Bath Spa University. The app has the potential to revolutionise the way the study of poetry is taught and hence improve the quality of poetry that is written.

Dr Garrard said: “We’re really excited about Venturefest Bristol and to be promoting links between Bath Spa University and innovation. Our project could see the teaching of poetry revolutionised by harnessing new technology for learning.”

‘Good Egg’ and ‘Good Chicken’ Awards for Bath Spa University

22/02/2012 10:03:09

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? For Bath Spa University’s catering team, it was a simultaneous arrival as they scooped both the ‘Good Chicken’ and ‘Good Egg’ awards for their contribution to animal welfare.

Compassion in World Farming recognised the University along with over 40 hospitals, educational centres and local councils at the Public Procurement Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards in London. The awards were presented to organisations that are committed to improving the welfare of farm animals in their supply chains.

VIPs and champions of ethical food gave inspirational talks. Host, Jenny Jones - Green Assembly Member and former chair of London Food - spoke passionately about her bid to improve the food we eat as a nation, while TV chef, Allegra McEvedy MBE, talked about the importance of opting for higher welfare meat.

The awards categories received by Bath Spa University recognise the commitment to improving the lives of animals by specifying only higher welfare eggs and chicken for use in catering throughout the University.

Phil Turner, Bath Spa University’s Catering Manager, said: ‘We are delighted to be recognised for demonstrating best practice in responsible sourcing within public catering. We are very grateful to our local suppliers who not only ensure we cut down on food miles, but who also helped us with the award applications. The awards prove our commitment to providing fantastic meals, listening to the views of our students and continuing to explore further options for responsibly sourced food.”

Graduates Work with Patrick Stewart to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence

22/02/2012 10:02:51

Theatre Company “Unique Voice” has been in the spotlight after performing at a Bristol school alongside Sir Patrick Stewart, to raise awareness of domestic violence. The prestigious actor is a patron of the theatre company which tours schools to run drama workshops that educate children about social issues.

The members of Unique Voice graduated from Bath Spa University in 2009 and were finalists in the University’s business plan competition with their theatre company start-up proposal. They students have made a huge success of Unique Voice creating a fresh, new and dynamic theatre company that is dedicated to vocalising current issues in society with raw passion and creativity. Since leaving the University they have secured a range of high-profile contracts, including working with Bristol City Council.

Sir Patrick Stewart got involved with the current project because he experienced the terrible effect of domestic violence after seeing his father beating his mother as a child. As part of the actor’s visit he attended Oasis Academy in Hengrove and watched Unique Voice's drama programme titled, Me+You=4eva.

Before introducing Me+You=4eva, Sir Patrick talked to the students about his own personal experience. He explained that “it was not taken seriously” and that domestic violence “was something to be ashamed of - a secret”.

Impressed with the work that Unique Voice is presenting to schools, Sir Patrick described it as “magnificent” and “remarkable”. He believes that awareness of domestic violence is improving dramatically because organisations like this “are letting people know what the facts of domestic violence are.” Around 2,000 children from 27 schools in the area have been involved in the programme.

Unique Voice Company Director Krystal Keekey, said the team were "overjoyed" to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart to see their work first hand.

Bath Spa University graduates involved in the project include: Krystal Keekey, Vicky Dias, Cat Sparkes, Daniel Langridge, Matthew Ward, Suzanne Booth, Ruth Stokes and Sarah Fullagar.

Esteemed Humanitarian and International Development Expert to Talk on Post-Conflict Recovery

22/02/2012 10:03:00

Bath Spa University is proud to be hosting Dr The Hon. Gilbert Greenall, CBE who will be talking on the topic of: 'Winning the Peace: Post-Conflict Recovery in the 21st Century'.

The free event forms part of the University’s Environmental and Social Research Seminar Series. The lecture is open to all and will take place on Thursday 8 December at 6pm at Newton Park Campus (room NEG02).

Dr Greenall will discuss evidence of the last twenty years of war and examine if our efforts for a better peace should give rise to optimism or be condemned as a source of shame. Have recent conflicts shown a stubborn determination to old ways? Are soldiers becoming more civilian centric in their planning and operations? Is the use of force proportionate?

Dr Rebecca Schaaf, Bath Spa University’s Subject Leader for Geography said: “We are thrilled to be able to share such knowledge and experience through our Environmental and Social Research Seminar Series. Post-conflict reconstruction is a hot topic and it is fantastic to have a world-class expert who has been an advisor to the government regarding military and humanitarian strategy in Afghanistan.”

Greenall joined the British Army in 1973 completing his short service commission in 1976 at the age of 22. He then did the MBA course at INSEAD Fontainebleau and subsequently studied medicine, qualifying as a doctor in 1989. He has had a 30 year career in the management of humanitarian emergencies and post conflict management, with hands-on experience of 22 humanitarian emergencies and 10 conflicts.

Greenall has been an adviser to the British military commanders in Northern Iraq, Bosnia, East Timor Sierra Leone, Macedonia, Baghdad and most recently the UN commander of UNIFIL in Southern Lebanon. He has been a member of the United Nations Disaster, Assessment and Co-ordination team since 1997. He was appointed CBE in 1993 and awarded an honorary doctorate in Medicine by the University of Bristol in 2006.

Dr Schaaf added: “Look out for more exciting speakers when we host a Royal Geographical Society public lecture in May”.

Contract Signed for World-Class Development at Bath Spa University

22/02/2012 10:02:43

Bath Spa University celebrated the signing of a contract with Skanska today for the development of a world-class academic building in the heart of the Newton Park campus. Skanska, one of the world’s leading construction groups, was awarded the main construction contract as part of the overall £40 million development which will transform academic facilities for students.

The exciting new academic building will provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities, technology-enabled study space and social learning space. It will also offer a superb new digital space with the best resources for teaching digital media-related courses in the south-west. It forms the first phase of a wider masterplan that will include new student accommodation in the next phase.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Frank Morgan said: “With this project Bath Spa University moves to a new stage in its progress as one of the UK’s most successful modern universities. The new building will consolidate our position as a major provider of courses involving digital technology with all that means for the regional economy and the employability of our students. We are delighted to be working with Skanska who share our environmental ethos and will use their experience of educational settings to produce an outstanding building of real architectural distinction.”

The visually stunning academic building will sit within the existing campus and has been designed in consultation with English Heritage and Natural England. It will blend sympathetically into the existing estate to provide a unique blend of history and modernity.

Environmental solutions and sustainability are at the heart of both Bath Spa University’s and Skanska's approach to this project. The building will achieve the highest standard of environmental performance - ‘BREEAM Excellent’ (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). To deliver this, Skanska will incorporate elements such as energy saving lighting systems and a ‘living’ sedum roof. A new high-tech energy centre will be built to support the development.

Commenting, Martin Nunns, managing director of Skanska Building – Central and Regions said: "Skanska are delighted to be working with a University that shares our environmental principles. While Bath Spa University has a First Class Award in the People & Planet Green League, Skanska UK has won the British Quality Foundation’s Achievement Award for Sustainable Future and was named The UK’s Best Green Company by the Sunday Times. It’s the perfect partnership. ”

Skanska is involved in some of the UK’s most prestigious development projects and has an excellent record. Whether it is constructing a world-class cancer centre in London, or the £1 billion development project for The Barts and The London new hospitals programme, they are committed to ensuring that ‘business as usual’ can continue throughout the development.

In addition, Skanska’s experience of working in educational settings is strong in the south-west as they were responsible for the UK’s first Building Schools for the Future programme in Bristol. Over recent years they have completed 20 schools across the region, most recently All Saints Academy in Cheltenham.

The construction of the state-of-the-art academic building will commence mid-2012 and will be complete in early 2014.

For more information visit http://www.bathspa.ac.uk/development