The University of Bath
The University of Bath was awarded its Royal Charter in 1966 but can trace its origins back to the Bristol Trade School of 1856, which from 1885 came under the patronage of the Merchant Venturer’s Society as the Merchant Venturer’s Technical College. We are proud of this heritage of partnership with professional practitioners and are committed to the mission articulated in our Charter to "advance learning and knowledge by teaching and research, particularly in science and technology, and in close association with industry and commerce".
The University remains firmly committed to carrying out teaching and research which is challenging, innovative and, above all, relevant to real world applications.
All the University’s academic Departments, with the exception of the School of Management and the School for Health, are grouped within three Faculties:
Faculty of Engineering & Design
Architecture & Civil Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Electronic & Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Economics & International Development; Education; European Studies & Modern Languages; Psychology; Social & Policy Sciences
Faculty of Science
Biology & Biochemistry; Chemistry; Computer Science; Mathematical Sciences; Pharmacy & Pharmacology; Physics
School of Management
School for Health
The University occupies a compact purpose-built campus on a hill on the edge of the City of Bath (there is a frequent, short bus service between the University and the City). Around the central pedestrian parade are laboratories, lecture theatres, the Library and Learning Centre, shops, refectories, the Students’ Union, bars and accommodation blocks. Research and knowledge transfer involve collaboration with other higher education institutions in the region; one example is the SETsquared project, with the universities in Bristol, Southampton and Surrey. The collaboration - the largest of its kind in the UK - was established to encourage enterprise and work more effectively with industry. In 2007/8, the student population of the University of Bath numbered about 13,000, of whom around 3,800 were postgraduates. Of these, over 800 were from outside the UK.
Research Assessment Exercise and other ‘league tables’
The University achieved impressive scores in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 71% of its research active staff achieved a grade 5 or 5* demonstrating research of international excellence across the University’s discipline base. The University has continued to perform well in other league tables and rankings, with 13 subject areas in the top 10 of The Times Good University Guide in 2009.
The Library and Learning Centre
We have a vital role to play during your time at the University of Bath. Situated at the heart of the campus, we are open 24 hours a day during semesters and our aim is to provide you with all the information you need when you need it. The surroundings are modern, comfortable and ideal for study and there are 550 reading spaces available for both group-work and quiet study.
We have over 500,000 books and periodicals and we invest heavily in electronic journals and databases. We have 400 networked PCs plus lap-top docking points and wireless access. The Library's web-based catalogue and homepage guide you to high-quality resources, as well as providing detailed information on all Library services. Our electronic resources are accessible over the Internet from anywhere using your BUCS ID and password. There are also extensive photocopying and printing services (24 hour) in the Library itself.
Our staff are always willing to help with enquiries and more specific queries will be handled by the subject specialist for your area of study. At the beginning of your time at Bath there will be a session on using the Library. Further sessions on how to fully exploit all the information you need are arranged throughout your time at the University. More information
Computing Services
The University of Bath Computing Services (BUCS) work with the Faculties and Departments to provide appropriate computing facilities to help you with your studies. All students are issued with a computer username and password when they join the University. This allows you to use one of 400 PCs that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the Library and Learning Centre. There are also more that 100 PCs installed in dedicated teaching labs.
The latest versions of Microsoft word processing, spreadsheet and database applications are available together with monochrome and colour laser printers and scanners. We also provide subject-specific software including, for example, statistics and engineering drawing packages.
You will have access to the Internet and, of course, e-mail. You can also connect to three powerful UNIX servers for programming. Many laptop docking points are now providedin the Library and Learning Centre. These points work most effectively with laptops on which Microsoft ME, 2000 or modern operating systems have been installed. In addition, we have equipped the University extensively with wireless technology, to enable internet access from virtually all public areas of the campus.
In the Library and Learning Centre there is a friendly Help Desk to which you can bring your computing queries. In addition we have an automated help desk service on line. Also in the Library and Learning Centre you will find our Computer Shop which sells PC software, hardware and trusted and reliable accessories to enable your own PC or laptop to connect into our services.
We also provide IT training courses for postgraduates and our facilities include a fully-equipped video conferencing suite and recently upgraded TV studio. Detailed information may be found on our web pages.