Postgraduate Research Study at Bath Spa University

A postgraduate research degree at Bath Spa University (BSU) gives you the freedom to explore ideas in depth, contribute new knowledge to your field and work closely with the expert supervisors in a supportive, creative, research environment,

At Bath Spa University (BSU), you’ll be part of a vibrant and creative community. At our beautiful campuses in Bath, you’ll be given the freedom and space to pursue your passion and research. We’ll challenge and support you and provide the perfect environment to study and live; you’ll be in the heart of Bath, a bustling city with a thriving creative industry and diverse economy.

What is a postgraduate research degree?

• Research degrees focus on independent, original study, supported by academic supervision and research training.
• A qualification at this level could give you a distinct advantage in achieving your career goals and also gives you the chance to dive deep into a topic that you're especially passionate about.

Research degrees can be studied:

• Full-time or part-time
• On campus, with flexible working arrangements where appropriate

This makes BSU an excellent choice if you’re balancing research with professional practice or other commitments.

Course Options

A postgraduate research degree can be beneficial to both your personal and professional aspirations. We offer both:

University-led research projects shaped by our academic expertise

• EdD Professional Doctorate in Education
• PhD Creative Writing
• PhD Publication (Story Foundry)
• PhD Story Foundry (Low Residency)

Student-led research degrees, defined by your own research interests

• MPhil
• PhD
• PhD by Practice
• PhD by Publication

You can see our full range of courses here.

Research excellence and academic expertise 

BSU has a growing reputation for research quality and impact. The university has been awarded ’Silver’ overall in the Teaching Excellence Framework; a testament to our efforts to deliver excellent programmes of study, and a high-quality student experience.

Our research has touched on various areas including the wellbeing of social workers, supporting disadvantaged learners, engaging marginalised groups through art, assessing the effects of video games and emerging digital media technologies.

Nearly 60% of our research was ranked 'internationally excellent' or 'world-leading' according to the results of the most recent Research Excellence Framework.

You’ll be supervised by active researchers who are leaders in their fields and committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars and professionals.

Outstanding Facilities in an Inspiring Location

We have two beautiful campuses in Bath. Depending on your area of interest, you’ll be based at one of the two:

Newton Park

Historic surroundings and rolling fields with ultra-modern teaching facilities and studios

Locksbrook campus

A vibrant riverside hub with industry-standard equipment and workshops for creative practice

From our specialist workshops to our multi camera TV studios, our purpose-built and world-class facilities are all open to you. As a BSU student, you can make the most of:

• Specialist studios, workshops and laboratories ranging from metal workshops to cell culture labs
• TV and podcast studios with editing suites and green rooms
• Publishing labs
• State-of-the-art computer facilities and law courts
• Extensive library resources, with thousands of e-books and journals
• Collaborative study spaces and cafes

As an Adobe Creative Campus Innovator all our students receive access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, helping you build essential digital skills alongside your academic work.

Industry Links and Career Support

Our postgraduate degrees are designed with your future in mind. A research degree at BSU prepares you for careers in:

• Academia and research
• Creative and cultural industries
• Education and policy
• Professional practice and leadership roles

If you’re interested in starting a business or freelancing, Bath Spa also offers entrepreneurial grants in partnership with Santander universities.

Funding, Scholarships and Bursaries

There are a range of funding options available, including course-specific scholarships and bursaries. You can view the full list of them here.

Fees vary by course and study mode. Full details of tuition fees are listed on individual course pages, and the full range of postgraduate funding support can be found here.

Life at BSU

Bath is well known for its historical significance and stunning architecture, but it’s also a strong, diverse economy full of industry.

The city is home to a thriving creative industry, with many artists, designers, and craftspeople based here. It also has significant cultural and creative industries, thanks to its national and international popularity as a tourist destination, a growing tech industry and its proximity to Bristol and other major cities provides plenty of industry opportunities.

A Supportive research Community 

You’ll be part of a thriving postgraduate community supported by friendly, expert staff and comprehensive wellbeing services, including mental health, disability and accessibility support.

You’ll also receive academic support with:

• Research skills and methodologies
• Academic writing and publishing
• Career planning beyond graduation

You can find out more about applying for research degrees here, and guidance on finding a research supervisor for your studies.

Begin Your Research Journey 

If you’re ready to explore big questions, challenge ideas and home in on original research, postgraduate study at BSU can help you get there.

Book a postgraduate open day to meet potential supervisors, explore research opportunities and discover what research life at BSU is really like.