News Frequently asked questions Fees Apply Now
 

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Courses

About the College

About the Accommodation and Welfare

About the City of Bath




About the Courses


How do I choose which subjects to study?

This is a good question and an important one. You need to remember: It is definitely easier to pass a subject you are good at.

Certain subjects are required by universities before you can follow a degree course. For example, almost all degree courses need a GCSE (or equivalent) pass in Mathematics. Most universities require a pass in English Language GCSE or in the British Council IELTS examination (usually 6.0 or higher).

You need to consider how long you want to spend on the course. Some subjects have narrower syllabuses and do not need any previous knowledge - for example, Law and Psychology are better one year A-level course choices than History or English Literature.

There are also certain subjects like Pure Mathematics and Art where you can still do well even if your English is weak. You could combine these with an Intensive English course.

It does help if you enjoy the subject and are interested in studying it.

Am I allowed to change my subjects after I start the course?

Yes, you are allowed to change your subjects if, when you start the course, you find that you have made the wrong choice. We will advise on this.

Must I do a full time course, or can it be part-time?

All courses must be full time if you are not from an EU country; otherwise you will have difficulty obtaining a visa. (If you are from the UK you can take just one A-level.

If my English needs to improve can I do an English course before I start my A-levels or University Foundation Programme?

If you need to improve your English you can certainly do an English course before starting an academic course. You can start any Monday and the course can be any length, from one week to one year.

Must I pass A-levels to obtain a place on a degree course at a British University?

You either need to pass A-levels to obtain a place at a British University or to have an alternative qualification which the universities will accept. Most universities (not Oxford and Cambridge) will accept University Foundation Programmes as an alternative. Please note, this is not acceptable if you want to study Medicine or Dentistry or Veterinary Science. (For these you need very high A-level grades).

What is a Foundation Course?

A Foundation Course is a special intensive course which has been specially designed to prepare students for degree level work. Successful completion of the course enables the student to follow a degree course at a very wide range of universities.

Will I have help in applying to university?

Yes, we will give you plenty of help and advice on applying to University. This is often done on an individual (one-to-one) basis.

What is the advantage of coming to Britain to do A- levels or a Foundation course?

If you study in the UK you can often pass these examinations more quickly and you have a greater choice of examination boards. We are more flexible. You can visit some of the universities and this helps you make a more informed choice. Also, and this is very important, you get used to life in the UK - the weather, the food, the culture - and this will help you a great deal when you get to university.

How long will it take to study for A-levels or a Foundation course?

If you are an average student, you need to allow one academic year (September - June) to do 2 A-levels. If you are an exceptionally intelligent student who is well-organised and highly motivated you might even attain high grades in three subjects in one academic year. However, many students find they need more time:

  • You can study for two academic years.

  • You can study for 17 months, starting the course in January and finishing in June of the following year.

  • You can do a few months Intensive study April - August before starting the one year course in September.

Remember British students for whom English is the first language normally spend two academic years on A-level courses. So please be realistic about your own abilities.

University Foundation Courses:

  • Start in September, finish the following June.

  • Start in January, finish in August.

When can I start the course?

You can start a pre-sessional English course any Monday, an A-level course in September or January, and a University Foundation Programme in September or January.

You can start pre-sessional courses any time so please tell us your requirements.

What are the fees?

This depends on your course. Please look here or see our prospectuses for full details - e-mail us for more information.

How will my work be tested?

At the start of the course we will test your English (and Mathematics for some students). You will then have regular tests. If you are doing a University Foundation Programme you will also be assessed by coursework. There are also examinations each term.

What if I have problems with my course?

If there are problems with your course please speak to your Personal Tutor, your teacher or the Principal. Please remember we are all here to advise. We will always do all we can to help you.


About the College


How large is the college?

The college is located in a magnificent building in the centre of the city. There are also three residences nearby where about 80 of our students live. Everything is very near the centre of Bath.

How many students are there?

There are around 140 students at the college.

How old are the students at Bath Academy?

The students on academic courses are aged 16 - 23. Some students doing English Language courses are older - in their late twenties and thirties.

Which countries do they come from?

The students come from all over the world. At the moment we have students from 17 different countries including the UK.

Does the college have private study facilities?

Yes, the college has a private study room which has a pleasant outlook.

Does the college have computers?

Yes, there is a computer room and we have computers in our private study room where students can access the internet.

How far is the college from the city centre?

The college is located right in the centre of the city and shops and major attractions are just a few minutes' walk away.

How far is the college from the train station?

The college is 10 minutes' walk from the train station.

How far is the college from the bus station?

The college is 10 minutes' walk from the bus station.


About the Accommodation and Welfare


Does the college have its own residences?

Yes, the college has three residences.

How far are they from the college?

They are close to the college - one is about five minutes' walk away and the other is ten minutes' walk away.

Are there other kinds of accommodation available? If so, what are they?

Yes, we can provide accommodation with carefully selected Homestay Providers

Will I definitely obtain a place in a residence if I want one?

Rooms are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. If you apply early then you have a very good chance of obtaining a hostel room if you want one. If no place is available when you apply we will put you on a waiting list for residential accommodation and then you will have a place as soon as one becomes available. In the meanwhile we will provide alternative accommodation - in a Homestay Provider for example.

Are there single rooms available?

Yes, there are a few single rooms in each hostel.

What are the costs of the accommodation?

Accommodation costs depend on whether you have a single room or a shared room. Single rooms cost extra and a few rooms also have en-suite facilities and they also cost extra. If you are over 18 you can also find self-catering accommodation or Homestay Providers . For this you need to allow for rental of a room plus all food and bills. We suggest however that you stay with a Homestay Provider until you find suitable accommodation.

If I live with a Homestay Provider how far away from the college will I be?

 A few of our Homestay Providers live in the centre of the city. The majority live on the outskirts but all are within walking distance of public transport.

What if I am ill? Will I be able to see a doctor without paying?

If you are ill we can arrange for you to see a doctor. If you are here for more than six months you do not normally have to pay to see the doctor. You will, however, have to pay for medicines you are prescribed.

What if I am homesick or have other personal problems? Will I have someone to talk to? Who will help me?

The college has a dedicated Welfare Officer who is on hand to discuss welfare queries.

If you have personal problems please remember that we are here to help. If you live in a hostel the Hostel Manager is always willing to listen to your problems and if you live with a Homestay Provider , they will always be willing to help you.

At college your teachers or the Senior Staff are available for you and each student also has a Personal Tutor who is here to help with personal or academic problems. There will always be someone willing to listen so you should ask for help and advice when needed. Remember that everyone needs help sometimes so also be willing to talk to your friends and classmates as they might have problems too.

What can I do in my spare time? Does the college arrange sports and activities?

In your spare time there are many things to do in the beautiful city of Bath. Our social programme organiser also prepares a special programme of sports and activities throughout the year.


About the City


How big is the city?

About 100,000 people live here.

(2) How far is Bath from London?

Bath is about 100 miles from London, 1 1/2 hours by train, 2 1/2 hours by coach.

(3) What is Bath like?

It is a modern city with plenty of facilities. The shopping is very good and there are excellent sports and leisure facilities. There are two universities. Bath is a very attractive city, with many visitors from all over Britain and the rest of the world.