Sustainability is about more than just the environment.
Fostering an outstanding and inclusive community is one of four strategic pillars in our University Strategy 2021 to 2026, and is key to nurturing a sustainable society. This means we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive and diverse campus where all members of our community can thrive.
At Bath, we value, promote and celebrate inclusion. We challenge discrimination and believe difference should be celebrated, respected and encouraged.
A sustainable world is one in which anyone can access education and lifelong learning opportunities, no matter their situation or income.
We have the strong belief that any students with the ability should be able to progress to higher education irrespective of their background. Widening access to higher education promotes social mobility and creates a more inclusive society. Contributions from diverse perspectives enrich the university experience for our whole community.
To support applicants from these under-represented groups, our Widening Participation team organises outreach events and collaborates with schools and colleges to teach students about their options post-secondary education.
As part of our Access and Participation Plan, we also:
Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants are considered for financial support towards their tuition and living costs during their degree.
One example of the financial support available is the Gold Scholarship Programme. Available to students with a household income of £30,000 and below, the scholarship is worth up to £5,000 per year of study. As well as financial support, the scholarship offers a compulsory enrichment programme to enhance personal development.
Find out more about how the Gold Scholarship Programme has helped students to access university through our student blogs.
Investing in the wellbeing of our community is essential to our people positive approach.
When our students feel confident, happy and healthy, they are better equipped to succeed academically and in their future careers. Our Student Support Advice Team gives students advice on all welfare and wellbeing issues, like adjusting to university life, working through problems with friendships, and dealing with stress and anxiety.
Read more about our student support services
For staff, we work to create a thriving, safe and supportive workplace that proactively enables colleagues to protect their health and wellbeing. We provide resources, training and events to help staff improve their work-life balance.
All staff can access counselling through Health Assured, request workplace coaching, and join staff networks and groups for peer support.
The University of Bath achieved the award of University of Sanctuary in November 2020. The award recognises our initiatives, actions and efforts to welcome refugees and asylum seekers.
Some of the ways we create a welcoming, open environment for students with refugee status include:
A number of our researchers focus on issues relating to forced migration and supporting displaced people around the world. This includes the Healthy Housing for the Displaced project, where researchers are working in refugee camps in Jordan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Djibouti to carry out the largest-ever global study into thermal, air quality and social conditions of refugee shelters.
Sustainability is a research strength for the University. Across the institution, there are several large research projects tackling sustainability challenges to directly improve people’s lives and the world we live in.
Find out more about our research for sustainability
We work with businesses, suppliers, customers and members of the local community to achieve our collective sustainability goals. Find out more about how we work with our community to make positive and effective contributions.
Learn how you can work with us
We're proud of our inclusive, diverse workplace.
In 2023/24, there were 3,900 staff employed at the University, making us the second largest employer locally. We spent £208 million on salaries across our diverse roles, spanning education and research, management and professional services, operational, technical and campus services.
Alongside this contribution to economic growth, we pride ourselves on our inclusive workplace that provides our staff with flexible work options, employee benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Find out more about our sustainable university
Sustainable BathIf you have any questions about sustainability at Bath, get in touch.