Student Performance Sport Breakthrough Programme
The University of Bath aims to be the best environment to enable academic and athletic potential. The Student Performance Sport Breakthrough Programme is an aspirational, supportive and educational mechanism that advances the development of those with demonstrated long-term athletic potential.
The programme provides individualised support and educational strategies to optimise the breakthrough from pre-elite level to sustained elite success, while also rewarding an individual’s effort toward continual improvement and personal development.
The Student Performance Sport Breakthrough Programme is supported by Team Bath partners Rengen.
Overview of support
Subject to availability and individual needs, Breakthrough Programme students can benefit from:
- An activity programme that includes a full induction process, Welcome Evening and social events throughout the academic year.
- Tailored inter-disciplinary performance support.
- Bespoke 1-to-1 coaching with a performance lifestyle advisor to support personal and professional development alongside your academic and athletic commitments.
- A series of educational training features designed to provide practical knowledge on achieving success and navigating the demands of a dual career.
- Special consideration for academic flexibility.
- Free and professional mental health support 24/7/365 through the Sporting Wellness charity.
- Access to purchasing a campus parking permit when living off site.
- Free access to the Team Bath Gym & Fitness Centre, and facilities.
Team Bath recognises that students may be able to access performance services through their existing daily training environments. The objective of the Breakthrough Programme is not to replace existing support but add value where required to assist with development.
Eligibility
To be eligible for acceptance onto the Breakthrough Programme, individuals must:
- Be completing a minimum of 30 credits studying at the University of Bath.
- Not be serving a period of ineligibility as a result of an anti-doping rule violation.
- Nor have been found guilty of misconduct according to Student Regulation 7 – Disciplinary Regulations for Students.
Selection criteria
To be considered for the Breakthrough Programme individuals will need to meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Selection to compete at major youth and/or junior international or professional events within the past two years.
- Selection onto a National Governing Body’s or Professional Team’s Performance Pathway.
- Meeting the sport-specific performance criteria – click here to view.
The criteria is used as an indicative guide only. Meeting the criteria is not a guarantee that an application will be successful. Team Bath reserves the right to amend the criteria at any time. An individual’s engagement and commitment to the Programme is also taken into account.
Application process
Applications for the 2025-26 academic year are now closed. Details for 2026-27 will be available shortly.
The first phase of applications also served as the application form for Sport Scholarships. The scholarships deadline has now passed. Click here for more information on Sport Scholarships.
Click here to apply for the Breakthrough Programme.
Selection process
A selection panel will meet in October and February to review applications. Voting members include:
- Head of Student Performance Sport (chair).
- Performance Services Manager.
- Performance Sport Officer.
Non-voting independent advisors, observers and note takers may also be present.
Individuals will be emailed the outcome of their applications following the panel meetings. Support for successful applicants expires annually on 31st July. Returning student-athletes will need to re-apply for selection onto the programme each year to update their record of achievements.
Contact us
For more information, please email athlete-support@bath.ac.uk.
Team Bath Athlete Agreement
Please note the terms and conditions of our Team Bath Athlete Agreement [click here for the current terms].
