Bangor University

History

• In October 1884 the University College of North Wales opened with 58 students and 12 members of academic staff.
• The institution’s new title, University of Wales, Bangor, was formally approved by the Privy Council in 1997, and changed to Bangor University in 2007.
• The University is currently organised into 23 Academic Schools grouped into six Colleges: Arts, Education and Humanities; Business, Social Sciences and Law; Natural Sciences; Health and Behavioural Sciences; Physical and Applied Sciences; and Education and Lifelong Learning.
• In 2009, Bangor University recently celebrated its 125th anniversary with an honorary degree ceremony where Archbishop Desmond Tutu was amongst those receiving honorary doctorates.
• Notable alumni include Nobel prize-winner, Professor Robert Edwards FRS; Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire Director, Danny Boyle; and Poet R.S.Thomas.

Location and transport

• In north Wales, situated between Snowdonia and the sea – Bangor is considered one of the most attractive study locations in the UK..
• Surveys show that many students choose Bangor because of the small and friendly nature of the university and city.
• Compared to many other university cities, Bangor is considered a safe place to be a student.
• Bangor is consistently ranked as one of the most economic places to study.
• Bangor has good road and rail links – direct trains from London, Manchester, Crewe and Cardiff.

Entry standards

• Typical points range 240–360.
• Visit the website for details of entry requirements at Bangor University.

Student mix

• 57% women: 43% men.
• 84% home: 16% overseas 2010–11 data).
• 94.1% state schools: 5.9% private (i.e. non-state) schools.

Course flexibility

• Flexible course structures combine compulsory and optional modules.
• Many programmes have common first years providing flexibility over the final choice of route.
• Courses suitable for both full-time and part-time students, including distance learning options in some subjects.

Teaching standards

• Over half of the academic schools at Bangor have received an 'Excellent' rating for the quality of teaching.

Research standards

• In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, world-leading research was identified in all of the 19 assessed subject areas at Bangor University.
• Also based on the Research Assessment Exercise, Bangor University is ranked first in the UK for Finance and Accounting Research; Electronic Engineering is ranked second in the UK; Sports Science is ranked in the top ten; Psychology ranked as eleventh.

Academic strengths

• A broad range of subjects including Science, Humanities, Education and Health.
• Particular subject strengths include Psychology, Accounting and Finance, Sport Science and Ocean Sciences and Electronic Engineering

Student facilities, including library and computing

• Library, archives, computing, media and reprographics facilities and services supported by experienced staff.
• There are a number of computer rooms/areas which can access the University’s network across the campus. Computer rooms have long opening hours with some open 24 hours. Wireless access and power recharge points available.
• There are a number of social and learning spaces on site with smartboards, fixed computing equipment, wifi access and mobile lcd screens for collaborative learning activities as well as a student lounge complete with internet access.
• Every bedroom in every Halls of Residence has Internet access to all legal web services at speeds equivalent to local domestic broadband.
• Other learning resources include a multi-media language centre, a natural history museum and a £3.5-m ocean-going research ship.

Disability services

• Bangor’s pioneering Miles Dyslexia Centre is internationally known for its expertise, and provides support for over 600 students a year.
• There are specialised computing facilities available for the sole use of disabled students or those with additional needs.
• Visit the website to find out about disability services at Bangor University.

Students' Union

• Bangor University has a Peer Guiding Scheme with second and third-year students involved in a mentoring scheme to help new students settle in during their first few weeks. The Peer Guiding Scheme and the Personal Tutor system mean there is always another student or an academic member of staff students can turn to.
• The Students' Union Advice Centre offers representation, personal support and advice on a variety of issues.
• Numerous clubs and societies ranging from archaeology to yoga.
• Free student membership of Students’ Union clubs and societies.
• Student Volunteering Bangor (SVB) is a department within the Students’ Union. SVB volunteers currently contribute a total of 400 hours each week which promotes a close relationship between the university and the local community.
• A newly refurbished student nightclub, opened in 2011, includes two bars, a café and shop.

Sport

• Bangor's location means that the University is exceptionally well-situated and well-equipped for students interested in sport – especially those involving the great outdoors. Rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, sailing and surfing are just some of the outdoor activities available.
• There are around 50 sports teams and clubs at Bangor, ranging from football and rugby to octopush and trampolining.

Recent/prospective new builds

• A £35-m development project on the main accommodation site has meant the opening of several new halls and an increase in the number of en-suite rooms.
• The construction of a £35-m Arts and Innovation Centre is currently underway and is due to open in 2013. The centre will be home to cutting edge teaching and learning facilities, a theatre with a capacity of between 450-550 seats, cinema space, a studio theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre as well as social facilities including bars, dining and park areas.

Careers and Employability

• The Careers and Employability Service at Bangor University can help students to arrange voluntary experience through the GO Wales Work Taster Programme, the Aspirational Mentoring Programme and the Peer Guiding Scheme. The Service also host recruitment days for local organisations and advertise national an international opportunities in the JobZone, the Student Employment Bureau.
• The Bangor Employability Award (BEA) scheme offers accreditation for co-curricular and extra curricular activities (e.g. volunteering, part-time work, clubs and societies etc.) that may not be formally recognised within the academic degree programme yet are valuable in the graduate jobs market.

Notable alumni

• Professor Robert Edwards FRS, Nobel Prize Winner.
• Danny Boyle, Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire Director.
• R.S. Thomas, Poet.