Bangor University

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 five Colleges: Arts and Humanities; Business, Law, Education and Social Sciences; Natural Sciences; Health and Behavioural Sciences; Physical and Applied Sciences. In 2009, Bangor University celebrated its 125th anniversary with an honorary degree ceremony where Archbishop Desmond Tutu was amongst those receiving honorary doctorates. Honorary Fellows include David Brailsford CBE, performance director of British Cycling and the general manager of Team Sky; Lord Richard Attenborough and Bryn Terfel. Notable alumni include Nobel prize-winner, Professor Robert Edwards FRS; Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire Director, Danny Boyle; poet R.S.Thomas.  In north Wales, situated between Snowdonia and the sea – Bangor is considered one of the most attractive study locations in the UK.

Bangor is exceptionally well-situated and well-equipped for students interested in sport – especially those involving the great outdoors. Surveys show that many students choose Bangor because of the small and friendly nature of the university and city. 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. Ferry connections from nearby Holyhead to Ireland are fast and frequent.

Typical points range 240–360.

Visit the website for details of entry requirements at Bangor University.

Student Mix

57% female: male 43%.

80% home: overseas 20%.

95% state schools: 5% private (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. Bangor has developed a new scheme called the International Experience Programme where students will study for one extra year during their degree. There is a wide variety of destinations to choose from, there is no charge for tuition fees for the year abroad and 'with International Experience' is added to the degree title.  A recent QAA institutional review resulted in the highest possible endorsement – a 'confidence' judgement in the University’s academic standards.

Bangor prides itself on the quality of teaching offered. Over half of the academic schools at Bangor have received an 'excellent' rating for the quality of teaching. 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.