THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE BANGOR UNIVERSITY
Undergraduate Prospectus
2017
GO BEYOND
FIND OUT HOW WE GO BEYOND OTHERS OPEN DAYS Bangor is a beautifully situated university with a high rate of student satisfaction that puts us in the top 10 in the UK. Come and see for yourself, and discover that our location – close to the sea and the mountains of Snowdonia – isn’t the only thing that makes us special. During our Open Day you can find out more about our degree courses, meet our students and staff, and find out more about what it’s like to be a student here. You can visit academic Schools, and view our students accommodation. Staff will be on hand to talk you through Graduate Careers, Student Finance, Scholarships and Bursaries, the UCAS system, and Student Welfare Services. We’ve also got specific information for mature students, and to guide parents through the process, too. To secure your place at an Open Day, simply register online, and an information pack will be sent out to you in the post. If you’re considering your university choices, we’d highly recommend that you come and see what we’re all about.
To book your place or find out more visit www.bangor.ac.uk/openday or call 01248 382005 / 382420 04
“I was very impressed with the tour around the sports facilities and the positive words each student had to say about the University and the city. I was also impressed with the wide range of clubs and societies and couldn’t help feel excited at the prospect of attending Bangor.” JOEL, from Northern Ireland
Find out more about the Bangor student experience by visiting us on one of our Open Days. WHEN ARE THE OPEN DAYS? Open Days are held on the following Saturdays in 2016:
June 25, 2016 July 2, 2016 October 15, 2016 October 29, 2016 WHAT CAN I EXPECT? • Find out more about our degree courses • Meet staff and students • Visit academic Schools • View accommodation • Get advice and guidance on topics such as Student Support Services, Graduate Careers, Student Finance, Scholarships and Bursaries BOOK A PLACE To book your place visit www.bangor.ac.uk/openday and for further information call 01248 382005 / 382420
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S H A T T E R EXPECTATIONS
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“At Bangor we always do our best to go beyond normal expectations to provide a university experience that is as enjoyable as it is rewarding. We offer first class services for our students, ranging from financial guidance to career opportunities and from personal advice to academic support. We also pride ourselves on fostering a caring and supportive community that encourages personal endeavour and growth. The quality of our teaching and research is world-class, attracting students and staff from around the globe. In addition, there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved in a wide variety of activities. The stunning mountains of Snowdonia and miles of coastline provide the backdrop to a university experience which cannot be beaten. Bangor has recently invested millions of pounds in developing new academic and social facilities for students, making it an even more attractive place to study. This reflects our focus on providing an excellent education and all-round student-centred university experience.� Prof JOHN G. HUGHES President/Vice-Chancellor, Bangor University
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THERE ARE NO LIMITS FACTS & STATS
Top 10 Bangor University’s outstanding results in the National Student Survey saw us ranked top in Wales and Top 10* in the UK for student satisfaction. The NSS results (published August 2015) also ranked Bangor top in Wales for teaching.
The NSS results are a wonderful endorsement of our activities, and of our values. It’s terrific that we are in the Top 10 in the UK... It’s a position which again reflects the excellent standard of teaching available at Bangor.” Prof OLIVER TURNBULL Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning)
The 2015 NSS – which provides comprehensive feedback on the student experience at all UK universities – saw Bangor University achieve remarkable results across a range of disciplines and areas.
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*Excluding specialist institutions †The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016 **Excluding specialist institutions & single-submission universities
Rated Top in Wales for Teaching â€
Rated 6th in the UK for Quality of Teaching Top 10 in the UK for Academic Support Top 40 in the UK** for Research Quality
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In the 2015 WhatUni? Student Choice Awards, Bangor was given the top award for Best University Clubs and Societies in the UK. The quality of accommodation and student support was rated in the Top 5 and Bangor was placed in the Top 10 in the overall University of the Year category.
The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey placed Bangor within the top 15 universities in the UK for student experience.
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The NSS results placed Bangor University in the top 10 in the UK in 19 subject areas and top in Wales in 12 subject areas: Biology; Design Studies; Electronic Engineering; English Studies; Finance; Initial Teacher Training; Linguistics; Marketing; Music; Others in Biological Sciences (which reflects aspects of our medical-related teaching); Social Work; and Sociology.
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THE PERFECT PLACE TO DISCOVER YOURSELF
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Bangor offers a unique university experience. From our stunning location close to beautiful Snowdonia, to our world-class research facilities and our quality teaching, you’ll find the ideal environment to unlock your potential and go beyond all expectations. And with around 160 free clubs and societies to join, the lifestyle we offer is as exceptional as the learning opportunities. The Student Experience at a glance • Over 10,000 students from all over the world make up Bangor’s vibrant student community. • Student support is a high priority at Bangor, with a range of services and programmes in place to help you make the most of your time at university. We can also prepare you for your future through our employability and enterprise services. • A friendly, convenient and student-centred place to study, the location and surrounding area are also amongst the reasons why students choose Bangor. • The size and nature of Bangor means our students settle in immediately, and enjoy the range of activities and the unique student lifestyle offered here. • The cost of living in Bangor is lower than in other parts of the UK – and the University also offers extra help in the form of scholarships and bursaries worth over £3.7M.
The guarantee of accommodation for all first year students – as well as the quality of the accommodation offered – is a major plus for those who study here.
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A FRIENDLY CITY WITH AN ACTIVE SOCIAL LIFE Social life and entertainment A friendly, student-centred Bangor University goes beyond place to live and study Academi, the official student nightclub, is a usual expectations to give students The size and friendly nature of Bangor means it ‘safe space’ club and provides a focus for every opportunity to make the most the night-time entertainment and general is easy to get to know people and our students of their time with us. You can explore settle in immediately. Student surveys show that socialising. Academi also works alongside more, literally, with beautiful the Students’ Union to organise one of the a high proportion of students choose Bangor biggest events of the year – the annual because of the small and friendly nature of the surroundings right on your doorstep, Summer Ball which always provides University and the town. and you can discover more about amazing entertainment and activities. yourself with the wide range of Most of our buildings and student residences Bar Uno, situated on the Ffriddoedd student are a short walk from the city centre where student activities on offer. you’ll find the longest High Street in Wales, with a variety of national chain stores and smaller local businesses. Bangor has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to be a student by various student surveys, and is consistently rated one of the most economical places to study.
The Students’ Union provides much of the focus for student activities and entertainment. Your time as a student is an ideal opportunity for you to try something new, or to get together with people who have the same interests as you. A major plus at Bangor is that student membership of the Students’ Union clubs and societies is free of charge, ensuring that all students can take part in the sport and activities offered.
village is another popular venue for students. Bar Uno offers a jam packed events calendar including sports nights, club and society socials and entertainment. The new multi-million pound Pontio centre is the biggest arts and entertainment venue in north west Wales. The ambitious arts and innovation centre is set to be a major social hub for students as well as an internationally significant centre for learning, innovation and the performing arts. In addition to providing a new base for the Students’ Union, the exciting new centre houses a theatre, studio theatre, cinema, lecture theatres, restaurant, bar and cafe. A full programme of events such as music, drama, aerial theatre, comedy, film and a range of other activities are held in the Pontio centre.
“Bangor itself, although small, has all the shops you need on the High Street and many pubs. The best thing about being a student at Bangor is the combination of a great course and having a good social life. The choice of modules means you can do what really interests you. Equally, with social or sporting societies there is such a breadth of choice, you can do exactly what suits you.” NATALI CLAEZON From London, studying Marine Biology & Oceanography
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The Pontio centre
“Situated between the Snowdonia mountains and the Menai Strait, Bangor University is undoubtedly one of the most attractive places to study in Britain. It’s friendly, too. Second and third year students act as peer guides welcoming in new first-years who merely have to apply in time to be guaranteed a room in halls.” Sunday Times University Guide
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DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT HEAR IT FROM OUR STUDENTS “Bangor is known for research excellence, and has many international connections – if you love the subject, and want the opportunity to meet professionals in whatever field you’re interested in, then apply! And as far as ‘outdoorsy’ universities go, Bangor is about as good as you can get for location – it’s just a great place to be.” GEORGE YATES, from East Yorkshire, studying Zoology
“I love the size of both the university and the area. It’s easy to meet people and make new friends, and everything and everyone are never too far away. Academically, I couldn’t ask for more support. I will never forget my time at Bangor. Bangor in three words: Exciting. Unforgettable. Life-changing.” LUCY ELIZABETH WILDBLOOD, from Cheshire, studying Zoology with Animal Behaviour
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“Studying at Bangor has given me opportunities to make new friends, join exciting societies, study modules that I really enjoy and be part of a great University.” ALEX THOMSON, from Walsall, studying History
“After visiting Bangor on an Open Day, it gave me “I decided to study at Bangor University as I love a real sense of student life and what the course the surroundings and caring nature of the lecturers and staff… I enjoy the smaller class entailed. I looked forward to the opportunities I sizes as they suit me better and the lectures are knew Bangor could offer such as studying so much fun and engaging. I feel that the abroad. lecturers actually know my name and I’m not Welcome Week at Bangor was amazing! Within just a number! hours of meeting my flatmates and unpacking Bangor is one of the best university locations my things I felt at home. with so many opportunities for sports and It’s a small place compared to many universities, activities – thanks to the closeness of the but there is always so much going on and lots to mountains and miles of coastline. There are so many societies to get involved in get involved in. The fact that Bangor is a smaller and all for free too. The variety of societies gives place means you get to know more people, and you the chance to gain new skills as well as The great thing about Bangor is that there is everyone is always friendly… make lifelong friends. I am part of the Music something for everyone, with hundreds of free Society, Dance Society and the University societies to join. Societies are a great place to I love the surrounding area – there’s lots to do, volleyball team and treasurer of the String meet people, and there’s no limit to how many from walking to sailing, and stunning places to Orchestra Society… you can join! visit. Whatever you enjoy, Bangor has it – it’s like a pocket rocket, it’s small but there’s masses to To have the opportunity to study a course you Living in halls was a fantastic experience that I do!” love in a beautiful location is very rare which is would recommend to any student. It’s a place what makes Bangor stand out from the other where you may meet people who become your GEORGE REILLY, from Knutsford, Cheshire, universities. With picturesque views of the lifelong friends. It also has great access to the studying Law mountains of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait town centre and is a hub of activity. that surround you, what more could you want?” I have gained so much and grown as a person JESSICA POLLARD, from Barnsley, South since applying to Bangor. Uni life has provided Yorkshire, studying Music many opportunities and allowed me to meet some amazing people from across the globe.”
“After visiting Bangor on an Open Day, I knew it was the place for me. I had found the perfect course to study, in a beautiful location which was a bonus.
ELEANOR RANDALL, from Anglesey, studying in the School of Biological Sciences
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GO BE www.bangor.ac.uk