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Bangor University

Address: Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1248 351151
Email: info@bangor.ac.uk
Website: www.bangor.ac.uk


About Bangor University

Founded in 1884, dedicated to academic excellence for more than 135 years, Bangor University is one of the oldest and most prestigious degree awarding institutions. It is a thriving, forward-looking institution offering excellent opportunities. They are situated on the North Wales coast, between the mountains of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait.

Currently, there are about 10,000 students studying with nine academic Schools that are used to organise their teaching and research. Academic quality and a commitment to the student experience are hallmarks of Bangor University. In the government's most current Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), 85% of the research at Bangor University was rated as being of world-leading (4*) or globally outstanding (3*) calibre.

They provide hundreds of courses in the humanities, arts, business and sciences. Their lecturers and teaching quality achieved the fifth highest ratings in the 2023 WhatUni Student Choice Awards, and they take pride in the excellence of their instruction. They are renowned as a centre of excellence for a diverse portfolio on a regional, national, and worldwide level, and their strategic themes reflect this. 

Why Bangor University

Bangor University is well-regarded for several reasons that contribute to its reputation both in the UK and internationally:

1. Academic Excellence

  • Bangor University is known for its high-quality teaching and research, often ranking well in national university rankings. It has a strong focus on providing a supportive and engaging learning environment.

2. Research Strengths

  • The university has several research centers and institutes that are leaders in their fields, particularly in areas like environmental science, psychology, and health. Bangor is recognized for its contribution to research on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability.

3. International Reputation in Specific Disciplines

  • Psychology: Bangor is particularly renowned for its psychology programs, which are among the top in the UK. The university has a strong emphasis on research-led teaching and practical experience.
  • Marine and Freshwater Studies: Bangor has a notable reputation in environmental sciences, particularly marine biology and freshwater studies, owing to its proximity to natural resources and ecosystems.

4. Beautiful Location

  • The university is located in North Wales, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and coastline. This setting not only enhances the student experience but also supports research in environmental and ecological studies.

5. Diverse Student Community

  • Bangor University attracts a diverse student body from various countries, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. This multicultural environment enriches the academic experience and promotes global perspectives.

6. Strong Community and Student Support

  • The university is known for its supportive community and excellent student services, including academic support, mental health services, and extracurricular activities, helping students to thrive both academically and socially.

7. Focus on Employability

  • Bangor emphasizes employability and skills development, offering various opportunities for internships, placements, and professional development, which are integrated into many programs.

Bangor University has specific English language requirements for international students whose first language is not English. These requirements ensure that students can effectively participate in their academic programs. Here are the general language requirements:

1. Undergraduate Programs

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
    • Minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual component lower than 5.5.
  • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
    • Minimum overall score of 80, with a minimum of:
      • 18 in reading
      • 17 in listening
      • 20 in speaking
      • 20 in writing.
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):
    • Minimum score of 54, with no less than 51 in each component.
  • Cambridge English Qualifications:
    • C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 176, with no section lower than 169.
    • C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 176, with no section lower than 169.

2. Postgraduate Programs

  • IELTS:
    • Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component lower than 6.0.
  • TOEFL iBT:
    • Minimum overall score of 90, with the following sub-scores:
      • 21 in reading
      • 21 in listening
      • 22 in speaking
      • 23 in writing.
  • PTE Academic:
    • Minimum score of 62, with no less than 56 in each skill.
  • Cambridge English Qualifications:
    • C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 185, with no section below 176.
    • C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 185, with no section below 176.

3. Alternative Qualifications

  • Students may be exempt from taking an English proficiency test if they have completed their secondary education in an English-speaking country or hold qualifications such as:
    • GCSE/IGCSE English Language: Grade C/4 or above.
    • International Baccalaureate (IB): English at Higher Level, with a grade of 5 or above.

4. Pre-Sessional English Courses

  • For students who do not meet the required English language proficiency, Bangor University offers pre-sessional English language courses. These courses help students improve their English skills before starting their main academic program.

Bangor University offers a diverse range of course specialities across various disciplines. Here are some key areas of focus:

1. Psychology

  • Specialties: The university is renowned for its programs in psychology, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Areas of focus include clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. The School of Psychology is highly regarded for its research and teaching quality.

2. Environmental Science and Marine Biology

  • Specialties: Bangor has a strong reputation in environmental sciences, particularly in marine and freshwater studies. The university offers specialized programs in marine biology, ecology, and conservation, taking advantage of its proximity to natural coastal environments.

3. Business and Management

  • Specialties: The Bangor Business School offers a variety of programs in business administration, finance, and management. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience and includes opportunities for placements and internships.

4. Education

  • Specialties: The university provides comprehensive programs in education, focusing on teacher training, educational psychology, and special educational needs. Bangor’s education courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed for effective teaching and educational leadership.

5. Music

  • Specialties: The music department at Bangor is known for its diverse offerings in music performance, composition, and musicology. The university provides opportunities for practical performance alongside academic study.

6. Health and Social Care

  • Specialties: Bangor offers various programs in health and social care, focusing on public health, social work, and community development. These courses emphasize the importance of research and practice in improving health outcomes.

7. Law

  • Specialties: The university has a reputable law school that offers programs in areas such as criminal law, international law, and human rights law. The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in legal principles and practical skills.

8. Computer Science and IT

  • Specialties: Bangor's School of Computer Science offers courses in computer science, software engineering, and information technology. The programs focus on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in the tech industry.

Bangor University is home to many renowned professors, known for their research and academic contributions across various fields. Here are a few notable professors:

1. Professor John Parkinson

  • Field: Health and Behavioural Sciences
  • Notable Achievements: Head of the School of Human and Behavioural Sciences. Known for his research in cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, Professor Parkinson has contributed significantly to the understanding of decision-making, addiction, and emotions.

2. Professor Paul Downing

  • Field: Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology
  • Notable Achievements: Known for his work on visual perception and neuroscience. He has extensively researched how the brain processes social and nonsocial visual stimuli, including areas like face and body perception.

3. Professor Nathan Abrams

  • Field: Film Studies
  • Notable Achievements: An expert in film and cultural studies, Professor Abrams has published extensively on Jewish culture and film, Stanley Kubrick, and contemporary American cinema. His work bridges the gap between popular culture and academic scholarship.

4. Professor Jan Shepard

  • Field: Marine Biology and Ocean Sciences
  • Notable Achievements: A leading figure in marine science, Professor Shepard has contributed significantly to research on marine conservation, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Bangor’s proximity to marine environments supports her work on the sustainable management of marine resources.

5. Professor Deri Tomos

  • Field: Biological Sciences
  • Notable Achievements: A prominent biologist with expertise in plant sciences, Professor Tomos has contributed significantly to understanding plant structure and function. His research focuses on the biophysical properties of plant cells and their applications in agriculture.

Bangor University has notable connections to Nobel Prize winners, particularly in the field of economics and peace. Here are some details about laureates associated with the university:

Notable Nobel Prize Winners

  1. Sir John Vane:

    • Nobel Prize: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1982)
    • Contribution: Awarded for discoveries concerning prostaglandins and related substances, which are crucial in various physiological processes and have implications for medicine, particularly in cardiovascular health. Sir John Vane was a graduate of Bangor University, contributing to its legacy in medical research.
  2. Professor Amartya Sen (not directly a staff member but affiliated through academic collaboration):

    • Nobel Prize: Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (1998)
    • Contribution: Known for his work on welfare economics and poverty measurement, Sen’s research has greatly influenced economic policies and development strategies. His work often intersects with themes explored at Bangor, particularly in economics and social sciences.
  3. Professor Robert F. Engle:

    • Nobel Prize: Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2003)
    • Contribution: Awarded for methods of analyzing economic time series with time-varying volatility (ARCH model). His research has applications in finance and economics, fields supported by Bangor’s academic programs.

Research and Contributions

Bangor University’s emphasis on social sciences, environmental studies, and health research has created an academic environment conducive to innovative research and scholarship. The university’s focus on interdisciplinary studies often aligns with the principles celebrated by the Nobel Prize.