Few universities have such a breathtaking view, with the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) on one side and the Menai Strait on the other. The university in north Wales, funded by quarrymen and farmers in 1884, now has a broad curriculum spanning three colleges: arts, humanities and business; environmental sciences and engineering; and human sciences. Bangor’s newest development is the North Wales Medical School, launched in September 2024. Operating in collaboration with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the independent school will grow to recruit 140 medical students a year with the aim of improving the region’s medical care. Bangor medical students will learn through clinical placements which include a year at a GP surgery as well as mountain medicine and rural environments.

What is Bangor University’s reputation?

Bangor is one of the leading universities for Welsh-medium courses. A top 40 finish in our research quality index adds to its appeal. Eighty-five per cent of Bangor’s  submission to the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. Some of the best results were in sports sciences; earth systems and environmental science, and allied health professions.

Sustainable development and global citizenship are to the fore, and Bangor is working towards cutting its carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 25 per cent. The university is in the top 20 in the 2023-24 People and Planet league table of environmental and ethical performance. 

Bangor’s highly rated School of Ocean Sciences has its own research vessel, the Prince Madog, while teaching and research at the School of Natural Sciences has 18 hectares of botanic gardens. Bangor also has a research farm, animal care facilities, aquariums and greenhouses and its own natural history museum.

Welsh universities did not take part in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), but in the previous assessment six years earlier, Bangor was rated gold. The university has historically enjoyed a strong record on rates of student satisfaction, as expressed in successive National Student Surveys (NSS). However, our latest NSS analysis shows a steep decline: Bangor ranks only 100th for the wider experience (down 69 places) and 95th for teaching quality (a 75-place decline).  The university is rolling out upgrades to the library’s facilities and adding new spaces for students to study and socialise, which may help boost undergraduate contentment on campus.

What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

Bangor continues to expand its curriculum with new courses for 2024 including film and drama, business enterprise and entrepreneurship, and marketing communications management. From 2025 another 11 degrees will join the fold, such as creative writing, media and music, and modern languages and film.

What are Bangor University’s entry requirements – and my chances of getting in?

New entrants averaged 125 Ucas tariff points, the latest data shows, putting Bangor in the lower half of UK universities for its entry standards (73=). It has broadened the eligibility criteria for its contextual admissions scheme, which in most cases results in a one-grade (eight Ucas-point) reduction for entry requirements.

Ucas figures show that in the 2023 admissions cycle there were nearly 8,800 applications to study at Bangor, and almost 2,200 accepted applicants – a steady level for the past five years.

What are the graduate prospects?

Students can choose to take a year’s work placement in an organisation relevant to their field of study at the end of their second year as part of almost all undergraduate degrees. Studying abroad or volunteering options are also offered. The Bangor Employability Award accredits activities that are valued by employers such as volunteering, learning a language and part-time work. There are close links with employers such as ZipWorld, the NHS, Santander Bank, BBC Cymru and Welsh Rugby Union. Despite there efforts — and some improvement in our analysis of Graduate Outcomes in recent years — Bangor has dropped 23 places to 94= with 71.6 per cent of leavers in highly skilled jobs or further study within 15 months.

What is Bangor University’s campus like?

The university buildings are located in a compact coastal hub within walking distance of the city centre, creating a lively, campus-like atmosphere. The Pontio arts centre has several theatres and a 200-seat cinema. It hosts an eclectic programme of entertainment seven days a week. Radiography students are based at the Wrexham campus.

Everything you need to know about Bangor University’s student life and wellbeing support

A high proportion of students within a small cathedral city makes for a lively atmosphere and a close-knit community at Bangor. Students are supported by halls’ mentors, academic tutors and security staff. The university’s wellbeing services range from individual counselling and emotional resilience workshops to support groups, mindfulness training and wellbeing drop-ins.

There are more than 150 free clubs and societies for sports and other activities. The centre at Ffriddoedd — Canolfan Brailsford (named after the cycling coach Sir Dave Brailsford, who grew up nearby) — has two sports halls, three gyms, a climbing wall, outdoor grass pitches and a floodlit synthetic pitch. There is also a fitness room at St Mary’s and gym membership is included in the fees for halls.

What do the students say?

"Bangor may be small, but its community spirit is thriving. I've seen first-hand how our diverse student body is heard and valued, creating a sense of belonging.Through collaborative efforts such as monthly fee instalment plans for international students and promoting the Welsh language, we prioritise inclusivity and accessibility.”
Nida Ambreen, students' union president, Undeb Bangor

What about student accommodation at Bangor University?

All first-years – including international and clearing students – who apply before the advertised deadline are guaranteed accommodation. Both student villages, St Mary’s and the larger Ffriddoedd, are within walking distance of university buildings. Self-catered rooms start at about £88 a week.

How diverse and inclusive is Bangor University?

In our social inclusion index Bangor has maintained its overall rank of 35=. A strong factor is its relatively high proportion of white working-class boys — the most underrepresented group in higher education — at 7.8 per cent, ranking 15=.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at Bangor University

The university offers about 40 merit scholarships each year, worth up to £3,000 in the first year of study and awarded to entrants who excel in Bangor’s annual entrance scholarship exam. Sports scholarships — also up to £3,000 a year — are mostly awarded to those who will represent the university in the British University and Colleges Sport (Bucs) competitions. 

Students from the UK – but excluding Wales – may qualify for a £500 or £1,000 Bangor bursary, payable over three years. Eligibility criteria includes household incomes below £40,000. There are also bursaries for student carers, those who have been in care and students estranged from their families.