Bangor University is a university in Bangor, Wales. It received its Royal Charter in 1885 and was one of the founding institutions of the federal University of Wales. Officially known as University College of North Wales (UCNW), and later University of Wales, Bangor (UWB; Welsh: Prifysgol Cymru, Bangor), in 2007 it became Bangor University, independent from the University of Wales.

Bangor University has a long tradition of academic excellence and a strong focus on the student experience. Around 10,000 students currently study at the University, with teaching staff based within fourteen Academic Schools.

Bangor University is ranked in the top 40 in the UK for research*, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. The REF recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent, ahead of the average for UK universities.

Why Bangor University?

Academic and research excellence

Established in 1884, Bangor University combines traditional academic excellence with cutting-edge research and equipment, and ranks in the top 40 in the UK for research quality*.

Bangor University’s research has a major impact around the world according to the latest assessment of research quality, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. The REF recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent, ahead of the average for UK universities. Over half of Bangor’s academic Schools have been ranked in the UK top 20 for quality of research.

Student Satisfaction

Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction* (National Student Survey, July 2019) (UK non-specialist Universities)

Bangor University has won the award for best Clubs and Societies at the 2019 WhatUni Student Choice Awards.

The University was also placed fourth overall in the University of the Year category, as well as being in second place in the 'Courses and Lecturers' and fifth for 'Giving Back' categories. The 'Giving Back' award was based on students views on how much their university gives back to the community, both globally and locally (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2019).

Range of Expertise

The University is made up of three Colleges housing thirteen academic Schools, as well as over fifty specialist research centres, enabling the provision of over 150 postgraduate courses spanning the Arts, Humanities and Sciences.

Academic Development

We believe strongly in supporting the academic development of our postgraduates. Our Early Researcher Development Programme (ERDP) provides training and workshops that will help you develop and maintain the key research, vocational and entrepreneurial skills necessary to meet the demands of your future career.

Support Services

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be given as much help and support as possible with health and welfare matters as well as with your academic work. Our Student Support Services centre provides a one-stop-shop for advice and guidance on matters from money and housing to disability support, counselling and local faith provision.

Spectacular Setting

Your work-life balance can be key to the success of your postgraduate study. Situated between the mountains, lakes and forests of the Snowdonia National Park and miles of dramatic coastline, Bangor provides one of the most attractive study locations in the UK, and is a great base for all kinds of outdoor sports and activities.

Bangor is the most affordable place in the UK to be a student (TotalMoney 2019)

Conveniently located

Bangor is at the heart of the region’s transport network, with quick road and rail links taking you across to Liverpool and Manchester in just 90 minutes. Bangor’s location on the London to Holyhead main line means that the regular ferry service from Holyhead Port to Dublin is just 20 minutes away, while a direct train will take you to the centre of London in little over 3 hours.