UNIVERSITY HISTORY]
From 1884 to the present day
Funded by quarrymen and farmers who wanted to give the local people of North Wales the chance to access higher education, Bangor University first opened its doors on 18 October 1884.
Known as the University College of North Wales, the institution, which was based in an old coaching inn, had 58 students and had ten members of staff. Students were initially conferred degrees by the University of London, until 1893 when Bangor became one of the three original constituent colleges of the University of Wales.
Our Mission
A strong, confident institution recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for its varied portfolio of teaching and research, and for the unique, multicultural, inclusive experience it provides for its staff and students.
A reputation for excellence
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.
High Academic Quality Endorsed by QAA
The Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) Institutional Review has commended the way the university manages academic quality.
We received a number of commendations which highlighted particular areas of strength, including the way in which we use a data-driven approach to inform and enhance the student experience.
Other areas which received commendations were the University’s partnership with students, and the fact that bilingualism is embedded within all aspects of the student experience.
The University has responded to the QAA report with its action plan.
A range of expertise
The University is made up of three Colleges housing nine academic Schools, as well as over fifty specialist research centres, enabling the provision of courses spanning the Arts, Humanities and Sciences.
Highly rated courses and lecturers
We offer hundreds of courses across the arts, humanities and sciences. We pride ourselves on the quality of our teaching and our courses and lecturers were rated second in the UK at the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2018.
Committed to sustainability
Bangor University is committed to sustainable development and global citizenship. We aim to promote sustainability in research, business and enterprise activities. Much of what we do is based on our desire to bring sustainability to life, whether through our teaching, research or public engagement. We have the ISO14001:2015 accreditation for environmental management, and a range of sustainability measures in place, including high rankings in world Sustainability League tables. For more information on the wider sustainability agenda at Bangor University, visit our Sustainability webpages.
Bangor’s location is unrivalled
Bangor’s location – close to the mountains and the sea – has been described as the best university setting in the UK. In 2016 North Wales was named as the 4th best region in the world to visit by the travel guide Lonely Planet due to its stunning location and “shiny new adventure sports facilities”.
Investment in facilities
The University’s recent investments in facilities and services include the Pontio Arts and Innovation centre, a multi-million pound development which includes teaching facilities a theatre, cinema, bar, cafes and an innovation space. Pontio is also home to our Students’ Union.
Other investment is the redevelopment of the University’s sports facilities at Canolfan Brailsford.
The Bangor student experience
Student life at Bangor University is vibrant and diverse. We have more than 200 Students’ Union Clubs and Societies, covering a range of interests, activities and sports, which means there’s something for everyone. Student membership is free, so all our students can take advantage of the extra-curricular opportunities offered. Our Clubs and Societies were named best in the UK at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2019.
Students are given help and support from the moment they arrive. Our Student Services Centre provides advice and guidance on matters from money and housing to disability support, counselling, dyslexia, study skills and local faith provision. Every year hundreds of second and third year students are trained as Peer Guides to welcome new students to Bangor and provide practical advice to help them settle-in.
