Bangor University

Overview

Bangor University, located in North Wales, was established in 1884, and the university has a long history of academic excellence and offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. With around 10,000 students from over 85 countries, Bangor provides a welcoming and supportive environment for international students.

The university is divided into several colleges, covering disciplines such as Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Health and Behavioural Sciences, and Physical and Applied Sciences. Bangor is known for its expertise in Ocean Sciences, Psychology, and Environmental Science, and the university also has a strong reputation for its research output, with many departments ranked highly in national assessments. Bangor’s research is often focused on environmental sustainability, health, and the social sciences, aligning with global challenges and enhancing the university’s impact.

Bangor University is recognised for its beautiful location between the Snowdonia National Park and the Menai Strait, offering students a unique outdoor experience alongside their studies. This natural setting provides opportunities for activities like hiking and watersports, making it ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. The campus is within walking distance of the vibrant town centre, which offers a variety of shops, cafes, and cultural sites.

International students are offered free English language courses and support, and this includes classes in English grammar, vocabulary and business English, drop-in sessions for immediate support and an English writing advice service. There are around 150 clubs and societies to enjoy at Bangor and membership is free, meaning all students can enjoy the opportunities offered.

Services for International Students

The International Student Welfare Office at Bangor University offers support and guidance to all international students and their families. They are available at all times to help with issues such as study support, money advice and how to find somewhere to live.

Bangor University Study Skills Centre can help with university life and academic progression, and classes are held on academic writing and reading, statistics, presentation skills and project management.

Trips to London, York and other places of interest, as well as events within the university, are organised throughout the year, while there are also over 20 international student ambassadors to help you out from the day you set foot on campus to the moment you graduate.

Ranking

• 64th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 73rd in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 474th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• Rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework

Bangor University’s research has been ranked highly in the Government’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), with 85% judged to be world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).

Bangor’s Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked in the Top 5 overall in the UK. With an excellent score in terms of the societal impact of its world-leading and internationally excellent research, its leading sports scientists are carrying out research into mental resilience, elite performance, dietary behaviour and metabolism, and exercise and vascular health.

Accommodation

Bangor University has 3,000 rooms available for students across two locations. All Bangor accommodation is self-catered, and a free gym membership is available to all students who live in Bangor University accommodation. All Bangor University students are guaranteed university accommodation in their first year.

Location

As one of the smallest cities in the UK with a population of just over 15,000 people, Bangor has a uniquely intimate feel. Sitting between the Snowdonia Mountains and the Irish Sea, the scenic location makes it ideal for sports of all kinds, including hiking, water sports and mountain biking. The raised site of the university’s iconic Main Arts Building gives the university its nickname, ‘The College on the Hill’.

Bangor is regarded as one of the cheapest university towns to live in the UK, making life much easier for a student.

Alumni

Arts

• R.S. Thomas (poet)
• Kate Roberts (author)
• John Ogwen (actor)
• Danny Boyle (director)

Science and Academia

• Julian Hibberd (Cambridge Plant Scientist)
• Tom Parry Jones (inventor)
• Derek Radcliffe (botanist, zoologist and conservationist)