Bangor International Annual Report 2013-14

Bangor International Annual Report 2013/14

www.bangor.ac.uk

CONTENTS 1. Executive Summary

6. Summer Schools

2. International Recruitment Performance

7. Country Focus a. China – Bangor College China b. India, Nigeria, Bahrain - Alumni events

3. Multicultural Student Experience 4. English Language Support 5. Creating Global Graduates

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Bangor University is among the Top 100 Most International Universities in the World, published by the Times Higher magazine.

Bangor’s reputation as an international University is recognised by both the Times Higher and the QS World University Rankings published in September 2014. The University continues to attract students and academic staff from all over the world, and conduct world class joint research in many disciplines.

As a young team, the International Education Centre (IEC), throughout its 4 year history, has been leading on international marketing, recruitment, student and staff support. It is particularly encouraging to see that the hard work to support outward staff and student mobility is paying off and that more students and staff than ever are studying and working in more destinations at very prestigious universities. The IEC has also provided leadership to facilitate international research collaboration, too. A number of Schools successfully formed new partnerships to respond to research opportunities in environment, health, energy, and education.

We are working with the whole of the University to mobilise Bangor’s teaching and research capacity, enhance educational programmes, strengthen international experiences, improve cross cultural communication, deliver fit-for-purpose English language instruction and tests, and build productive international partnerships with universities, government agencies and funding bodies.

We have had great success in further developing the transnational education (TNE) provision in the past year. The cross border education is providing some exciting opportunities for students in China, Singapore, Uzbekistan and Bahrain. Our overseas programme takes Bangor to the world and is making a positive impact on Bangor’s brand recognition and academic reputation. Bangor China College (BCC) is one of our proudest achievements so far with more than 260 students starting a journey international in education for the first time in September 2014.

We have ambitious goals to make Bangor an international university for the region. We are facing enormous opportunities in international education, especially in research collaboration and TNE. We are operating in an increasingly challenging environment in terms of the UK immigration policy, the strong competition both nationally and internationally for recruitment as well as limited resources. We cannot hope to address the challenges or realise the opportunities alone. Therefore we invite you to read our annual publication – the ‘Bangor International’ to learn more about our activities, and to hopefully find some ways to connect with us to help us to realise our full potential.

Dr Xinyu Wu Director of International Development October 2014

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INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT PERFORMANCE Bangor University continued to maintain its strong position for international student recruitment, even when the global marketplace is getting increasingly competitive.

UK HEIs vs BU growth

Recruitment snapshot 2014

Bangor University recovered in 2014 after a decline in 2013-14. By 18 March 2015, the total student enrolment for year 2014 intake was at 1,620 (FullTime Equivalent-FTE numbers), with a breakdown of Undergraduate (UG) - 826, Postgraduate Taught (PGT) – 625, and Postgraduate Research (PGR) - 169. The PGT numbers are inclusive of January 2015 intake enrolments. Hence, the overall impact was a 5.7% increase in the total recruitment figure as compared to the previous year, this will still be nearly 2% lower compared to the year 2012-13.

A. College of Arts & Humanities (CAH): The CAH witnessed a 24% increase (98 vs. 79) for international recruitment numbers for the 2014 intake as compared to the previous year. The major contributing factor was the growth in demand for our PGT courses; particularly in the subject areas of Creative Studies, History & Archaeology, and Music, where the numbers went up from 33 to 52 in 2014 as compared to the previous year.

After a period of growth in international recruitment, Bangor experienced a slight decline in 2013, however, the numbers increased again in 2014. Bangor has performed better in comparison to the overall UK overseas recruitment. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of Bangor for the three year period between 2010-12 stood at 5.23%, compared to the corresponding UK universities figure of 1.29%. This reflects that Bangor has improved upon its share even when the international market was witnessing the immediate impact of tightening visa policy changes. A similar comparison with Welsh Universities, however revealed that our growth of 5.23% was lower than the corresponding figure of 9.73% of Welsh universities.

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B. College of Health & Behavioural Science (COHABS): The COHABS international student numbers went up by 20% (135 vs. 112) for the year 2014 as compared to the previous year. It is worth mentioning that the School of Psychology (113 students in 2014) continued to contribute most of the international student numbers for COHABS. The key driver behind this is our global reputation and ranking for the Psychology subject area.

C. College of Natural Sciences (CNS) The CNS witnessed nearly an 11% decline (128 vs.

144) for its international recruitment numbers for the 2014 intake as compared to the previous year.

Though the numbers for our Undergraduate courses remained stable (35 vs. 34) for the college, the decline in PGR courses, especially in the School of Environment, Natural Resources, and Geography (SENRGy), contributed to the overall decline. As the PGR registration will continue for the rest of the year, we believe that the overall numbers for CNS for this year will come closer to what we had in the previous year.

UK/Welsh HEIs vs BU Enrolments 1800

300

1600

201

169 169

221

1400

250

222 579

BU

1000

706

569

625

200

150

599 800 600

UK/Welsh HEIs

1200

100

400

592

731

748

793

2011

2012

2013

826 50

200 0

0 2010 BU-UG

BU-PGT

BU-PGR

D. College of Physical and Applied Sciences (COPAS) The COPAS recruitment number increased marginally (96 vs. 94) in the year 2014 as compared to the previous year. It is worth mentioning that COPAS experienced growth for PGT courses (23 vs.

16), primarily because of our increase in demand for the Chemistry programs. The growth was off-set by the decline in registration for PGR numbers for the college, however we expect the numbers to rise as the registrations will be open for the rest of the year.

E. College of Business, Law, Education and Social Science (COBLESS) The COBLESS witnessed a decline of 5% (909 vs.

952) in its overall recruitment numbers as compared to the previous year. It is worth mentioning that Bangor Business School (BBS), managed to retain its UG numbers (532 vs. 533), but witnessed a decline in its PGT numbers (341 vs. 374) for the second consecutive year compared to 581 in 2012. The overall decline for demand in UK higher education from our key markets like China, India, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia contributed to the fall. The BBS however continues to be the main recruiter of international students to the University, accounting for around 65% of the total international student numbers for Bangor University.

UK (in '000)

2014 Welsh (in '000)

Challenges The international student recruitment landscape continued to be highly competitive which resulted in; •

•

•

Decline in the attractiveness of UK education in light of immigration policy reforms, coupled with easy availability of good quality alternatives in other countries for international students Shift in student preference towards courses offering industry-experience through internships/work placements In response to the industry challenges, few higher ranked UK universities have lowered their Masters entry requirements, hence making it even tougher for Bangor to recruit 4

MULTICULTURAL STUDENT EXPERIENCE The International Student Support Office provides help and support for international students to get the best out of their Bangor experience. Advice and guidance is provided on a range of welfare related matters to all international students and their families.

Culture Challenge For the third year in a row, we celebrated cultural diversity and collaboration with our annual Culture Challenge event for international students. The event gives our students from different backgrounds and nationalities, a chance to meet up, make new friends and work together as a team to compete for a range of prizes.

Wellbeing of international students A summary snapshot about the variety and the magnitude of activities for this year is provided below:

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•

323 successful immigration applications were made on behalf of students.

•

Regular communications about ever-changing UKVI/Home Office rules

•

Comprehensive social integration programme with more than 1390 attendees on trips

•

International student orientation programme in both September & January

•

Provided general support to international students including Airport pickups, accommodation support, police registration and employability matters

This year the students were asked to creatively represent the culture of one or more of their team members. All nine teams who competed this year made very interesting and informative presentations, which captivated and entertained both judges and audience. In the second part of the challenge the teams had to answer questions, pub quiz style, about a range of topics including geography, history and arts from Wales, the UK and the rest of the world.

Finally, after a very competitive performance by all teams, the orange team comprising of students from China, Pakistan, Wales, and Hong Kong won the first prize: a trip of a lifetime to China.

The Culture Challenge provides not only a fun and lively competition, but it also enables the participating students to develop their team working and presentation skills, which are essential tools for a successful professional career. This year, the winning team members had not met prior to entering the competition, but during the process of preparing for the challenge they have learnt about each other’s cultures and made lifelong friendships. It also provides an opportunity, for both the participants and the event’s audience to learn more about the various cultures and nationalities present at the university.

One World Gala event The ‘One World Gala’ hosted annually has become an important date in the calendar for Bangor University and its international students. This year's Gala included a full programme of 18 colourful and lively performances by UK and overseas students from 20 different countries including Zambia, Vietnam, Japan, China, India and many others.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT Comprehensive pre-sessional English programmes and in-sessional subject specific English programmes delivered by a dedicated professional team in Bangor enabled our international students to fulfil their potential. Furthermore our English testing operations which includes IELTS and The Bangor English Test, continued to help in international student recruitment.

IELTS operations Bangor University IELTS English testing operations witnessed another busy year with a modest increase in the number of candidates this year.

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The centre continued to increase the number of institutions sending candidates to the Bangor and Wrexham sessions, however this was offset by the decline in numbers of British citizens seeking on IELTS test for immigration purposes.

As of January 2014, testing has taken place in The Archimedes Centre, Wrexham. There is some evidence, which is difficult to substantiate, that some candidates who have visited the university to undertake an IELTS test have been persuaded that they should apply to do a course here.

Bangor English Test The Bangor English Test has been deployed around the world to provide prospective applicants to Bangor University with an alternative method of proving proficiency in the English language. A comprehensive validation of new versions of the test has been completed recently including submission of all documentation relating to the development of the test to an external authority. The final report will shortly be circulated to the Validating Panel and to the UKVI Compliance Group.

English Language support Academic year 2013-14 was another successful year for the English Language Centre for Overseas students (ELCOS). The key highlights were: • •

•

•

Summer pre-sessional numbers peaked at 177.

For in-sessional credit-bearing modules, the numbers recruited were higher than the previous year.

Existing provision of 1-1 tuition and the free General English attracted very positive feedback from the respective course members.

Support initiatives for Electronic Engineering, Chemistry, Management PGTs, Linguistics, Law PhDs, Psychology, Biology, Ocean Sciences and Music, continued to progress well.

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CREATING GLOBAL GRADUATES Many students choose to study at Bangor University as visiting study abroad scheme students. Every year, students from North, Central and South America, Asia and mainland Europe undertake either a semester or a whole year at Bangor and transfer the credits achieved to their home University.

International exchange program – Japan A Bangor University student participated in an international student exchange program at Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU). Ranked 7th among Japanese Universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2014-2015), TMU is a public university with approximately 10,000 students across three campuses in the Greater Tokyo area. It is considered one of the country’s strongest and most highly reputed universities dedicated to improving society, the human experience and the urban environment through education and science.

TMU has a dedicated and well-established international exchange programme for partner universities: Satomu. Combining Japanese language classes with a range of English-taught courses covering a range of topics such as History, Culture, Science and Technology, Satomu gives Bangor

Study abroad in numbers • Bangor has 136 Erasmus exchange partners.

• Bangor successfully established international exchange arrangement with 24 partners from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and USA. • Erasmus contract value increased by €88,364 from 12/13 to €492,115 in 13/141.

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students the opportunity to live in and broaden their understanding of Japan in a supportive, innovative and inclusive environment.

Daniel Forster, a BSc Conservation and Forest Ecosystems student attended TMU in 2013 as part of Bangor’s International Experience Year programme.

Focusing on improving his Japanese language skills, Daniel commented that "Deciding to take a year out to study in Japan was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made; acquiring a new language and exploring a new and interesting culture is a great experience which I would recommend to anybody".

• Number of Fee-Paying student increased to 129 (70% increase from 12/13) and Incoming Exchange Students increased to 219 (44% increase from 2012/13).

• The total number of outgoing exchange students remained stable at 171 as compared to the last year total of 175.

A successful year •

•

•

Our continued portfolio expansion of study abroad destinations included top ranking institutions such as the University of Technology, Sydney.

The International Exchanges Office co-managed with the International Recruitment & Admissions Office and HEW the launch of a renewed Welsh presence at NAFSA in San Diego. Securing funding worth £55,000, Welsh HEIs at NAFSA benefited from a modern and impressive stand and a show-stopping reception.

Following our submission to the European Commission, Bangor University has been granted a European Charter for Higher Education. The university has also embraced the recommendations from the Erasmus Audit in 2013 to provide Academic Recognition for Bangor students who study abroad.

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SUMMER SCHOOLS More than 200 students from around the world attended the 2013-14 International Summer School programs at Bangor University.

Iraq – academic training program After the success of the ďŹ rst Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education Training Programme for senior academics last year, the Partnerships Unit set up and managed a 4 week Academic Training Program for a group of Iraqi Academics. Again, this was very well received and was commended by the Iraqi Embassy. The group of delegates were from a number of Iraqi universities, working in the areas of natural resources management (agriculture and forestry) and biological sciences. The program provided exposure to teaching and research styles, developing advanced learning, teaching methods and research activities as well as developing opportunities for future co-operation at institutional levels.

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While in Bangor, the visitors observed both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and attended seminars by sta, students and external speakers. They visited laboratories and other experimental facilities, obtained exposure to modern library and IT practices, including virtual learning environments and distance learning techniques.

Our International Summer School programmes provide an opportunity for international students from around the world to visit Bangor and improve their English, learn about Welsh culture and history and develop their cross cultural leadership skills. Through the intensive programme we inspire them to be ambassadors for Bangor as well as Wales.

Month

Summer School

Jul 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Jul 2013 Jul 2014 Sep 2014

Shanghai Ocean University Summer School Celtic Studies Summer School 9/11 Summer School Cognitive Linguistics Summer School Shanghai Ocean University Summer School Khon Kaen University

Number of students 11 11 24 130 08 20

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COUNTRY FOCUS China - Bangor College China Following more than three years of hard work and collaboration, Bangor University and the Central South University of Forestry and Technology (CSUFT) were successful in their joint application to set up an international college in China. The proposal got approval from the Chinese Ministry of Education in December 2013, one of only two in the UK approved that year.

‘Bangor College China’ in Changsha City, the capital city of Hunan province in China, and a city with a population of 8 million people, opened its doors to 263 Chinese students this September. The College will initially offer undergraduate programmes in Accounting, Banking, Finance and Electronic Engineering with plans to expand the range of subjects to include other academic areas in which Bangor University excels, such as Forestry and Environmental Studies in a few years’ time.

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All programmes will be taught and assessed in English, and will provide students with a UK-style higher education experience. Teaching will be delivered by experienced staff from Bangor University as well as newly appointed highly qualified international staff. Students will have the opportunity to study at Bangor University for one or two years. They may also complete the entire programme in China.

The College plans to expand to 2,000 students in a few years’ time providing real opportunities for both Bangor and CSUFT to develop new academic programmes that serve the local social and economic needs. Bangor University’s long-term ambition is also to develop the College into a study abroad centre and a research base for Bangor students to spend 1-2 semesters to study and research in China.

Two dragon’s concert Wales met China for an inspirational evening of cross-cultural performance by musicians from Shanghai and Gwynedd at Bangor University on Thursday 1st May. The concert was led by visiting Music Technology Professor Shen Lin, and singer Xian Zhao, both from Shanghai Normal University, who presented a captivating performance combining traditional Chinese song with electronic voice synthesis. They were joined, in separate performances, by renowned Welsh harpist and singer, Gwenan Gibbard, who specialises in the ancient Welsh art of Cerdd Dant, and Professor Andrew Lewis from Bangor University’s School of Music, who presented his electroacoustic composition Cân; a musical distillation of Wales, its people, language, landscape and culture.

China Garden An exciting new Chinese Garden is to be developed at Treborth Botanic Garden, as part of the wider project at Bangor University. A new collection of Chinese medicinal plants will be created at the Botanic Garden. This will form part of the Two Dragons Garden Project, which will link the University’s Treborth Botanic Garden with Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic (XTB) Garden in China’s Yunnan Province, and with project partners, the Chinese Union of Botanic Gardens, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the Confucius Institute at Bangor University. Treborth Botanic Garden will be increasing its Chinese medicinal plants collection over the next year.

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ALUMNI EVENTS Alumni event - Nigeria In a great start to 2014, Bangor University reconnected with its Alumni by launching the Nigerian Alumni Network. The network was first launched in Abuja, the country’s capital on 17th January 2014 and had in attendance graduates from; Bangor Law School, School of Education, Bangor Business School, School of Electronic Engineering, School of Computer Science, School of Modern Languages, School of Social Sciences, and the School of Chemistry.

Following this initial launch event, a second event was held in the busy commercial hub of the country - Lagos, on 24th January 2014. The second event was not only attended by alumni from the university but provided an opportunity for students interested in studying at Bangor to meet and interact with past students. Also, the University’s in-country representative Ajoke Olakunle met with past students, and provided her insights into the excellent pastoral care, teaching and research facilities at Bangor University.

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Those present at the event thanked the University for establishing the network and remarked that it had presented them with opportunities to explore professional and personal relationships with lost friends and new contacts.

Alumni event – Bahrain A special graduation ceremony, co-hosted by the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) and Bangor University, was held at the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain on the 7th of September. Over 40 students who completed their degrees at the Bangor Business School through a partnership with BIBF celebrated their graduation in their home country.

Bangor Business School and BIBF have been partners for nearly a decade, and over 400 Bahraini students, who perform to a high level, have graduated from the University in that time. The Business School will strengthen the partnership by offering Bangor University degree programmes in Bahrain, starting in October 2015.

During the ceremony, Maryam Khaled Ahmed Abdulla Mahmood was presented with the Craig Williams Memorial Award for the best performance in any Bangor Business School degree programme.

Following the graduation event, Bangor University hosted an Alumni event on 8th September at the same venue, welcoming over 120 alumni to the reunion. It was a great success, alumni came from other parts of the Gulf as well and it was enjoyed by all. Attendees hoped this event would help launch an alumni association in Bahrain.

Alumni event - India Bangor University recently hosted an alumni event for graduates of the School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography (SENRGy), at the World Congress on Agroforestry in Delhi.

Attendees came from all over the World, including Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Mali, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Mexico and Brazil. Dr's Fergus Sinclair and Rob Brook, and Graduate Teaching Assistant James Brockington met alumni during a cocktail reception and were representing SENRGy at the Congress with posters and an oral presentation on their latest research. It was fantastic to

hear where people have ended up since graduating and there was a wide range of research centres, certification bodies, and universities represented by the group; demonstrating how well everyone has done to further their careers in the subject areas they studied at university. It was an honour to have Dr Roger Leakey in attendance along with more recent graduates. Dr Leakey is an expert in tropical agroforestry who studied for a B.Sc. at Bangor in Agricultural Botany (1967-70) and more recently received a D.Sc. in recognition of his huge contribution to tree domestication research.

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ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

International Education Centre Bangor University Rathbone, College Road Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG T: +44 (0) 1248 382028 E: international@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/international