Bangor International April 2017

Bangor International April 2017

No. 1 in the UK for Clubs and Societies WhatUni 2017

Bangor University’s satisfied students Bangor University continues to rise in popularity among its students. The University has risen to 12th place in the UK and is the only university in Wales to make the top 15 in one of the most important student experience surveys in the UK; (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2017).

Bangor University is among the top performers in the ‘academic experience’ measure, coming fifth in the UK, an excellent endorsement of the high standard of teaching and student care from the University’s lecturers.

The overall responses of Bangor University students reflects the high educational quality of the learning experience, while factors such as good security, accommodation, sports and general facilities all score highly.

Bangor University students also appreciated the good environment around the University, the good social life and the good community atmosphere, scoring these highly.

Bangor University Wins UK Award Bangor University is the best University in the UK for its Students’ Union Clubs and Societies and is the third best University in the UK according to this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2017, with the nominations based on the excellent reviews and opinions of the University’s own students.

In addition to winning ‘Bronze’ for University of the Year, the University was also placed third in the UK for both Courses and Lecturers and the Giving Back categories and was placed in the top 10 for all ten categories for which they were nominated.

No other university received as many nominations.

Professor John G Hughes, the University’s Vice-Chancellor,

welcomed the news saying:

“This is the third year in a row that Bangor University has won a national Whatuni Award. I’m delighted that the University has again won a category award, and came close in a number of other categories. This win reflects our close working relationship with the Students’ Union and our own students in order to provide an excellent education and all-round student-centred university experience. I’m grateful to our students for their support, and very pleased that they appreciate their time in Bangor. I would also like to thank the University and Students’ Union staff for their fantastic efforts.” www.whatuni.com/studentawards-winners/university-of-theyear/

In this issue of our newsletter... l New Agent admissions portal launched

l 10 Scholarships available from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission l Take a look at our International Student Newsletter here:

www.bangor.ac.uk/international/support/news/international-student-newsletter-april-2017-31678 www.bangor.ac.uk/international

NEW Agent Admissions Portal Launched Bangor University has now launched a new agent portal which will allow agents to:

• Submit new applications and upload supporting documents.

• Save an application which is not ready for submission and resume at a later date.

• Upload supporting documents for a particular application at a later date.

• Monitor the status of applications.

• Download Offer letters from the portal.

• Send messages to the university admissions office through the portal. (Note: All communications with Bangor University in relation to individual applications should be made through the online portal).

• Filter Active applications and take appropriate action wherever needed.

• Filter Not Submitted applications and take appropriate action.

• Filter Action required applications and take appropriate action.

• Receive an email alert when the University requests any further action regarding an application (e.g. document requests, new offers, further details required etc).

• View all applications linked to that particular branch.

• Filter applications by the counsellor.

• Assign/Change the counsellor linked to an application.

Visit the online application portal here: https://apps.bangor.ac.uk/applicant/

If you have not yet received your login for the agent portal please email: agentenquiries@bangor.ac.uk

Internationals Go Green - Beach Clean 2017 45 international Bangor University students got together last Saturday 25th of March to volunteer on a Beach Clean organised by the International Student Support Office in collaboration with the North Wales Wildlife Trust.

Students from all over the World travelled to Newborough Beach on Anglesey and picked up all sorts of rubbish found on the beach and sand dunes, from shoes to plastic bags and ear cotton buds. They covered 200m of coastline from the dunes right down to the sea and contributed to the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Beachwatch Litter Survey by logging in all the items found. With all the data collected, MCS will create an annual report on litter,

Bangor University international students on Newborough Beach on Anglesey

with data from beaches around the globe that will help implement future environmental policies.

Apart from volunteering for a cleaner Planet, Bangor University international students got the chance to collaborate with a local organisation and work to help the Welsh local community to get a cleaner environment.

MSc Tropical Forestry at Bangor University receives a further 10 scholarships from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Bangor University’s School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography (SENRGy) has once again been successful in gaining 10 fully-funded scholarships for its MSc Tropical Forestry (distance-learning) beginning in September 2017.

These scholarships, awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) are exclusively for scholars from developing Commonwealth countries.

Included as part of the scholarship are international tuition fees, a study grant to help with the costs of distance-learning study (such as internet data) plus a travel scholarship for a Tropical Forestry Study Tour in July 2019.

MSc Tropical Forestry (distancelearning) Course Director, Dr James Walmsley, said:

“We are delighted that the CSC has decided once again to continue providing these fantastic scholarships to enable scholars from across the Commonwealth to study on our MSc Tropical Forestry (distance-learning) programme.

These prestigious distancelearning scholarships enable outstanding applicants to study for their MSc, whilst living and working in their own countries.

Through this programme, scholars gain new knowledge, skills and ideas which can help to facilitate sustainable forest management in many developing commonwealth countries.”

“This is a world-class distancelearning programme. The distance-learning teaching team includes award-winning teaching and administrative staff. They

Distance learning students on the Tropical Forestry Study Tour in Uganda

thrive on developing creative solutions to continually enhance the student learning experience, encouraging collegiality amongst students and staff, and maintaining the highest standards of academic rigour. Students currently on the programme come from a diverse range of research institutes, public and private forest management bodies and other related organisations from over 20 different countries. Our learning and teaching methods enable distance-learning students to gain from the many benefits of traditional face-to-face MSc programmes, without the need to leave their current employment.

As part of the programme we run a Tropical Forestry Study Tour, ensuring all scholars and the teaching team meet in person and really get to know each other. For many, this is the highlight of the programme, with plans currently afoot for the next Study Tour in July 2019.”

Meet Grace Mutali from Zambia...

Grace was our first Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) scholar to complete the MSc Forestry by Distance Learning in 2012. She now lives in Zambia and works for Zambia Forestry College as a Training Officer.

"Although I was a distance learning student, I never felt the ‘distance’.

Being a distance learning student at Bangor was as though I was a full-time student because of the wonderful learning environment that was provided”.

Deadline to apply is 12th May 2017 Information on how to apply for the scholarships can be found here:

www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy/csc_info.php.en

Health Services Research Summer School 3 - 7 July 2017 The School of Healthcare Sciences is offering a unique opportunity to gain access to internationally renowned experts in the Health Services Research Summer School. Topics include: l l l l l l l

Helping the children and adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina to eat better and move more

Complex interventions and their evaluation (including clinical trials) Realist synthesis and evaluation Health economics Implementation Ageing and dementia Primary care Language awareness and the service user perspective.

We have designed a programme to offer specific activities to help support your own plans and goals drawing on the expertise that we have within the Bangor Institute for Health & Medical Research (BiHMR).

Fees: £500 - fee includes accommodation in student halls, course fees & conference dinner. £750 - fee includes accommodation at the Management Centre, course fees & conference dinner.

Other options also available.

Further information can be seen here: www.bangor.ac.uk/ healthcaresciences/ summerschool/index.php.en If you like to register your interest in attending the Health Services Research Summer School 2017 then please email Dr Lynne Williams: lynne.williams@bangor.ac.uk

Dr Mihela Erjavec (far right) pictured with The World Bank Team and the representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, meeting the Minister for Education, Science, Culture and Sport in Zenica, one of the target communities in the ‘Reducing Health Risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina Project'

Dr Mihela Erjavec from the Centre for Activity and Eating Research (CAER) at the School of Psychology had been invited to take part in the ‘Reducing Health Risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina Project’ led by the World Bank.

Many thousands of children and their families should benefit from the interventions set to promote healthy diet and physical exercise and to reduce tobacco and alcohol misuse. This ambitious project, funded by the Swiss Government and Development agency, will run until the end of 2018 in the first instance.

As the international consultant for healthy diet and physical activity, Dr Erjavec is working with a team of experts to advise the Ministries of Health in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the application of methods of contemporary evidence-based practice to promote healthy living habits and reduce key risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

She explains, “In our first mission in March 2017, the consultants provided a situational analysis and expert recommendations. We travelled to several communities and spoke to stakeholders from all walks of life, visiting nurseries, schools, health centres, and government offices. The program will be implemented by the local organisations and responsive to community needs, but the expert advice will be offered at each stage of its planning, delivery, and evaluation.”

“I am thrilled to be able to work with, and learn from, the excellent team put together by the World Bank, and those organisations and individuals working locally to improve the health of children and adults. This prestigious consultancy is another recognition of the expertise that the CAER lab and CoHaBs has to offer, and of our commitment to applying science to solving real life problems, in the UK and abroad.”

Contract renewed for flourishing Confucius Institute

Teachers and staff of the Confucius Institute pictured with Directors Dr David Joyner (far left back row) and Prof. Xin Yanjun (centre, front row).

Bangor University’s Confucius intellectual exchange between regularly learning Mandarin in Institute has signed a second China and Wales; a true meeting of schools, colleges and at the five-year contract with Chinese the Two Dragons. Our uniquely University. Last year was funding authority Hanban, bilingual environment here in particularly successful with the CI recognising the success of the Bangor makes this an ideal place securing its first five Confucius initiative to date in building to support the work of the Classrooms in north Wales from a important links between China and total of only 60 awarded Confucius Institute; a setting that Wales. both enriches national diversity worldwide. and promotes cultural The Confucius Institute (CI) at “We are very proud of what has comparability between nations.”

Bangor University was established been achieved in our CI’s first five in September 2012 and is one of Following on from its highly years of operation and we are over 400 similar initiatives popular Chinese New Year delighted to renew our contract worldwide; only three being celebrations in February, the with Hanban…” commented Dr located in Wales. Partnered with Confucius Institute has a busy year David Joyner, Director of the the China University of Political ahead with 17 new school classes Confucius Institute.

Science and Law (CUPL) in Beijing starting after Easter and plenty of and funded by Hanban, Bangor’s CI … We have developed a strong public events to look forward to. cultural, educational and provides opportunities for people across north Wales to engage with Chinese language and culture and also provides a forum to share Welsh culture with China.

Since opening, Bangor’s CI has grown from strength to strength, quadrupling the number of schools in which it teaches Mandarin and developing a strong audience base across the community. In 2016 alone, over 8000 people attended Confucius Institute events and workshops across the region, including at least 600 students

Research News The latest developments in Heat from the Atlantic Ocean is melting Arctic sea ice further eastwards than ever before An article by Professor Tom Rippeth, from the School of Ocean Sciences which was originally published on The Conversation...

The seasonal sea-ice retreat across the Arctic Ocean is perhaps one of the most conspicuous indicators of climate change. In September 2012, a new record was set for the time that we have been tracking sea ice with satellites: the minimum sea ice extent was some 50% below the climatic average for that month. Four years on, and the September 2016 record tied with 2007 for the second lowest sea ice extent since measurements began in 1978.

The seasonal retreat of sea ice is largely because the atmosphere in the Arctic is heated under 24 hours of daylight in the summer, and this makes the ice melt. In the cold of the perpetual darkness of winter, the sea ice extent returns to its winter norm: the only heat available to slow sea ice growth is from winds and ocean currents moving warm air and water in from the south.

However, during the winter of 2016/17 the sea ice did not return to its winter norm. In fact, the sea ice extent was the lowest ever recorded for this time of year.

Read the full article here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/ latest/heat-from-the-atlanticocean-is-melting-arctic-sea-icefurther-eastwards-than-everbefore-31793

solar energy to be highlighted at Bangor University Bangor University's School of Electronic Engineering hosted the Solar Energy Society’s PVSAT 13 (Photovoltaic Science, Application and Technology) conference during April, bringing together the brightest and best scientists in the field of solar for the most important conference on solar energy research in the UK. The conference will be hosted by Bangor University’s Dr Jeff Kettle from the School of Electronic Engineering who said:

“The conference brings together the leading academics in this field.

The UK remains the forefront of this area of research with a number of world-leading academics in solar energy based here. The event has attracted sponsorship from a number of

major organisations such as the institute of Physics (IOP), IET, Royal Society of Chemistry and the engineering Research Network Wales.“

Read the full story here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/latest/ the-latest-developments-in-solarenergy-to-be-highlighted-atbangor-university-31690

Head of School visits partner institutions in China

Professor Jonathan Williams presenting at one of Bangor’s partner Universities

Professor Jonathan Williams, Head of Bangor Business School, has visited a number of the School’s partner institutions in China.

The successful two-week trip saw him visit universities in seven cities – including Beijing, Shanghai, Zhuhai and Tianjin – to meet with Deans, International Programme

Managers and prospective students.

As well as delivering guest lectures to staff and students on international banking issues and Bangor Business School, Professor Williams also discussed ways to strengthen existing links and potential new partnerships.

One World Gala Success 2017 Flavours of world cultural traditions were on display to over 400 students, staff and members of the community who came to Bangor University’s annual celebration of diversity and talent.

The One World Gala saw twenty acts representing many corners of the globe, performed by individual students and student Clubs and Societies and invited local groups, perform acts ranging from Tongan songs to Ghanaian drumming, Welsh folk singing to Japanese martial arts.

Rajalakshmi, a second year Psychology student from India said:

Said Marred Glynn Jones, a member of local folk singing party, Y Boncathod:

"The One World Gala gave me an opportunity to showcase our cultural and traditional dance to the students and residents of Bangor. I also got a chance to witness the aspects and dances of other people's cultures, and that is what I absolutely loved about the event. It was energising and bright, and power packed, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it."

“We were delighted to accept the invitation to represent Wales and our area in the Gala. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to share the stage with talented performers from all over the world and to joyously share our traditions and cultures. The whole evening was a delight.”

Tongan Banking and Finance student Tevita Vahai said:

“The One World Gala has become an established highlight within the University social calendar and this year’s event again demonstrated the talent amongst our international students, and the pride they have in their various national cultures. The range of

“The gala was a great platform for me to share a part of my culture with others and at the same time contribute to a great cause. It was also quite refreshing and an awesome experience to see the diversity in talents and cultures from around the world that were being showcased tonight.”

The University’s International Student Support Office has been organising the One World for a decade, and during this time it has become one of Bangor’s main student integration events. There are over 1,500 international students at the University and the project has grown a lot in the recent years. The programme now includes acts from the local community, as well as University students and staff.

Prof John G. Hughes, the Vice-Chancellor:

songs, dances and instrumentals highlighted the diversity we have here at Bangor University and how important it is for us to share and promote our various cultures, both within the University and with the local community. I would very much like to thank all the students for their hard work and participation at the event.”

The One World Gala raised £409.35 which will be donated to the Wamumbi Orphan Care Foundation, a small charity set up

by Genevieve Lamond, a member of staff at the University. The foundation operates in Kenya providing outreach services for orphaned children and their guardians.

China Campus now recruiting international students Bangor College China is a partnership between Bangor University and Central South University of Forestry and Technology in the city of Changsha, China. Courses are taught in English by Bangor University staff.

Students can complete the whole programme in China or start in China and transfer to Bangor University for 1 or 2 years.

Bangor College China (BCC) is now recruiting International Students for the following bachelor degree programmes, with the next intake in September 2017:

• BSc Accounting & Finance • BSc Banking & Finance • BSc Electronic Engineering • BSc Forestry & Environmental Management With tuition fees below £5,500 a year and living costs approximately £3,000 a year it’s an affordable study option for students looking for a UK degree, but who for various reasons, do not wish to spend 3-4 years in the UK.

Main Entrance at Central South University of Forestry and Technology Perfect for students that want a College China, Hong Fan on UK degree, but are looking for a h.fan@bangor.ac.uk more cost-effective alternative to studying in the UK also perfect for students interested in a degree that allows them to study in both China and the UK. For more details on Bangor College China and the study options open to students please visit: english.bangor.edu.cn/ or contact the Director of Bangor

International Incorporated Master's NEW 15 month option Bangor International College (BIC) is now offering a 15 month International Incorporated Master’s - a (1 term Pre-Master’s and a 12 month Masters degree).

This programme is designed for students who do not qualify for direct entry to the Masters programme in Bangor University’s Business School, this could be because of the grades achieved in their bachelor degree; their current qualifications are not equivalent to a UK Bachelor degree or because you have a non-business background.

After successfully completing the Pre-Master’s Stage at Bangor International College students will continue the programme in Business and Management at Bangor Business School.

Start dates: June and September.

Entry requirements: IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5) AND Completion of an undergraduate degree from a recognised university or equivalent. Students with a HND or three-year higher level diploma with at least 2 years work experience may also be considered.

For more information visit the link below: www.bangor.ac.uk/bic/international-incorporated-masters.php.en

Bangor University research is set to assist newly protected species

Mass feeding aggregation of reef mantas in Hanifaru Bay, Maldives Images copyright of Guy Stevens | Manta Trust

One Bangor University student is to play a part in the safeguarding of the devil ray and the already protected manta ray.

Jane Hosegood is studying a PhD at the University and is developing genetic tools to identify devil rays and their parts, along with their sister-group, the manta rays. The team are working towards tools which will be able to identify a manta ray or devil ray to species level from small samples, and will also be able to identify which specific population, and therefore location, the ray came from.

The organisation responsible for regulating and monitoring trade in wildlife products is the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which 183 countries are signatories.

The devil rays, has now joined that list following a recent CITES meeting, and as of the 4 April 2017 the new regulations will be implemented.

Jane is working alongside Prof Gary Carvalho and his team within the Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory at the University’s School of Biological Sciences. The team are

world leaders in using genetic markers to identify fish species and populations, and their genetic tools to identify a wide variety of fish are now widely used to safeguard global fish stocks.

Among the topics up for discussion at the recent CITES meeting in Johannesburg was a proposl to list all species of devil ray, put forward by the government of Fiji. The recent success of this proposal highlights the importance of the work being carried out at Bangor University. The ongoing development of genetic identification tools which can identify a manta or devil ray, or any of its parts, down to species and regional level will assist those charged with enforcement and monitoring of CITES regulations.

This Bangor-led study is funded through NERC, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the Save Our Seas Foundation, the Fisheries Society of the British Isles, The People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the Genetics Society and is in collaboration with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, the Manta Trust and various other projects around the world.

National Assembly for Wales pilots Academic Fellowships with Bangor University

Dr Alex Plows and Dr Catrin Jones in conversation Two Bangor University academics are to share their expertise to enable Assembly Members to develop policy and practice for the benefit of the people of Wales.

Dr Alexandra Plows of Bangor University’s School of Social Sciences and Dr Catrin Hedd Jones of the School of Healthcare Sciences will spend time working on specific projects alongside the Assembly’s Research Service under new Academic Fellowships being piloted by the National Assembly for Wales.

Elin Jones AM, Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales said:

“I welcome the new fellowships with Bangor University that are giving us access to academic expertise in two key policy areas.

Increasing our engagement with academics will benefit the Assembly by levering in external expertise to supplement the knowledge of Members and Assembly Commission staff. It fits well with the Assembly Commission’s strategic goals of providing outstanding parliamentary support and engaging with all the people of Wales.”

Read the full story here: www.bangor.ac.uk/news/latest/national-assembly-for-walespilots-academic-fellowshipswith-bangor-university-31614

www.bangor.ac.uk/international

Useful Contacts Country Managers

Office Contacts

Ali Khan

International Office

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388874 : Email: a.khan@bangor.ac.uk Country Manager responsible for: Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka

Karen Jones Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388207 : Email: k.m.jones@bangor.ac.uk

IEC, Bangor University Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1248382028 E-mail: international@bangor.ac.uk Web: www.bangor.ac.uk

Country Manager responsible for: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

Maggie Parke

Beijing Office

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388416 : Email: maggie.parke@bangor.ac.uk

Bangor University Room A029, 3rd Floor, The Exchange Beijing, B-118, Jianguo Road Chaoyang District Beijing, P.R. China 100022

Country Manager responsible for: The Americas: Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, USA Michael Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 1248 383648 : Email: m.rogerson@bangor.ac.uk Country Manager responsible for: European Union Countries

Tel: 010-58902596; 010-58902597 E-mail: luna.wu@bangor.ac.uk Web: www.bangor.org.cn

Noor Al-Zubaidi Tel: +44 (0) 1248 382879 : Email: n.al-zubaidi@bangor.ac.uk Country Manager responsible for: Middle East and North Africa including: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Qatar International students in the UK Sarah Jones-Morris Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388843 : Email: s.jones-morris@bangor.ac.uk Country Manager responsible for: Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon Central Asia - including Azerbaijan.

Bangor International College Oswalds Building, Victoria Drive Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG, U.K. Tel: 01248 383 783 E-mail: bic@bangor.ac.uk

Upcoming Visits for 2017 We shall be visiting the following countries between April and May 2017: Ghana - April Nigeria - May

India - May USA - May

Visit our country visits page for more information: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/visits OR contact the relevant Country Manager.

Please do contact us if you would like one of our international officers to visit your school or if you need any advice. www.facebook.com/BangorUniversityInternational

@BangorUni_intl