Senrgy booklet

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND GEOGRAPHY

IN THE TOP 10 IN THE UK FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION

“The 2015 National Student Survey (NSS) results reflects the University’s focus on overall student experience. The results placed Bangor amongst the UK’s top 10 universities for student satisfaction, and top in Wales for student satisfaction”

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Environmental Centre Wales

Welcome Message from the Head of School Welcome to the School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography!

We are a friendly department with the highest possible independent rating for teaching and a world-class reputation for research. Whilst our staff are specialists in their field, they are also welcoming and accessible to students. The pastoral care offered to our students is second to none.

Bangor is located on the edge of Snowdonia; not only is this a beautiful place to live but it also provides unique opportunities for studying the natural environment. Our research also has strong international links extending across a range of habitats locally, nationally and internationally. The School forms part of the College of Natural Sciences, along with the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Ocean Sciences, and the Biocomposites Centre.

The College is one of the leading centres in the UK for teaching in the environmental sciences, biology,

geography and ocean sciences, and students benefit from these links by being able to study a diverse range of subjects. Our aim is to produce a new generation of graduates aware of societal needs but also equipped with the skills to be successful in employment in this sector.

Therefore, our courses place emphasis on acquiring and developing both transferable skills and subject-specific knowledge. They include opportunities to undertake study abroad or ‘years out’ in employment, and to gain an employability award. Furthermore, our ‘environment’, ‘geography’ and ‘forestry’ courses are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Chartered Foresters, respectively. All of these can enhance your employment prospects.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bangor!

Professor Morag McDonald Head of School www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 2

Contents

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Content

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Welcome Message from Head of School Contents Location & Resources Links with other Organisations Professional Accreditation Our Research How our Courses are Taught and Assessed The Courses we Offer Course Information BSc Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology BSc Conservation with Forestry BSc Environmental Conservation BSc Environmental Management BSc Environmental Science Master of Environmental Science / Management (MEnvSci) BSc/MFor Forestry BA/BSc/MGeog Geography About the University Accommodation Careers and Employability Bangor Employability Awards Entry Requirements, How to Apply and Open Days Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Bursaries International Students English Language Courses Did You Know

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Location & Bangor is the ideal location for studying the environment and its natural resources.

Bangor University is the perfect location for the study of the environment and its interactions with people, conservation, land management and water management. Farming and forestry, tourism and recreation are other important activities in the area with some of our courses exploring the balance between the sometimes conflicting demands and impacts that these uses create. Within the North Wales region, there are many other features of interest that offer opportunities for study. For example, slate quarrying and mining for copper and other metals have left a legacy of disturbed and sometimes polluted sites. There are also nuclear, pumped-storage, hydroelectric and on-and-offshore wind power generation facilities nearby.

Resources energy efficiency measures, natural light and renewable energy technologies. The building has an international reputation as an exemplar building of sustainable design and construction, and is one of only three buildings worldwide to have received a commendation for its sustainable credentials.

The School’s offices, lecture theatres and laboratories are located centrally, close to the Science Library, and within walking distance of all Halls of Residence. A Geographical Information Systems Suite has been established in recent years; allowing students to study spatial relationships between environmental, climatic, biological and social data. A laboratory dedicated to student project work with plant, soil and other environmental analytical facilities is available.

Henfaes, the School’s field station, located just outside the city, has land rising from salt marsh and improved lowland at the coast to open mountain grazing at 1000 metres above sea level. It has facilities for field, glasshouse and laboratory work and is used extensively by students for project work.

The Environment Centre Wales, a research institute for the integration of environmental sciences, is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). The centre is housed in a state-of-the-art building using www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 4

Danielle Lea-Smith BSc Forestry Graduate Now works as: Woodland Officer Now works for: The Forestry Commission I love being outdoors and I have acclimatised so that I always feel warm. I knew I wanted to work in forestry when I was at school and picked my A-levels in biology, chemistry and geography so I could do a forestry degree. I did work experience with the Forestry Commission and went back every year until I was 18. I completed the sandwich course at Bangor and spent the third year with the Forestry Commission in East Anglia. That extra year gives you further insight and experience.

Following graduation, I took a one-year job as a graduate forester with the National Forest Company, which is creating woodlands in former coal mining country. I am now working full time with the Forestry Commission in Merseyside. I do this work because I love it; however, I never dreamt that four years out of university I would be earning so much, nearly ÂŁ30,000 a year. I love that I am helping to restore ancient woodland even though people will not see the benefit for 20 to 40 years. I like to think that my children will see the woodlands and that I am giving something to the future.

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Links with other Organisations Students benefit from the School’s co-operation with other research and development organisations.

Bangor has one of the UK’s largest concentrations of state and private sector organisations working in the rural environment. It is the location of the regional office for Natural Resources Wales, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and Welsh Water. The School has excellent links with these and other organisations including the Forestry Commission, Natural England, the Snowdonia National Park Authority, British Trust for Ornithology, the Department for International Development

and the Society for Conservation Biology.

Some of these organisations contribute to teaching; others provide placements for our sandwich degree students or fund research activity within the School. The School also has strong international links with the World Agroforestry Centre and the Centre for Tropical Agricultural Research, along with several European universities and institutes, and many other institutions in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Professional Accreditation Many of our programmes are professionally accredited.

Many of our environmental degrees are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Science (IES). This shows that they reach the high standards required by employers. By following such accredited degrees, you will automatically become a member of the IES and are informed of future job opportunities, conferences and courses to attend, etc. Once you graduate, you can gain ‘Chartered Scientist’ status, which will be of significant appeal to many employers. The degrees that are accredited by IES are BSc Environmental Conservation, BSc Environmental Science, Master of Environmental Science, BSc Environmental Management, Master of Environmental Management, BSc Geography, BSc Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology.

Our forestry-related postgraduate courses and the undergraduate degrees (BSc Forestry, Master of Forestry and BSc Conservation with Forestry) are accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF). Students registered on these accredited programmes who successfully graduate will, after a minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience, be eligible to apply for Chartered status.

Membership of the ICF and gaining chartered status considerably enhances career prospects and progression in the sector.

Our postgraduate courses MBA in Environmental Management and MSc in Environmental and Business Management are accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management (IEMA) for the Associate Certificate in Environmental Management course.

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Our Research

Glasshouse facilities at Henfaes Research Centre

Scientific research is exciting and rewarding; and has global impact The application of research is often of significant benefit to the wider society and this School believes there are many advantages in combining research and education. It means that our students get taught by scientists at the forefront of their field, and our lecturers get asked awkward and stimulating questions about their work by the students. The types of research undertaken vary widely within the fields of the environment, geography and land use.

Much of our research is undertaken overseas and we have projects in countries as far apart as Vietnam, Ethiopia and Peru.

In addition to this field work, and our laboratories in Bangor, the School runs its own research centre 6 miles outside the city. This is the home to long-term experiments in forestry, agroforestry, climate change, crop breeding and ecology.

The School also hosts major nationally and internationally recognised research centres such as the Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation and the Centre for Integrated Research in the Rural Environment.

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The research reputation of the School is not only evident in the number of research projects that it runs, but also in the number of people who choose to study for postgraduate degrees with us. We currently have more than 150 students from all over the world undertaking our one-year, twoyear and distance-learning MA/MSc courses. Many graduates of these courses go on to get excellent jobs in their chosen fields. In addition we currently have more than 65 students undertaking research for their PhDs. Their work is undertaken over a three-year period, and results in the production of a thesis and several scientific papers. This concentration of postgraduates concerned with environmental and resource management topics makes the School a considerable force in terms of global research. We attract visiting scholars from every corner of the globe, who contribute to teaching and a lively and invigorating atmosphere within the School.

How our Courses are Taught and Assessed All degrees at Bangor are modularised into a two semester system comprising suites of compulsory and optional modules worth 10, 20 or 30 credits each. Undergraduate students undertake 120 credits worth of modules each year. Some modules are compulsory for individual degree programmes, whilst others are optional.

This enables you to increase the breadth of your studies and to specialise in particular areas. You can find details of the compulsory and optional modules for each course on our website.

At Bangor we employ a wide variety of teaching methods ranging from lectures, laboratory practicals and fieldwork to small group seminars and tutorials. Seminars and tutorials concentrate on problem solving, study skills development and reinforcing material taught in lectures.

Their relaxed and informal atmosphere also encourages lively debate over current and contentious issues. Courses are assessed using a variety of approaches, with an average split of 60% coursework

and 40% examination. Types of coursework vary, but include written essays and reports, poster and oral presentations, and laboratory reports. You may also be required to complete a management plan in subject areas relevant to your course of study. Most modules make extensive use of the University’s ‘Blackboard’ virtual learning environment, which provides direct access to internet resources, course documents and lecture notes. The School organises numerous UK and overseas field study tours, including trips to Tenerife and Barcelona, as well as making frequent use of locations in Snowdonia.

Examinations are held at the end of each semester. In all our degree courses students are required to complete a major project in their final year. This is an original piece of investigative work, in an area relevant to your degree programme, and supervised by a member of academic staff.

Many of our undergraduate degrees are available as either three-year full-time or four-year sandwich degree programmes.

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The latter include a period of up to 12 months spent with an industry, government or nongovernmental organisation employer either in the UK or overseas, between years 2 and 3 of the degree. These placements enable students to gain relevant practical experience that is often looked upon favourably by employers when they are recruiting newly qualified graduates. Many students also enjoy and benefit from the break from studying that this affords them. We participate fully in exchange schemes and have particularly strong links with Finland, Canada and the USA. Our degrees also include opportunities which augment professional and practical experience. Students with

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suitable qualifications may be eligible to study for the extended, 4-year degrees (MEnvSci) in Environmental Science and Environmental Management, (MFor) in Forestry and (MGeog) in Geography which will impart a greater knowledge of the subject and enhance employability.

We have a considerable number of modules available through the medium of Welsh. This will allow eligible students to gain bursaries specifically designed to increase the number of Welsh-speaking graduates in the environmental and geography sector.

The courses we offer 3 YEAR COURSES

UCAS CODE

BSc Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology BSc Conservation with Forestry BSc Environmental Conservation BSc Environmental Management BSc Environmental Science BSc Forestry BSc Geography BA Geography

C180 5DKD D447 F854 F900 D500 F800 L700

4 YEAR COURSES (SANDWICH PLACEMENTS) BSc Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology BSc Conservation with Forestry BSc Environmental Conservation BSc Forestry

C183 5DLD D448 D501

MASTER DEGREES (4 YEARS, EXTENDED UNDERGRAD PROGRAMME) Environmental Management MEnvSci Environmental Science MEnvSci Forestry MFor Geography MGeog

D450 F850 D512 F801

TAUGHT MASTERS COURSES MSc Agroforestry MSc Conservation and Land Management MSc Environmental Forestry MBA Environmental Management MSc Environment and Business Management MSc Food Security in a Changing Environment (distance learning) MSc Forestry (distance learning) MSc Plant Conservation MSc Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA) MSc Tropical Forestry (distance learning) Further details are available in the College of Natural Sciences Postgraduate Prospectus, available to download at: www.bangor.ac.uk/cns

“Possibly the most useful and enlightening year of my degree has been the sandwich placement year”. Laura Mai Pozzi, BSc Environmental Conservation Graduate “Spending a year in Finland as part of the ATME degree has opened my eyes up to the global scale of studying Ecology and just how far my degree can take me”.

Nicole Giglia, BSc Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology Graduate www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 10

COURSE I N FO R M AT I O N

BSC APPLIED TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE ECOLOGY

BSC CONSERVATION WITH FORESTRY

Ecologists study the interactions between living things and their environments. Such understanding is vital for managing ecosystems to provide the services society values making applied ecology an increasingly important subject in this changing world. The expertise available at Bangor across terrestrial and marine environments allows us to offer this unique degree. Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology (ATME) provides a thorough grounding in the science of ecology but with emphasis on the practical application of ecological knowledge to environmental management and conservation. We make full use of our extraordinary location with regular visits to local nature reserves and Snowdonia National Park an integral part of the course. We also organise trips further afield with a third year field course in Tenerife a particular highlight. The 1st year provides grounding in ecology and evolution as well as introducing the interdisciplinary nature of environmental management. In the second year you will deepen your knowledge of ecology, while also taking courses in the principles of conservation management and in the practical skills needed by field ecologists. There is also a range of options, allowing you to start to specialise. In the final year students take modules in marine exploitation, wildlife ecology and conservation, while also choosing from a range of optional modules including forest ecology, marine vertebrates, animal behaviour and freshwater ecosystems.

ATME differs from pure ecology degrees by providing the chance to study the socio-economic aspects of ecological management including environmental policy. You will also do an Honours Project where you will work with a supervisor to design and carry out a piece of original research.

We produce graduates who are capable of addressing the scientific basis for the sustainable management of natural resources, and the ecological impact of policy and management decisions. Graduates have gone on to work as ecologists or environmental managers in the UK and overseas, as well as going into education or research. This degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

Forests are the most bio-diverse of all terrestrial ecosystems and contain the vast majority of the world’s terrestrial species. More than 25 % of the world’s forests are managed mainly for the conservation of biodiversity, and understanding how forest ecosystems work is essential if forest conservation efforts are to succeed. The Conservation with Forestry degree focuses on the principles of biological conservation, forest ecology and forest ecosystem function, the practice of conservation, and the ways in which forests can be managed to meet conservation objectives. Over 110 years ago Bangor was the first UK university to offer a degree in forestry, and we now have wideranging expertise in ecology, environmental science, forest management and forest conservation. We are close to a variety of different ecosystems and forest types, which are used extensively in practical and project work, and we have links with conservation and forestry organisations in the public and private sectors both in the UK and overseas. You can choose to do a sandwich year, working for a conservation or forestry organisation, to study abroad (in other parts of Europe or in Canada) or to take an international experience year (almost anywhere in the world). With greater awareness of the global importance of trees and forests, graduates will be well prepared for rewarding careers in conservation and related areas of multi-purpose forestry. This degree is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

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BSC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

BSC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

As environmental concerns grow ever more pressing, there is an increasing need to understand how we can effectively conserve wildlife and manage our countryside. This degree programme is aimed at those interested in careers in biodiversity, wildlife and countryside conservation.

The course gives a good grounding in the science of how populations and ecosystems function, with modules in ecology, agriculture and forestry.

However the emphasis, particularly as you move through the programme, is on the more applied, interdisciplinary issues surrounding environmental conservation. The importance of social and economic factors in achieving successful conservation is analysed in modules such as principles of conservation and environmental policy.

A module in practical ecology and conservation makes use of the unrivalled setting of Bangor University to teach the practical survey and biodiversity assessment skills used by professionals in the field. Part of this is taught in conjunction with the British Trust for Ornithology. In the third year students take a course on environmental policy-which helps them understand how environmental management decisions are made. They also study wildlife ecology and conservation and have a range of optional modules including one where they develop a management plan for a watershed in north Wales, and they have the opportunity to go on a field course to Tenerife.

Students also undertake a significant piece of research relevant to their interests, Graduates from this programme have gone on to work with conservation bodies in the UK and overseas as well as undertaking further study and research in the fields of conservation biology and resource management. This degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

A growing awareness of the impact of increased human demands on the environment has highlighted the need for professionally trained environmental managers capable of developing practical methods and policies. The Environmental Management degree will equip the environmental managers of the future with the scientific background and the ability to apply it to real-life environmental problems.

Bangor is extremely well placed to offer this degree as we have strengths in all teaching and research areas that are relevant, including applying scientific principles and management objectives to a range of environmental problems such as pollution, energy provision and climate change; and mechanisms for their mitigation, including policy and legislation. You will develop specific skills and learn about a wide range of environmental issues at home and abroad. You will be able to show your ability to work independently and apply your knowledge to produce a management plan for a nearby catchment and complete an honours project, valuable skills that employers look for.

There will be ample opportunity to interact with future employers and explore possibilities for careers. Graduates can expect to find employment with organisations such as Environment Agency, DEFRA, local authorities and with environmental consultants or expand to other related areas e.g. environmental law. Environmental managers are now needed in many fields, including the construction, energy and waste industries. Your degree will also lay the foundations for further postgraduate courses or research in a range of environmental fields. This degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 12

Soil measurements on the Tenerife field course

BSC ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE The Environmental Science degree brings together relevant information from a wide range of subjects to look at some of the most important threats facing the world, such as climate change, conservation, pollution, and food security. Such problems mean that there will be an even greater demand for environmental scientists in the future. Bangor has a lot to offer in Environmental Science. We are based in a fantastic location to study a wide range of environments and their issues. We have field trips throughout our degree and interact significantly with the type of outside organisations that you may one day work for. You will develop specific skills and learn about a wide range of environmental issues at home and abroad, and can also specialise through conducting an original piece of research for your honours project. You will also have gained a broad range of wider skills that employers look for, and developed confidence in presentations and interviews. Graduates can expect to find employment in industrial organisations, advisory agencies, environmental consultants, water companies, Environment Agency and in research and development, both within Europe and further afield. Further postgraduate study is possible as is training for teaching, media and education posts.

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

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MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE/MANAGEMENT (MENVSCI) Students with suitable qualifications may apply to study a four year Master of Environmental Management or Environmental Science (MEnvSci).

These higher-level qualifications will give you a broad and deep knowledge of environmental management/ science and a wide range of transferable skills, enhancing your employability.

The structure of the courses mirror the BSc options in the first two years; however, in year three, students study an extended number of modules instead of an honours project. Students conduct a larger research project in year four, in addition to undertaking a professional placement.

Through the professional placement, students gain invaluable experience as environmental managers or scientists. There is also the Green Economies module, where students use their knowledge to develop a viable business plan with environmental sustainability at its core. These modules uniquely equip graduates with the ability to apply management techniques to real-life environmental problems. As well as providing the career opportunities that the BSc Environmental Management and BSc Environmental Science may lead to, the degrees will also equip graduates with the skills to undertake postgraduate research.

Both of these degrees are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

Rachel Carpenter MEnvSci Environmental Science Graduate Now works as: Management Trainee (Project Coordinator) Now works for: G’s Fresh, Ely, Cambridgeshire Having grown up on a countryside smallholding, I have always had a natural curiosity about the environment, coupled with an interest in science which grew throughout my time at school.

Studying at Bangor was the perfect choice for Environmental Science. Being located so close to so many great areas like Snowdonia and the forests and beaches of Anglesey made for some really great fields trips. The course had a wide range of modules and I could choose the ones I was really interested in, and the teaching was always great too. I’m especially glad that I chose to move on to the 4-year course, as I was able do an 8week work placement as part of the final year. For this I completed a Fresh Produce Research Placement at Harper Adams University College, which I really enjoyed and which introduced me to a number of different businesses – it even helped me to secure a job before I had even graduated!

Since graduating from Bangor I have joined a 2-year Management Training Scheme (MTS) with G’s Fresh, one of the largest suppliers of fresh salad and vegetable products to UK and EU markets. I have recently started the third of my four 6-month placements as part of MTS, as a Project Coordinator. My previous two were as a Technical Compliance Assistant, and as Sales Support for the Commercial Salads Sales Team.

Although it has felt very daunting at times and a world away from life at university, the last year has been a great introduction to the fresh produce industry and how a business as large as G’s is run successfully. I’m sure that without my degree from Bangor and the opportunities it gave me, I would certainly not be where I am now. Thanks!

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BSC / MFOR FORESTRY

BA/BSC/MGEOG GEOGRAPHY

We have been teaching forestry for more than 110 years and there has never been a more exciting time to enter the profession. Bangor was the first university in the UK to offer a degree in forestry, and is now the first to offer an extended undergraduate programme (the MFor degree). Forests are an important source of renewable resources – timber, fuelwood and non-wood products such as fungi, essential oils and medicines. They are a feature of landscapes across the world, can mitigate climate change impacts, protect soils and water, shelter wildlife and provide opportunities for recreation. Our degrees cover all these aspects of forestry and will prepare you for the challenge of managing forests at a time of global environmental change. You can choose to do a sandwich year, working for a forestry organisation alongside experienced forestry professionals, to study abroad (in other parts of Europe or in Canada) or to take an international experience year (almost anywhere in the world). Our modules include regular visits to local forests, woodlands and wood-using enterprises, and there are study tours every year: to Snowdonia in the first year, England and Scotland in the second year, and Tenerife in the third year. A forest management plan for a local forest area forms an important part of the assessment in the third year. We have close links with many forestry organisations, including the Forestry Commission, Natural Resources Wales, private forest management companies, nongovernmental forestry organisations and woodusing industries. The Bangor forestry degree is widely respected and good graduates have excellent employment prospects. They can expect an aboveaverage salary and good career progression within a few years of graduating. This degree is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

Geography is a dynamic and exciting subject, which explores the processes that shape the Earth and the relationship between humankind and the environment. At Bangor we offer BA and BSc Honours degrees in Geography and a four year masters-level MGeog degree. Through all these degrees students develop subject knowledge and transferable skills across traditional subject boundaries. The BA, BSc and MGeog degrees focus on the many physical, social, economic and cultural processes that shape the landscape and society.

You will also explore the dynamic, reciprocal relationship between people and the environment.

Geography is central to many major global issues meaning the demand for geographers will continue to grow. Degrees are modular and are taught by specialists at the cutting edge of research in a broad range of geographical areas. Geography students at Bangor benefit from living and studying in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Fieldtrips within the Snowdonia National Park allow for hands on exploration of key social and physical processes.

Students also benefit from an extensive programme of field courses in the UK and abroad, which complement classroom and practical-based teaching. Geography graduates are highly employable and are in demand due to the skills and subject knowledge they develop during their studies. Graduates can expect to find employment in a wide range of sectors. Geography degrees also provide the basis for further postgraduate study, research and teacher training. Geography students can enhance their employability by registering for the Bangor Employability Award (see page 18 for further details). The BSc Geography is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

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RATED IN THE TOP 20 IN THE UK FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE

About the University

The compact size of the city means that student facilities – including halls of residence, the Sports Centre and the Students’ Union – are within easy walking distance of the University buildings. High Street shops, banks, supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, and theatre are also in close proximity and help to keep travel costs to a minimum. The cost of living is lower than in most urban areas, so you can make the most of your money in what is a very pleasant environment in which to live and study. Also worth bearing in mind is the fact that Bangor is considered to be a relatively safe place to study (the crime rate for north Wales is one of the lowest in the country). The mixture of students from all over the world means that Bangor is always a vibrant, colourful and interesting city. Bangor is also very much a University City – the entertainment and night-life is student-orientated and student-led, and there’s always something going on. In addition to entertainment, the Students’ Union also organises a large number of student clubs and societies, covering a wide range of sporting, social, cultural, religious and political interests. While

Bangor itself is compact and convenient, the surrounding area offers plenty of wide open spaces. The mountains and coastline of Snowdonia is an area of outstanding natural beauty, offering you wonderful recreational opportunities whether you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, or just want to enjoy the scenery. For the sports enthusiast, climbing, sailing, rowing, canoeing, surfing, and diving are just some of the outdoor pursuits available in some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK. Indoor sports are also well catered for at Canolfan Brailsford, the University’s Sports Centre, which has recently undergone major remodelling and refurbishment. .

“Bangor University’s £45m Performing Arts and Innovation Centre opens in 2015.

It is home to cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities, a theatre with a capacity of between 450-550 seats, cinema space, a studio theatre as well as social facilities including bars, dining and park areas.”

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Š James Lowen

Rachel Ward BA Geography Graduate PGCE (Cantab) Now works as: Secondary Geography Teacher Now works for: Cambridgeshire County Council After graduating from Bangor with a Fist Class degree in geography I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Cambridge. I have been able to secure a job near Cambridge teaching geography at a Secondary School.

My time in Bangor gave me the skills and confidence to move forward with my chosen career. The modules which I chose at Bangor fuelled my passion for geography and the outdoors.

Especially the Geography Outdoors module and my Professional Placement as well as the Bangor Employability Award. The mix of lectures and outdoor fieldwork enabled me to develop skills leading groups in the outdoors.

The location of the university could not be better; mountains, beaches and forests. This is a perfect place to study geography and the outdoors. In my teaching career I plan to complete my Masters of Education at Cambridge, continuing my enjoyment of geography and teaching.

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Accommodation As a first-year student you will be guaranteed a place in a University managed Hall of Residence. Most halls offer en-suite accommodation allowing for greater privacy. Over £35m has recently been spent re-developing the campus, including an extensive upgrade of the student accommodation. Of course, if you prefer, there is also a broad range of

private accommodation to be found in and around Bangor, and the Student Housing Office can help you find what you require.

A big plus is that you won’t need a car or public transport; everything is within walking distance of the halls of residence.

The main accommodation site is just 10 minutes from the main University buildings.

Careers and Employability Service In today’s highly competitive employment market, it is important to take full advantage of the academic, recreational and work-related activities available to you as a student.

Whether or not you know what career path you want to follow, the Careers and Employability Service is committed to helping students and graduates by providing a wide range of careers guidance and employment support services, including: • individual and confidential careers interviews and drop-in sessions • a year round programme of personal development, job search and employer related workshops and training sessions • comprehensive and appropriate careers information via our Information Centre and our Website • a Student Employment Bureau (Job Zone), providing part-time, vacation and graduate employment opportunities • a wide range of voluntary work opportunities including Peer Guiding and Student Mentoring • undergraduate and graduate paid work-experience placements • the chance to develop enterprise skills and increased awareness of self-employment via our B-Enterprising programme

Bangor Employability Award The Bangor Employability Award (BEA) scheme has been designed to enhance the immediate and longer term employability prospects of Bangor University students. The scheme works in conjunction with the Careers & Employability Service, Bangor Students’ Union and private, public and voluntary sector organisations, offering accreditation for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities (e.g. volunteering, mentoring, part-time work, learning a new language); such experiences may not be formally recognised within students’ academic degree programme, yet they advance the development of skills and qualities which are valuable in the graduate jobs market. www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 18

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, HOW TO APPLY AND OPEN DAYS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

OPEN DAYS

Here at Bangor, we accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds, and we consider each application individually. As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from disabled students on the same grounds as all other students. We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. To study a degree, diploma or certificate course you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. Normally, all GCE A and AS levels VCEs and Key Skills can be used to calculate your overall points. You’ll find more specific details on entry requirements on the individual course pages on our website at: www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy

The School holds a number of Open Days throughout the year to give you a better idea of what to expect if you decide to come and study with us. Staff and current students will be on hand to answer any of your questions and give you detailed information about your course of interest. You can also have a look around the city and we’ll take you on a tour of the halls of residence to give you a taste of what life could be like at Bangor. For more information and to book a place please visit our website.

HOW TO APPLY UK and EU students must apply through UCAS and applications should be made as early as possible, quoting the course code (see page 10).

International students may apply directly to us by following the procedure on the International Education Centre website www.bangor.ac.uk/international

TUITION FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES TUITION FEES Tuition fee rates may change and current information can be found at: www.bangor.ac.uk/fees

SCHOLARSHIPS The University offers a wide range of Scholarships and Bursaries each year. These include the Excellence Scholarships (worth up to £5,000 each), Merit Scholarships (for those who excel in an entrance examination, worth up to £3,000), Sports Scholarships (available to students studying any academic subject, worth up to £2,000 each) and the Talent Opportunities Programme Scholarships (which aims to widen participation across north Wales).

Bursaries are also available to support students from lower income families, as well as those entering Higher Education from care.

More details of the Scholarships and Bursaries currently available can be seen on our website.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS With students from over 79 countries world-wide, the city has a thriving international community, and provides a welcoming and supportive learning environment for international students who wish to develop their full potential through our range of high quality, well-founded and established study programmes. Bangor University strongly believes in looking after its students, and making sure that everyone is made to feel welcome and settles in with ease. That’s why Bangor has a number of International Student Ambassadors and a dedicated International Student Welfare Adviser, who can help you adjust to living in a different country, with an unfamiliar culture and possibly a new language.

Our aim is to support international students from the application process right up to their graduation day. A special Orientation Programme, which provides an opportunity to meet other international students and teaching

staff,take trips to the surrounding area, as well as completing your registration. This helps you to make friends, settle in and get to know your way around. Throughout the year, the International Student Welfare Adviser offers assistance and advice on a range of matters such as NHS health care in the UK, opening a bank account, immigration status, applications to extend your visa, work regulations and finding work, travelling outside the UK, police registration, accommodation, bringing your family to the UK, and nurseries and schools in Bangor. We also arrange coach trips to places of interest. The British Council’s Regional Services Officer is an important point of contact for information, advice and support for students attending Bangor through the British Council. All international students are guaranteed on-campus accommodation provided that they apply before the deadline of 31st July. Limited family accommodation is also available.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES International students are generally required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. The English language level normally required for entry is IELTS 6.0 (with no individual unit score less than 5.5) or equivalent. Students who require English Language Study prior to starting their academic studies at Bangor may undertake pre-sessional courses at the University’s English Language Centre (ELCOS) prior to the beginning of their academic programme.

Students receive close attention in order to ensure excellent progression and successful completion of the course. At the end, students are not required to undertake a further external English test, as our highly experienced and qualified staff will conduct a test and provide an official report for the University. Students on academic programmes can receive English language support

throughout the year in courses specially organised for international students. These include academic writing classes and English language modules. Students can also benefit from individual consultations with a language tutor. Students wishing to undertake further external English tests can benefit from special evening classes which focus on preparation for these examinations. ELCOS also offers classes in International Cultures and English (ICE) to partners of overseas students. This is an opportunity to get to know other people, as well as learning to speak English in a relaxed and informal manner.

Further details of English language courses are available from www.elcos.bangor.ac.uk or elcos@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 20

Francesca McGrath BSc Environmental Conservation Graduate Now works as: PhD Candidate Now works for: National University of Singapore I graduated with a first class honours from Bangor University after completing a BSc in Environmental Conservation. The course gave me the core skills needed to conduct research which has an influence on practical conservation projects. This was also supplemented by knowledge in related fields such as environmental policy, soil science, and forestry. For my BSc dissertation I explored CITES in the United Arab Emirates and if the implementation of this convention had been effective. I was also fortunate to be given the Academic Achievement award upon my graduation.

After my BSc I decided to pursue an MSc in Environment and Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science. This course was mainly focused around sustainable development and environmental governance/policies. During my MSc I found myself continuing to be interested in researching into feasible conservation methods that take into account the existing market system and social dynamics.

I am currently completing a PhD at the National University of Singapore (NUS) under the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) scholarship. My research is focused on Payments for Ecosystem Service (PES) schemes and their implementation in Southeast Asia. I am specifically interested in the fairness of these schemes and their potential to sustain conservation efforts.

I believe my success thus far has been down to my BSc in Bangor.

The lecturers in SENRGY have been some of the nicest professors I have had to date. I was also lucky to have a great supervisor, Dr Julia Jones, who has helped me along this path. I would recommend SENRGY and my course in particular to anyone looking for an academic career in conservation.

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Did you know...

• Bangor has one of the largest Peer Guiding Schemes of any UK University. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be given as much help and support as possible, with health and welfare as well as academic matters. It’s a scheme run for students by students, so they know exactly how it feels to be in your shoes.

• Bangor is exceptionally well-situated and well-equipped for students interested in sport – especially those involving the great outdoors. Snowdonia is the adventure capital of the UK with a high concentration of opportunities, from exceptional rock climbing to scrambling and hill walking to abundances of water sports including canoeing, kayaking, surfing, sailing and sea kayaking.

• Bangor has one of the greatest concentrations of Environmental Sciences in Europe, with national and international organisations having a base nearby.

‘The International Experience Programme gives students the option of studying overseas for one extra year in a wide variety of destinations. This also enhances their CV and gives the international experience many employers are now looking for.’

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 22

CONTACT INFORMATION For more information visit our website at: www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy or contact the Admissions co-ordinator at: SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND GEOGRAPHY BANGOR UNIVERSITY BANGOR GWYNEDD LL57 2UW Telephone: +44 (0) 1248 382281 Email: senrgy@bangor.ac.uk \BangorUniversity.SENRGY @BUGeography @ConservResearch @BUForestry @bangorfoodsecur @BUEnvironment The University makes all reasonable efforts to ensure the information in this booklet is correct at the time of printing (September 2015)