SENRGY Undergraduate Handbook 2012-13

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND GEOGRAPHY

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

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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.

WELCOME

Environment Centre Wales

Message from the Head of School

the natural environment. Our research also has strong international links extending across a range of habitats locally, nationally and internationally.

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.

The School forms part of the College of Natural Sciences, along with the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Ocean Sciences, and the Welsh Institute of Natural Resources. 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.

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

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’ 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!

Dr Christine Cahalan Head of School

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CONTENTS

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Welcome: Message From The Head Of School Contents Location And Resources Links With Other Organisations / Professional Accreditation Our Research How Our Courses Are Taught And Assessed The Courses We Offer BSc Agriculture, Conservation And Environment BSc Applied Terrestrial And Marine Ecology BSc Conservation And Forest Ecosystems BSc Environmental Conservation BSc Environmental Management BSc Environmental Science Master of Environmental Science/Management (MEnvSci) BSc Forestry BA/BSc Geography About The University Accommodation Entry Requirements, How To Apply And Open Days / Tuition Fees, Scholarships And Bursaries International Students / English Language Courses

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LOCATION & RESOURCES 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.

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 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 new Geographical Information Systems Suite has recently been established; this allows students to study spatial relationships between environmental, climatic, biological and social data.

In addition a new laboratory that is dedicated to student project work has just been completed with plant, soil and other environmental analytical facilities available.

The A55 Expressway along the North Wales coast gives fast and easy access from the main UK motorway network, with much of North West England, for example, being little over an hour away.

Manchester Airport is within one and a half hour’s drive along the Expressway; rail connections to Crewe, Cardiff and London are direct and ferry connections from nearby Holyhead to Ireland are fast and frequent.

Bangor

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“WITH LARGE FORESTS SUCH AS NEWBOROUGH AND GWYDYR WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY, I FOUND THAT IT WAS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR STUDYING FORESTRY” Ed Clark BSc Forestry graduate

“Set between the Snowdonia National Park and the Menai Straits, Bangor is the ideal location for those who love the great outdoors. With large forests such as Newborough and Gwydyr within close proximity, I found that it was the perfect location for studying forestry.

The course delivered a thorough grounding in environmental and ecological issues, with a focus on forestry specific topics. The lectures were reinforced with relevant field trips throughout Wales, giving an opportunity to see the theory put into practice. During my course I undertook work placements in Finland and Austria, and had a placement year working with a UK-based private-sector forestry consultancy.

I was able to secure employment with a large privatesector forestry company shortly before graduating, and am now managing forests in Wales. The knowledge and experiences I gained from my time at Bangor have been instrumental in opening a range of opportunities for me.”

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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 headquarters of the Countryside Council

for Wales, as well as the regional offices of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Welsh Water and the Environment Agency.

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 several European universities and institutes, and many other institutions in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION Many of our programmes are professionally accredited.

‘Chartered Scientist’ status, which will be of significant appeal to many employers.

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

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.

Conservation and Forest Ecosystems, 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 forestry-related degrees, BSc Forestry and BSc

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OUR RESEARCH

Henfaes Field Centre

Scientific research is exciting and rewarding; there is a real thrill in discovering something new.

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 across the environment and land use spectrum.

Much of our research is undertaken overseas and we have projects in countries 6

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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 longterm 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.

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 60 students from all over the world undertaking our one-year, two-year 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 60 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.

The School has close links with the World Agroforestry Centre and the Centre for Tropical Agricultural Research.

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HOW OUR COURSES ARE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED DEGREES AT BANGOR PROVIDE VARIETY IN TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT 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

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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.

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.

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. The latter include a period of up

Tenerife Field Visit

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

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THE COURSES WE OFFER 3 YEAR COURSES WITHOUT SANDWICH PLACEMENTS BSc Agriculture, Conservation and Environment BSc Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology BSc Conservation and Forest Ecosystems BSc Environmental Conservation BSc Environmental Management BSc Environmental Science BSc Forestry BSc Geography BA Geography

4 YEAR COURSES INCLUDING SANDWICH PLACEMENTS BSc Agriculture, Conservation and Environment BSc Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology BSc Conservation and Forest Ecosystems BSc Environmental Conservation BSc Forestry

MENVSCI (4 YEARS, EXTENDED UNDERGRAD PROGRAMME) Environmental Management Environmental Science

UCAS CODE D449 C180 DDK5 D447 D450 D450 D500 F800 L700

UCAS CODE D445 C183 DDL5 D448 D501

UCAS CODE D450 F850

TAUGHT MASTERS COURSES MSc Agroforestry MSc Conservation and Land Management MSc Environmental Forestry MBA Environmental Management MSc Forestry (distance learning) MA/MSc Sustainable Environmental Management (Welsh Medium) MSc Sustainable Forest and Nature Management MSc Sustainable Tropical Forestry 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

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BSC AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT

The practice of agriculture has changed dramatically over the past few decades.

The farmer now has to be as conversant with conservation and environmental matters as with agricultural production.

Similarly, conservation and environmental professions need to be fully aware of land use issues and the pressures faced by farmers and foresters if they are to be effective in their chosen careers. The degree of BSc Agriculture, Conservation and Environment is deliberately broad and aims to combine these three strands to produce practitioners well able to contribute in any of these spheres.

Being surrounded by an agricultural landscape and located between the sea and the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park, it is hard to imagine a more

ideal location than Bangor for such a degree. There is a common core of first year modules but in the second year you select a combination of modules considering agriculture, conservation and environmental science. In the final year you complete an Honours project and preparation of a management plan for a rural area near Bangor is an option. The course includes regular visits to local farms, forests and sites of special interest to nature conservation and management of the environment.

Teaching on this degree is informed by our cutting edge research in many areas of agriculture, conservation and environmental science.

The broad base of the degree confers considerable flexibility in terms of career opportunities. Graduates can expect to find employment in agricultural and conservation agencies, local government and in research and development, both within Europe and further afield.

Further postgraduate study is possible as is training for teaching education posts.

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Š James Lowen

BSC APPLIED TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE ECOLOGY

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 12 www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy

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 and wildlife 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.

BSC CONSERVATION AND FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

More than 25% of the world’s forests are managed partly for the conservation of biodiversity. Understanding how forest ecosystems work both above and below ground is essential for successful conservation and maintenance of this biodiversity. Forests are complex ecosystems, from the soil and soil bacteria to the trees and their interactions.

They are recognised as the most biodiverse of all terrestrial ecosystems, and hold the vast majority of the world’s terrestrial species. Forest ecosystem complexity varies from the boreal forests near the Arctic tree line to the equatorial forests, but they all depend on the ecosystem processes of energy flow, cycling of water and nutrients, and interactions between the plants, animals and microorganisms found in forests. Human disruption causes deforestation, forest

degradation, fragmentation and loss of biodiversity.

This degree will provide you with an understanding of the principles and practice of biological conservation, forest ecology and forest ecosystems, and the ways in which forests can be managed sustainably and to meet conservation objectives. If you choose the four year course you will spend 7 – 12 months working for a conservation or forestry organisation, gaining experience and applying your knowledge in a working environment. In both the three and four-year courses there are opportunities for studying abroad (in other parts of Europe or in Canada) for all or part of the second year. In each year there are field study tours: in the first year within Snowdonia, the second year nationally within other regions of the UK and in the final year in Tenerife.

Conservation organisations, forest owners and forest managers, in both the public and private sectors, have close links to this degree and many of the modules of this course include visits to local woodlands and other areas of conservation interest. In addition, we have close involvement in initiatives such as the United Nations Collaborative Programme on ‘Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation’, which feeds information into our teaching programmes.

Students graduating with a degree in Conservation and Forest Ecosystems readily find employment within the conservation and forestry sectors both in the UK and internationally and can expect a rewarding career structure. This degree is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 13

BSC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

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 14 www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy

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. In the third year students undertake a significant piece of research relevant to their interests, develop a management plan for a watershed in north Wales and go on a field course to Tenerife.

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.

BSC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

A growing awareness of the consequences of increased human and environmental demands 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.

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.

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. Your degree will also www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy 15

“I THINK I KNEW I WANTED TO COME TO STUDY AT BANGOR AS SOON AS I VISITED THE OPEN DAY!” Natalie Chivers BSc Environmental Science

“The course is great and really enjoyable, especially if you are looking for an interdisciplinary degree, which is key post degree when starting to choose a career path. It incorporates just the right amount of biology, chemistry and earth and environment modules, along with weekly field trips, so there’s plenty of variety and you quickly gain valuable transferable skills, both practical and theoretical. The School is extremely easy going and enthusiastic, and many, if not all of the lecturers are active researchers. I think my highlights of the course so far have definitely been meeting amazing people that share similar interests and learning so many new things.

As for Bangor, I couldn’t have really asked for a better location to study in; right on the doorstep to Snowdonia and a 15 minute drive to the beach. It is perfect for outdoorsy people, and being a small city means everywhere is within walking distance, and you’ll probably bump into a lecturer or two in the pub! The university itself has so many sports clubs and societies; there is never a time when I have been bored.

After graduation, I’m hoping to be invited to continue to study in Bangor at Masters Level, and then who knows!

I think I have found my passion in botany, and there are some fantastic links to work experience opportunities, graduate careers and placements through the university. Bangor is definitely my cup of tea!”

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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. As a result, there is a demand for environmental scientists and this demand will surely increase 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

BSC FORESTRY

Forests play a vital part in our local and global environments, and they cover about 30% of the Earth’s total land area.

They need to be sustainably managed whether for our benefit or for the local and global environment. We use forests to produce renewable resources; not only wood, but also non-wood products such as honey, cork, fruits, mushrooms, essential oils and medicines. Trees take up and store carbon long term in the wood and in the soil and can mitigate climate change. They protect soils and water, and provide stable integrated habitats for diverse wildlife both above and below ground. They are an important component of landscapes, and can contribute to the physical and emotional wellbeing of local communities and visitors.

The forestry degree course will equip you to manage forests to provide all these benefits. If you choose the four-year course you will spend 7 – 12 months working for a forestry organisation alongside experienced forestry professionals, applying and augmenting your knowledge and understanding in a professional situation. In both the three and four year courses there are opportunities for studying abroad (in other parts of Europe or in Canada) for all or part of the second year.

There are study tours every year, initially in Snowdonia, then in England and Scotland and in Tenerife in the final year.

We have close links with forestry organisations where many graduates find employment, including the Forestry Commission,

private forest management companies, non-governmental forestry organisations, wood processing industries and conservation organisations, and our modules include regular visits to local forests, woodlands and wood using enterprises. Forestry graduates have excellent employment prospects within the forestry and associated professions and can expect an above average salary and good career progression within a few years of graduating.

Bangor was the first university in the UK to offer a degree in forestry, and we have over a century of tradition as a centre of excellence in forestry.

This degree is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

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BA/BSC GEOGRAPHY

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 both BA and BSc Honours degrees in Geography.

Through both degrees students develop subject knowledge and transferable skills across traditional subject boundaries.

The BSc Geography programme focuses on earth processes, major environmental issues and the reciprocal relationship between people and the environment. The BA Geography programme explores how the interaction between people and the environment is conditioned by social, cultural and economic factors. Geography is central to many major global issues meaning the demand for geographers will continue to grow.

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Both 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 handson 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. BA and BSc Geography degrees also provide the basis for further postgraduate study, research

and teacher training. Both BA and BSc Geography students can enhance their employability by registering for the Bangor Employability Award (see page 23 for further details).

The BSc Geography is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

“BANGOR REALLY IS THE PLACE TO COME FOR THE STUDY OF GEOGRAPHY!” Ben Pattle BA Geography

“Bangor is a small city, which really is a bonus due to the friendliness of the people here, and ‘community spirit’ the student population share with them. Studying Geography at Bangor University is such a blast; the people you meet on your course and the lecturers in the School are amazing people that you can really get along with.

Because Geography can offer such a wide range of opportunities you could be at the research farm one day, and the following day be climbing Snowdon or on a beach on Anglesey.

The best thing about Geography and Bangor for me is the diversity of the local area and the proximity to the most valuable resources for the course - which is the outdoors!

Every time you visit places on field trips there is always a member of staff there who really knows what they’re talking about, and across the School many of the staff are leading experts in the field of study they teach.

When I first visited Bangor on an Open day I had decided it was the place for me before I had even arrived at the city, due to the beauty of the surrounding areas. So, when I finally reached the city itself, I really was definite about studying at Bangor. My first week here was spent getting to know the people on my course; however, in this department fresher’s week was not only getting to know students, but also the staff who came on trips to the beach and BBQ’s with us, and shared in the meet and greet evenings! Although Bangor is a small city, the student’s union involvement means there is so much to do in the evenings… and you never run out of entertainment ideas (just fancy dress ideas)!

Bangor has really set me up for the career I want in planning urban environments. The course helps me focus on learning and studying about what I’m interested in by giving me choices on what to study, and taking part in professional placements that give me real work experience in the area, and help prepare me for a career in the future.

Bangor really is the place to come for the study of Geography!”

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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 22 www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy

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

PONTIO

Performing Arts and Innovation Centre

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 Maesglas, the University’s Sports Centre, while Bangor swimming pool offers reduced rates for students.

“The University is developing a £42m Performing Arts and Innovation Centre which will be 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.”

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 main student accommodation at the Ffriddoedd Site. 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.

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, HOW TO APPLY AND OPEN DAYS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 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 prospective 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:

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.

www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy

HOW TO APPLY OPEN DAYS 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

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. For 24 www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy

2012 entry this included 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).

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.

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

Our aim is to support international students from the application process right up to their graduation day. A special Orientation Day provides an opportunity to meet other international students and external organisations, and take a trip around the surrounding area. This helps you to make friends, settle in and get to know your way around.

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.

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

All international students are guaranteed on-campus accommodation provided that they apply before the deadline of 31st July. Limited family accommodation is also available.

in a different country, with an unfamiliar culture and possibly a new language.

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.

Additional tuition can be taken as follows: IELTS 5.5 / 3 MONTHS / JUN – SEP IELTS 5.0 / 6 MONTHS / FEB – AUG IELTS 4.5 / 9 MONTHS / SEP – JUN

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.

Further details of English language courses are available from ELCOS or email:

elcos@bangor.ac.uk

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ALL ENQUIRIES ARE WELCOME 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 Fax: +44 (0) 1248 354997 Email: senrgy@bangor.ac.uk The University makes all reasonable efforts to ensure the information in this brochure is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change.