Bangor University Undergraduate Prospectus 2016

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BANGOR UNIVERSITY 2016 UCAS Code: Bangr B06

www.bangor.ac.uk

BANGOR UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2016

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BANGOR AT A GLANCE

Academic Excellence

Student Experience

• Founded in 1884, Bangor University has a long tradition of academic excellence, which continues to this day. This is supported by recent major endorsements of both the quality of teaching and the research carried out here.

• Bangor also prides itself on the student experience offered – guaranteed accommodation, the low cost of living, the student support and stunning location all contribute to this.

• Bangor University’s outstanding results in the National Student Survey saw the University ranked top in Wales and 7th in the UK* for student satisfaction. The NSS results (published August 2014) also ranked Bangor top in Wales for teaching.

• Bangor University’s world-leading research was recognised in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), the national assessment of research quality. Following the REF results, Bangor University is ranked amongst the Top 40 in the UK** for research quality, with the research carried out in over half of our academic schools rated in the top 20 in the UK. * excluding specialist institutions ** excluding specialist institutions & single-submission universities

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• An on-going investment in facilities and support services is further enhancing the Bangor student experience. An exciting new Arts & Innovation Centre, new halls of residence, and improved sports facilities are amongst recent developments.

• Free membership of student clubs and societies is a major advantage at Bangor University, as it means all our students can take part in the range of activities on offer.

• One of the largest peer support schemes in the UK, a new international experience programme and employability award scheme are among the other benefits of being a student at Bangor.

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7th IN THE UK* AND TOP IN WALES FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION

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Bangor is a genuinely caring and supportive university community, and we take great pride in the first class services we offer our students. These include academic, financial, career and personal advice and support.

The quality of our teaching and research is world class, attracting students and staff from around the globe. In addition, there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved in a wide variety of activities. The stunning mountains of Snowdonia and miles of coastline provide the backdrop to a university experience which cannot be beaten..

Bangor has recently invested millions of pounds in developing new academic and social facilities for students, making it an even more attractive place to study.

Prof JOHN G. HUGHES Vice-Chancellor, Bangor University

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SATISFACTION GUARANTEED • The National Student Survey (NSS) ranked Bangor University 7th in the UK* – and top in Wales – for student satisfaction.

• The 2014 NSS – which provides comprehensive feedback on the student experience at all UK universities – saw Bangor University perform better than ever across a range of disciplines and areas.

• For instance, Bangor University was rated top in Wales for teaching, and joint 3rd in the UK* for academic support. Other areas in which the University performed particularly well include staff contact (5th in the UK), and assessment and marking (7th in the UK).

• The NSS results also placed the following subject areas at Bangor University amongst the top 10 in the UK: Biology, Biomedical Science, Business Studies, Electronic Engineering, French, Music, Psychology and Sport Science.

• Bangor University has also been rated amongst the UK’s top 50 universities (Sunday Times University Guide 2015), while The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey placed Bangor within the top 20 universities in the UK for student experience.

• The quality of accommodation, courses and lecturers and Bangor’s student clubs and societies were all rated within the top 10 in the UK at the WhatUni? Student Choice Awards. *excluding specialist institutions

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3rd IN THE UK FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND 5th FOR STAFF CONTACT (NSS 2014)

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The NSS results are a wonderful endorsement of our activities, and of our values. It's terrific that we are in the Top 10 in the UK... It's a position which again reflects the excellent standard of teaching available at Bangor.

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Prof OLIVER TURNBULL Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning)

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BANGOR: THERE’S NOWHERE LIKE IT • A scenic and sporty location, close to the mountains and the sea • Recognised in several student surveys as one of the best places in the UK to be a student • The size of Bangor means it’s easy to get to know people, and our students settle in quickly • A high proportion of our students are attracted here by the small and friendly nature of the University and the town • Well-situated and well-equipped for all sports – especially those involving the great outdoors • We also have excellent sports and recreation facilities, with a multi-million pound investment programme recently completed at the University’s Sports Centre.

• You don’t have to be sporty to study here though – many of our students just like the fact that Bangor is in such a scenic location, and that it tends to be safer, cleaner and friendlier than many larger places.

• It’s also easier to get here than you might think – with excellent road links along the north Wales coast from the motorway network, and direct trains from many major rail stations.

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Wonderful position. On one side are the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park, on the other side is the Menai Strait... boasts the best university setting in the UK, with parts within 6 feet of the sea.

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THE INDEPENDENT’S A-Z OF UNIVERSITIES AND HIGHER EDUCATION COLLEGES

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There is a high proportion of small-group teaching and tutorials, as well as one of Britain’s largest peer guiding schemes…

There is a strong focus on student support – the Peer Guide Scheme supports new students in the transition to university life, while the pioneering dyslexia unit offers individual and group support throughout students’ courses.

THE TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE

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SUPPORTING YOU WHILE YOU STUDY Bangor University is ranked in the Top 20 in the UK for support and welfare* • Over £3.7M in bursaries and scholarships available • Guaranteed accommodation for all first year students • One of the largest Peer Guiding schemes of any university, with second and third year students involved in a mentoring scheme to help new students settle in during their first weeks here.

• The Peer Guide scheme and the Personal Tutor system means there is always another student or an academic member of staff you can turn to, while the Student Services Centre provides a professional support service for students • Bangor’s pioneering Dyslexia Service is internationally known for its expertise in supporting students • The Study Skills Centre can provide help with the transition to university, as well as on-going support with your academic progression.

• Free membership of Students’ Union clubs and societies – which means all students can take advantage of the extra-curricular opportunities offered • A new study abroad option to give students the international experience many employers are now looking for. The International Experience Programme gives you the option of studying overseas for one extra year in a wide variety of destinations.

• A range of personal and career development programmes to help you start planning your future career. You can gain transferable skills and experience through work placements, internships, volunteering opportunities and the development of enterprise skills and entrepreneurship, as well as the sectorleading Bangor Employability Award.

• Learn a new language, or improve your language skills – free evening classes available to Bangor students. The options include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.

*Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey

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THE BANGOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE

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A lot of students for a small place, so there’s a strong community feel.

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THE INDEPENDENT’S A-Z OF UNIVERSITIES AND HIGHER EDUCATION COLLEGES

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There are lots of reasons to fall in love with Bangor, besides the excellent teaching and world-class research. Relax on beautiful beaches, explore stunning mountain trails, or enjoy taking part in some of the student activities on offer. With around 150 free clubs and societies, there’s something for everyone. It all makes for a university experience that can’t be matched...

• Over 10,000 students from all over the world make up Bangor’s vibrant student community – read more about some of their experiences on page 12.

• The guarantee of accommodation for all first year students – as well as the quality of the accommodation offered – is a major plus for those who study here. See pages 16-21.

• Student support is a high priority at Bangor, with a range of services and programmes in place to help you make the most of your time at university. We can also prepare you for your future through our employability and enterprise services. See pages 36-38 and 48-53.

TOP 20 IN THE UK FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• A friendly, convenient and studentcentred place to study, the location and surrounding area are also amongst the reasons why students choose Bangor. Find out more on pages 22-25.

• The size and nature of Bangor means our students settle in immediately, and enjoy the range of activities and the unique student lifestyle offered here. See pages 26-35.

• The cost of living in Bangor is lower than in other parts of the UK – and the University also offers extra help in the form of scholarships and bursaries worth over £3.7M. See pages 62-63.

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Studying at Bangor has given me opportunities to make new friends, join exciting societies, study modules that I really enjoy and be part of a great University.

ALEX THOMSON From Walsall, studying History

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OUR STUDENTS

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The best thing about Bangor is the atmosphere, it’s so easy to feel completely at home. The people are all amazing and friendly and there are so many societies to join that there’s something for everyone!

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I decided to study at Bangor as I wanted to come to a Uni that had good community feel to it. As I’m from a rural area, the idea of going to a big city university seemed intimidating, and I’m glad I made this choice!

Also the course Bangor offered was most appropriate for my future aim of going into Clinical/Health Psychology – which isn’t something that many universities offer.

Bangor itself is a lovely place and as everything is within walking distance it’s really handy if you don’t have a car. The scenery is beautiful, and there are many different historical/tourist towns nearby which make for a good day out!

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Bangor has given me many opportunities and has been of particular help with finding experience in my field – through volunteering I’ve been able to get experience in many areas I couldn’t have before. It’s also offered me the chance to study abroad, which is an amazing opportunity!

The best thing about Bangor is the atmosphere, it’s so easy to feel completely at home. The people are all amazing and friendly and there are so many societies to join that there’s something for everyone!

TARA WILLIAMS From Bridgnorth, Shropshire, studying Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology

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I decided to study at Bangor University as I love the surroundings and caring nature of the lecturers and staff… I enjoy the smaller class sizes as they suit me better and the lectures are so much fun and engaging. I feel that the lecturers actually know my name and I’m not just a number!

It’s a small place compared to many universities, but there is always so much going on and lots to get involved in. The fact that Bangor is a smaller place means you get to know more people, and everyone is always friendly… I love the surrounding area – there’s lots to do, from walking to sailing, and stunning places to visit. Whatever you enjoy, Bangor has it – it’s like a pocket rocket, it’s small but there’s masses to do!

GEORGE REILLY From Knutsford, Cheshire, studying Law

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Bangor is known for research excellence, and has many international connections – if you love the subject, and want the opportunity to meet professionals in whatever field you’re interested in, then apply! And as far as ‘outdoorsy’ universities go, Bangor is about as good as you can get for location – it’s just a great place to be.

GEORGE YATES From East Yorkshire, studying Zoology

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Bangor University drew my attention for both its excellent School of Ocean Science and incredible location, making it a great place to live and study. As a student I feel supported in many ways and I think that is very important.

Firstly I felt very welcomed and secure with my Peer Guide. Thereafter you get a Personal Tutor assigned to you, whom you can go to talk to if you have any questions about anything.

Further academic support is available, for example, drop in sessions for help on maths/ statistics and writing help for assignments…

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I feel very lucky to be at a university with such a good social atmosphere... I am involved in scuba diving and the surfing society. I enjoy surfing very much – it’s something I had always wanted to try before coming to uni…

There are nice beaches a short distance away – and many good places to go for day outings.

Bangor itself, although small, has all the shops you need on the High Street and many pubs.

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The best thing about being a student at Bangor is the combination of a great course and having a good social life. The choice of modules means you can do what really interests you.

Equally, with social/sporting societies there is such a breadth of choice, you can do exactly what suits you.

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NATALI CLAEZON From London, studying Marine Biology & Oceanography

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I decided to study at Bangor as the course offered all the modules I was interested in, and the location allowed day trips into the Snowdonia National Park, something that other universities would have to spend a week doing. The School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography is small enough to get to know the lecturers, who are happy to help and answer questions. It was really easy to settle into the University, with many activities being put on by my School during Welcome Week, such as trips to the beach and tours around the city.

I’d describe Bangor as excellent – stimulating and fun. The social life is very good with various clubs putting on socials or events throughout the year.

There is also plenty to do in the evenings, with pubs and clubs putting on a variety of events from karaoke to quiz nights.

ROBERT BROWN From Hampshire, studying Environmental Science

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I decided to study at Bangor as it’s such a beautiful part of north Wales, and not too far from home, which appealed to me…The course itself has an amazing reputation, especially for Sport Psychology, which I’m particularly interested in.

Studying at Bangor has given me so many opportunities – including meeting worldleading researchers and famous alumni, earning money through countless internship opportunities, joining sports clubs for free, being an active student who helps to change my course for the better through the course rep system, winning Peer Guide of the Year, and being able to go to a 9am lecture, walk a mountain and be back for my 4pm lecture!

In terms of advice for new students I’d say – the three years go so fast, so make the most of them. Seize every opportunity, open yourself to new experiences and encourage others to do the same! Get the balance of working and partying right.

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JOE BARNETT From Denbighshire, studying Sport Science

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