10 reasons to study at Bangor as a postgraduate

Academic Excellence
Student Support
Learning Resources
Excellent Location
Social Life
Careers and Opportunities
Accommodation
Low Living Costs
A Student Orientated City
A Sporty Location

Academic Excellence

Did you know? An assessment by the UK Publishing Group ResearchResearch named Bangor as one of a handful of UK universities whose research progress was outstanding, while the latest RAE confirmed that world leading research is being carried out across Bangor University.

Bangor University was established in 1884 and has a long tradition of academic excellence that continues to this day. We have exceptionally high standards across a wide range of subjects, reflecting the University’s huge commitment to research and postgraduate expansion. A multi-million pound investment in new academic posts and facilities is further strengthening teaching and research at Bangor.

We have unique clusters of research excellence where we draw on local resources. Located on the banks of the Menai Straits, we are one of the top UK venues for Ocean Sciences enjoying the use of a state-of-the-art, purpose built research vessel: Prince Madog, a rare and outstanding facility which provides students with practical experience at sea. Our ESRC funded centre for the study of bilingualism is the first research centre in the UK to focus specifically on bilingualism, while our School of Psychology recently took possession of a new generation MRI (high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner, which is the first of its kind to be delivered and installed in the UK, and which will have a significant impact on cognitive neuroscience in Bangor and across Wales. At Bangor, our staff conduct joint research projects with academic colleagues world-wide and our centres of expertise attract academics, researchers and students from all over the world.

At Bangor you can study a wide range of subjects from within the following colleges:

Student Support

Did you know? Bangor University has been rated the top university in the UK for the help and support provided for students by the Times Higher Education Supplement.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be given as much help and support as possible with health and welfare matters as well as your academic work. The Student Services Centre provides a wide range of support services for students, from Counselling services to money advice to advice on housing. It’s a one stop shop for all of the information you need.

The Student Services Centre is located on the third and fourth floors of the Student's Union building and the reception is open Monday to Friday throughout the year from 08:45 to 17:00. more

Learning Resources

Did you know? We have over 1,000 computers for students use and nine computer rooms open 24hrs a day!

The University has an impressive range of learning resources. We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available on line in full-text format. In addition to the Main Library for humanities and social sciences, is the Science Library in Adeilad Deiniol. A Study Support Room is housed in each of these libraries, with assistive technology such as CCTVs, scanners and braille embossers. From our state-of-the-art public catalogue (UNicat) you see what we have in stock and actually access some of the material via the Web. Each site has an Issue Desk with friendly staff who make sure that material is issued, returned or reserved efficiently.

There are a number of open-access computer rooms strategically located across the campus. All Halls of Residence offer network access from individual study-bedrooms.

We have a range of other learning resources which support specific subject areas inlcuding, a Multi-media Language Centre, a Centre for Hill and Upland Management, a £3.5M ocean-going Research Ship, a Natural History Museum and the Treborth Botanic Gardens that is a home to Europe's largest underground root research laboratory.

Excellent Location

Did you know?Bangor's been voted one of the best places to be a student.

A survey by the Accommodation for Students website of the best student rated university towns and cities in the UK according to the facilities and location has Bangor as one of the best places in the country.

Bangor is situated between Snowdonia and the sea, and it is one of the most attractive study locations in the UK. The size and nature of Bangor means that it is easy to get to know people and our students settle in immediately.

Located close to mountains, lakes and forests of the Snowdonia National Park, and miles of dramatic coastline, Bangor is also a convenient base for all kinds of outdoor sports and activities.

Bangor is the region's main cultural and shopping centre. The city centre has two modern shopping centres, and a good mix of national chain stores and smaller shops.

Where classical music is concerned, Bangor offers one of the most varied concert programmes of any British university. More

Social Life

Did you know? Bangor was the chosen location for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2010. Members of the University Choir got the chance to sing on stage with Florence and the Machine.

The City of Bangor has all the facilities you would expect from a thriving university city: popular High Street names mix with smaller independent stores; the municipal library, museum and cathedral provide cultural interest; and a variety of pubs, cafes, bistros and restaurants serve food from across the world – from the traditional Greek Taverna to Italian, Indian and Cantonese restaurants, as well as good old-fashioned British fare. The busy area of Upper Bangor is home to a number of popular student pubs and take-aways, while those who wish to continue the fun into the small hours can rely on a number of nightclubs and late-opening bars. All this is accessible within walking distance of our main Halls of Residence site.

The city has rail connections with the rest of the UK and a bus station for long distance and local travel.

Bangor is a historic city exploding with character and whether you're taking advantage of its sporty location or exploring one of its old buildings, you won't get bored here. Bangor also has plenty of culture to go around so if you’re into drama, dance, art or music you won’t be disappointed.

The location of Bangor means it's a paradise for sporty students. The mountains, lakes and beaches means there’s plenty of outdoor pursuits to take part in. The University also has excellent indoor sport facilities.

Bangor has the most idyllic location of any British university, and there's plenty to explore in the area. Even if you're not the outward bound type there's enough to do in and around Snowdonia. You can spend hours visiting superb historical towns like Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon (which all come complete with their own castles!) or picturesque villages like Llanberis, Beddgelert and Betws y Coed. Or you can do the real tourist bit by visiting attractions like the Snowdon Mountain Railway (the easy way up Wales' highest peak) or Dinorwig Power Station, the world's largest pumped storage power station which is built entirely within a mountain.

When the sun shines, head for some of the wonderful beaches on Anglesey, which is a great place in the summer for sunbathing, swimming or water sports. The village with the longest name is one of Anglesey's many tourist attractions, while the port town of Holyhead is the departure point for day trips or longer visits across the Irish Sea to Ireland. The high speed service means that the delights of Dublin and the Irish way of life are less than two hours away.

Careers and opportunities

Did you know? Our Careers and Empolyability Services is recognised nationally as being one of the most active careers services in the UK

Our Careers and Empolyability Services provides a range of resources, practical advice and support to help students decide what they want to do when they graduate. Whether you are a first year student, or are half-way through your degree or a finalist or postgraduate, it is likely that the Careers Centre will be able to help you in some way and will continue to do so for three years after graduation.

The centre will help students find part time, temporary or vacation work, or help you look for work experience or voluntary work. The Centre is also committed to helping students and graduates to be more enterprising whether they want to be self-employed, freelance consultants or in regular employment. more

Accommodation

Did you know? The University recently opened new halls of residence providing new en-suite rooms for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

We have over 2,300 rooms available within easy walking distance of the University, that includes some 1450 en-suite study rooms.

Bangor has a lower cost of living than many parts of the UK and Hall fees reflect this - they also include all bills for heating, electricity and hot water!

Even though the University can't guarantee Postgraduate students a room in one of our halls of residence, you are welcome to apply through our Halls Office and we will do our best to find you a place.

Many postgraduates, however, prefer to live in the private sector. Information about rooms, flats, cottages and houses can be provided by the Student Housing Office. For more information about accommodation please see the web pages for postgraduate accommodation.

Low living costs

Did you know? The cost of living in Bangor is much lower than in other parts of the UK

Market research shows that the cost of living in Bangor is much lower than in other parts of the UK. According to The Independent’s A-Z of Universities and Higher Education Colleges, Bangor is “one of the cheapest places in Britain” to be a student. The Independent also placed Bangor 4th most cost effective location for students in their Student Living Index Guide for 2008

We can help you to find part-time work while you’re here (through the Centre for Careers and Opportunities). We also have a number of funded postgraduate courses available in various academic schools.

Student orientated city

Did you know? All our Halls of Residence are within easy walking disatnace from the city centre.

The size and friendly nature of Bangor means it is easy to get to know people and our students settle in immediately; students make up a large percentage of the city's population and much of the entertainment and nightlife is geared towards students. Student surveys show that a high proportion of students choose Bangor because of the small and friendly nature of the University and the town.

Most of our buildings and student residences are a short walk from the city centre where you’ll find the longest High Street in Wales, two modern shopping centres and a good mix of national chain stores and smaller local businesses. Compared to many other university cities the crime rate for North Wales is one of the lowest in the UK.

A sporty location

Did you know? Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing walk along the Menai straits or enjoy a little fell-walking or mountaineering, you’ll find a high concentration of opportunities in Bangor.

Bangor is exceptionally well-situated and well-equipped for students interested in sport – especially those involving the great outdoors and team sports such as rugby, hockey and football. If you are already interested in outdoor pursuits you will be spoilt for choice by the full range of opportunities available on the univeristy’s doorstep. Maesglas, our main sports and recreation centre has recently been extended and upgraded with a National Lottery grant and has two main sports halls, three well-equipped rooms for cardiovascular exercise and weights training, a gymnasium, a climbing wall with two ascents of different difficulties and a bouldering wall, plus four squash courts. We have grass pitches for soccer and rugby, a new synthetic grass pitch for hockey and training, and a modern athletics track and field sports facility shared with Gwynedd Council. more

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