Bangor has risen six places, from 55 to 49 (out of 130) in the Complete University Guide league table.
This strong performance reflects improvement across a number of key measures used in the rankings. Bangor’s overall score has increased by 7%, supported by better student continuation rates, improved staff-to-student ratios, and higher levels of student satisfaction. The University has also seen significant progress in graduate outcomes, with notable rises in both the proportion of graduates in professional employment or further study, and those who feel their current activity aligns with their future plans.
Bangor is now third in Wales out of eight universities, an increase of one place. Highlights here include second in Wales for Continuation and for Research Quality.
Health Studies and Medical Technology and Bioengineering are the highest ranked subjects, both placed second in their respective tables. Art and Design and Childhood and Youth Studies also feature strongly within the top 25% of institutions.
Professor Nichola Callow, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, said, “These results are a strong endorsement of the fantastic experience Bangor offers its students. Entering the UK top 50 reflects our commitment to high-quality teaching, a supportive learning environment, and working together with our students to help them succeed in their chosen careers. We are pleased to see continued progress across key areas that matter most to students.”
Subject performance areas
Strongest performing subjects this year in the Complete University Guide (in the top 25%):
Overall ranking
- Medical Technology and Bioengineering (ranked 2nd out of 45)
- Health Studies (ranked 2nd out of 30)
- Art and Design (ranked 16th out of 82)
- Childhood and Youth Studies (ranked 9th out of 46)
Entry standards (average UCAS tariff points for new undergraduate entrants
- Medical Technology and Bioengineering (ranked 9th out of 43)
Graduate Prospects – outcomes (the proportion of graduates in professional level employments, and HE further study):
- Nursing and Midwifery (ranked 4th out of 79)
- Art and Design (ranked 15th out of 82)
- Social Policy (6th out of 27)
- Creative Writing (8th out of 38)
- Music (17th out of 68)
Graduate Prospects – on track (The proportion of graduates who agreed that their activity after graduating was on track with their future plans):
- Childhood and Youth Studies (ranked 3rd out of 39)
- Nursing and Midwifery (7th out of 79)
- History (8th out of 85)
- Medical Technology and Bioengineering (7th out of 43)
Continuation (retention, graduation, and transfer rates of first-year students):
- Education (ranked 1st out of 90)
- Music (ranked 1st out of 80)
- Medical Technology and Bioengineering (ranked 1st out of 45)
- Health Studies (ranked 1st out of 28)
- Biomedical Sciences (8th out of 87)
- English (10th out of 89)
Research quality:
- Health Studies (ranked 1st out of 26)
- Agriculture and Forestry (2nd out of 15)
- Sports Science (3rd out of 80)
- Biological Sciences (7th out of 82)
- Biomedical Sciences (8th out of 81)
Student satisfaction:
- Art and Design (ranked 1st out of 82)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (ranked 1st out of 71)
- Philosophy (2nd out of 45)
- Biomedical Sciences (8th out of 86)
- Creative Writing (5th out of 47)
The rise in the Complete University Guide rankings follows a series of strong performances for Bangor University. In the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), overall student satisfaction increased to 82% while teaching satisfaction rose to 87%, placing the University third in Wales and within the UK top 50. Bangor also secured top position in the UK for Business and Management in the 2027 Unifresher rankings, achieving full marks for teaching quality and academic support alongside the most affordable cost of living among ranked business schools.
Visit www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk for the full breakdown.