Bangor University
Bangor University
Bangor University is ranked the No.1 university in Wales and No.17 in the UK in the University Compare 2027 rankings
Founded in 1884, Bangor University has been delivering academic excellence for more than 140 years. Today, it is recognised as one of the UK’s leading universities, offering high quality teaching, internationally recognised degrees, and world class research across a wide range of disciplines.
The university is located in the historic city of Bangor on the stunning north Wales coast, between the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Irish Sea. It is also close to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales and the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd, providing students with an inspiring place to live and study.
Bangor University is home to a vibrant and diverse student community, with an active Students’ Union, hundreds of clubs and societies, volunteering opportunities, and a welcoming campus environment that supports both academic success and personal growth.
Students who successfully complete the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at University Foundation College (UFC) in Qatar benefit from guaranteed progression to bachelor’s degree programmes at Bangor University (subject to meeting the entry requirements), providing a pathway to globally recognised qualifications and rewarding career opportunities.
Life at Bangor University
Student life at Bangor University offers the perfect balance of academic excellence, a welcoming community, and an active lifestyle. Students can join a wide range of sports clubs and societies, take part in events and volunteering opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant campus experience.
Set between the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the stunning coastline of North Wales, Bangor provides an exceptional environment to live and study. Students can hike mountain trails, surf on the beaches of Anglesey, row along the Menai Strait, or simply enjoy some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery. The region was also recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s best places to visit.
With a compact, walkable city and a strong sense of community, Bangor University creates a supportive environment where students can succeed academically while enjoying a rich social and personal experience. Reflecting its outstanding student experience, Bangor was also ranked among the UK’s Top 25 Happiest Universities in the UniFresher 2027 rankings.
Bangor University is committed to preparing students for successful careers by equipping them with the skills, experience, and confidence employers value. The university has been awarded a 5 Star rating for Employability in the QS Stars Rating System, recognising its strong focus on graduate outcomes.
Students can gain valuable professional experience through Bangor University’s paid Internship Scheme, which offers opportunities to work within university departments while developing practical skills, building confidence, and expanding professional networks. The university also supports aspiring entrepreneurs through workshops, competitions, business mentoring, and start up guidance for students interested in launching their own ventures.
Dedicated careers support is available throughout the academic year via the Careers Studio Drop In service. Open Monday to Friday during term time, students can receive personalised advice on career planning, CVs, job applications, interview preparation, and employment opportunities from experienced Student Career Coaches, with no appointment required.
Bangor is a safe, welcoming, and student friendly city with a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live and study. Students enjoy a supportive environment where wellbeing, inclusion, and personal development are prioritised. Reflecting this, Bangor was ranked the No. 1 student city in the UK in the UniFresher Alternative University League Table, which recognises cities for affordability and safety.
Beyond campus, students can immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of North Wales. The region is home to iconic landmarks, including the historic castles of Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris, all within easy reach, offering a unique opportunity to experience centuries of Welsh heritage alongside university life.
Bangor’s compact campus is another major advantage. Academic buildings, libraries, student accommodation, and support services are all within walking distance, making daily life convenient and reducing the need for public transport. The city also benefits from excellent rail connections, providing easy access across North Wales and to other major destinations in the UK.
Ranked among the UK’s Top 15 universities for Student Wellbeing in the UniFresher 2027 Rankings, Bangor University is committed to supporting international students throughout their academic journey. The dedicated International Student Support team provides guidance on visas, accommodation, health and wellbeing, finances, employment, and many other aspects of student life.
To help students settle into university life, Bangor University offers a comprehensive range of support services, including:
- A welcome programme and orientation sessions
- Airport pick up service from Manchester Airport on selected arrival dates
- Immigration and visa advice and support
- One to one appointments available in person or online
- Information workshops covering topics such as employment, visas, and study skills
- Social events and trips to help students make friends and explore North Wales
With personalised support available from arrival through to graduation, international students can enjoy a smooth transition and a rewarding university experience.
Bangor University offers high quality student accommodation, ranked No. 13 in the UK in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025. The university also guarantees accommodation for all new international undergraduate students who apply by the published deadline, providing peace of mind before arrival.
Modern, comfortable, and conveniently located, all university accommodation is within easy walking distance of lecture buildings, campus facilities, and Bangor city centre. Students can choose from a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets across two purpose built student villages, each offering communal spaces, shops, and leisure facilities.
Accommodation fees include utility bills, high speed WiFi, room contents insurance, Campus Life membership, gym access, and 24 hour on site security, ensuring students enjoy a safe, convenient, and supportive living environment throughout their studies.
Awarded a 5 Star Global Rating for Facilities in the QS Stars Rating System, Bangor University provides students with access to outstanding learning, teaching, and research facilities. From cutting edge laboratories and specialist learning spaces to world class research resources, the university offers an environment designed to support academic excellence and innovation.
Bangor’s facilities include the ocean going research vessel Prince Madog, a Natural History Museum, a 200 seat digital cinema, a 455 seat theatre, and the renowned Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre. Students also benefit from access to an MRI scanner, a research farm and field centre, a trading floor, a moot court, state of the art science and engineering laboratories, beautifully maintained botanical gardens, and one of Wales’ most important collections of rare books and archives.
These exceptional facilities provide students with practical, hands on learning experiences while supporting pioneering research across a wide range of disciplines.
Bangor University’s Students’ Union is ranked among the Top 35 in the UK in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025, reflecting its outstanding student experience, support, and campus life. With more than 150 clubs and societies, students have countless opportunities to meet new people, develop new skills, and make the most of their time at university.
Whether your interests lie in sports, music, drama, film, volunteering, culture, religion, or academic and special interest groups, there is a community for everyone. Students can continue existing hobbies, discover new passions, and take part in a wide variety of social, recreational, and competitive activities throughout the year.
For those with new ideas, the Students’ Union also encourages students to establish and lead their own clubs or societies. This vibrant and inclusive environment helps students build lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and enjoy a rewarding university experience beyond the classroom.
Bangor University is committed to creating a more sustainable future by placing students at the centre of its environmental initiatives. Sustainability is integrated across campus life, encouraging students to make a positive impact through recycling programmes, energy saving initiatives, and sustainable travel options.
Students have many opportunities to get involved through environmental societies, volunteering, and practical projects that address real world sustainability challenges. The university also embeds sustainability into teaching and research across a range of disciplines, including conservation, environmental science, and climate related studies.
By combining education with practical action, Bangor University empowers students to develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute to a more sustainable world during their studies and throughout their future careers.
RANKING
No.1 University in Wales and No.17 UK University (University Compare 2027)
No.1 in the UK for Business and Management (Unifresher 2027)
Search Programmes at Bangor University
Discover a wide range of bachelor’s degree programmes at Bangor University, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
How to Apply
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.  Â
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.