Founded in 1884, Bangor University has a long tradition of academic excellence and a strong focus on the student experience. Around 10,000 students currently study at the University, with teaching staff based within fourteen Academic Schools.

The University was founded as a direct result of a campaign in the late nineteenth century for higher education provision in Wales. Funds were raised by public subscription to establish a college of university rank in Bangor. An important feature of its foundation was the voluntary contributions made by local people, including farmers and quarrymen, from their weekly wages over a period of time.

Bangor University is ranked in the top 40 in the UK for research*, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. The REF recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent, ahead of the average for UK universities.

Bangor University has achieved a Gold Award, the highest rating possible, in the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

The TEF assessment took into account teaching quality, learning environment and student outcomes and learning gain. We were judged to deliver consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students and our teaching is of the highest quality found in the UK.

Bangor University is committed to being known globally as The Sustainable University. Much of what we do is based on our desire to bring sustainability to life, whether through our teaching, research or public engagement. We have established The Sustainability Lab to lead on all aspects of sustainability across the University.

Student life at Bangor University is vibrant and diverse. We have more than 200 Students’ Union Clubs and Societies, covering a range of interests, activities and sports, which means there’s something for everyone. Student membership is free, so all our students can take advantage of the extra-curricular opportunities offered. Our Clubs and Societies were named best in the UK at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2019.

Students are given help and support from the moment they arrive. Our Student Services Centreprovides advice and guidance on matters from money and housing to disability support, counselling, dyslexia, study skills and local faith provision. Every year hundreds of second and third year students are trained as Peer Guides to welcome new students to Bangor and provide practical advice to help them settle-in.

The University was originally based in an old coaching inn called the Penrhyn Arms. In 1903, the city of Bangor donated a 10-acre site overlooking the city at Penrallt for a new building, and substantial sums of money were raised by local people to help meet the cost. The foundation stone for this was laid in 1907, and four years later in 1911 the main building was opened, together with some arts and social science buildings and part of the Library.

The Science Departments remained in the Penrhyn Arms for another fifteen years. In 1926 they moved to new purpose-built accommodation which had been constructed with the assistance of funds raised by the North Wales Heroes Memorial.

Today, The University has over 11,000 students and 2,000 members of staff. Bangor University is committed to providing teaching of the highest quality, conducting research of the highest quality, taking good care of its students and playing a full role in the wider community of Wales .