Bangor University - In Depth
Founded: 1884.
Structural features: Part of Wales University (founding college).
Site: Town centre.
How to get there: 1'f hrs travelling distance from M56. which links with M6. A55 is coastal expressway and A5 the scenic route through N Wales. Regular fast trains to London, Birmingham, Manchester.
Special features: Scholarships, including entrance scholarships, sports scholarships and some for those in specific departments.
Academic features: Number of courses taught in welsh.
Awarding body: Wales University.
Main undergraduate awards: BA, BD, BEd, BMus, BN, BSc, BEng, MChem, MEng, MMath.
Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years (languages, wide-entry, MEng, MChem, MMath).
Library & information services: 7 libraries; 750,000 printed items, 4000 electronic, 3700 journals; short loan scheme for texts in heavy demand; study areas, IT facilities and specialist librarians (see www.bangor.ac.uk/is/library for catalogue). Annual expenditure on information provision £139 per (FTE) student. IT and library service converged. 180 points with access to library, 160 to internet (ratio 1:7 workstations to students). IT facilities open 14 hours/weekday (8 at weekends): IT support from helpdesks, manned most opening hours. Library tours for new students.
Other learning facilities: Ocean-going research vessel, centre for hill and upland management, botanic garden, natural history museum, multi-media language centre; listening and viewing facilities for videos and CDs, computer-assisted learning unit, audiovisual services, media centre (TV and radio), computerised graphics suite.
Study abroad: 5% of students spend time abroad, including chemistry with european industrial placement. Socrates exchange links with 100 universities across Europe, available in a range of subjects.
Careers: Information and advice; career development provides placement.
Student advice & services: Comprehensive health service through local GPs; student counsellors, college chaplains, students' union welfare office.
Special categories: two nurseries (one run by School of Psychology, other by SU), playgroup, SU Niteline; support systems for deaf and visually impaired students; dyslexia unit.
Amenities: Professional theatre, concert halls, museum, art gallery.
Sporting facilities: University sports centre with 2 sports halls, cardiovascular and weights rooms, gymnasium, climbing wall, squash courts and astroturf. Also athletics track, playing fields and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities in Snowdonia.
Accommodation: All first year undergraduates guaranteed a place in halls. 2050 places available, catered or self-catering (some ensuite, some with data point). Catered rooms £2328-£2763 pa, term-time only; self-catering rooms £1785-£2542, academic year contracts.
Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £4944 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.
Term-time work: Opportunities centre helps students find part-time work on and off campus; also paid work experience opportunities.
Financial help: Total available £450,000 government funds, 600 awards made. Special consideration given to mature students, students with disabilities, single parents. students with dependants. About 24 local scholarships available plus sports and departmental scholarships (£500 average). Apply for help to Student Services Centre.
Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6200-£7000 pa.
