Bangor University Rankings & Ratings

Bangor University, located in the scenic city of Bangor in Gwynedd, North Wales, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. Founded in 1884 as the University College of North Wales, Bangor has established itself as a prominent institution offering a wide range of academic disciplines. Over the years, the university has built a solid reputation for both teaching and research excellence, making it a popular choice for students from across the UK and around the world. Bangor’s commitment to high-quality education, world-class research, and a supportive learning environment has resulted in consistently strong performance in national rankings and surveys, showcasing its ability to provide a comprehensive and enriching academic experience.

Bangor University has demonstrated impressive results in a range of university ranking tables, solidifying its position as one of the top institutions in the UK. According to the Complete University Guide, Bangor ranked 46th in 2008, 55th in 2009, and 63rd in 2010. Although these rankings have fluctuated slightly, the university has consistently placed within the top half of the UK’s higher education institutions, which reflects its overall strong academic performance. Additionally, in The Times Good University Guide, Bangor was ranked 47th in 2008, 51st in 2009, and 55th in 2010, demonstrating similar trends in its performance. These rankings place Bangor among some of the UK’s most respected universities, with its continued ability to offer quality education in a variety of fields.

The Guardian University Guide of 2010 also highlighted Bangor’s strengths, with the university placed 72nd, down from 61st in 2009. While this ranking indicates a slight decline, it is important to note that Bangor remains a respected institution in a highly competitive landscape. It consistently ranks among the top universities in specific disciplines, especially in fields where the university excels due to its strong faculty and research output. The university’s overall performance in these national league tables showcases its ability to provide a well-rounded education, with notable areas of excellence in research and teaching.

One of the most significant aspects of Bangor University’s reputation is its outstanding student experience. In The Times Higher Education Supplement (December 2007), the university was ranked 10th in the UK for Student Experience, reflecting the supportive and student-focused environment that it offers. Bangor's relatively small size and its location in a picturesque area of North Wales contribute to a strong sense of community on campus, allowing students to enjoy a close-knit, collaborative environment. The university has been praised for its emphasis on student welfare, academic support, and extracurricular opportunities, which collectively contribute to high levels of student satisfaction.

In terms of research, Bangor has made remarkable strides in recent years. The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 revealed that the university is performing strongly in several key academic areas. Nearly 50% of Bangor’s research was rated as internationally excellent or world-class, with notable results in subjects such as Psychology, Accounting and Finance, and Electronic Engineering. For example, Bangor’s Psychology department was ranked 7th in the UK for research power, a significant achievement for a university of its size. Additionally, the university was recognized for its outstanding research in Accounting and Finance, which was ranked No. 1 in the UK, and its Electronic Engineering department, which was placed 2nd nationally. These results highlight Bangor’s commitment to producing high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in a wide range of disciplines.

Bangor University’s Accounting and Finance department’s top ranking in the RAE 2008 further demonstrates its academic excellence. This achievement positions the university as one of the UK’s leading institutions in this field, attracting students interested in finance, economics, and business management. Bangor’s strong research capabilities in Electronic Engineering also underscore the university’s prowess in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. These disciplines, alongside others like Psychology, contribute to Bangor's growing reputation as a research-intensive university, particularly in fields with global relevance.

Another area where Bangor University excels is in teaching quality. The university has consistently been ranked highly for its teaching, with over 50% of its departments achieving the top rating of ‘Excellent’ in the Teaching Quality Assessment (TQA). This recognition highlights Bangor's commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and student-centered education across a wide range of disciplines. The university’s Computer Sciences department, for example, has been praised for its excellent teaching facilities and the quality of its academic staff. Bangor’s teaching quality has also been positively reflected in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2007, where it ranked Top 10 for teaching quality and computing facilities. This recognition in teaching quality, combined with the university’s strong research capabilities, makes Bangor an attractive destination for students seeking a comprehensive and well-rounded academic experience.

Bangor’s commitment to providing a high-quality education is further reflected in its performance in various other national rankings. For instance, the university ranked 9th for Art and Design and 14th for Music in The Times Good University Guide 2009, further showcasing its strength in the creative arts. Bangor also performed well in the Geology rankings, securing a spot in the 23rd position, which is another testament to the university’s breadth and diversity in academic offerings. Furthermore, Bangor's strong performance in specialized fields, such as Agriculture and Forestry and Nursing, highlights its ability to cater to a wide range of student interests and career aspirations. These subject-specific rankings reinforce Bangor’s reputation as an institution that excels in both traditional and vocational fields of study.

International students also benefit from a positive academic and social environment at Bangor. The university performed exceptionally well in the International Student Barometer survey 2008, ranking in the top 10 nationally for teaching quality, learning support, and employability and careers advice. Additionally, Bangor ranked in the top 15 for research quality and lecturer expertise, with strong rankings in terms of financial support and as a multicultural study environment. These results highlight the university’s dedication to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Overall, Bangor University’s continued success in national rankings, its strong research performance, and its commitment to student satisfaction make it one of the most attractive options for higher education in the UK. The university’s dedication to providing a well-rounded academic experience, fostering research excellence, and supporting students throughout their studies positions it as a top choice for both domestic and international students. With a rich history, a focus on innovation, and a welcoming environment, Bangor University continues to be a leading institution in the UK, contributing to the academic and personal development of students while producing world-class research that has global significance.