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Bangor University#Student radio

{{short description|Public research university in Bangor, Wales}}

{{redirect|University College of North Wales|the original building|Main Arts, Bangor University}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}

{{Use British English|date=January 2015}}

{{Infobox university

| name = Bangor University

| native_name = {{langx|cy|Prifysgol Bangor}}

| former_names = University College of North Wales (1884–1996)
University of Wales, Bangor (1996–2007)

| image = File:Arms_of_Bangor_University.svg

| image_size = 170px

| caption = Arms


File:Flag of Bangor University.svg

Flag

| motto = {{langx|cy|Gorau Dawn Deall}}

| mottoeng = "The Best Gift is Knowledge"

| established = 1884

| type = Public

| administrative_staff =

| chancellor = Sir Robin Williams

| vice_chancellor = Edmund Burke

| students = {{HESA student population|INSTID=10007857}} ({{HESA year}}){{HESA citation}}

| undergrad = {{HESA undergraduate population|INSTID=10007857}} ({{HESA year}})

| postgrad = {{HESA postgraduate population|INSTID=10007857}} ({{HESA year}})

| city = Bangor

| state =

| country = Wales

| coordinates = {{coord|53.2289|-4.1301|type:edu_region:GB|display=inline,title}}

| campus = Bangor

| colours = Academic: {{scarf|{{Cells|2|#C00}}{{Cell|#ffff00}}{{Cells|3|#000000}}{{Cell|#ffff00}}{{Cells|2|#C00}}}}

Athletic Union: {{scarf|{{cells|2|#060}}{{cell|#FF0}}{{cell|#060}}{{cell|#FF0}}{{cells|7|#060}}}}

| other_name = {{langx|cy|Y Coleg ar y Bryn}} ("The College on the Hill")

| affiliations = {{hlist|EUA|ACU|HEA|Universities UK|EIBFS}}

| website = {{URL|https://bangor.ac.uk}}

| logo = Bangor University.svg

}}

Bangor University ({{langx|cy|Prifysgol Bangor}}) is a public research university in Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales. It was established by Royal Charter in 1885 as the University College of North Wales (UCNW; {{langx|cy|Coleg Prifysgol Gogledd Cymru}}), and in 1893 became one of the founding institutions of the federal University of Wales. In 1996, after structural changes to the University of Wales it became known as the University of Wales, Bangor (UWB; {{langx|cy|Prifysgol Cymru, Bangor}}). It became independent of the University of Wales in 2007, adopting its current name and awarding its own degrees.

It has over 10,000 students across 3 academic colleges and 11 schools, as well as several large research institutes. Its campus makes up a large part of Bangor, and extends to nearby Menai Bridge as well, with a second campus in Wrexham for some healthcare courses.

Its total income for 2022/23 was £178.0 million, of which 19% came from research grants, and it has an endowment of £8.2 million.{{Cite web |title=Annual Report and Financial Statements |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/annual-report |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=Bangor University |language=en}} Its alumni includes multiple fellows of the Royal Society, heads of state, and Nobel Prize winners.

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History

=University College=

File:The Penrhyn Arms, Bangor.jpeg

The university was founded as the University College of North Wales (UCNW) on 18 October 1884, with an inaugural address by the Earl of Powis, the college's first President, in Penrhyn Hall.David Roberts (2009) Bangor University 1884–2009, University of Wales Press {{ISBN|978-0-7083-2226-0}} There was then a procession to the college including 3,000 quarrymen, as quarrymen from Penrhyn Quarry and other quarries had subscribed more than 1,200 pounds to the university.The Times, Monday, 20 October 1884; pg. 7; Issue 31269; col F The foundation was the result of a campaign for better provision of higher education in Wales that had involved some rivalry among towns in North Wales over which was to be the location of the new college.

Originally based in a former coaching inn, the college was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1885. It opened with just 58 students, who would receive degrees from the University of London until 1893 when UCNW became a founding constituent institution of the federal University of Wales.{{Cite news |date=2009-09-25 |title=The birth of Bangor's university |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/northwestwales/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8266000/8266815.stm |access-date=2024-09-07 |language=en-GB}} In that year there was a dispute that led to the closure of the Women's Hall and Frances Hughes who was in the eye of the storm to leave the college.{{Cite book |last=Oman |first=Georgia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VxrEEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22violet+osborn%22&pg=PA71 |title=Higher Education and the Gendering of Space in England and Wales, 1869-1909 |page=71 |date=2023-06-07 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-031-29987-2 |language=en |access-date=29 October 2023 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005004410/https://books.google.com/books?id=VxrEEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22violet+osborn%22&pg=PA71#v=onepage&q=%22violet%20osborn%22&f=false |url-status=live }}

In 1903, the city of Bangor donated a 10-acre site at Penrallt for a new college building, and with funds raised by local people. The new building, now known as the Main Arts Building, was opened in 1911.{{Cite web |title=University History |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/university-history |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Bangor University |language=en |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907035539/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/university-history |url-status=live }}

During the Second World War paintings from national art galleries were stored in the Prichard-Jones Hall at UCNW to protect them from enemy bombing. They were later moved to slate mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Students from University College London were evacuated to continue their studies in a safer environment at Bangor.

== Post-war ==

During the 1960s, the university shared in the general expansion of higher education in the UK following the Robbins Report, with many new departments and new buildings. On 22 November 1965, during construction of an extension to the Department of Electronic Engineering in Dean Street, a crane collapsed on the building. The three-ton counterweight hit the second-floor lecture theatre in the original building about thirty minutes before it would have been occupied by about 80 first-year students. The counterweight went through to the ground floor.The Guardian, 23 November 1965, p. 6.

In 1967, the Bangor Normal College, now part of the university, was the venue for lectures on Transcendental Meditation by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at which The Beatles heard of the death of their manager, Brian Epstein.{{cite news|title=Higher Browsing: The Third Degree|work=The Guardian|date=27 August 2002}}

Student protests at UCNW in the 1970s focused mainly on calls to expand the role of the Welsh language. Radical students would disturb lectures held in English and paint slogans in Welsh on the walls of the Main Building, resulting some suspensions of these activists. In the early 1980s, the Thatcher government even considered closing down the institution.{{cite web |title=Welsh language activist kicked out of Bangor University releases autobiography |url=https://www.thebangoraye.com/welsh-language-activist-kicked-out-of-bangor-university-releases-autobiography/ |website=The Bangor Aye |access-date=15 July 2021 |date=24 November 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127181029/https://www.thebangoraye.com/welsh-language-activist-kicked-out-of-bangor-university-releases-autobiography/ |url-status=live }} Around this time consideration began of mergers with two colleges of education in Bangor: St Mary's College, a college for women studying to become schoolteachers, and the larger and older Normal College. The merger of St Mary's into UCNW was concluded in 1977, but the merger with Normal College fell through in the 1970s and was not completed until 1996.

Alongside the eventual merger of Normal College, the North Wales College of Nursing and Midwifery merged with the university in 1992, forming a new Faculty of Health Studies. A year later it also took over the small North Wales College of Radiography.{{Cite web |last=Bangor University |title=EXTERNAL EXAMINERS’ HANDBOOK |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/quality/documents/EEhandbookMay24.pdf}}

= Independence and development =

The university made a formal application for degree-awarding powers in 2005. The 2007 a change of name to Bangor University, or Prifysgol Bangor in Welsh, was instigated by the university following the decision of the University of Wales to change from a federal university to a confederal non-membership organisation, and the granting of degree-awarding powers to Bangor University itself.

As a result, every student starting after 2009 gained a degree from Bangor University, while any student who started before 2009 had the option to have either Bangor University or University of Wales Bangor on their degree certificate.{{cite web|url=http://www.bangor.ac.uk/ar/ro/important_announce/namechange_jan07.php|title=Welcome - Student Administration - Bangor University|first=Bangor|last=University|website=bangor.ac.uk|access-date=1 June 2007|archive-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206210853/http://www.bangor.ac.uk/ar/ro/important_announce/namechange_jan07.php}}

Depsite the effective abolition of the federal university system, a research and enterprise partnership with Aberystwyth University was agreed in 2006, with £11 million of funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.File:University from Bangor Mountain.JPG]]

== Expansion and financial issues ==

Under John Hughes' leadership as Vice-Chancellor from 2010–18, there were several new developments including the opening of St Mary's Student Village,{{Cite web|last=University|first=Bangor|title=St Mary's Village {{!}} Bangor University Accommodation|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/accommodation/st-marys.php.en|access-date=2018-05-02|website=bangor.ac.uk|language=en|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406195840/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/accommodation/st-marys.php.en|url-status=live}} and the first-ever collaboration between Wales and China to establish a new college, which involved Bangor University and the Central South University of Forestry and Technology (CSUFT).{{Cite web|last=University|first=Bangor|title=Partners sign agreement for first Wales-China College collaboration – News and Events, Bangor University|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/news/partners-sign-agreement-for-first-wales-china-college-collaboration-18909|access-date=2018-05-02|website=bangor.ac.uk|language=en|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406060035/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/news/partners-sign-agreement-for-first-wales-china-college-collaboration-18909}}

In 2014, the university secured a £45m loan from the European Investment Bank,{{cite web|last=Barry|first=Sion|date=2 April 2014|title=Bangor University lands a £45m funding boost from the European Investment Bank|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/bangor-university-lands-45m-funding-6908283|access-date=25 November 2017|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407113333/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/bangor-university-lands-45m-funding-6908283|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=2 April 2014|title=University upgrade wins £45m funding|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-26848032|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-date=9 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409183633/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-26848032|url-status=live}} to assist the university in developing its estates strategy. In 2016, the university opened Marine Centre Wales,{{Cite news|last=Roberts|first=Joanne|date=2016-07-13|title=Prince Charles opens Bangor University's Marine Centre Wales|work=northwales|url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/prince-charles-opens-bangor-universitys-11602819|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416211956/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/prince-charles-opens-bangor-universitys-11602819|url-status=live}} a £5.5m building on the site of the university's Ocean Sciences campus in Menai Bridge, which was financed as part of the £25 million SEACAMS project, partly funded through the European Regional Development Fund.{{Cite web|last=University|first=Bangor|title=HRH The Prince of Wales opens Marine Centre Wales at Bangor University – News and Events, Bangor University|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/latest/hrh-the-prince-of-wales-opens-marine-centre-wales-at-bangor-university-27721|access-date=2018-05-02|website=bangor.ac.uk|language=en|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406071640/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/latest/hrh-the-prince-of-wales-opens-marine-centre-wales-at-bangor-university-27721|url-status=live}}

In May 2017, Bangor became the fourth Welsh university to review its cost base to make savings of £8.5m.{{Cite news|last=Wightwick|first=Abbie|date=2017-05-14|title=Bangor Uni is reviewing spending which could lead to job losses|work=walesonline|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/fourth-welsh-university-reviewing-spending-13032925|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=28 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828040723/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/fourth-welsh-university-reviewing-spending-13032925|url-status=live}} The university responded and introduced several cost-saving measures including a reorganisation of the structure of Colleges and Schools and the introduction of a voluntary severance scheme, and several compulsory redundancies was reduced from the initial estimate of 170.{{Cite news|last=Hughes|first=Owen|date=2017-10-21|title=Bangor University cuts the number of jobs under threat in restructure plans|work=northwales|url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/bangor-university-cuts-number-jobs-13788251|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=5 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405231446/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/bangor-university-cuts-number-jobs-13788251|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=29 June 2017|title=115 Bangor University staff face compulsory redundancy|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-40450256|access-date=15 July 2021|work=BBC News|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622094842/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-40450256|url-status=live}} In addressing its financial challenges, Bangor University also reorganised some subject areas in 2017, which involved introducing new ways of coordinating and delivering adult education and part-time degree programmes,{{Cite web|last=University|first=Bangor|title=Part-time courses at Bangor University|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/courses/part_time/index.php.en|access-date=2018-05-02|website=bangor.ac.uk|language=en|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929053055/https://bangor.ac.uk/courses/part_time/index.php.en|url-status=live}} continuing to teach archaeology, but discontinuing the single honours course,{{Cite web|last=University|first=Bangor|title=BA (Hons) History and Archaeology degree course|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/history/undergraduate-courses/V103-History-and-Archaeology|access-date=2018-05-02|website=bangor.ac.uk|language=en|archive-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502211403/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/history/undergraduate-courses/V103-History-and-Archaeology}} and working with Grwp Llandrillo Menai to validate the BA Fine Arts degree.{{cite web|last=Brennan|first=Shane|date=10 December 2016|title=Bangor University plans to axe night classes for adults|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/bangor-university-plans-axe-night-12299988|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407090717/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/bangor-university-plans-axe-night-12299988|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=14 October 2018|title=Calls for fine arts course to continue|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-38550467|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407045432/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-38550467|url-status=live}}

Other issues which attracted adverse media comment included the cost overrun and delayed opening of the Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre in 2016,{{cite news|date=14 October 2018|title=Arts centre delay cost university £1m|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-35307764|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406140911/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-35307764|url-status=live}} the appointment of Hughes's then wife to a newly created senior management position,{{cite web|last=Shipton|first=Martin|date=18 October 2010|title=Union criticises job for university head's wife|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/union-criticises-job-university-heads-1892051|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406170125/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/union-criticises-job-university-heads-1892051|url-status=live}} the purchase and refurbishment of a house for the vice-chancellor by the university for £750,000,{{Cite news|date=2010-09-15|title=College buys new head £475k house|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-11309920|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407082604/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-11309920|url-status=live}} the expenses of some senior staff,{{cite web|last=Evans|first=Gareth|date=17 March 2015|title=Bangor University criticised over director's £50k expenses|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/bangor-university-criticised-over-directors-8854552|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419060055/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/bangor-university-criticised-over-directors-8854552|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wightwick|first=Abbie|date=14 June 2017|title=University held a party at top Hong Kong hotel while making £8.5m cuts|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/welsh-university-held-party-five-13183353|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305040238/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/welsh-university-held-party-five-13183353|url-status=live}} and the discrepancy between senior management salaries and remuneration for staff working on zero hour contracts.{{cite web|last=Evans|first=Gareth|date=9 April 2014|title=Outrage as universities in Wales told: 'Justify six-figure vice-chancellor pay'|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/outrage-universities-wales-pay-staff-6937493|access-date=21 August 2017|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406200211/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/outrage-universities-wales-pay-staff-6937493|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Wightwick|first=Abbie|date=17 January 2019|title=University cuts staff as it faces £10m a year interest bill|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/university-paid-huge-sums-new-15688798|website=walesonline|access-date=25 January 2019|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121150029/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/university-paid-huge-sums-new-15688798|url-status=live}}

The university announced Hughes' early resignation in December 2018, after allegations of harassment were made against him by his ex-wife and student protests against staff cuts and the closure of the chemistry department.{{Cite news|last=Dafydd|first=Aled ap|date=20 December 2018|title=Uni head 'harassment' allegation revealed|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-46639721|access-date=5 January 2019|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130162421/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-46639721|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=10 April 2019 |title=Bangor University axes chemistry course and other jobs |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-47886158 |access-date=15 July 2021 |work=BBC News |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228014222/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-47886158 |url-status=live }}

In June 2019, the university launched a consultation to concentrate its non-residential estate onto a single campus in Bangor (Deiniol Road and College Road sites) and dispose of some major sites (including Normal Site, Dean Street and Fron Heulog), 25 per cent of the estate.{{cite web|date=5 June 2019|title=PROPOSAL: Bangor 2020-2030: Dean Street and Normal Site to close, SU and Academi to be moved|url=https://www.seren.bangor.ac.uk/news-politics/uni-news/2019/06/05/bangor-2020-2030-dean-street-and-normal-site-to-close-su-and-academi-to-be-moved/|access-date=15 July 2021|website=Seren|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225230817/https://www.seren.bangor.ac.uk/news-politics/uni-news/2019/06/05/bangor-2020-2030-dean-street-and-normal-site-to-close-su-and-academi-to-be-moved/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=5 June 2019|title=Bangor University launch consultation on 10-year Estates Strategy|url=https://www.thebangoraye.com/bangor-university-launch-consultation-on-10-year-estates-strategy/|access-date=15 July 2021|website=The Bangor Aye|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630090316/https://www.thebangoraye.com/bangor-university-launch-consultation-on-10-year-estates-strategy/|url-status=live}}

February 2020 saw a 14-day strike from staff in response to pay and working conditions.{{cite web |last1=Wightwick |first1=Abbie |date=4 February 2020 |title=University staff in Wales are going on strike again - this time for 14 days |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/cardiff-bangor-university-strike-ucu-17684846 |access-date=15 July 2021 |website=WalesOnline |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126112031/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/cardiff-bangor-university-strike-ucu-17684846 |url-status=live }} In September 2020, the university announced a new round of cuts to fill a £13m gap in the budget, saying 200 more jobs (including 80 academic posts) were at risk.{{cite news|date=8 October 2020|title=Bangor University: 200 jobs at risk of redundancy|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-54455373|access-date=15 July 2021|work=BBC News|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712213844/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-54455373|url-status=live}} Another reorganisation of the university's structure of Colleges and Schools was announced as well. Staff passed a motion of no confidence in the university management.{{Cite news|date=2020-10-24|title='No confidence' in Bangor University bosses over job cut plans|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-54651073|access-date=2021-07-08|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711124753/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-54651073|url-status=live}}

== Development of new schools ==

In 2021 the Welsh Government announced plans to expand medical teaching at the university in collaboration with Cardiff University School of Medicine, to establish an independent medical school in North Wales following several years of delivering the franchised C21 North Wales for Cardiff.{{cite web |date=9 September 2021 |title=Investment in students is next step to a north Wales medical school |url=https://gov.wales/investment-students-next-step-north-wales-medical-school |website=Welsh Government}} The independent North Wales Medical School admitted its first intake of 80 students in September 2024.

In 2025, the Albert Guday foundation donated £10.5 million to the university, for the redevelopment of Bangor Business School. It will be used to fund a new premises and the school will be renamed to the Albert Guday Business School.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-13 |title=Bangor University receives £10m donation for business school |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg87e99wqyo |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

Campus and buildings

The University occupies substantial buildings in and around Bangor, whilst the School of Health Sciences also operate facilities at the University's Cambria campus within Wrexham Technology Park.

File:Main Arts library quadrangle, Bangor University.webp

The university was originally based in an old coaching inn, the Penrhyn Arms Hotel, which housed its 58 students and its 12 teaching staff. In 1911 it moved to a much larger new building, which is now the old part of the Main Arts. This building, designed by Henry Hare, had its foundation stone laid by King Edward VII on 9 July 1907 and was formally opened by King George V in 1911. The iconic building, which occupies a highly visible position overlooking Bangor, gave the college its Welsh nickname Y Coleg ar y Bryn ("The College on the Hill"). It included the large Prichard-Jones Hall, named after Sir John Prichard-Jones a local man who became a partner in the London department store Dickins & Jones and was a substantial benefactor of the building. The building became a Grade I-listed building in 1949.{{cite web|url=http://www.bangorcivicsociety.org.uk/pages/listedindex/1%20%2816%29.htm|author=Bangor Civic Society|title=Main Arts Building|access-date=19 November 2010|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414123904/http://www.bangorcivicsociety.org.uk/pages/listedindex/1%20(16).htm|url-status=live}}

A modern extension, completing a quadrangle on the College Road side of the building, was completed in 1969, known as New Arts.

= Pontio =

File:A view of Bangor Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre in a Sunny Day.jpg

The university's arts and innovation centre Pontio opened in 2016. The building includes teaching and social spaces and houses the offices of the students' union.

Organisation

= Colleges and schools =

The academic activities of Bangor University are organised into three colleges, which provide operational support to the schools.{{Cite web |title=Academic Schools and Colleges |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/academic-schools-and-colleges |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Bangor University |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005004412/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/academic-schools-and-colleges |url-status=live }} The colleges system was established in 2006, replacing the previous faculties.

class="wikitable"

!College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences{{Cite web |title=College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/cahss |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Bangor University |language=en |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908024859/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/cahss |url-status=live }}

!College of Science and Engineering{{Cite web |title=College of Science and Engineering |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/cse |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Bangor University |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005004435/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/cse |url-status=live }}

!College of Medicine and Health{{Cite web |title=College of Medicine and Health |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/cmh |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Bangor University |language=en}}

* Bangor Business School

  • School of History, Law and Social Sciences
  • School of Arts, Culture and Language
  • School of Education
  • School of Welsh

|

  • School of Computer Science and Engineering
  • School of Environmental and Natural Sciences
  • School of Ocean Sciences
  • BioComposites Centre
  • Nuclear Futures Institute {{Cite web |title=Nuclear Futures Institute|url=https://nubu.nu/ |access-date=11 March 2025 |website=Nuclear Futures Bangor |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216101541/https://nubu.nu/ |url-status=live }}

|

=Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences=

==School of Welsh==

File:School of Welsh, Bangor University.webp

The School of Welsh is the school of Welsh language and Celtic studies at the university. The first chair in Welsh was established at the university in 1894, for Sir John Morris-Jones.{{Cite DWB|last=Parry|first=Sir Thomas|author-link=Thomas Parry (author)|title=MORRIS-JONES (formerly JONES ), Sir JOHN (MORRIS) ( 1864 - 1929 ), scholar, poet, and critic|id=s-MORR-JOH-1864|date=1959}} Prior to this the university council had considered establishing a chair in Welsh and classics but struggled to find a candidate.{{Cite book |last=Roberts |first=David |title=Bangor University, 1884-2009 |publisher=University of Wales Press |year=2009 |isbn=9780708322260 |pages=7–107}} In 1920, a second chair in Welsh literature was established, the first holder being Ifor Williams. Whilst there had been a department previously, a School of Welsh-Medium Studies was formally instituted in 1986.

At undergraduate level, the school offers single-honours degrees in Welsh and joint-honours degrees in Welsh with arts and humanities subjects.{{Cite web |title=Welsh Undergraduate Degrees |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/welsh-and-celtic-studies |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=Bangor University |language=en}}

= Governance =

Governance of Bangor University is set out by its charter. It is ultimately governed by a council, which oversees the university's strategic direction, financial health, and policy compliance.{{Cite web |title=The University Council |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/the-university-council |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Bangor University |language=en}} Its senate manages all academic matters, such as teaching and research standards. The executive, led by the vice-chancellor, handles the day-to-day administration and implementation of strategic decisions.{{Cite web |title=University Executive Board |url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/university-executive-board |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Bangor University |language=en |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907033727/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/about/university-executive-board |url-status=live }}

The current vice-chancellor is Edmund Burke. He is supported by a deputy vice-chancellor and four pro-vice-chancellors.

Various committees support these bodies in specialized areas, and students are actively involved in governance through representation on key committees. The university is also accountable to external bodies like the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

Academic profile

= Research =

The university's research expertise in the areas of materials science and predictive modelling was enhanced in 2017 through a collaboration with Imperial College London and the formation of the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor with the award of £6.5m in funding under the Welsh Government's Ser Cymru programme.

The university-owned £20m Science Park on Anglesey, M-Sparc was completed in March 2018, which will support the development of the region's low-carbon energy sector.

= Rankings =

{{Infobox UK university rankings

| ARWU_W = 601–700

| QS_W = 566=

| THE_W = 401–500

| LINE_1 = 0

| Complete = 53=

| The_Guardian = 73

| Times/Sunday_Times = 64

| LINE_2 = 0

| TEF = Gold

}}

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor's research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. Based on the university submission of 14 Units of Assessment, 77% of the research was rated in the top two tiers of research quality, ahead of the average for all UK universities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/research/index.php.en|title=Research at Bangor University|last=University|first=Bangor|website=bangor.ac.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=3 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103023443/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/research/|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Bangor University became the only university in Wales to be rated 'Gold' by the new Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) which means that the university is deemed to be of the highest quality found in the UK, providing "consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students."{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-40367866|title=One Welsh university rated 'gold'|date=2017-06-22|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-05-02|language=en-GB|archive-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003202149/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-40367866|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/special-features/bangor-university-rated-gold-teaching-13245759|title=Bangor University rated gold for teaching|last=Roberts|first=Joanne|date=2017-06-27|work=northwales|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406085436/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/special-features/bangor-university-rated-gold-teaching-13245759|url-status=live}}

In recent years, Bangor has been rated highly by its students in two independent surveys of student opinion. In the National Student Survey, the university has been consistently ranked highly both within Wales and in the UK higher education sector.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hefce.ac.uk/lt/nss/results/|title=National Student Survey results - Higher Education Funding Council for England|last=England|first=Higher Education Funding Council for|website=hefce.ac.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=9 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909123506/http://www.hefce.ac.uk/lt/nss/results/}} In 2017, Bangor University's students placed the university eighth among the UK's non-specialist universities and second among Welsh Universities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/latest/satisfied-students-place-bangor-university-among-top-uk-universities-33016|title=Satisfied students place Bangor University among top UK universities – News and Events, Bangor University|last=University|first=Bangor|website=bangor.ac.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406065211/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/latest/satisfied-students-place-bangor-university-among-top-uk-universities-33016|url-status=live}}{{Third-party inline|date=June 2018}}

For the second year in a row, Bangor was awarded Best University in the UK for Clubs and Societies at the 2018 WhatUni Student Choice Awards. It also regained the award for best Student Accommodation which it originally won in 2016. The university was also placed second overall for 'Courses and Lecturers' and retained third place in the category 'University of the Year'. WhatUni award nominations are based on the reviews and opinions of the university's students. This is the fourth year in a row that Bangor University has won a national WhatUni Award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/studentlife/what-uni-awards.php.en|title=WhatUni Awards Success for Bangor University|last=University|first=Bangor|website=bangor.ac.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822082728/https://www.bangor.ac.uk/studentlife/what-uni-awards.php.en|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/special-features/bangor-university-rated-best-uk-14569839|title=Bangor University rated best in UK for clubs and accommodation|last=Roberts|first=Joanne|date=2018-04-24|work=northwales|access-date=2018-05-02|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406055149/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/special-features/bangor-university-rated-best-uk-14569839|url-status=live}}{{Third-party inline|date=June 2018}}

Student life

= Halls of residence =

University Hall, built in red brick a Queen Anne style, was the first substantial block. It was opened in 1897.M L Clarke (1966) Architectural History and Guide, University College of North Wales [http://www.bangorcivicsociety.org.uk/pages/hisso/ah.htm Online at Bangor Civic Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220023105/http://www.bangorcivicsociety.org.uk/pages/hisso/ah.htm |date=20 February 2020 }} This building was to become the Welsh-language hall Neuadd John Morris-Jones in 1974, taking its name in honour of John Morris Jones. It is now called Neuadd Rathbone.

Neuadd Reichel, built on the Ffriddoedd Farm site, was designed in a neo-Georgian style by the architect Percy Thomas and was opened in 1942 as a hostel for male students.

Expansion in the 1960s led to the development of Plas Gwyn in 1963–64 and Neuadd Emrys Evans in 1965, both on the Ffriddoedd site, and Neuadd Rathbone at the top of Love Lane in 1965. Neuadd Rathbone, designed by Colwyn Foulkes and named after the second President of the college, was originally for women students only. The names of Neuadd Rathbone and Neuadd John Morris-Jones were later exchanged. The building originally opened as Neuadd Rathbone is now known as Neuadd Garth.

Accommodation is guaranteed for all first-year undergraduate students. There are around 3,000 rooms available in halls of residence, all within under 20 minutes walking distance of the university. Three residential sites are currently in use: Ffriddoedd Village, St Mary's Village and Neuadd Garth. Launderette services on all three sites are provided by Circuit Laundry.{{cite web

| url = https://www.circuit.co.uk/roomview/

| access-date = 6 April 2025

| title = Room View

| website = circuit.co.uk

}}

==Ffriddoedd Village {{anchor|Ffriddoedd Site}}==

File:Ffriddoedd site bangor university.jpg

The largest accommodation site is the Ffriddoedd Village in Upper Bangor, about ten minutes' walk from Top College, the Science Site and the city centre. This site has eleven en-suite halls completed in 2009, six other en-suite halls built in the 1990s and Neuadd Reichel built in the 1940s, and renovated in 2011.

Neuadd John Morris-Jones is a Welsh-speaking hall, which started its life in 1974 on College Road and has, along with its equivalent Neuadd Pantycelyn in Aberystwyth, became a focal point of Welsh-language activities at the university. It is an integral part of UMCB, the Welsh Students' Union, which in turn is part of the main Students' Union.

The halls on "Ffridd" (ffridd [friːð] is the Welsh word for mountain pasture or sheep path; ffriddoedd [ˈfrɪðɔið] is its plural form) include Cefn y Coed, Glyder, Y Borth, Elidir, J.M.J. Bryn Dinas and J.M.J. Tegfan, all of which were built in the early 1990s; Adda, Alaw, Braint, Crafnant, Enlli, Peris, Glaslyn, Llanddwyn, Ffraw, Idwal and Gwynant, which were all built in the late 2000s; and Neuadd Reichel which was built in the 1940s and renovated in 2011. From 2021, Neuadd Reichel will no longer be used for student accommodation.

==St Mary's Village {{anchor|St. Mary's Site}}==

Bryn Eithin overlooks the centre of Bangor and is close to the Science Departments and the Schools of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. Demolition of the former St Mary's Site halls, except the 1902 buildings and the Quadrangle, began in 2014 to make way for new halls which were completed in 2015. The halls on this site are Cybi, Penmon, and Cemlyn, which are all self-catered flats; Tudno, which is a townhouse complex; and the original St. Mary's building, with studios and flats.{{cite web|title=St Mary's Student Halls Development – News and Events, Bangor University|url=http://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/full.php.en?nid=17432&tnid=17432|access-date=31 May 2014|publisher=bangor.ac.uk|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202184600/http://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/full.php.en?nid=17432&tnid=17432|url-status=live}}

In Welsh, bryn means "hill" and eithin means "gorse".

==Private halls==

A private hall of residence called Tŷ Willis House (formerly known as Neuadd Willis) is operated by IQ Student Accommodation; which incorporates the old listed British Hotel with a new extension to the rear, and a further hall on the site of the old Plaza Cinema. Other privately owned halls of residence in Bangor include Neuadd Kyffin, Neuadd y Castell, Neuadd Llys y Deon and Neuadd Tŷ Ni.

= Students' union =

Undeb Bangor (English: Bangor Union) is Bangor University's students' union, providing services, support, and activities for students. All students automatically become members unless they opt-out. Annual elections are held for five sabbatical officers: the president, the Welsh union President, and vice-presidents for education, societies and volunteering, and sports.{{Cite web |title=About us @ Undeb Bangor Students' Union |url=https://www.undebbangor.com/about-us |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=www.undebbangor.com |language=en}}

In January 2016 the students' union moved to the new Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, as it its old Deiniol road facilities were demolished.

== Student representation ==

The Student Council is a forum that meets monthly in the academic year to discuss, debate, and pass ideas, as well as work alongside the sabbatical officers on projects to improve the student experience.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

A representative is also elected from each school, supported by representatives from individual programmes, to inform academic decision-making.

== Societies and volunteering ==

There are around 100 student societies in the union. Membership of the societies was free until 2025, when the union began to implement a paid structure as a result of funding issues.{{Cite web |title=Important information from your Students’ Union @ Undeb Bangor Students' Union |url=https://www.undebbangor.com/articles/important-information-from-your-students-union |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=www.undebbangor.com |language=en}}

SVB (Student Volunteering Bangor) is the volunteering branch of the students' union, which has supported community projects in and around the Bangor area since 1952. SVB volunteers provide a total of around 600 hours of work per week on 58 community-based projects, including projects on mental health, children, the environment, the elderly and community & sports projects. SVB works closely with charities, organisations and schools around Bangor and North Wales, as well as further afield.

= Sports and varsity =

Sports at Bangor University are managed by the Athletics Union, a part of Undeb Bangor. Notable sports clubs include Bangor University F.C. and Bangor University Rowing Club.

Every year the university competes against Aberystwyth University in Varsity, a sporting tournament which sees hundreds of students compete in over 40 sporting events for the Varsity Trophy.

Notable people associated with Bangor

File:Paul Bérenger.png|Paul Bérenger

File:Danny Boyle May 2019.jpg|Danny Boyle

File:Tom -gt.jones.jpg|Tom Parry Jones

File:Sianjames anoriant.jpg|Siân James

File:Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf.jpg|Stefan Rahmstorf

=Presidents/Chancellors=

=Vice Chancellors=

The university has had nine Principals/Vice-Chancellors:

=Notable academics=

=Notable alumni=

{{see also|Category:Alumni of Bangor University}}

=Fictional alumni=

See also

References

{{reflist}}

Further reading

  • Clarke, M. L. (1966) Architectural History & Guide (University College of North Wales, Bangor); [http://www.bangorcivicsociety.org.uk/pages/hisso/ah.htm Online (Bangor Civic Society)]
  • Roberts, David (2009) Bangor University, 1884–2009. Cardiff: University of Wales Press {{ISBN|0-7083-2226-3}}
  • Williams, J. Gwynn (1985) The University College of North Wales – Foundations 1884–1927. Cardiff: University of Wales Press {{ISBN|0-7083-0893-7}}

External links

{{Commons category|Bangor University}}

  • [https://www.bangor.ac.uk/ Official website]
  • [https://www.undebbangor.com/ Students' union website]

{{Universities and colleges in Wales}}

{{Universities in the United Kingdom}}

{{Gwynedd}}

{{authority control}}

Bangor

Category:Universities and colleges in North Wales

Category:Universities and colleges established in 1884

Category:Bangor, Gwynedd

Category:1884 establishments in Wales

Category:Buildings by Henry Hare

Category:Law schools in Wales

Category:Universities UK