Bangor in UK top 20 for student experience

Senior staff at Bangor University have welcomed the results of the Times Higher Education’s Student Experience Survey which places the University in the Top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction.

“The great experience the students have, along with the care they receive at Bangor have been key attractions to the University for generations, and it’s clear that our current students appreciate the whole, rounded experience of studying here,” said Professor John G. Hughes, the University’s Vice- Chancellor.

The survey shows that Bangor’s students rate the University highly for the helpful and interested staff, the high quality of the courses, and the great community atmosphere. One of the elements which has scored highly is the high standard of extracurricular activities and societies. Boasting over 100 Students Union Clubs and Societies, covering all sorts of sports, academic and hobby interests, the University is the only public university in the UK to make its Student Clubs & Societies free to all students.

Professor Carol Tully, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Students at Bangor said:

“Independent surveys all point towards Bangor’s excellent reputation and success in this area. The University’s Clubs & Societies were ranked 6th in the UK by the ‘WhatUni’ website this week. The quality of our student accommodation is also rated 6th in the UK, and our Courses and Lecturers in the top 10 in the UK.”

Professor Hughes said: “For prospective students, surveys and league tables such as this are an added resource to be considered along with the prospectus and university websites. They can often add information about the standing, reputation and ‘feel’ of a university.

He added: “As well as giving careful consideration to the choice of course, the university location, living costs and support available, we always recommend that prospective students visit the universities they are interested in, to get a real taste of the place, as well.”

Bangor is currently investing millions in a number of new developments including the new £48m Pontio centre which will have lecture rooms, social learning spaces, a theatre, cinema, innovation space and a new home for the Students Union.

In addition, it is developing new student accommodation valued at £30m, and redeveloping its sports facilities including a major upgrade to its existing provision at Canolfan Brailsford and partnering with Bangor City FC, the Football Association of Wales, and Sport Wales to create a new 3G artificial pitch which will be ready this summer.

Bangor also has further plans to invest in its science facilities following the announcement last month that it was to receive £45m from the European Investment Bank.

Publication date: 15 May 2014