Congratulations on your offer of a place at Bangor University
As you consider your options, explore what makes Bangor special—from cutting-edge research and practical learning opportunities to a vibrant community passionate about Sport Science. Take a look at our resources to see what awaits you here in September!
What to expect as a Sport and Exercise Science student
Our Sport Science courses are taught by world-leading academics who are passionate about their subjects. You will learn from experts who are at the forefront of their fields, and you will have access to a wealth of resources to support your studies. Our dedicated team of academics is not just knowledgeable but also a diverse tapestry of expertise and passion. From seasoned researchers to industry professionals, each lecturer brings a unique perspective to the table, enriching your academic experience. So, get ready to be inspired, challenged, and guided by a group of individuals who are not just educators, but mentors invested in your success.
We have a range of state-of-the-art facilities that you will be able to use during your studies, including our human performance laboratory, environmental chamber, and altitude chamber. These facilities will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience of the latest sport science techniques.
We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all of our students. We have a dedicated team of staff who are here to help you with your studies and to make sure that you have a positive experience at Bangor.
A message from Professor Dave Richardson, Head of School
We are pleased you have applied to study at Bangor University. Bangor offers a truly exceptional student experience in an unrivalled location.
You are at a very important point in your academic career – perhaps you are about to undertake final examinations, or you are finishing a year out. Maybe it’s been a while since you have studied formally, and you are rediscovering your love of learning. Whatever the case, we are looking forward to supporting your journey towards your future career.
Our suite of sport and exercise science programmes include aspects of clinical and social science and engages elite and recreational performers athletes, and the wider community in fundamental science, applied practice and positive behaviour change.
Our innovative approach to teaching, and commitment to smaller class sizes, enables us to offer regular practical sessions in our state-of-the-art teaching and sports facilities, all from the beginning of your degree. In your free time, you can try a range of outdoor activities from sea-kayaking to mountain climbing by joining one of our many student-led clubs and societies. Our sector-leading pastoral support means you will be fully supported whilst you are here.
We really hope to welcome you here in September.
Professor Dave Richardson
Head of School of Psychology and Sport Science
Hello, I'm Dr Aamer Sandoo, one of the senior lecturers here in Sport and Exercise Science. I'd like to congratulate you on getting an offer to study a sport and exercise science degree at Bangor University. I can guarantee if you come here, you will have the three best years of your life.
Located on the banks of the Menai Straits, the Department of Sport and Exercise Science is ranked in the top five for sport and exercise science in the UK. I'm going to take the next 30 seconds to explain why you should accept your offer to come and study here.
This is one of the department's modern teaching facilities, where you get to learn really cool techniques like ultrasound, body composition analysis, spirometry, and fitness testing. We also have a dedicated altitude chamber, which we actually get our students to learn and understand how to use. The altitude chamber is designed to actually mimic the altitude that might be seen at Mount Everest or even higher, and understand the physiological effects on the body and the psychological effects on the mind. This information can then actually be used to help people that are going out into expedition, people that live at altitude and people that work at altitude too.
So we also have a dedicated environmental chamber where we can actually simulate really hot or very cold temperatures, and we can actually use, or we can actually get our students to learn and then use these chambers to understand more about what athletes undergo when they're competing in extreme environments. But also when we think about occupations like firefighters, mountain rescue, then we need to learn more sport scientists about what goes on in the body under those circumstances. So right from year one, you will actually be involved in working and operating a chamber like this, which will help you in your future employability prospects.
So hopefully you've got a flavour of the facilities that we have here in the Department of Sports and Exercise Science. But that's not all. The university also offers guaranteed accommodation free membership to all of the student union clubs and societies. And one of the amazing things that I personally think is great is membership, which is free if you're in the accommodation, to Canolfan Brailsford, which is the university's weight training and fitness suite, and actually the weightlifting gym for Platform 81 is one of the best in the UK, is the home to the Wales weightlifting team. So it's a facility that you definitely have really good fun training at.
So what are you waiting for? Accept your offer. Come to this lecture theatre and I look forward to teaching you in the new academic year.
Come to an Applicant Day
Every great athlete, scientist, and coach knows that success starts with one thing.
Motivation. The drive to push further, to go faster, to be better.
You've already proven that by applying to join us. Now the next step is yours to take.
Elite performers don't just hope for success, they visualize it.
Picture yourself here—training in world-class facilities, learning from top researchers, and working alongside teammates who share your passion.
Because that's what awaits you at Bangor University. Sport isn't just about individual performance.
It's about teamwork, trust, and building something bigger than yourself.
Great teams don't just happen. They form. They grow. They succeed together.
Similarly, sport science isn't just about knowledge; it's about applying that knowledge to push human performance further.
And the best way to see how to do that is by experiencing it firsthand.
At our applicant day, you'll meet like-minded people who share your passion for sports and science.
You'll connect with future teammates, training partners, and lifelong friends.
Because success isn't just about talent—it's about the environment that shapes it.
Motivation. Teamwork. Growth. These aren't just theories.
These are principles we live by. And at our applicant day, you'll see them in action.
Top athletes set goals, and high achievers make informed decisions.
This is your moment to do both. Take the next step. Join us.
Let's build your future together.
Student Success Mimi White - success in the high-adrenaline sport of climbing.
Mimi White is a Bangor University, BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology graduate.
"My climbing journey began six years ago. I became immersed in the sport, training four times a week. I learned fast while working at a climbing wall, surrounded by supportive climbers. I soon realised the profound influence of my mental state on my climbing performance. I had never thought of myself as a performance psychologist. When I overcame my fear of falling and self-doubt, I became interested in psychology.
I learned how important it is to have a positive mindset while tackling climbs ranging from 9 to 35 meters. I am grateful for the challenges and the moments of success. It has been amazing to share my journey online, from my early days of climbing to where I am now, starting "Climbing Calm," and encouraging others to join this sport I love.''
Read more on next slide
Student Success Mimi's story continued
"The pandemic changed my life, like it did for everyone else, making me rethink my goals. I decided to learn about performance psychology. I chose Bangor University for its reputation in and its location near some of the UK's best rock climbing spots. Even though I had doubts at first, my time at the university has been amazing and has changed me for the better.
My climbing journey has shown me the importance of physical strength and mental toughness. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, I've found joy and purpose in my personal accomplishments and academic studies. This has shaped who I am as a climber and someone who wants to become a performance psychologist."
Frequently Asked Questions
A semester is one academic session. There are two semesters in an academic year. Semester 1 generally runs from late September to the end of January and Semester 2 generally runs from early February to early June. Each semester has 12 weeks of lectures and 3 weeks of revision and assessment. The Christmas and Easter vacations are each of three weeks duration.
A module is a unit of the degree; it is a topic-based course of 12 weeks duration. Performance on each module will generally be assessed by coursework and by means of an examination (but there are some exceptions—you will be notified of these at the start of the year).
New students will be sent lots of information about Welcome Week and the arrival process before the beginning of term. During Welcome Week there will be plenty of people, staff and students, to guide you around. These include Peer Guides, who are current students who volunteer to help new students to help during the settling-in process. Peer Guides are familiar, friendly faces in the early stages of university life.
Every student at Bangor University is assigned a Personal Tutor, an Academic Staff member who provides personalised academic support and guidance. Your Personal Tutor will meet with you throughout the year to review your grades, discuss employability, and direct you to appropriate student services when needed. They are also responsible for providing academic references for you.
Personal Tutors are dedicated to helping you succeed academically and personally. They can assist with a wide range of issues, from academic challenges to career planning. In addition to regular meetings, you can reach out to your tutor whenever you need extra support or advice.
Around 16 hours per week in lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical groups but successful undergraduates will work at least twice that much each week - treat it like a full time job!
You will be assessed in a range of ways, including multiple choice exams to essays and lab reports. Assessment methods can vary depending on which module you are following. The majority of modules have assignments throughout the semester and an exam at end of the year, which together go towards final module mark. Many modules have two assignments. Did you know? Students must pass Year 1 to progress to Year 2, but your Year 1 marks do not count towards your final degree marks. We know that not everyone prefers exams and we think that having a variety of assessments gives you a chance to 'shine'!
For sport science students, activity is focussed in the George Building that's situated on the banks of the Menai Straits, on the Normal Site, which is off Holyhead Road. In addition, we have plenty of computing facilities, including some that are open 24 hours during term time.
Have a look at this link for the Uni wide facilities and check out the Sport Science facilities too.
If you're looking for academic staff, they are also located in the George Building. To help you find your way around, a campus map can be found here.
There are many options for students to study through the medium of Welsh. As part of Sport Science degrees the elements of Year 1 modules are available through the medium of Welsh, as well as some modules in Years 2 & 3. If you would like to take advantage of the Welsh-medium study opportunities, there will be lots more information available during Welcome Week. You will be able to discuss option with Welsh medium members of teaching staff. Fore more information about Welsh medium study at Bangor, please see this page.
