Global University Rankings

Bangor University, located in the scenic region of North Wales, has consistently demonstrated strong performance in various international university rankings. These rankings evaluate institutions based on factors such as academic reputation, research output, faculty-to-student ratios, international diversity, and employer reputation. Bangor excels particularly in environmental sciences and related fields, contributing to its rising profile on the global stage.

In the QS World University Rankings, Bangor has shown steady improvement. For 2024, it is positioned in the 601-650 band, up from 701-750 in previous years. This reflects enhancements in research impact and sustainability initiatives. The QS rankings, compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, emphasize employability and international outlook, areas where Bangor scores well due to its partnerships with global organizations in marine and environmental research.

Year	QS World Ranking	Key Strengths
2024	601-650	Sustainability and Research Citations
2023	701-750	International Faculty Ratio
2022	601-650	Employer Reputation
2021	501-550	Academic Reputation

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings provide another perspective, focusing on teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry income. Bangor achieved a ranking of 501-600 in 2024, an improvement from 601-800 in 2023. This upward trend is attributed to investments in teaching quality and research facilities, including the university's state-of-the-art laboratories for ecological studies.

• Teaching Score: Bangor scores 32.4 out of 100, highlighting its supportive learning environment.
• Research Quality: A strong 45.2, driven by publications in high-impact journals on climate change and biodiversity.
• International Outlook: 68.5, reflecting a diverse student body from over 120 countries.

In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Rankings, Bangor falls within the 501-600 range for 2023. ARWU prioritizes research output and Nobel Prize affiliations, where Bangor benefits from its contributions to environmental and life sciences research.

Overall, these global rankings position Bangor as a respected mid-tier university, particularly appealing to students interested in specialized fields rather than broad prestige. The university's commitment to sustainability has boosted its scores in recent years, aligning with global priorities like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

UK National Rankings

Within the United Kingdom, Bangor University performs admirably in national league tables, which often weigh student satisfaction, entry standards, and graduate outcomes more heavily than international metrics. These rankings are crucial for prospective UK students navigating the competitive higher education landscape.

The Complete University Guide 2024 ranks Bangor 52nd out of 130 UK universities. This comprehensive guide assesses 10 performance indicators, including student satisfaction (86%), research quality (78%), and graduate prospects (82%). Bangor's score of 76.5 overall marks a slight rise from 77th in 2023, thanks to enhanced career services and alumni networks.

Indicator	Bangor Score (%)	UK Average
Student Satisfaction	86	80
Research Quality	78	75
Graduate Prospects	82	78
Entry Standards	70	72

In the Guardian University Guide 2024, Bangor secures 61st place, with standout performances in value-added metrics. The Guardian emphasizes teaching quality and feedback, where Bangor achieves 4.2 out of 5 stars for student experience. Its rural location contributes to smaller class sizes and personalized attention, boosting satisfaction rates.

1. Contextual Value Added: Bangor ranks in the top 20 for improving student outcomes relative to entry qualifications.
2. Satisfaction with Course: 85%, above the national average, particularly in sciences.
3. Career After 15 Months: 75% of graduates in professional roles or further study.

The National Student Survey (NSS) 2023 further underscores Bangor's strengths, with an overall satisfaction rate of 84%, compared to the UK sector average of 82%. Modules in psychology and environmental management scored over 90% for teaching quality.

Compared to other Welsh universities, Bangor outperforms Cardiff Metropolitan (72nd in Complete Guide) and edges out Aberystwyth (55th) in student satisfaction. Nationally, it trails Russell Group powerhouses like Oxford and Cambridge but holds its own against mid-tier peers like Lancaster or Sussex.

Subject-Specific Rankings

Bangor University's niche expertise shines brightest in subject-specific rankings, where it often punches above its weight. This is due to its unique location bordering the Menai Strait and Snowdonia National Park, ideal for fieldwork in natural sciences.

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, Bangor ranks highly in several areas:

• Environmental Sciences: 201-250 globally, with strengths in marine biology and ecology.
• Psychology: 301-350, bolstered by the Wolfson Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience.
• Sports-Related Subjects: 151-200, leveraging facilities at the Wales Institute of Sport.
• Earth and Marine Sciences: Top 200, thanks to the School of Ocean Sciences, one of the UK's oldest.

The THE World University Rankings by Subject 2024 places Bangor in the 201-250 band for Life Sciences and 301-400 for Business and Economics. In Agriculture and Forestry, it scores notably well at 201-250, reflecting research on sustainable farming in upland areas.

Subject	QS 2023 Rank	THE 2024 Rank	Notable Achievements
Environmental Sciences	201-250	251-300	Leading in biodiversity research
Psychology	301-350	401-500	Advanced neuroimaging facilities
Law	251-300	301-400	Focus on environmental law
Education	201-250	251-300	High employability in teaching

Nationally, the Complete University Guide Subject Rankings 2024 highlight Bangor's top 20 positions in Agriculture & Forestry (10th), Sports Science (15th), and Town & Country Planning (12th). In the Guardian Subject Guide, Conservation ranks 4th in the UK, a testament to programs like the MSc in Conservation and Land Management.

These rankings attract students seeking specialized education. For instance, Bangor's oceanography program collaborates with the National Oceanography Centre, providing hands-on experience that enhances graduate employability in sectors like renewable energy and conservation.

Trends show Bangor climbing in STEM subjects, with a 10-position gain in environmental rankings over five years. This is supported by £20 million in research funding from bodies like the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Research and Employability Metrics

Beyond traditional rankings, Bangor's research prowess and graduate outcomes merit attention. In the REF 2021 (Research Excellence Framework), 92% of Bangor's research was deemed world-leading or internationally excellent. It ranked 41st in the UK for research power, with environment and education submissions scoring 100% at 3* or 4* quality.

Key research highlights include:

• Climate Change Adaptation: Projects on Welsh peatlands and sea-level rise.
• Mental Health: Innovations in cognitive behavioral therapy via the psychology department.
• Renewable Energy: Tidal and wind energy studies at the Centre for Sustainable Energy.

For employability, the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023 reports 95% of Bangor graduates in work or study within 15 months, with median earnings of £28,000—above the UK average for similar institutions. Sectors like environmental consulting and public sector roles see high placement rates (85%).

Bangor's Times Higher Education Employability Ranking places it in the 501-600 global band, emphasizing practical skills development through placements and internships. The university's Careers and Employability Service offers tailored support, including CV workshops and industry networking events.

In sustainability rankings, Bangor earned a QS Sustainability Ranking of 401-450 in 2023, scoring 72.5 for environmental impact. This aligns with its Eco-Campus certification and carbon-neutral goals by 2030.

In summary, Bangor University's rankings reflect a balanced profile: globally competitive in niches, nationally solid, and forward-looking in research and student success. Prospective students should consider these metrics alongside personal fit, as Bangor's community-oriented ethos and natural setting add unique value not captured in numbers alone.