The BIBF foundation year comprises eight subjects. And The University of Wales Validated Diploma programme comprises sixteen subjects. Under this validated programme the following two diplomas streams are offered:

• Banking and Finance
• Accounting

The foundation year is common for all students, who then choose from one of the two streams before progressing to the first year of the diploma programme.

After successfully completing the diploma programme all students are eligible to enter the final year of BA/BSc Honours Degree programmes at Bangor University – these are in areas including Banking & Finance, Accounting & Finance and Business Studies and Finance.

1. An acceptable high school leaving qualification

• High school diploma
• IB Diploma
• 3 GCSE A levels

2.Proof of proficiency in English (if not a native speaker)

• TOEFL score of 550 (minimum) paper based or 80 (minimum) computer based
• IELTS academic test score of 6.0 (minimum)

Notes:

• Applicants with IB Diploma score of over 24 or A levels tariff score of over 260 (see table below) will be considered for direct entry to Diploma Year 1

• Where an applicant wishes to claim exemptions from any subject on the basis of prior learning, or transfer from another degree-level programme, the APL application form must also be completed and the APL fee paid in addition to the programme form and fee
• Applicants who are not school-leavers (e.g. aged over 21) will only have to meet the English proficiency requirement (i.e. not a school leaving qualification)
• English proficiency test scores must not be more than two years old
• When students apply to the programme required documents must be submitted or the application will be declined.

The University also comprises the acclaimed CAWCS research centre, the University of Wales Press, the Global Academy and a conference centre set in the Welsh countryside

While the majority of the University's students study in Wales, there is also an important international dimension to its work. It has in place a very successful and highly regarded international validation operation, which enables overseas institutions to offer the University of Wales degree at an equivalent standard to the degree offered in Wales itself.

Validation is important in fostering links between Wales and other countries and many of the University's graduates are now in positions of influence overseas. In 2011, more than 29,000 students were registered on validated courses of the University of Wales in 30 countries, covering a wide variety of academic disciplines.

The University works with several types of institution or organisation, for which it provides a range of services including the award of its degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Bangor University (UWB) was established in the late 19th century as one of the three constituent colleges of the University of Wales and now houses 10,000 students from around the world. The University has a long tradition of academic excellence that continues to this day. Over half of the departments assessed to date in the teaching quality assessments have achieved the top rating of excellent'. The University is ranked 15th in the Access elite group of universities and was ranked 8th in a nationwide survey of UK university students for the quality of its campus. In 2011, Bangor University was placed amongst the world's top 275 universities in the Times Higher Education World University rankings.

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), Accounting and Finance within the Business School has been rated as the best in the UK for the quality of research conducted by its staff. Students are attracted by our reputation for high quality and expertise, particularly in the area of Banking and Financial Services in which Bangor is a leading European centre which houses one of the largest PhD schools of any business school in the UK.

Bangor University degrees are developed with academic rigour and practical/vocational relevance as twin objectives. The Bangor Business School is a multidisciplinary university school that spans Accounting, Banking, Business Studies, Economics, Finance, Management and Marketing. This means you have greater opportunities for choice.

Bangor is located in a breathtaking landscape with panoramic views and is rich with history, culture and charm. The location is probably one of the most beautiful university settings in the whole of the UK – situated between the Snowdonia Mountains and the Menai Straits.

Bangor is very much a university city. The cost of living is lower than in most UK cities. Also worth bearing in mind is the fact that compared to many other university cities, Bangor is also considered to be a safe place. If you love sport and the great outdoors, then get ready for Bangor. Paragliding, Surfing, Kayaking, Fell running, Dinghy sailing and Rock Climbing are just some of the activities available as well as team sports such as rugby, hockey and football.

Bangor is easily accessible by road, air and sea, only 90 minutes away from Manchester Airport. Regular trains and coach services run to Bangor from London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.