University v Course

[Dick Knights Mumm]

It is best to aim for a "good" university, or simply go for the course you want to study. So study a less popular course at a good university, or a more popular course at a lesser university. Particularly in relation to getting a job at the end of it.

For someone who will be doing a business/economics/geography/history type degree.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

I went to a new University (Oxford Brookes) and studied Real Estate, which normally does battle with Cambridge or Reading for the top spot in that sphere. I, personally, think that it is best to aim for a University that has a strength in the chosen degree, as opposed to a named University. But I am sure other people will have a different opinion.

The standard of teaching and quality of the department is surely the most essential aspect and if the school of that particular course is a leader in the field then that certainly gives you a head start.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

As per BoF. Go where the department is strong.

Or, like me, go to whichever one will have you.

 

[The Clown of Pevensey Bay]

As someone who went to a crap university, albeit one which is one of the best for the discipline I did, I'd say go to a university you think is good enough.

 

[itszamora]

Ideally you'd be able to have both because an employer might not necessarily know that a certain place that doesn't have a fabulous reputation is actually very good for the subject you've studied there. Having said that I would still take that option over going somewhere with a better reputation but a lesser course that I was actually going to do. I was quite fortunate myself in that I did History at Exeter, which is both a university with a very good reputation overall and for that subject.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

Ideally you'd be able to have both because an employer might not necessarily know that a certain place that doesn't have a fabulous reputation is actually very good for the subject you've studied there. .

If your intention is to actually aim to work in that specialised field, then the prospective employers in that field, WILL know. If you just want any degree on your CV, then go for the name.

 

[ben andrews' girlfriend]

I think it's good to go to a good university, then pick a course

 

[1066gull]

I picked Wolverhampton, because it was strong in Art and Design.

 

[Rookie]

pick a good uni then try and then try and get the course you want, employers love a good uni rather than some two bob place

 

[Wardy]

As others have said. Go where they are known for being good at what you want to do. Unless you are only going for the experience then go where the cost of beer and living is cheapest.

 

[crasher]

You should go to university because you enjoying studying whatever subject you're aiming for, not just because you think it will help your work prospects.

So it's the course mainly.

 

[Lokki 7]

From my experience of what employers are looking for, if you are doing a general subject (as listed above) then the university is much more important than the course/department. Most employers are impressed by a good university but their knowledge of which uni's are good for which courses is very limited or out dated.

 

[El Presidente]

I agree with Lokki, most employers are looking for a redbrick on your cv, UNLESS you go to a new uni which is a universally acknowledged leader. Failing that, aim for a course where the female students outnumber the male.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

thanks for all that. My son is more interested in the rugby than the course - it makes sense to look for a suitable course at a "better" university if that is what employers are more likely to look at.

For vocational-style courses I suppose employers will know the good departments.

 

[Gwylan]

I agree with Lokki, most employers are looking for a redbrick on your cv, UNLESS you go to a new uni which is a universally acknowledged leader. Failing that, aim for a course where the female students outnumber the male.

I did the opposite: I went to a newish uni in a crap city but I did an excellent course, recognised as one of the best outside of Oxbridge. I had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the course and my time at Bradford.

But, I did pick a uni that had three times as many blokes as women, something I didn't consider when I applied.

 

[itszamora]

thanks for all that. My son is more interested in the rugby than the course - it makes sense to look for a suitable course at a "better" university if that is what employers are more likely to look at.

For vocational-style courses I suppose employers will know the good departments.

I would advise against Exeter then unless your son enjoys spending time with upper-class wankers who can't handle their drink and insist on pissing the rest of whatever establishment they are in off, as that is generally what the rugby teams there are composed of. Academically for the type of subjects you mention it's very good though!

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

I would advise against Exeter then unless your son enjoys spending time with upper-class wankers who can't handle their drink and insist on pissing the rest of whatever establishment they are in off, as that is generally what the rugby teams there are composed of. Academically for the type of subjects you mention it's very good though!

thanks for the tip .............................

 

[Djmiles]

Picked the course then chose the University. Thankfully Aberystwyth has a fantastic Geography department, and is now a top 40 University

 

[withdeanwombat]

I opted for a brilliant course in a dire town,and found that 2000 people had applied for the 60 available places.Fortunatelyand unfortunately I got a place,which made me what I am today...........an Albion supporter very much aligned with the main sponsor!

withdeanwombat,MA,Ba(Hons),PGCE,Adv Dip Ed,Scrabble expert.

 

[British Bulldog]

I'm glad i'm not a youngster these days with all these university decisions to make! It was far easier in my day when you just chose your line of work, started at the bottom and learned your trade as you worked your way up through the grades. I might be a bit old fashioned on this but I still think it was the best way!