Looking at Universities for 2017

[Smithbat]

In the end, she needs to go somewhere that "sparks" something - which is why open days are essential.

That is what we thought, we are off to Reading on Friday and Keele on Saturday! Loads of miles but worth it.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

I ddnt even know that, I just thought that a degree was a degree, like an A level is an A Level!

Degree's have no external examination like GCSE or A-Level. Examinations are set by the university, and are marked by the university, and grades awarded by the university.

An engineering degree from University of Manchester may be more of interest to an employer than one from Cambridge, but a law or medical degree from Cambridge may be preferable to a Manchester degree.

Some universities also have ties to different companies in different industries.

I'd recommend you try and stay with the Russell Group universities.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Group

 

[Smithbat]

Go look around a couple of them, start thinking about things like whether she wants a campus experience, or big city? I've got one at each and they both liked their experience. Sometime you turn up at a place and make a snap judgement that it's not for you, but it might be nice to whittle the list down a little so you didn't need to visit them all.

Its not too bad to visit them, we have spaced them out and are making weekends of the two that are furthest away (Leeds and Swansea). The others are all within 2 and a half hours. Reading on Friday is only about 40 minutes. One of the ways we narrowed down from the big list is that she doesn't want to go more than 4 hours away. She is finding the decision making difficult as she has always relied on us to help a lot. This one, like her A levels is solely her choice, she doesn't like 'Adulting' as she calls it..lol

 

[Dayvo]

I studied languages and literature at UEA, Norwich, scarily at, partly, the same time as User.

Norwich is a small but very pleasant city with a marvellous surrounding area.

The campus is spread out over a large area (what used to be a golf course) and has a very active student union with plenty on offer for every like and taste.

I was there from 1995-1999 and was back there a couple of years ago and the friendly and relaxed atmosphere was still evident.

 

[Pale Rider]

I ddnt even know that, I just thought that a degree was a degree, like an A level is an A Level!

It is to a large extent.

What does daughter want to do with the degree?

For example, Durham University has links with a handful of city institutions, banks, insurance companies, the big legal firms and the like.

They have recruitment days when staff from the potential employer visit to weigh up potential employees.

Thus Durham graduates have a bit of a head start when it comes to getting that type of job.

Edit: @PhilDawson8270 beat me to it.

 

[Smithbat]

It is to a large extent.

What does daughter want to do with the degree?

For example, Durham University has links with a handful of city institutions, banks, insurance companies, the big legal firms and the like.

They have recruitment days when staff from the potential employer visit to weigh up potential employees.

Thus Durham graduates have a bit of a head start when it comes to getting that type of job.

Edit: @PhilDawson8270 beat me to it.

She wants to go into Archaeology and eventually work for English Heritage or something like that, within the preservation and discovery fields.

 

[Pale Rider]

She wants to go into Archaeology and eventually work for English Heritage or something like that, within the preservation and discovery fields.

Links to potential employers might not be so applicable for that type of job.

But it is something you could listen out for or ask about during the sales pitch when you visit.

 

[summerdays]

Look at the the way the course is taught, my second child dislikes the stress of exams and instead choose a course that is much more assessment based.

What options are there to specialise in a particular field? How good are the trains to get home etc.

 

[Katherine]

It's so important to go to the open days, go to all the talks, ask the students who are there about their experiences, explore the area a little, see how easy it is to travel around as well as travelling between there and home.
Then make your list. Each University has different entry criteria so your daughter might not get be able to apply to them all anyway.

Miss K is really enjoying being at Birmingham. The public transport is excellent. We were very impressed with the friendly atmosphere when we went to the open day.
Young Mr K went to Nottingham and loved the place. It's still the choice of a place to meet up with for reunions.

 

[Hill Wimp]

\

I studied languages and literature at UEA, Norwich, scarily at, partly, the same time as User.

Norwich is a small but very pleasant city with a marvellous surrounding area.

The campus is spread out over a large area (what used to be a golf course) and has a very active student union with plenty on offer for every like and taste.

I was there from 1995-1999 and was back there a couple of years ago and the friendly and relaxed atmosphere was still evident.

Yes but at that time you were rather er mature

 

[Dayvo]

\

Yes but at that time you were rather er mature

Old yes, mature...!?

 

[Yellow Fang]

Reading has a pleasant campus. Orienteering races have been run around it. It has gone down in my estimation because they closed down Physics, Mechanical Engineering and Systems Engineering (electronics and cybernetics). But if she wants to study Eng Lit, History or Archaeology it's probably alright.

 

[Dayvo]

University of Easy Access?

Well, I got in, and on an unconditional offer! Doesn't get much easier than that.

 

[cisamcgu]

Reading has a pleasant campus. Orienteering races have been run around it. It has gone down in my estimation because they closed down Physics, Mechanical Engineering and Systems Engineering (electronics and cybernetics). But if she wants to study Eng Lit, History or Archaeology it's probably alright.

I studied Physics at Reading, '83-'86 - I loved it, but there were only 10 of us on the course plus about 10 others studying Physics + Geology and Physics + Meteorology. I was sad when I heard the Department. had closed though. Dr Tinker was my favourite lecturer - sadly died a few years ago.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I studied Physics at Reading, '83-'86 - I loved it, but there were only 10 of us on the course plus about 10 others studying Physics + Geology and Physics + Meteorology. I was sad when I heard the Department. had closed though. Dr Tinker was my favourite lecturer - sadly died a few years ago.

Meteorology is still there. Not sure about Geology.