[irosebud]

Ok, so the deadline is tomorrow so I don't know if anyone will reply in time to help me, but I'm really stuck on what to choose.

I have five offers and the two I'm considering are Oxford Brookes, offering ABC (which I'm exactly predicted) and University of Leicester, offering BBB.
Both are to study English and Film Studies.

I loved the town of Oxford. I completely fell in love with it and felt really at home etc etc. There is an option to take a work placement and study abroad, which I would love to do. The English side has loads of variety and choice, but the Film side is slightly less analytical than the one at Leicester, which was a downside, but loads of the modules are optional so I could avoid some I didn't fancy. Also, Oxford is closer to home, friends and my long term boyfriend... Leicester is ages away and I'm worried about how often I would see everyone.
When I went to see Leicester uni, I didn't get to see much of the town and I'm a bit worried it's ugly, chavvy, boring etc. But I like the sound of the carnivals and stuff, and I'm sure it would be fine once I'm used to it. The Film side looked amazing and I was really excited by it, but the English side was quite old fashioned and tbh looked really difficult. Also, ALL THE MODULES ARE COMPULSORY UNTIL THE THIRD YEAR. This really put me off, as I don't want to be stuck doing a course with no variety. Although, they are a 'proper uni' and probably equip you with a good grounding for year 3. There is no option for a work placement or study abroad either. However, Leicester would be a lot cheap to live in than Oxford.

One main thing it boils down to for me, though, is that Leicester has a great reputation and is high on the league tables, and Brookes isn't so high and is an ex-poly. This keeps making me think I would be stupid to pick Brookes over Leicester? How much could this affect my future?

Thanks for reading and please reply if you have any thoughts - I would love to get your opinions!!!

[rougelipstick]

I don't know anything about the courses but from your post it seems like you far prefer the Oxford Brookes option. Go with your gut and where you think you'd be happier, not league tables.

[ElizM_94]

I agree with rougelipstick. From what I've read, you seem like you want Oxford Brooks! Go with what you liked, league tables always change but you need to remember you're spending 3/4 years in this place! Go with what you like because you may end up being miserable if you go somewhere you're not fond/sure of .
Also, future wise, it's what you make of it! Uni doesn't play a major role depending on the job, despite what every one says!
Hope that helps

[Joinedup]

TBH sounds like you've already made your mind up

[llacerta]

I turned down two more 'prestigious' universities to go where I am now, and I don't regret the decision at all! Reputation is one thing, but a degree is a long-term commitment and you'll do better in your degree if you're happier. Plus Oxford Brookes is a well thought-of university anyway, and as someone has said, league tables change every year.

In short, you're not going to get an employer turning you down because you went to Oxford Brookes instead of Leicester, but if you go somewhere you're not happy and end up with a 2:2 rather than a 2:1, say, then that will make a difference to employers. So go where you'll be happy!

[squeakysquirrel]

(Original post by irosebud)
Ok, so the deadline is tomorrow so I don't know if anyone will reply in time to help me, but I'm really stuck on what to choose.

I have five offers and the two I'm considering are Oxford Brookes, offering ABC (which I'm exactly predicted) and University of Leicester, offering BBB.
Both are to study English and Film Studies.

I loved the town of Oxford. I completely fell in love with it and felt really at home etc etc. There is an option to take a work placement and study abroad, which I would love to do. The English side has loads of variety and choice, but the Film side is slightly less analytical than the one at Leicester, which was a downside, but loads of the modules are optional so I could avoid some I didn't fancy. Also, Oxford is closer to home, friends and my long term boyfriend... Leicester is ages away and I'm worried about how often I would see everyone.
When I went to see Leicester uni, I didn't get to see much of the town and I'm a bit worried it's ugly, chavvy, boring etc. But I like the sound of the carnivals and stuff, and I'm sure it would be fine once I'm used to it. The Film side looked amazing and I was really excited by it, but the English side was quite old fashioned and tbh looked really difficult. Also, ALL THE MODULES ARE COMPULSORY UNTIL THE THIRD YEAR. This really put me off, as I don't want to be stuck doing a course with no variety. Although, they are a 'proper uni' and probably equip you with a good grounding for year 3. There is no option for a work placement or study abroad either. However, Leicester would be a lot cheap to live in than Oxford.

One main thing it boils down to for me, though, is that Leicester has a great reputation and is high on the league tables, and Brookes isn't so high and is an ex-poly. This keeps making me think I would be stupid to pick Brookes over Leicester? How much could this affect my future?

Thanks for reading and please reply if you have any thoughts - I would love to get your opinions!!!

As the previous poster said - you seem to prefer Oxford Brookes and you are trying to justify to yourself as to why you should pick it over Leicester.
Yes it is a former Poly but it is one of the best. I know one girl who went there - got a first in English and was accepted to do law conversion by all the top firms.

To be honest Leicester is not really that top notch either so which ever one you choose it is not much different.

What you must ask yourself is

1. What are you going to do with a degree in English and Film Studies - if you are aiming to become a management consultant with one of the top accountancy firms then don't go to OB. But if you are just wanting a degree and to have some fun for three years then do go.

2. Are you prepared to pay £9000/year plus accommodation plus food/living etc for a second/third tier uni which will give you a degree with less standing than say Nottingham.

It is a lot of money - is there anywhere else you have looked at and liked. If so then take a gap year and redo some exams.

Sorry to not be very helpful 0 but my son has a degree from Nottingham Trent - which is OK but it is not going to open any doors for him

[yothi5]

Oxford.....Brookes
Choose Leicester

[Rahul.S]

I have to decide on my insurance soon :/

[Neofytos]

i rejected Imperial to go to St Andrews... choose the university u like more, **** the league tables

[MissLee]

By the sound of it you've got your heart set on Oxford Brookes. One of my friends went to Oxford Brookes for English and History and she really enjoyed her time there. (She now works as a journalist in Reykjavik). I think you should go for it! Choose the place you think you'll be happiest at. Good luck, I'm sure that whatever decision you make is the right one.

PS, university league tables are NOT the be-all and end-all. I'm going to a very small university that does not have a great reputation but I have learned so much already, it's incredible and my lecturers are amazing. If you ask me it's what you make of it.

[SecretCircus]

I agree with the majority of others who've posted so far. You sound like you want to go to OB, and it's not just about the degree either - remember, you'll be spending 3 years of your life there and Oxford seems to be the place you'd rather stay at! I'm a little biased (I live in Oxfordshire) but it is a great place .

It depends on how important league tables etc. are to you, but if the only reason you'd pick Leicester is because it's higher up in the rankings, don't do it.

[Juno]

Remember that whilst you have to make the initial decision by the deadline you do have 7 days to change your choices, so if you really need more thinking time you can do so.

[roh]

(Original post by irosebud)
Ok, so the deadline is tomorrow so I don't know if anyone will reply in time to help me, but I'm really stuck on what to choose.

I have five offers and the two I'm considering are Oxford Brookes, offering ABC (which I'm exactly predicted) and University of Leicester, offering BBB.
Both are to study English and Film Studies.

I loved the town of Oxford. I completely fell in love with it and felt really at home etc etc. There is an option to take a work placement and study abroad, which I would love to do. The English side has loads of variety and choice, but the Film side is slightly less analytical than the one at Leicester, which was a downside, but loads of the modules are optional so I could avoid some I didn't fancy. Also, Oxford is closer to home, friends and my long term boyfriend... Leicester is ages away and I'm worried about how often I would see everyone.
When I went to see Leicester uni, I didn't get to see much of the town and I'm a bit worried it's ugly, chavvy, boring etc. But I like the sound of the carnivals and stuff, and I'm sure it would be fine once I'm used to it. The Film side looked amazing and I was really excited by it, but the English side was quite old fashioned and tbh looked really difficult. Also, ALL THE MODULES ARE COMPULSORY UNTIL THE THIRD YEAR. This really put me off, as I don't want to be stuck doing a course with no variety. Although, they are a 'proper uni' and probably equip you with a good grounding for year 3. There is no option for a work placement or study abroad either. However, Leicester would be a lot cheap to live in than Oxford.

One main thing it boils down to for me, though, is that Leicester has a great reputation and is high on the league tables, and Brookes isn't so high and is an ex-poly. This keeps making me think I would be stupid to pick Brookes over Leicester? How much could this affect my future?

Thanks for reading and please reply if you have any thoughts - I would love to get your opinions!!!

Firstly, if Leicester the uni didn't feel right for you, don't go there.

In terms of the town I can't deny it's ugly in parts, and compared to the stunning beauty of Oxford's colleges it's all ugly. However, my best mate's originally from Oxford and confirms there is a lot more going here than Oxford and if he were to accuse either of being boring it would be the other way round. It's not chavvy at all, at least not the areas where the uni is. In first year you'd live in what is a very, very nice area (I won't be living somewhere that plush again I fear!) and second year and third likely to be is in Clarendon which is nicer than most student areas (even the Guardian says so ).

And I think you can do a year abroad as you're in the school of English: http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/eng...aduate/erasmus

My friend does English and Film and admits that the English aspect is tough at times, but she does enjoy it and says the benefit of the joint hons is that she has a bit more time to focus on English as the Film side isn't as intensive rather than trying to juggle all the English stuff. If your A is predicted in English then you'll arrive on exactly the same grade for the subject that actually matters as the BA English students as well.

Hope this clarifies things. But, if you'd prefer the uni and the course at Brookes go there. No point coming to Le and hating it for 3 years as, as well as having a s**t time, you're likely to under perform academically and a 2:1 or First from Brookes is still going to serve you better than a Leicester 2:2.

[Joinedup]

(Original post by squeakysquirrel)
As the previous poster said - you seem to prefer Oxford Brookes and you are trying to justify to yourself as to why you should pick it over Leicester.
Yes it is a former Poly but it is one of the best. I know one girl who went there - got a first in English and was accepted to do law conversion by all the top firms.

To be honest Leicester is not really that top notch either so which ever one you choose it is not much different.

What you must ask yourself is

1. What are you going to do with a degree in English and Film Studies - if you are aiming to become a management consultant with one of the top accountancy firms then don't go to OB. But if you are just wanting a degree and to have some fun for three years then do go.

2. Are you prepared to pay £9000/year plus accommodation plus food/living etc for a second/third tier uni which will give you a degree with less standing than say Nottingham.

It is a lot of money - is there anywhere else you have looked at and liked. If so then take a gap year and redo some exams.

Sorry to not be very helpful 0 but my son has a degree from Nottingham Trent - which is OK but it is not going to open any doors for him

You've got to open your own doors these days... The sandwich year at OB is going to give OP something to talk about at interview.

perhaps an obvious point... but compulsory modules means large groups and imo rather slow and generic feedback on your assignments, getting good feedback is essential to progressing