Geology/Earth Science 2014 Entry
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Original post by Lance Jack
Yep! Haha thank you! I'm going to need it :/ will do 
DO NOT GO IN A SUIT. XD It makes you look awkward. Shirt and trousers. There were some really awkward people at my interview and you could tell they felt out of place, especially when some people came in jeans.
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Original post by FlyHigh_er
DO NOT GO IN A SUIT. XD It makes you look awkward. Shirt and trousers. There were some really awkward people at my interview and you could tell they felt out of place, especially when some people came in jeans.
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Haha I know!! My mate did that and I've been slating him for it up until now haha! Yep trousers, shirt and jumper for the win
I went smart/casual to Leeds and felt so overdressed, people went in hoodies and jeans lool!
Original post by Lance Jack
Phft me too! I've just memorised some of the answers to questions they might ask. The schedule that was sent out a few days ago didn't involve a campus tour or anything about seeing accommodation so I just hope they show us that..
Regret booking my train so early cos I'll have like almost 2 hours to kill before it starts. I think I'll just have a look around the campus and the city.
What're you wearing? My mate who had an interview last year for optometry said he turned up in a suit but that's just a bit over the top I reckon. See you tomorrow though!
Didn't catch your name btw!
Regret booking my train so early cos I'll have like almost 2 hours to kill before it starts. I think I'll just have a look around the campus and the city.
What're you wearing? My mate who had an interview last year for optometry said he turned up in a suit but that's just a bit over the top I reckon. See you tomorrow though!
Didn't catch your name btw!
yeah im actually kinda scared about the interview...i think ill be ok with the generic questions..
was actually thinking smart casjj but now i might wear shirt and trousers.. :P
name is Andrew!
Original post by arranthesleepy
I have offers from and have visited both and I would definitely choose Imperial over UCL. The department has ridiculously good ratings from its students, the people I met said it was great, and the field trips they do are so much more exciting! The downsides for me are the actual department (its pretty modern and soulless) and Imperial being a science-only uni, which can be a bit full-on I think. But from what I've seen and heard, the Geology department is great.
That said, the Geology students I spoke to at UCL said that they absolutely loved it (one turned down Oxford to go there), so I guess it depends on what's most important to you.
In terms of career prospects, Imperial is wonderful if you want to go into the petroleum or resource industries - that's their specialism, and they have loads of industry links, although of course graduates also go into other fields. UCL's specialism is hazards and hazard management, so if you're more interested in that area it's worth considering that UCL's research is in that area.
One other thing that drew me more towards Imperial is the area, and the accommodation. Imperial has some really nice looking accommodation in beautiful old (but recently renovated inside) buildings in South Kensington.... UCL has modern accommodation that didn't look particularly nice or cosy (at least the one I went to visit), and it's also in Camden/Euston. So that depends on which part of town you want to be in and if having better accommodation is important to you. To be honest, it's only really a consideration that will affect your first year anyway.
(I actually decided against both of them in favour of Bristol, but they're definitely both very good unis!)
That said, the Geology students I spoke to at UCL said that they absolutely loved it (one turned down Oxford to go there), so I guess it depends on what's most important to you.
In terms of career prospects, Imperial is wonderful if you want to go into the petroleum or resource industries - that's their specialism, and they have loads of industry links, although of course graduates also go into other fields. UCL's specialism is hazards and hazard management, so if you're more interested in that area it's worth considering that UCL's research is in that area.
One other thing that drew me more towards Imperial is the area, and the accommodation. Imperial has some really nice looking accommodation in beautiful old (but recently renovated inside) buildings in South Kensington.... UCL has modern accommodation that didn't look particularly nice or cosy (at least the one I went to visit), and it's also in Camden/Euston. So that depends on which part of town you want to be in and if having better accommodation is important to you. To be honest, it's only really a consideration that will affect your first year anyway.
(I actually decided against both of them in favour of Bristol, but they're definitely both very good unis!)
Thanks for all the information!
I'm not from the UK so it's definitely less convenient to get a tour(: I'm leaning towards UCL at the moment due to several factors. I like the hazard management specialization but looking at the CUG ranking students at UCL ranked extremely low for their career prospects (I think one of the lowest) which worries me a bit.
What's your opinion of the low ranking?
Original post by Addehhh
Thanks for all the information!
I'm not from the UK so it's definitely less convenient to get a tour(: I'm leaning towards UCL at the moment due to several factors. I like the hazard management specialization but looking at the CUG ranking students at UCL ranked extremely low for their career prospects (I think one of the lowest) which worries me a bit.
What's your opinion of the low ranking?
I'm not from the UK so it's definitely less convenient to get a tour(: I'm leaning towards UCL at the moment due to several factors. I like the hazard management specialization but looking at the CUG ranking students at UCL ranked extremely low for their career prospects (I think one of the lowest) which worries me a bit.
What's your opinion of the low ranking?
UCL tends to have low employment in the earth sciences dept due to the fact that the course is a very academic course and not tailored to employment as much. So you notice that a lot of graduates went on to further study. However I don't think it would impact you particularly when getting a job, as long as you've done stuff during your degree. So if you particularly like the course and the specialism then u would say go for it.
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What are everybody's thoughts on Edinburgh vs Durham?
Original post by Lance Jack
Yep! Haha thank you! I'm going to need it :/ will do
Original post by yuenex
honestly im not man.....had ISAs this week and just started revising some physical geog in case they ask :/ wbu?
How did it go guys? And what did you think?...
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Original post by FlyHigh_er
Ah. To be completely honest I was slightly disappointed. The campus was alright but I wasn't really feeling the vibe. Maybe because it was a Saturday? I think I preferred Leeds in some ways, Leeds SU was much better and so was the accommodation. And I think I preferred the department at Leeds a tiny bit more. Having said that Manchester's reputation blows Leeds out the water.
As for the interview, it was weird! None of questions I expected.
Nevertheless, he offered me a place straight away at the end of the interview. Weirdly not many others got the offer straight away, most people I asked said they said they'd get a reply within a few weeks. So I suppose that's a good thing! The offer was slightly higher than I expected (AAB) so it puts it level with my offer from Leeds grade wise.
Funny thing was, I didn't go up to and talk to our friend Andrew (yuenx) till the end of the day when we were all about to leave because I actually didn't really see him around. Wouldn't have recognised him if he didn't put a picture of himself as his display picture here on student room haha.
I quite liked the city centre but all in all it was meh. In a nutshell, I'm a very confused man!
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(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by Lance Jack
x
Really, lool
your interviewer must have been weird, mine asked me all those questions plus the one you got asked. Well, I can tell you'll end up going Leeds, that's cool! I've found another geology applicant, international, they're trying to decide between Bristol Leeds and Ed.
It's supposed to be AAB for the MSci?
I actually loved Manchester, I suppose it's just one of those things, everyone will feel differently about each uni. Truss, it made me confused as well, I didn't prefer either of my unis so it was just a gut feeling, and even that wasn't strong.
How did he find it??
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(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by FlyHigh_er
Really, lool your interviewer must have been weird, mine asked me all those questions plus the one you got asked.
Well, I can tell you'll end up going Leeds, that's cool! I've found another geology applicant, international, they're trying to decide between Bristol Leeds and Ed.
It's supposed to be AAB for the MSci?
I actually loved Manchester, I suppose it's just one of those things, everyone will feel differently about each uni. Truss, it made me confused as well, I didn't prefer either of my unis so it was just a gut feeling, and even that wasn't strong.
How did he find it??
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your interviewer must have been weird, mine asked me all those questions plus the one you got asked.Well, I can tell you'll end up going Leeds, that's cool! I've found another geology applicant, international, they're trying to decide between Bristol Leeds and Ed.
It's supposed to be AAB for the MSci?
I actually loved Manchester, I suppose it's just one of those things, everyone will feel differently about each uni. Truss, it made me confused as well, I didn't prefer either of my unis so it was just a gut feeling, and even that wasn't strong.
How did he find it??
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Honestly I don't know where I'll end up going.
Well yes but it's because I do a BTEC and 2 A-Levels and top unis don't really value them as much as a-levels so they tend to push the a-level grade up one. I was disappointed it wasn't ABB as is the typical offer but I'm going to email them tomorrow asking if I'll be allowed a bit of leniency if I fall a bit short grade wise. Leeds said they'll accept me with ABB if I firm. Honestly I think Manchester was alright but it failed to reach my expectations. What did you like about Manchester?
A big factor is this year in industry thing which I defo want to do! Its part of the course at Leeds but they don't sort of confirm the placement for you rather you have to go out and seek it but with their help. Manchester said they could help me with it too but it's a bit unlikely. What I'm thinking is, if I end up going Leeds and don't manage to get a work placement then I would've wasted the chance of going to Manchester, a uni with a better reputation and better links to industry.
Well he said he quite liked it and he was probs going to insure it.
(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by Lance Jack
Honestly I don't know where I'll end up going.
Well yes but it's because I do a BTEC and 2 A-Levels and top unis don't really value them as much as a-levels so they tend to push the a-level grade up one. I was disappointed it wasn't ABB as is the typical offer but I'm going to email them tomorrow asking if I'll be allowed a bit of leniency if I fall a bit short grade wise. Leeds said they'll accept me with ABB if I firm. Honestly I think Manchester was alright but it failed to reach my expectations. What did you like about Manchester?
A big factor is this year in industry thing which I defo want to do! Its part of the course at Leeds but they don't sort of confirm the placement for you rather you have to go out and seek it but with their help. Manchester said they could help me with it too but it's a bit unlikely. What I'm thinking is, if I end up going Leeds and don't manage to get a work placement then I would've wasted the chance of going to Manchester, a uni with a better reputation and better links to industry.
Well he said he quite liked it and he was probs going to insure it.
Well yes but it's because I do a BTEC and 2 A-Levels and top unis don't really value them as much as a-levels so they tend to push the a-level grade up one. I was disappointed it wasn't ABB as is the typical offer but I'm going to email them tomorrow asking if I'll be allowed a bit of leniency if I fall a bit short grade wise. Leeds said they'll accept me with ABB if I firm. Honestly I think Manchester was alright but it failed to reach my expectations. What did you like about Manchester?
A big factor is this year in industry thing which I defo want to do! Its part of the course at Leeds but they don't sort of confirm the placement for you rather you have to go out and seek it but with their help. Manchester said they could help me with it too but it's a bit unlikely. What I'm thinking is, if I end up going Leeds and don't manage to get a work placement then I would've wasted the chance of going to Manchester, a uni with a better reputation and better links to industry.
Well he said he quite liked it and he was probs going to insure it.
You seemed more enthusiastic coming from Leeds and even Bristol. Which are you considering?
I loved the atmosphere at Manchester, it was the same at Bristol to be honest, that's why I couldn't decide. The lecturers were really lovely and they showed us their work and the facilities. It was nice and bug, the building was felt open even though the corridors were quite narrow. I liked the atmosphere, it may be different for you. I think if you didn't get a gut feeling but are torn between two you need to find something aside from industry links to base it on since you might get other opportunities at the one with less links that may benefit/lead you to something else that you would like. Plus, since you want to do a masters it wouldn't matter as much if you're doing the four year course then going into work.
Most students doing geology get an internship the summer of their second and third years, therefore don't let that persuade you, you can't get a job in the industry without at least one internship or summer scheme. The students at Manchester said so.
I think you should just take the time to think which one you deep down preferred the atmosphere at. It took me some time to firm Bristol but the city and the larger quantity of maths in volcanology (which is my excuse for picking it since I didn't prefer either) called me. You just have to find something minute to justify either way.
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(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by FlyHigh_er
You seemed more enthusiastic coming from Leeds and even Bristol. Which are you considering?
I loved the atmosphere at Manchester, it was the same at Bristol to be honest, that's why I couldn't decide. The lecturers were really lovely and they showed us their work and the facilities. It was nice and bug, the building was felt open even though the corridors were quite narrow. I liked the atmosphere, it may be different for you. I think if you didn't get a gut feeling but are torn between two you need to find something aside from industry links to base it on since you might get other opportunities at the one with less links that may benefit/lead you to something else that you would like. Plus, since you want to do a masters it wouldn't matter as much if you're doing the four year course then going into work.
Most students doing geology get an internship the summer of their second and third years, therefore don't let that persuade you, you can't get a job in the industry without at least one internship or summer scheme. The students at Manchester said so.
I think you should just take the time to think which one you deep down preferred the atmosphere at. It took me some time to firm Bristol but the city and the larger quantity of maths in volcanology (which is my excuse for picking it since I didn't prefer either) called me. You just have to find something minute to justify either way.
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I loved the atmosphere at Manchester, it was the same at Bristol to be honest, that's why I couldn't decide. The lecturers were really lovely and they showed us their work and the facilities. It was nice and bug, the building was felt open even though the corridors were quite narrow. I liked the atmosphere, it may be different for you. I think if you didn't get a gut feeling but are torn between two you need to find something aside from industry links to base it on since you might get other opportunities at the one with less links that may benefit/lead you to something else that you would like. Plus, since you want to do a masters it wouldn't matter as much if you're doing the four year course then going into work.
Most students doing geology get an internship the summer of their second and third years, therefore don't let that persuade you, you can't get a job in the industry without at least one internship or summer scheme. The students at Manchester said so.
I think you should just take the time to think which one you deep down preferred the atmosphere at. It took me some time to firm Bristol but the city and the larger quantity of maths in volcanology (which is my excuse for picking it since I didn't prefer either) called me. You just have to find something minute to justify either way.
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Leeds and Manchester. I really liked Bristol uni but it was just the city that put me off. Couldn't see myself living there. Was your interview on a weekend too? Well before Saturday my gut feeling was Manchester but after seeing it I have no idea. What I did like about Manchester was the study abroad for a semester thing.
Really? I just think the year in industry would be great for employment after graduating since you've got the whole years worth of experience rather than just a few months. And my plan was to do my Bsc with the work placement after 2nd year, then Msc after that and finally going into work.
Well I honestly think I'd have a better time at Manchester and since its got such a great international reputation I'd benefit when applying for jobs abroad. Yeah you're right haha. Going to be a tough one!
Original post by Lance Jack
Leeds and Manchester. I really liked Bristol uni but it was just the city that put me off. Couldn't see myself living there. Was your interview on a weekend too? Well before Saturday my gut feeling was Manchester but after seeing it I have no idea. What I did like about Manchester was the study abroad for a semester thing.
Really? I just think the year in industry would be great for employment after graduating since you've got the whole years worth of experience rather than just a few months. And my plan was to do my Bsc with the work placement after 2nd year, then Msc after that and finally going into work.
Well I honestly think I'd have a better time at Manchester and since its got such a great international reputation I'd benefit when applying for jobs abroad. Yeah you're right haha. Going to be a tough one!
Really? I just think the year in industry would be great for employment after graduating since you've got the whole years worth of experience rather than just a few months. And my plan was to do my Bsc with the work placement after 2nd year, then Msc after that and finally going into work.
Well I honestly think I'd have a better time at Manchester and since its got such a great international reputation I'd benefit when applying for jobs abroad. Yeah you're right haha. Going to be a tough one!
Aha, Bristol is alit different from Manchester, Bristol feels half town half city. Probably why I liked it XD
Yup, mine was on the weekend. Yes, I liked that if I did the 4 yr course I could study abroad for a year, but I've talked to the admissions tutors at Bristol and I can do it at Bristol too. I suppose the problem is Manchester's employment. It just blows every other uni out that makes it hard to let go of.
I think the year in industry would be great as well but I mean don't let it sway you too much as you will have the opportunity to do internships and that otherwise. 5 years is long...
however could be worth it. At least you've narrowed it down to two. You just have to find a differential.
Is that all the unis you've been to now?
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Original post by FlyHigh_er
heey sorry for the late reply (been a bit busy and lazy :P)
for me the campus looks really nice and spread out, especially the University Place building which is so modern! the lecture halls were on another league on the other unis i've been to. saw a few familiar faces that also went to UCL but were in the other group lool.
Manchester really boasted about their links within the industry and their reputation..made me like it more haha. also the majority of the lecturers have a really good background (such as publishing books) the interview was a bit weird since i was expecting the lecturer to ask me loads of questions. It was alright i just babbled on for a long time. lasted for 20 minutes but i didnt feel like i had an interview..more like a chat lool. talking about interview I think i was just pushing towards the formal side, but there was one guy in a suit (and he sounded stuck up :/)
we only saw some of the department since we didn't have enough time, wasn't modern but wasn't too old either.
Original post by Lance Jack
Funny thing was, I didn't go up to and talk to our friend Andrew (yuenx) till the end of the day when we were all about to leave because I actually didn't really see him around. Wouldn't have recognised him if he didn't put a picture of himself as his display picture here on student room haha.
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Funny thing was, I didn't go up to and talk to our friend Andrew (yuenx) till the end of the day when we were all about to leave because I actually didn't really see him around. Wouldn't have recognised him if he didn't put a picture of himself as his display picture here on student room haha.
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from the start of the day i was actually trying to figure out who Jack was, since I didn't know what he looked like I just pictured him wearing a shirt and jumper (said on the forum). however a few matched the description lool. only saw him at the end when we were about to leave!
Manchester offers what London does but is way cheaper to live...however I didn't feel the London vibe which i like :/
for some reason i liked the UCL open day; staff and students were friendly and nice, got a chance to visit the department and the area (including accommodation). students said that the department is soon going to be moved to a newer block which is good
. the downside were the job outlooks, but i'm planning to do a Masters elsewhere anyways so hopefully it won't affect me as much! I still like the UCL feel but I believe the department in Manchester is better (compared to other unis as well). they haven't given me an offer yet but i'm pretty sure i'll be insuring it (if they give me an ABB offer that is).
(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by Lance Jack
What I did like about Manchester was the study abroad for a semester thing.
I asked about studying abroad for a semester on a BSc course and the lecturer said it would be difficult to do, but one person who's studying there is doing it. :/ (I wanted to study abroad too)
Original post by yuenex
x
It was all the same for me as well but you guys' interviews seemed so informal whereas mine was not too formal but we didn't do much chatting.
Is that all your offers then? And where will you firm if you insure Manchester? It's weird that you thought UCL was friendlier, for me Manchester was way more. In fact I felt kind of bored at UCL but I think that's why you really have to go and see a uni before choosing
Yah he told me XD me and Decharrl and political cake didn't meet although we went to UCL together.
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(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by FlyHigh_er
It was all the same for me as well but you guys' interviews seemed so informal whereas mine was not too formal but we didn't do much chatting.
Is that all your offers then? And where will you firm if you insure Manchester? It's weird that you thought UCL was friendlier, for me Manchester was way more. In fact I felt kind of bored at UCL but I think that's why you really have to go and see a uni before choosing
Yah he told me XD me and Decharrl and political cake didn't meet although we went to UCL together.
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Is that all your offers then? And where will you firm if you insure Manchester? It's weird that you thought UCL was friendlier, for me Manchester was way more. In fact I felt kind of bored at UCL but I think that's why you really have to go and see a uni before choosing
Yah he told me XD me and Decharrl and political cake didn't meet although we went to UCL together.
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Well yeah i've got all my offers except Manchester..and I probably will be firming UCL. UCL because it's London so I can live at home so it would be way cheaper for me (didn't like the accommodation tbh). I kinda like their research on geohazards..but I want to go into the petroleum industry as well :O ....but then again Manchester's reputation is too OP !
......still would've preferred a year abroad
(edited 10 years ago)
I've been away from here for a while but I've been watching the discussions. I just thought I'd give you all an update. I've decided to firm UCL and insure Leicester. Although I didn't have a gut feeling at either of these I was just getting fed up of being torn and stressing about it so I just bit the bullet and made a decision. It might have been the wrong decision but I guess I won't find out now until September! 
I'm a little worried about UCL's employment stats but the way I see it is if you're proactive about finding placements and applying for jobs then there's no reason why the uni you went to would be an obstacle.
I'll most probably do my masters at a different uni once I've decided what I want to specialise in although hazard management is appealing to me at the minute!
I'm a little worried about UCL's employment stats but the way I see it is if you're proactive about finding placements and applying for jobs then there's no reason why the uni you went to would be an obstacle.
I'll most probably do my masters at a different uni once I've decided what I want to specialise in although hazard management is appealing to me at the minute!
Has anyone tried switching from Bsc to MSci (in particular for Imperial and UCL)? How did it go? My indecisiveness is causing me to doubt my course selections orz
(And no, I still haven't decided which one to firm, which is a huge torture.)
(And no, I still haven't decided which one to firm, which is a huge torture.)
Original post by Addehhh
Has anyone tried switching from Bsc to MSci (in particular for Imperial and UCL)? How did it go? My indecisiveness is causing me to doubt my course selections orz
(And no, I still haven't decided which one to firm, which is a huge torture.)
(And no, I still haven't decided which one to firm, which is a huge torture.)
At Bristol they said I can change on enrolment, I think most unis, including ucl, they said at the visit day, have there's free movement between the courses so it doesn't matter which you're on.
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