Durham Or Edinburgh: Computer Science

Anonymous #1

I have offers for both Durham (A*AA) and Edi (A*A*A*) but I am stuck on which to firm.
Advice please!!!

Reply 1

revisionblanc

Hello It really does depend on what you seek to gain from the university experience!
After speaking to my family, My cousin went to Edinburgh to study Finance and was not very satisfied by the course at all.
Edinburgh is a lovely location, city environment, great social status, and full of international students, however unfortunately you are having to complete an extra year of university - costs and time
Durham also ranks higher than Edinburgh and has great contacts - I would truly pick this one

Durham University

Durham

Original post by Anonymous

I have offers for both Durham (A*AA) and Edi (A*A*A*) but I am stuck on which to firm.
Advice please!!!

Hi there

Congratulations on securing both offers! I think these three considerations will be key in your decision:

1. Size of the city- Durham is far small compared to Edinburgh. There's not much to do outside of university like college events and societies except clubs and cafes. Newcastle is just 15 mins away and many students tend to go there when they want a big-city experience. But with Edinburgh you'd have that at your doorstep.

2. College or campus-based uni- From personal experience, I would definitely recommend the collegiate system. It offers a much more localised way for you to socialise and meet your kind of people, alongside a two-tier level of support in terms of welfare, finance and more. This is something absent from a campus-based uni. With colleges, you can also get involved in extra curriculars like music, dance, theatre, sports at a smaller level than the university-wide level which is attractive if you want to do these things but not be held back by the large competitive uni teams.

3. Course content- Have a look at the course pages for both unis and see if there are any particular differences that stick out to you. This may be in the form of some modules that are super attractive or the professors who teach the course. Look at what academic support is available at both. As for Durham, you get an academic advisor throughout your time at Durham who you can approach if you face any academic or personal problems and want advice. There's also DCAD- Durham Centre for Academic Development- which exists to help you study better. For instance, they can provide assistance if you're struggling to catch up with readings or take notes effectively during lectures or write good essays. Durham's also big on wellbeing. Colleges have dedicated welfare officers who you can approach to have a chat about ANYTHING that's bothering you (personal or academic) and regular wellbeing sessions are also held including free workout sessions.

Hope that provides some insight

-Himieka