Do you look at prestige/reputation for PhD applications?

As the question says.

OK so I get that obviously the most important factor is finding a supervisor to guide your research and often a department or a specific academic's reputation holds greater sway than say the overall reputation of the university. But do you look at the prestige of a university when applying for a PhD? As a graduate of both Oxford and Cambridge I would love to return to either university but I am limited by where I may be able to study part-time and ideally with funding.

So apart from those two and in line with my broad interests in Science/Business/Public Policy I'm looking at the following in addition to Oxbridge: Imperial, LSE, King's, UCL, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and then maybe more specifically for something business related Cranfield or the London Business School. I also wanted to consider LSHTM, St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin but I gathered the last two might not be great options at the PhD level.

Are those good places to do a PhD or are some seen as a "step down" from Oxbridge?

Hi @King_George_Weah

Thank you for your post. I am a student ambassador from Cranfield university and I would like to give you an overview of our School of management (Business school).

Cranfield School of Management offers world-leading full-time specialist master's courses designed with employers in mind. These courses combine teaching excellence with practical application, giving students a competitive edge. The diverse learning environment and extensive global alumni network provide opportunities for connections in various business sectors. Graduates from Cranfield School of Management secure senior roles with leading organizations, ensuring personal and professional development.

Cranfield university is located on a very peaceful place between Milton Keynes and Bedford, but still close to all amenities and with a connection to London (30 mins form Milton Keynes, and 40 mins from Bedford). There are plenty part time job opportunities at Cranfield university and many clubs you could become member of.

Do you have any additional questions?

Lucie
PhD Student
Student ambassador
Cranfield university

hi thanks for your reply.

Cranfield is a place I am keen on but I am put off by the fact that they don't seem to be supportive of offering funding to part-time students which is a big deal breaker for me. Is there anyone I can discuss this with?

I didn't care about any of this stuff to be honest. I suppose I sorta understand it when coming from those two gaffs, but ultimately a PhD researcher is training to go work in these places and it is a different thing - I went solely with my favoured supervisor, and this happily meant that I could stay close to home and continue with other responsibilities.

If I hadn't been able to do that, or if supervisor was elsewhere, I'd have postponed doing the PhD.

Nobody is arsed about where you did your PhD, they are arsed about you tekkers as a researcher and, increasingly, your quality as an educator. These things are demonstrated by publications and by the testimony of students (and some other, equally useless metrics), not by the name of the place on your certificate.

What can make a difference to how easy your ride is, is the level of resources a place has. Not all universities are created equal in this sense, and for me, oxford was one of the best in this regard. But largely, most decent institutions will have good library access and if your a STEM type, good, workable labs.

Interesting. I'm currently in the process of applying to do my Masters Degree. (accepted but just sorting out all the form filling needed) It is interesting how you state the importance should be regarding the resources an insitution has. I will be going to Worcester University, it has a large library, with an archive (something of particular interest to me) specialising in local history/culture/art. This is of importance to me, more so than prestige.