Durham, Southampton, Essex or Kent?
Hello,
I'm planning to study psychology in September and can't decide between these four universities. I know Durham is the most prestigious - but it's applied psychology in Stockton, which I've heard terrible things about. Essex is lowest in the league tables, but the course seems the most interesting to me, and Colchester seems like a nice place to live (with rent in the towers being very reasonable). Kent and Southampton seem okay on both course content, ranking and area. So what's more important - prestige and prospects, or environment and nightlife?
I'm planning to study psychology in September and can't decide between these four universities. I know Durham is the most prestigious - but it's applied psychology in Stockton, which I've heard terrible things about. Essex is lowest in the league tables, but the course seems the most interesting to me, and Colchester seems like a nice place to live (with rent in the towers being very reasonable). Kent and Southampton seem okay on both course content, ranking and area. So what's more important - prestige and prospects, or environment and nightlife?
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Original post by sammy93
Hello,
I'm planning to study psychology in September and can't decide between these four universities. I know Durham is the most prestigious - but it's applied psychology in Stockton, which I've heard terrible things about. Essex is lowest in the league tables, but the course seems the most interesting to me, and Colchester seems like a nice place to live (with rent in the towers being very reasonable). Kent and Southampton seem okay on both course content, ranking and area. So what's more important - prestige and prospects, or environment and nightlife?
I'm planning to study psychology in September and can't decide between these four universities. I know Durham is the most prestigious - but it's applied psychology in Stockton, which I've heard terrible things about. Essex is lowest in the league tables, but the course seems the most interesting to me, and Colchester seems like a nice place to live (with rent in the towers being very reasonable). Kent and Southampton seem okay on both course content, ranking and area. So what's more important - prestige and prospects, or environment and nightlife?
What is most important is visiting these universities and seeing how you feel about each one. You will most likely get a homely feeling about one where you can see yourself being. People just get caught up in the prestige and end up regretting it, I mean look at the upheaval of people regretting Cambridge because they are suffering from the work load, they just went for the status of the university. Go somewhere where you get the right feel and the course suits you most
Its also worth looking at how units are assessed. I know a lot of unis use multiple choice tests which are just boring and lazy (on the part of the department), for mine we always did things like class essays/examed essays and research projects that you can choose your self in the second and third year. I think this matters more than whether there is a module in something your are interested in (like clinical psychology) since overall most degrees are pretty similar (at least in the first two years!)
So yeh ditto with the person above, you don't want to be in a place you will regret for 3 years (although i might as well add that oxbridge has one of the lowest drop out rates suggesting that people don't regret going there).
So yeh ditto with the person above, you don't want to be in a place you will regret for 3 years (although i might as well add that oxbridge has one of the lowest drop out rates suggesting that people don't regret going there).
Agreed with both of the above - have a look at the websites for the courses and see what you think of them, and try to visit them and see what you think about them when you look round. I had a look around Southampton Uni and decided I really didn't like it, but when I visited Kent I loved it and it ended up being my firm choice.
As iammichaeljackson said, overall most Psychology degrees are broadly similar at last in the first couple of years, in order to meet the requirements to be BPS accredited. So it's worth looking into the potential modules offered in the final year, the types of assessments used, and the types of research the university does to see what their specialisms are.
I think course content is more important than prestige, so go for the course best suited to your interests. What is it about the course content at Essex that appeals to you most?
As iammichaeljackson said, overall most Psychology degrees are broadly similar at last in the first couple of years, in order to meet the requirements to be BPS accredited. So it's worth looking into the potential modules offered in the final year, the types of assessments used, and the types of research the university does to see what their specialisms are.
I think course content is more important than prestige, so go for the course best suited to your interests. What is it about the course content at Essex that appeals to you most?
Original post by sammy93
Hello,
I'm planning to study psychology in September and can't decide between these four universities. I know Durham is the most prestigious - but it's applied psychology in Stockton, which I've heard terrible things about. Essex is lowest in the league tables, but the course seems the most interesting to me, and Colchester seems like a nice place to live (with rent in the towers being very reasonable). Kent and Southampton seem okay on both course content, ranking and area. So what's more important - prestige and prospects, or environment and nightlife?
I'm planning to study psychology in September and can't decide between these four universities. I know Durham is the most prestigious - but it's applied psychology in Stockton, which I've heard terrible things about. Essex is lowest in the league tables, but the course seems the most interesting to me, and Colchester seems like a nice place to live (with rent in the towers being very reasonable). Kent and Southampton seem okay on both course content, ranking and area. So what's more important - prestige and prospects, or environment and nightlife?
Hello, I'm an international student who has also applied for Durham Applied Psychology in Stockton. So I wanted to ask why and how is it terrible or what have you heard exactly? Thank you very much.
Original post by Emre944
Hello, I'm an international student who has also applied for Durham Applied Psychology in Stockton. So I wanted to ask why and how is it terrible or what have you heard exactly? Thank you very much.
It's not terrible (I've visited), people just think it's terrible because it is part of Durham university but it's not actually in Durham city
Also applying for psychology at Durham, but not applied. However, I'm from Middlesbrough (which is adjacent to Stockton) and know Stockton pretty well. If you were unsure about Stockton as a place, I'd be happy to answer any questions. As for the course I still think it is highly regarded, but targeted less towards post graduate study. Tbh I know very little about the applied course lol.
Still, I cannot deny Stockton's rough reputation, but it's not as bad as people make out. That and there is (supposedly) a free shuttle bus for Durham students running between Stockton and Durham every 20 minutes, so if you ever wanted to nip off to Durham it wouldn't be hard.
Still, I cannot deny Stockton's rough reputation, but it's not as bad as people make out. That and there is (supposedly) a free shuttle bus for Durham students running between Stockton and Durham every 20 minutes, so if you ever wanted to nip off to Durham it wouldn't be hard.
Original post by Boro123
Also applying for psychology at Durham, but not applied. However, I'm from Middlesbrough (which is adjacent to Stockton) and know Stockton pretty well. If you were unsure about Stockton as a place, I'd be happy to answer any questions. As for the course I still think it is highly regarded, but targeted less towards post graduate study. Tbh I know very little about the applied course lol.
Still, I cannot deny Stockton's rough reputation, but it's not as bad as people make out. That and there is (supposedly) a free shuttle bus for Durham students running between Stockton and Durham every 20 minutes, so if you ever wanted to nip off to Durham it wouldn't be hard.
Still, I cannot deny Stockton's rough reputation, but it's not as bad as people make out. That and there is (supposedly) a free shuttle bus for Durham students running between Stockton and Durham every 20 minutes, so if you ever wanted to nip off to Durham it wouldn't be hard.
Could you be more specific? What kind of rough reputation? Academic success or campus location or facilities wise? Thank you.
Certainly. Stockton on Tees has a rough reputation as a town. Highest teen pregnancy rate in Europe, high unemployment, drugs etc. Personally, I think there are worse places in the world, eg London. It just has a dodgy reputation in the local area, some of it deserved and some of it not.
As for the colleges in Stockton, they are still part of Durham University and can therefore be held in high esteem. I've passed Stockton campus a few times and the buildings are MUCH newer than much of Durham's facilities, so some may regard that as a positive aspect of Queens.
If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them. I'm much better at answering at exact questions.
As for the colleges in Stockton, they are still part of Durham University and can therefore be held in high esteem. I've passed Stockton campus a few times and the buildings are MUCH newer than much of Durham's facilities, so some may regard that as a positive aspect of Queens.
If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them. I'm much better at answering at exact questions.
Original post by Boro123
Certainly. Stockton on Tees has a rough reputation as a town. Highest teen pregnancy rate in Europe, high unemployment, drugs etc. Personally, I think there are worse places in the world, eg London. It just has a dodgy reputation in the local area, some of it deserved and some of it not.
As for the colleges in Stockton, they are still part of Durham University and can therefore be held in high esteem. I've passed Stockton campus a few times and the buildings are MUCH newer than much of Durham's facilities, so some may regard that as a positive aspect of Queens.
If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them. I'm much better at answering at exact questions.
As for the colleges in Stockton, they are still part of Durham University and can therefore be held in high esteem. I've passed Stockton campus a few times and the buildings are MUCH newer than much of Durham's facilities, so some may regard that as a positive aspect of Queens.
If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them. I'm much better at answering at exact questions.
How far is it to Durham City? Is the Queen's Campus too isolated? Basically what's there to do around there for students? Thank you.
Original post by Emre944
How far is it to Durham City? Is the Queen's Campus too isolated? Basically what's there to do around there for students? Thank you.
There is about 20-25 miles between Durham and Stockton, so I admit it's quite far out of town. I don't know if you would consider that too isolated or not, because Stockton is by no means dead. There are free shuttle buses (so I've heard) running between Queen's and Durham city every 20 minutes for Durham University students (including Queen's campus), but I imagine there is something as a divide. I don't know Queen's Campus too well, but considering that 2 colleges are based there I imagine there will be a good lot to do for students. There are a good few pubs and clubs in Stockton, so I can vouch there is quite a bit to do, and Middlesbrough is not far away either.
A lot of people complain about Durham night life, so I imagine Stockton may be a little better in that respect. Nothing on Newcastle of course, but at least on par with Durham. Is there anything you are particularly interested in at Queen's Campus?
Original post by Boro123
There is about 20-25 miles between Durham and Stockton, so I admit it's quite far out of town. I don't know if you would consider that too isolated or not, because Stockton is by no means dead. There are free shuttle buses (so I've heard) running between Queen's and Durham city every 20 minutes for Durham University students (including Queen's campus), but I imagine there is something as a divide. I don't know Queen's Campus too well, but considering that 2 colleges are based there I imagine there will be a good lot to do for students. There are a good few pubs and clubs in Stockton, so I can vouch there is quite a bit to do, and Middlesbrough is not far away either.
A lot of people complain about Durham night life, so I imagine Stockton may be a little better in that respect. Nothing on Newcastle of course, but at least on par with Durham. Is there anything you are particularly interested in at Queen's Campus?
A lot of people complain about Durham night life, so I imagine Stockton may be a little better in that respect. Nothing on Newcastle of course, but at least on par with Durham. Is there anything you are particularly interested in at Queen's Campus?
Well this is good to know, very helpful. I was wondering what sort of things you could do outside of campus and how active student life is there. Thanks a lot.
No problem. Whilst the majority of students are based in Durham City, there is still plenty to do in Stockton, so don't worry about that. I've read student reviews and have been told there is something of a divide Between Queen's students and City students, but there are still people to socialise with and friends to be made at both locations. I wouldn't feel bad about applying to Queen's at all.
Just out of curiosity, you said you were a foreign student. Where are you applying from and why to Durham?
Just out of curiosity, you said you were a foreign student. Where are you applying from and why to Durham?
Original post by Boro123
No problem. Whilst the majority of students are based in Durham City, there is still plenty to do in Stockton, so don't worry about that. I've read student reviews and have been told there is something of a divide Between Queen's students and City students, but there are still people to socialise with and friends to be made at both locations. I wouldn't feel bad about applying to Queen's at all.
Just out of curiosity, you said you were a foreign student. Where are you applying from and why to Durham?
Just out of curiosity, you said you were a foreign student. Where are you applying from and why to Durham?
I'm from Turkey. Durham was my first choice mainy because of it's reputation and prestige, so I hadn't cared much for anything else as long as it was Durham. It was after I received an offer from there that I started worrying about the campus's location and etc. . Did you apply for a certain college?
Original post by Emre944
I'm from Turkey. Durham was my first choice mainy because of it's reputation and prestige, so I hadn't cared much for anything else as long as it was Durham. It was after I received an offer from there that I started worrying about the campus's location and etc. . Did you apply for a certain college?
Turkey- that's interesting
To be honest, I'm really pleased you thought Durham had a great reputation. Whilst it is highly regarded within the UK, other universities are better known internationally and are regarded with more prestige. Whilst I did not base my choice on this, it's a nice bonus to be at a respected institution. I applied for Trevelayn college, and I'm very happy with my choice! Small, friendly, academic, musical, cheep beer, fantastic! I assume you have applied to one of the Queen's colleges? Also, why applied Psychology instead of the standard course in Durham City? The different courses do confuse me a bit, as they seem quite similar in some respects (although applied students apparently do more vocational work).
Original post by Boro123
Turkey- that's interesting To be honest, I'm really pleased you thought Durham had a great reputation. Whilst it is highly regarded within the UK, other universities are better known internationally and are regarded with more prestige. Whilst I did not base my choice on this, it's a nice bonus to be at a respected institution.
I applied for Trevelayn college, and I'm very happy with my choice! Small, friendly, academic, musical, cheep beer, fantastic! I assume you have applied to one of the Queen's colleges? Also, why applied Psychology instead of the standard course in Durham City? The different courses do confuse me a bit, as they seem quite similar in some respects (although applied students apparently do more vocational work).
To be honest, I'm really pleased you thought Durham had a great reputation. Whilst it is highly regarded within the UK, other universities are better known internationally and are regarded with more prestige. Whilst I did not base my choice on this, it's a nice bonus to be at a respected institution. I applied for Trevelayn college, and I'm very happy with my choice! Small, friendly, academic, musical, cheep beer, fantastic! I assume you have applied to one of the Queen's colleges? Also, why applied Psychology instead of the standard course in Durham City? The different courses do confuse me a bit, as they seem quite similar in some respects (although applied students apparently do more vocational work).
I went with Stockton(Open), guess I'll know on 22nd January which college I've been allocated to. Applied Psychology seemed more contemporary than conventional psychology, since it focused on the applications of psychology. I also have to do a foundation year because I didn't take biology throughout most of high school and apparently that's considered a key element for psychology undergraduate programmes in the UK. Frankly I might have chosen psychology instead of applied if there was a foundation year for that, but oh well.
Original post by sammy93
Hello,
I'm planning to study psychology in September and can't decide between these four universities. I know Durham is the most prestigious - but it's applied psychology in Stockton, which I've heard terrible things about. Essex is lowest in the league tables, but the course seems the most interesting to me, and Colchester seems like a nice place to live (with rent in the towers being very reasonable). Kent and Southampton seem okay on both course content, ranking and area. So what's more important - prestige and prospects, or environment and nightlife?
I'm planning to study psychology in September and can't decide between these four universities. I know Durham is the most prestigious - but it's applied psychology in Stockton, which I've heard terrible things about. Essex is lowest in the league tables, but the course seems the most interesting to me, and Colchester seems like a nice place to live (with rent in the towers being very reasonable). Kent and Southampton seem okay on both course content, ranking and area. So what's more important - prestige and prospects, or environment and nightlife?
Hey,
I completed my BSc in Psychology and my PhD at Kent University.
It's a great place for psychology- great resources, leading psychological expertise etc etc. The university and canterbury itself is picturisque and rather leafy.
Feel free to answer questions........
Original post by Emre944
I went with Stockton(Open), guess I'll know on 22nd January which college I've been allocated to. Applied Psychology seemed more contemporary than conventional psychology, since it focused on the applications of psychology. I also have to do a foundation year because I didn't take biology throughout most of high school and apparently that's considered a key element for psychology undergraduate programmes in the UK. Frankly I might have chosen psychology instead of applied if there was a foundation year for that, but oh well.
I'm surprised you had to take a foundation year. Whilst Psychology is rooted in biology, many applicants don't do science A-Levels, so I'm surprised they expect the same of you. Saying that, studying sciences and maths are a big help in psychology.
I can understand where your coming from in terms of application, but I still think the Durham standard course is contemporary. Lot of research-led teaching and new concepts being tackled etc. Of course, the applied psychology will be more bothered about applicable treatments and the sort, but I'd still say the Durham course has applicability in an academic sense.
Not long till we hear back about colleges! I imagine if you have an offer at Queen's you will certainly be allocated a college there. Would you prefer a certain college in particular?
Original post by Boro123
I'm surprised you had to take a foundation year. Whilst Psychology is rooted in biology, many applicants don't do science A-Levels, so I'm surprised they expect the same of you. Saying that, studying sciences and maths are a big help in psychology.
I can understand where your coming from in terms of application, but I still think the Durham standard course is contemporary. Lot of research-led teaching and new concepts being tackled etc. Of course, the applied psychology will be more bothered about applicable treatments and the sort, but I'd still say the Durham course has applicability in an academic sense.
Not long till we hear back about colleges! I imagine if you have an offer at Queen's you will certainly be allocated a college there. Would you prefer a certain college in particular?
I can understand where your coming from in terms of application, but I still think the Durham standard course is contemporary. Lot of research-led teaching and new concepts being tackled etc. Of course, the applied psychology will be more bothered about applicable treatments and the sort, but I'd still say the Durham course has applicability in an academic sense.
Not long till we hear back about colleges! I imagine if you have an offer at Queen's you will certainly be allocated a college there. Would you prefer a certain college in particular?
No, not that many choices anyway, only two and they don't seem to differ that much up to this point. Colleges based in Durham City seem more endemic when compared as of living quarters, lodgings, etc. unlike the ones in Stockton.
Original post by Boro123
I've read student reviews and have been told there is something of a divide Between Queen's students and City students, but there are still people to socialise with and friends to be made at both locations. I wouldn't feel bad about applying to Queen's at all.
I did psych at Durham. I think I met someone doing the applied course once, maybe ....
We drove there once for a talk. It felt like going to another country, usually you can walk everywhere in Durham
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