Hi all. Want to do a degree in maths. I have no previous degree. I will be applying with my record and reference from taking OU modules.
I'm led to believe that any university is possible if i do well enough in the ou modules, but I *think* the most competitive universities will take me a little longer as they might not accept credit transfer, or might ask me to take more OU modules to get in.
My priorities - teaching quality, friendly and down to earth atmosphere, at least a few other mature students, opportunity to get involved with research (or at least to meet people involved with research)
Not important- prestige, league tables, nightlife, links to high powered careers
Look, I am aware that reverse snobbery is a thing, and something I may be susceptible to given my experiences, but I really want to avoid phonies, sycophants, prestige whores, nepotism, gossip kings and queens and social climbers. If I am wrong to think that the most prestigious universities will have too many of those types, then I am happy to be told I'm wrong.
Longer term I'm interested in using applied maths possibly to research fields in life sciences, rather than researching pure maths.
I have half an eye on Dundee (heard about small class sizes and highly regarded for life sciences) and Lancaster (seems "nice" and friendly).
Thanks