What is the University of Bath reputation like?

Got an offer to study Politics and International Relations at Bath and I was wondering how good their ranking/prestige is compared to RG universities (Exeter, Manchester etc.)

From what I've seen they have a very strong domestic reputation but a much weaker international reputation, why would that be? And as someone who seeks to work internationally after University, would this hold me back when I could alternatively go to Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham who all seem to do better in International rankings?

Thanks

I've seen this a lot, Universities ranking differently on international lists compared to eachother than on national lists.

Nationality Bath are in the top 10 percent, however internationaly they are in the top 20. International lists have a much larger sample size and are aimed at international students, so also take into account popularity and how well known the university or city is.

I'm guessing that as you care about international rankings you might be an international student?

Bath and Bristol would probably be considered the same in the UK for this subject. Bristol is stronger overall but I believe Politics is an area of strength for Bath.

In terms of international opportunities, i don't really see any situation where going to one would advantage or disadvantage you over the other.

Reputation is a pretty nebulous quality to be basing your decision on where to study a degree...that said, Bath is very well regarded in the UK. You would however be better off making the decision based on the course content and more concrete things such as quality of life, cost of living and such.

Most people outside the UK won't know any of those universities specifically and will just vaguely nod along when you mention it because they've heard of the city. Only really Oxbridge/Imperial/LSE are actually specifically known otherwise...even UCL isn't really that widely known. That said, you can work internationally but be employed by a UK firm, or work for a MNC internationally but still be assessed and interviewed by UK based recruiters...so "international reputation" (or lack thereof) isn't even necessarily that relevant/important.

Got an offer to study Politics and International Relations at Bath and I was wondering how good their ranking/prestige is compared to RG universities (Exeter, Manchester etc.)

From what I've seen they have a very strong domestic reputation but a much weaker international reputation, why would that be? And as someone who seeks to work internationally after University, would this hold me back when I could alternatively go to Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham who all seem to do better in International rankings?

Thanks

Got an offer to study Politics and International Relations at Bath and I was wondering how good their ranking/prestige is compared to RG universities (Exeter, Manchester etc.)

From what I've seen they have a very strong domestic reputation but a much weaker international reputation, why would that be? And as someone who seeks to work internationally after University, would this hold me back when I could alternatively go to Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham who all seem to do better in International rankings?

Thanks

Hey! I'm finishing Politics and IR at Bath. What I can tell you: it's a good course, although I've been hit with a couple strikes from staff and a global pandemic (woops); I actually went to Bristol for two months and hated it, because it wasn't a campus and the vibe is very different; reputation is what you make of the course, you'll have plenty of support to find internships and placements, so I wouldn't worry; Exeter is similar to Bath uni but without the city nor the access to London by train in an hour; Manchester is very different. Good uni but very different town experience! Bath is smaller and very safe while Manchester will be a larger city experience.

Thanks for the reply! Did you have the option to study abroad in the course?