Choosing a university for maths
Does anyone have any advice on choosing a university for a maths degree? I can't decide which universities to apply to, and I've been trying to decide for absolutely ages.
My predicted grades are A*AAB (Including A* in maths, A in further maths). What grade range do you reckon I should be looking at?
TIA
My predicted grades are A*AAB (Including A* in maths, A in further maths). What grade range do you reckon I should be looking at?
TIA
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Original post by AngelFever
Does anyone have any advice on choosing a university for a maths degree? I can't decide which universities to apply to, and I've been trying to decide for absolutely ages.
My predicted grades are A*AAB (Including A* in maths, A in further maths). What grade range do you reckon I should be looking at?
TIA
My predicted grades are A*AAB (Including A* in maths, A in further maths). What grade range do you reckon I should be looking at?
TIA
Most universities will accept you with those grades with the exception of some London universities (UCL, Imperial, maybe), Durham, Warwick (this could be wrong info, but those universities tend to want 2A*s).
I'd say, choose a university whose course content interests you. Choose one at the right distance from where you are - do you want the option to be able to easily travel home on weekends? Or would you rather be as far as possible? Choose a university with the right level of social for you - Bath, as far I know, is pretty dead on nightlife, whereas Bristol or UWE may have more of a party atmosphere. If you do drugs, go to the places where there are drugs. If you don't do drugs, avoid them. Choose a uni that has a good level of exam vs coursework for you - I know some people hate exams, and others who hate coursework. Talk to current students from any universities that particularly catch your eye - I have plenty of info about Bristol, as I go there. If you are tight on money, consider cost of living and rent prices for student accommodation. If you're into something really specific, you can probably find the uni which covers that. Are you particularly left or right wing? Some cities are more alt/liberal than others. Are you a POC looking for other people from similar cultures and upbringings? Look for universities which have people who you'll relate to.
Original post by AngelFever
Does anyone have any advice on choosing a university for a maths degree? I can't decide which universities to apply to, and I've been trying to decide for absolutely ages.
My predicted grades are A*AAB (Including A* in maths, A in further maths). What grade range do you reckon I should be looking at?
TIA
My predicted grades are A*AAB (Including A* in maths, A in further maths). What grade range do you reckon I should be looking at?
TIA
Have a think on the kind of place you wish to study. Do you want to be in a big or small city. Do you want to stay in London. Would you feel more comfortable on a campus or not. How close or far do you want to be from home. Is nightlife important to you. All universities will have some but bigger cities offer more. Are you interested in sports as the facilities vary.
For Maths ask yourself what type of Maths you are most interested in. Some universities specialise in things like statistics and in others there may be an emphasis on pure Maths. Have a look for the course that interests you. There is also the issue that some require STEP. Are you going to be taking this. Generally Imperial, Cambridge, Durham and Warwick require this and maybe a couple of others but most universities dont. I think with your predicted grades you could apply to anywhere else. It might be a good idea to have 1 choice at AAB as an insurance but in reality most universities other than the above will accept you with dropped grades anyway. Some universities make offers based on contextual conditions. This is worth looking into. If you meet the contextual conditions you will be entitled to a lower offer and a university who normally offer A*AA will offer you AAB.
If you are interested in London look at UCL and Kings. For Large cities Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham and Bristol. Liverpool offers slightly lower grades so is worth considering as an insurance. For smaller places look at the likes of Bath and Exeter. Lancaster offers slightly lower but they do not offer mechanics but are one of the best in the UK for Statistics.
Original post by DoNotMove
Most universities will accept you with those grades with the exception of some London universities (UCL, Imperial, maybe), Durham, Warwick (this could be wrong info, but those universities tend to want 2A*s).
I'd say, choose a university whose course content interests you. Choose one at the right distance from where you are - do you want the option to be able to easily travel home on weekends? Or would you rather be as far as possible? Choose a university with the right level of social for you - Bath, as far I know, is pretty dead on nightlife, whereas Bristol or UWE may have more of a party atmosphere. If you do drugs, go to the places where there are drugs. If you don't do drugs, avoid them. Choose a uni that has a good level of exam vs coursework for you - I know some people hate exams, and others who hate coursework. Talk to current students from any universities that particularly catch your eye - I have plenty of info about Bristol, as I go there. If you are tight on money, consider cost of living and rent prices for student accommodation. If you're into something really specific, you can probably find the uni which covers that. Are you particularly left or right wing? Some cities are more alt/liberal than others. Are you a POC looking for other people from similar cultures and upbringings? Look for universities which have people who you'll relate to.
I'd say, choose a university whose course content interests you. Choose one at the right distance from where you are - do you want the option to be able to easily travel home on weekends? Or would you rather be as far as possible? Choose a university with the right level of social for you - Bath, as far I know, is pretty dead on nightlife, whereas Bristol or UWE may have more of a party atmosphere. If you do drugs, go to the places where there are drugs. If you don't do drugs, avoid them. Choose a uni that has a good level of exam vs coursework for you - I know some people hate exams, and others who hate coursework. Talk to current students from any universities that particularly catch your eye - I have plenty of info about Bristol, as I go there. If you are tight on money, consider cost of living and rent prices for student accommodation. If you're into something really specific, you can probably find the uni which covers that. Are you particularly left or right wing? Some cities are more alt/liberal than others. Are you a POC looking for other people from similar cultures and upbringings? Look for universities which have people who you'll relate to.
How do you know which unis does a lot of drugs and which doesn’t?
Original post by Yazomi
How do you know which unis does a lot of drugs and which doesn’t?
https://thetab.com/uk/2017/03/30/most-popular-drugs-university-uk-36526 here's some reasonably accurate info. Basically, avoid Manchester & Bristol universities.
Original post by DoNotMove
https://thetab.com/uk/2017/03/30/most-popular-drugs-university-uk-36526 here's some reasonably accurate info. Basically, avoid Manchester & Bristol universities.
Wherever you go there will be people who take and dont take drugs. It really isnt a reason on why or not to choose university. Lack of welsh universities on here except Cardiff. Interesting to see Bristol fairly highly placed and Swansea not @McGinger comments please Chavs? Dump?
Original post by swanseajack1
Wherever you go there will be people who take and dont take drugs. It really isnt a reason on why or not to choose university. Lack of welsh universities on here except Cardiff. Interesting to see Bristol fairly highly placed and Swansea not @McGinger comments please Chavs? Dump?
Oh yeah, of course there are people who do and don't but if you want ket then considering Bristol is a good option, yknow. (should clarify that I don't do drugs, I go to Bristol because it's my local university).
Original post by DoNotMove
Oh yeah, of course there are people who do and don't but if you want ket then considering Bristol is a good option, yknow. (should clarify that I don't do drugs, I go to Bristol because it's my local university).
Drugs are available everywhere not just Bristol. It is fairly easy to get drugs in my village should people want them.
Spitballing a few good ones (based on course) for these grades:
Then it would be a matter of deciding whether you like the uni atmosphere and so on. But maths is a very diverse subject and offerings can differ (correlated with the university's research interests) considerably you should keep in mind the differences between each course. If you want to do a lot of options outside of maths, (or do a language) you should make sure the university would facilitate this.
I would say your choices should range A*AA-AAB/ABB personally (maybe an aspirational A*A*A choice if you like)
•
Warwick joint degrees (you will get an offer for straight maths with A*AA however)
•
Bath
•
UCL
•
Bristol
•
Lancaster
I would say your choices should range A*AA-AAB/ABB personally (maybe an aspirational A*A*A choice if you like)
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post by DoNotMove
Most universities will accept you with those grades with the exception of some London universities (UCL, Imperial, maybe), Durham, Warwick (this could be wrong info, but those universities tend to want 2A*s).
I'd say, choose a university whose course content interests you. Choose one at the right distance from where you are - do you want the option to be able to easily travel home on weekends? Or would you rather be as far as possible? Choose a university with the right level of social for you - Bath, as far I know, is pretty dead on nightlife, whereas Bristol or UWE may have more of a party atmosphere. If you do drugs, go to the places where there are drugs. If you don't do drugs, avoid them. Choose a uni that has a good level of exam vs coursework for you - I know some people hate exams, and others who hate coursework. Talk to current students from any universities that particularly catch your eye - I have plenty of info about Bristol, as I go there. If you are tight on money, consider cost of living and rent prices for student accommodation. If you're into something really specific, you can probably find the uni which covers that. Are you particularly left or right wing? Some cities are more alt/liberal than others. Are you a POC looking for other people from similar cultures and upbringings? Look for universities which have people who you'll relate to.
I'd say, choose a university whose course content interests you. Choose one at the right distance from where you are - do you want the option to be able to easily travel home on weekends? Or would you rather be as far as possible? Choose a university with the right level of social for you - Bath, as far I know, is pretty dead on nightlife, whereas Bristol or UWE may have more of a party atmosphere. If you do drugs, go to the places where there are drugs. If you don't do drugs, avoid them. Choose a uni that has a good level of exam vs coursework for you - I know some people hate exams, and others who hate coursework. Talk to current students from any universities that particularly catch your eye - I have plenty of info about Bristol, as I go there. If you are tight on money, consider cost of living and rent prices for student accommodation. If you're into something really specific, you can probably find the uni which covers that. Are you particularly left or right wing? Some cities are more alt/liberal than others. Are you a POC looking for other people from similar cultures and upbringings? Look for universities which have people who you'll relate to.
Thank you!
I’ve taken on your advice and narrowed down my list by distance. Do you know whether unis usually have the exams vs coursework bit on their websites or whether I’d have to email and ask? I’ve seen it on some but not many, but I may be looking in the wrong place. Does the max loan usually cover the cheapest accommodation at each uni? I think Bristol is a bit too far for me but thanks anyway.
Original post by swanseajack1
Have a think on the kind of place you wish to study. Do you want to be in a big or small city. Do you want to stay in London. Would you feel more comfortable on a campus or not. How close or far do you want to be from home. Is nightlife important to you. All universities will have some but bigger cities offer more. Are you interested in sports as the facilities vary.
For Maths ask yourself what type of Maths you are most interested in. Some universities specialise in things like statistics and in others there may be an emphasis on pure Maths. Have a look for the course that interests you. There is also the issue that some require STEP. Are you going to be taking this. Generally Imperial, Cambridge, Durham and Warwick require this and maybe a couple of others but most universities dont. I think with your predicted grades you could apply to anywhere else. It might be a good idea to have 1 choice at AAB as an insurance but in reality most universities other than the above will accept you with dropped grades anyway. Some universities make offers based on contextual conditions. This is worth looking into. If you meet the contextual conditions you will be entitled to a lower offer and a university who normally offer A*AA will offer you AAB.
For Maths ask yourself what type of Maths you are most interested in. Some universities specialise in things like statistics and in others there may be an emphasis on pure Maths. Have a look for the course that interests you. There is also the issue that some require STEP. Are you going to be taking this. Generally Imperial, Cambridge, Durham and Warwick require this and maybe a couple of others but most universities dont. I think with your predicted grades you could apply to anywhere else. It might be a good idea to have 1 choice at AAB as an insurance but in reality most universities other than the above will accept you with dropped grades anyway. Some universities make offers based on contextual conditions. This is worth looking into. If you meet the contextual conditions you will be entitled to a lower offer and a university who normally offer A*AA will offer you AAB.
No idea if I want to be in a big or small city so I’ll have to think on that but I do know I don’t want to be in London. I would probably prefer to be on campus and I’ve now narrowed down my list by distance.
I prefer pure Maths, don’t mind stats but absolutely hate mechanics. I’m not taking STEP so mostly likely won’t be applying to those that require it, but I am taking the TMUA. Also I do meet the contextual conditions at the majority of universities.
Thank you for this very detailed advice
Original post by swanseajack1
If you are interested in London look at UCL and Kings. For Large cities Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham and Bristol. Liverpool offers slightly lower grades so is worth considering as an insurance. For smaller places look at the likes of Bath and Exeter. Lancaster offers slightly lower but they do not offer mechanics but are one of the best in the UK for Statistics.
I’ll look into Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool & Lancaster. The others are too far for me but thank you.
Original post by _gcx
Spitballing a few good ones (based on course) for these grades:
Then it would be a matter of deciding whether you like the uni atmosphere and so on. But maths is a very diverse subject and offerings can differ (correlated with the university's research interests) considerably you should keep in mind the differences between each course. If you want to do a lot of options outside of maths, (or do a language) you should make sure the university would facilitate this.
I would say your choices should range A*AA-AAB/ABB personally (maybe an aspirational A*A*A choice if you like)
•
Warwick joint degrees (you will get an offer for straight maths with A*AA however)
•
Bath
•
UCL
•
Bristol
•
Lancaster
I would say your choices should range A*AA-AAB/ABB personally (maybe an aspirational A*A*A choice if you like)
I’ll look into Warwick & Lancaster, I think the others are too far for me.
Thanks for the grade range, that is really helpful.
Original post by AngelFever
No idea if I want to be in a big or small city so I’ll have to think on that but I do know I don’t want to be in London. I would probably prefer to be on campus and I’ve now narrowed down my list by distance.
I prefer pure Maths, don’t mind stats but absolutely hate mechanics. I’m not taking STEP so mostly likely won’t be applying to those that require it, but I am taking the TMUA. Also I do meet the contextual conditions at the majority of universities.
Thank you for this very detailed advice
I prefer pure Maths, don’t mind stats but absolutely hate mechanics. I’m not taking STEP so mostly likely won’t be applying to those that require it, but I am taking the TMUA. Also I do meet the contextual conditions at the majority of universities.
Thank you for this very detailed advice
Lancaster sounds ideal for you. No mechanics. I dont know if it has changed the first year used to be Maths, Stats and a subject of your choice. Campus university a couple of miles outside a small city. Where do you live and in what radius are you looking.
Original post by AngelFever
No idea if I want to be in a big or small city so I’ll have to think on that but I do know I don’t want to be in London. I would probably prefer to be on campus and I’ve now narrowed down my list by distance.
I prefer pure Maths, don’t mind stats but absolutely hate mechanics. I’m not taking STEP so mostly likely won’t be applying to those that require it, but I am taking the TMUA. Also I do meet the contextual conditions at the majority of universities.
Thank you for this very detailed advice
I prefer pure Maths, don’t mind stats but absolutely hate mechanics. I’m not taking STEP so mostly likely won’t be applying to those that require it, but I am taking the TMUA. Also I do meet the contextual conditions at the majority of universities.
Thank you for this very detailed advice
A couple of course worth looking into
York smallish historic city offer Maths and Stats course. A campus uni out of town.
Sheffield city centre uni offers a Maths and Stats course.
You now have a few places worth looking into York, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Lancaster and Liverpool are all up North. You could look at Birmingham, Warwick, Nottingham and Loughborough in the Midlands should you wish to travel further.
Durham could be used as your aspirational university but I believe require A*A*A and STEP.
Original post by AngelFever
Does anyone have any advice on choosing a university for a maths degree? I can't decide which universities to apply to, and I've been trying to decide for absolutely ages.
My predicted grades are A*AAB (Including A* in maths, A in further maths). What grade range do you reckon I should be looking at?
TIA
My predicted grades are A*AAB (Including A* in maths, A in further maths). What grade range do you reckon I should be looking at?
TIA
Hi @AngelFever,
I thought I'd get in touch on the off-chance that you would consider Loughborough University for Mathematics - you can find out more here. The BSc Mathematics degree equips you with the numerical abilities, logical thinking and analytical skills required to work in a diverse range of roles. If you would like to work as a professional mathematician in industry, commerce or higher education, or pursue a research career, then you may want to consider the MMath course.
Loughborough is a massive campus university and has a lovely family feel where students really do look out for each other. If you want to find out what it's really like to study here, register for our virtual open day and you can chat live to our academic staff and ask our students what their experience has been so far!
Do let me know if you have any questions.
Best wishes
Bindu
Original post by swanseajack1
Lancaster sounds ideal for you. No mechanics. I dont know if it has changed the first year used to be Maths, Stats and a subject of your choice. Campus university a couple of miles outside a small city. Where do you live and in what radius are you looking.
I’ve now booked onto Lancaster’s virtual open day so hopefully I can find out more then. I live roughly in the middle of West Yorkshire and am looking at about a 3 hour radius (roughly 150 miles).
Original post by swanseajack1
A couple of course worth looking into
York smallish historic city offer Maths and Stats course. A campus uni out of town.
Sheffield city centre uni offers a Maths and Stats course.
You now have a few places worth looking into York, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Lancaster and Liverpool are all up North. You could look at Birmingham, Warwick, Nottingham and Loughborough in the Midlands should you wish to travel further.
Durham could be used as your aspirational university but I believe require A*A*A and STEP.
York smallish historic city offer Maths and Stats course. A campus uni out of town.
Sheffield city centre uni offers a Maths and Stats course.
You now have a few places worth looking into York, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Lancaster and Liverpool are all up North. You could look at Birmingham, Warwick, Nottingham and Loughborough in the Midlands should you wish to travel further.
Durham could be used as your aspirational university but I believe require A*A*A and STEP.
I’ve attended York’s, Leeds’ & Nottingham’s virtual open days. Also I’ve booked onto Sheffield’s and Liverpool’s virtual open days. I’ll have a look into all the unis you’ve mentioned, thank you for all this help. I’ve just looked at Durham’s website and it says A*A*A or A*AA with a good score on an admission test, so maybe a bit too high but I'll look into it further.
Original post by Loughborough University
Hi @AngelFever,
I thought I'd get in touch on the off-chance that you would consider Loughborough University for Mathematics - you can find out more here. The BSc Mathematics degree equips you with the numerical abilities, logical thinking and analytical skills required to work in a diverse range of roles. If you would like to work as a professional mathematician in industry, commerce or higher education, or pursue a research career, then you may want to consider the MMath course.
Loughborough is a massive campus university and has a lovely family feel where students really do look out for each other. If you want to find out what it's really like to study here, register for our virtual open day and you can chat live to our academic staff and ask our students what their experience has been so far!
Do let me know if you have any questions.
Best wishes
Bindu
I thought I'd get in touch on the off-chance that you would consider Loughborough University for Mathematics - you can find out more here. The BSc Mathematics degree equips you with the numerical abilities, logical thinking and analytical skills required to work in a diverse range of roles. If you would like to work as a professional mathematician in industry, commerce or higher education, or pursue a research career, then you may want to consider the MMath course.
Loughborough is a massive campus university and has a lovely family feel where students really do look out for each other. If you want to find out what it's really like to study here, register for our virtual open day and you can chat live to our academic staff and ask our students what their experience has been so far!
Do let me know if you have any questions.
Best wishes
Bindu
Do you know how far the accommodation is from where the lectures take place?
Is Loughborough as sporty as people say? (I’m not very sporty)
I’ll book onto that virtual open day, thank you!
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