This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

Which of these Universities would you go to for Maths..

Poll

Where would you go, purely in terms of the maths?

Based on what you know about maths at each of these universities, and how well regarded the course is to employers, where would you go if you had these five offers...

Southampton, Sussex, Surrey, Sheffield, Exeter.

Reply 1

marcusmerehay

I'm at Southampton currently (2nd Year), and as biased as I will be, it's a fantastic University. It specialises more in Pure than Applied Maths as far as I can gather, but my Masters is still likely to be an Applied course. The area itself is very nice too.

Personally I would have said that in that list you'd be looking moreso at Soton, Exeter and Sheffield than the other two, but even taking into account my bias I think I would still go for Southampton.

Reply 2

Pheylan

I voted Sheffield because it's the only one in your list that I applied to.

Reply 3

Chwirkytheappleboy

Apart from Sussex they're all about as good as each other, so just go to whichever one looks/sounds best to you when you visit them (I highly recommend you attend any open days / interviews you are invited to if you're considering the University)

Reply 4

K the Failure

marcusmerehay

I'm at Southampton currently (2nd Year), and as biased as I will be, it's a fantastic University.

But the building's really really ugly...

Reply 5

bennh

Exeter! Lovely place. Delectable teaching.

Reply 6

Chwirkytheappleboy

As you can see most people are just saying the University that they attend. In truth, the quality of education you'll receive will be largely similar, as will the degree you obtain, at any of the Universities. I'm afraid you'll have to make the decision for yourself

Reply 7

miaow.

Hmmnn I suppose Sheffield is 'better' (whatever that means) but I think it's the most depressing, horrible little city I've ever been to (only my opinion). Just go somewhere fun with social stuff that you think you'll like!

ps; did you get five offers??? :redface:

Reply 8

marcusmerehay

K the Failure

But the building's really really ugly...

But how does how the building looks affect the quality of teaching and your career prospects at the end of it exactly...? :p:

Reply 9

v12dude

southampton....it is my second choice......after cambridge. (if i get an offer)

southampton lecturers seemed friendly, people seemed friendly, place is brilliant, next to some of the biggest docks for tourist travel in the country if not europe. adn also won't take that long to get there....

Reply 10

K the Failure

marcusmerehay

But how does how the building looks affect the quality of teaching and your career prospects at the end of it exactly...? :p:

Yeah I'd like to know too :nothing:

Reply 11

BillLionheart

I am with the majority here on my ranking of them as maths departments. Southampton first, it has a serious mathematics department. (about 7th largest). Lively and research active, lots of postgrads, big enough to have wide coverage of maths teaching for undergrads. The applied people there for example very active in mathematics with industry for example. Sheffield next, definitely on size and quality between Southampton and the rest.

The other three are smaller operations and you have to decide if that is what you want. As I have said before a smaller department really suits some people but you will usually sacrifice coverage of mathematical topics especially in third year courses. Also if you visit see to what extent you think maths has a separate identity as a department. Sometimes if maths is taught in a small corner of a School of this That and the Other (eg Exeter it is in a "School of Engineering, Computing & Mathematics" ), and it is not clear that you will pick up what it actually means to be a mathematician. Also lack of a separate identity for maths in a larger school makes it vulnerable, especially if the other parts of the school are better at attracting money and students.

As for the building yes it matters, a bit at least. A new or well maintained maths building reflects a university prepared to invest in maths, helps attract and retain good lecturers and generally raises moral of both students and staff. Certainly something we observed with the new maths building in Manchester. But it is neither necessary nor sufficient for a good maths department!

Reply 12

Phyos

I don't know much about the others, but Sheffield and Southampton are good.

Reply 13

.ACS.

Southampton. It has one of the largest departments in terms of academics and students, is very active in most areas, and the education you'll receive will be very broad. Additionally, the location is really nice.