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St. Andrews vs York: Uni decisions

Hello,

I was wondering if it would be possible for others comment on St. Andrews (IR) and York (Politics) as I am having trouble decide between my top 2 choices.

I have already visited York and its university, and while I absolutely loved the city, the university campus did feel, obviously, more modern. Yet despite the campus architecture, the atmosphere was excellent and the university is accessible. The Politics department and its staff were very friendly and I could easily see myself reading for politics there.

Although I have not visited St. Andrews yet (will do in the following months), the ambience and surroudings seem to be exceptional. I am absolutely thrilled about the International Relations course and its department and the module options.

However my dilemma lies with graduation prospects and not with the quality of education offered. Employers and post-graduate institutions not only look at the degree classification, but also look at the university I will attend and its reputation (internationally)

As I have grown up in the U.S./French education system, I have limited knowledge regarding the reputation of unis in England and Scotland. Basically my question is, regardless of these league tables and rankings, which university do you believe is more prestigious, and has a better reputation with employers and industry, etc? Essentially, which is "better"?

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate it. :smile:

PS: While the degree at York is a 3 year B.A., St. Andrews is a 4 year MA. Is the Scottish MA regarded in the same manner as an English MA (after receiving a BA from a three year university)?

Reply 1

eth0

1

First of all I believe that you should wait and visit St. Andrews first. It is indeed a very good and respected uni but so is York. York is the best place in the country to study Politics (Oxford excluded).

In the end, I dont believe that there are huge differences between these courses/universities so it is really up to you to decide which one you like the most and where you believe you would have the best time.

Reply 2

MMA

10

I agree that you should visit St Andrews and see if you like it. In terms of graduation propects I don't think there is a substantial difference between the two places. Personally though I think that York is probably the better place to go because it is not as isolated and small as St. Andrews.

I agree with what those above say.

I would also be swayed slightly towards York (but judging by my location, why wouldn't I? :smile:

)

Both are great Unis, probably very similar too. York probably out does St Andrews on reputation now, certainly in politics.

St Andrews is a more historic university and York is more modern.

But York is a small , very historic city with easy access to several big cities. St Andrews is a tiny town on the coast with only Edinburgh near by.

Your opinion of York is probably the same opinion you will have if you come to study here. Visit St Andrews and see what you think in comparison. If you choose York you won't be disappointed.

Reply 4

kb500

Bdarnell

Hello,

I was wondering if it would be possible for others comment on St. Andrews (IR) and York (Politics) as I am having trouble decide between my top 2 choices.

I have already visited York and its university, and while I absolutely loved the city, the university campus did feel, obviously, more modern. Yet despite the campus architecture, the atmosphere was excellent and the university is accessible. The Politics department and its staff were very friendly and I could easily see myself reading for politics there.

Although I have not visited St. Andrews yet (will do in the following months), the ambience and surroudings seem to be exceptional. I am absolutely thrilled about the International Relations course and its department and the module options.

However my dilemma lies with graduation prospects and not with the quality of education offered. Employers and post-graduate institutions not only look at the degree classification, but also look at the university I will attend and its reputation (internationally)

As I have grown up in the U.S./French education system, I have limited knowledge regarding the reputation of unis in England and Scotland. Basically my question is, regardless of these league tables and rankings, which university do you believe is more prestigious, has a better reputation with employers and industry, etc? Essentially, which is "better"?

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate it. :smile:

PS: While the degree at York is a 3 year B.A., St. Andrews is a 4 year MA. Is the Scottish MA regarded in the same manner as an English MA (after receiving a BA from a three year university)?

I would definitely recommend York to you, the politics department is very good both in terms of teaching and reputation. More generally the university has a better reputation than St Andrews as well and this has an impact on employment prospects.

In terms of history/location I would St Andrews obviously has a longer history and nice surroundings, however the city of York in itself is great and as mentioned has easy access to other places. Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions!

Reply 5

Bdarnell

OP

7

Thanks for the responses everyone :smile:

Reply 6

*River

15

St Andrews is quite isolated, but then to some that's all part of its charm.

Reply 7

*soph*

14

To be honest, they're both so good, the "best" one is the one that you feel happiest in. A degree from either would be highly regarded by employers.

Reply 8

Tonight Matthew

2

York's politics department is boom-ting. I would know, I do politics there. Aiiight.

Reply 9

friendlyneutron

11

Roger Kirk

I agree with what those above say.

I would also be swayed slightly towards York (but judging by my location, why wouldn't I? :smile:

)

Both are great Unis, probably very similar too. York probably out does St Andrews on reputation now, certainly in politics.

St Andrews is a more historic university and York is more modern.

But York is a small , very historic city with easy access to several big cities. St Andrews is a tiny town on the coast with only Edinburgh near by.

Your opinion of York is probably the same opinion you will have if you come to study here. Visit St Andrews and see what you think in comparison. If you choose York you won't be disappointed.

And Dundee. York has a great reputation, but I wouldn't say it was as internationally recognised as St. Andrews though? My advice would be to visit both and get a feel for the unis and see which you prefer :smile:

(P.S. St Andrews :wink:

)

Reply 10

Bdarnell

OP

7

I don't really mind that St. Andrews is isolated, its adds to its charm (as heninacoop said). :smile:

Hmm decisions, decisions...

Reply 11

Chester

I feel in love with St Andrews. I couldnt apply there [but that's another story!!]

Definitely go and visit S.A. You may love it, or you may hate it in which case your decision will be made for you.

Congrats on both offers btw. I'd kill to have a S.A offer!

Reply 12

Bdarnell

OP

7

Sorry to hear that you couldn't apply.

Reply 13

Beelzebub

Politics at York is fantastic, but maybe you should have a closer look at the departments, like what sort of research they're involved in, bc that will effect how you're taught, and quite possibly how employers (particularly for jobs closely related to politics) will view your degree. The York department, for instance, is very into post-war reconstruction and third world development and is (so the lecturers tell us) quite instrumental in these areas, which is perfect for me since I'm really interested it and it's quite relevant to my career (journalism), but might be worth you comparing the two (the websites'll usually have info on research areas). Dunno, but might be another way to help you make the decision.