Durham or Warwick for PPE?

Hi all,

I am aware of the fact that there are posts regarding PPE. But I would like to ask for your opinions on the course at Durham, compared to that at Warwick.

Durham was always my first choice, but the reason why I am sitting on the fence now is because I am a city person and I am not sure if I would ever feel isolated at the university. Also, I have found out that Warwick spends more on its social science department? I am planning to take more modules on Politics/Economics and not so many on Philosophy, which means I should probably go for Warwick whose relevant departments are more slightly better?

I am attracted to Durham because of its prestigious reputation but I don't know whether I should choose a university that offers more support on areas I enjoy (i.e. global affairs) or a uni with a prestigious reputation? I would love to get a Master degree in the US after my study in England so maybe Warwick would be a better option (more internationally recognised than Durham)?

Could someone kindly give me some advice on how I should choose my uni?

Thank you so much.

Reply 1

River85

Original post

by elainezz

Durham was always my first choice, but the reason why I am sitting on the fence now is because I am a city person and I am not sure if I would ever feel isolated at the university. Also, I have found out that Warwick spends more on its social science department?

What do you mean by "spends more"? Where did you get this from? Are you referring to research income, as this is a little different.

As for not wanting to feel isolated, I do understand as Durham is a small city and can be claustrophobic/a bit too much of a student bubble at times. However, as I'm sure you know, Warwick is a campus university located on the very edge of Coventry. Warwick's campus is frequently described as a "bubble", considering you are a reasonable distance from the city centre. I trust you have visited both?

Durham is not more "prestigious" than Warwick in my opinion. Durham may have more of what I would call superficial prestige (pretty buildings, a century older) but this doesn't translate into anything meaningful.

When applying for masters programmes your academic record, academic interests and references count for far more that university name (which has no influence). This is true in the UK and believe it is similar in the US at least to some extent. Warwick isn't substantially more recognised.

As for course, it is in my opinion more important that you chose the course that interests you most. Durham's School of Government is one of its more mediocre departments. It is still strong in certain areas such as Middle East Politics (particularly the Gulf Monarchies) and East Asia, it is also growing as a school for International Relations. However, quality of teaching is variable. If you feel Warwick's course is more tailored to your interests then this is clearly a big plus.

Reply 2

singsong1

On the same boat, would appreciate more opinions. Durham, Warwick or York? Which one can offer better employment perspective?

Reply 3

lifeisgood.

Original post

by singsong1

On the same boat, would appreciate more opinions. Durham, Warwick or York? Which one can offer better employment perspective?

For financial services: banking, consulting etc etc

Definitely, undoubtedly, and decidedly Warwick.

Everything else? I would go for Durham.

York's PPE is supposedly "super duper freaking awesome" or whatever, but employers go much more based on university name, and I don't think the average employer would be that informed on the rankings of individual programs.

Reply 4

singsong1

Original post

by lifeisgood.

Thanks.

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