KCL vs Durham - UK reputation

Hey I was just wondering which of these universities are more famous in the UK? I have been to both these universities and they both had their advantages and disadvantages in terms of location but they are seriously on par (i.e. durham's college system but social life in terms of clubs a bit weak, while KCL's location in central London, but pit too hectic and crowded at times).

The course (history and joint honours) are practically on par and one of the best in the country which makes this area hard to differentiate out. (KCL has UoL courses, while durham has combined social sciences) I also exceed the grade requirements for entry and I'm applying post A level (actually got told by each tutor I am most likely to get an offer on the phone).

Its practically gone down to the point to which one is more famous in the UK and more reowned academically. I know KCL is more famous in international terms but I'm not sure in terms of the UK. The league tables also is mixed as times favour Durham while Guardian sees KCL as higher. So at the moment i'm struggling to choose which one. Your views will seriously help.

Reply 1

ledge

Vincente

Hey I was just wondering which of these universities are more famous in the UK? I have been to both these universities and they both had their advantages and disadvantages in terms of location but they are seriously on par (i.e. durham's college system but social life in terms of clubs a bit weak, while KCL's location in central London, but pit too hectic and crowded at times).

The course (history and joint honours) are practically on par and one of the best in the country which makes this area hard to differentiate out. (KCL has UoL courses, while durham has combined social sciences) I also exceed the grade requirements for entry and I'm applying post A level (actually got told by each tutor I am most likely to get an offer on the phone).

Its practically gone down to the point to which one is more famous in the UK and more reowned academically. I know KCL is more famous in international terms but I'm not sure in terms of the UK. The league tables also is mixed as times favour Durham while Guardian sees KCL as higher. So at the moment i'm struggling to choose which one. Your views will seriously help.

Don't know about history. Really is too close to seriously call in wider terms but perhaps KCL shades it. Just go where you feel comfortable and where you think you will enjoy the course.

Reply 2

Vincente

OP

14

Don't know about history. Really is too close to seriously call in wider terms but perhaps KCL shades it. Just go where you feel comfortable and where you think you will enjoy the course.

Thats the problem. It may sound wierd but I won't to go to both of them despite how dufferent the 2 universities are. anyways thanks you think KCL is higher. KCL 1- Durham 0

Reply 3

bryan

10

I personally prefer KCL over Durham.

Reply 4

Vincente

OP

14

I personally prefer KCL over Durham

Can go give me the reasons?

Reply 5

Jsuper

What about the cost of living in London compared to the cost of living in Durham? You'd obviously be in more debt leaving KCL than you would Durham, so unless money is no object (or you're just not bothered about costs etc) then that's surely got to be taken into account.

Reply 6

Jordan7

8

Im sorry, but KCL is a dump.

Reply 7

smiley :)

Durham

Reply 8

Hullabaloo

1

I would say Durham in terms of prestige, especially for history.

Reply 9

tortured

8

Durham. They're probably both on the same level, but Durham is the one I hear of the most as far as prestige in general is concerned. But that could be because I'm in the North East? Might be that KCL is better known for its prestige in the South.

Reply 10

swallows

7

I would say Durham for prestige. KCL seems to be a bit of a joke these days...

Reply 11

smiley :)

swallows

I would say Durham for prestige. KCL seems to be a bit of a joke these days...

How's that?

Reply 12

a_t

16

People only love KCL because it's in London, they try and group it with UCL and LSE when in reality it is clearly inferior.

Durham has far more prestige and a better reputation.

Reply 13

arkbar

12

Durham probably has a better reputation for history, however slightly more people will have heard of KCL outside of the UK (unsuprising considering the number of international students at KCL and its location). I can, however, confirm that the average American will have heard of neither.

Reply 14

Eau

15

Durham!

Reply 15

Eau

15

Peer pressure, lol!

Reply 16

Vincente

OP

14

Im sorry, but KCL is a dump.

LOL coming from a UCL applicant

Reply 17

jl7

Durham!! I agree with a_t, KCL's only well-known because it's in London.
And by the way, my History teacher is in love with Durham, so that should give you a little clue. :smile:

Reply 18

miss_world

3

I'd pick KCL over Durham because I really didn't like Durham when I went there for my open day, the city was too small and I wasn't really impressed with the university either. According to the league tables then I think Durham has the edge in terms of prestige, but in reality I don't think that employers scrutinize the league tables as much as the average TSR student might think, to them a Durham and KCL gruaduate are probably on an equal playing field. Besides KCL has a better graduate employment rate anyway.

Reply 19

Tomharper

2

KCL all the way! The history department at KCL is better than the other UoL college's even UCL and LSE's. The teaching there is only tutorials of 4 students which is unique and only oxbridge has something like this. IMO Durham's course is only highly rated because of its high entrance requirment in the league tables (AAA).

KCL vs Durham - UK reputation

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