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Do University Rankings Matter For Psychology?

So basically, I'm stuck with this whole university ranking thing.
I'm looking to study Psychology at York St John University - small university, don't believe it's well known at all. However, University of York is in the top 10 for Psychology.
My question is, does it really matter which I go to? Do employers really care which university I get my degree from? I'm looking to get a Masters degree afterwards (at a different university), if that makes a difference.

Any advice would help me, thanks :smile:

Oh I should probably mention that both courses are BPS accredited.

Reply 1

Firstly, you can easily get onto most masters degrees (they tend to be under-subscribed rather than over-subscribed since they aren't covered by student loans).

Rankings matter because it affects the quality of teaching and research at that university. there sure isn't a one-to-one correlation, some unis might be really good at teaching which aren't highly ranked. TSR sometimes tends to over-exaggerate the important that employers place on university reputation, you don't need to go to a russell group uni to do well in life. however those unis are more likely to give you a better experience.

If you had offers from both unis, would you pick YSJ over York university?
(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 2

I don't know, do you think they do? If you do think that, then how does this make you feel?

Reply 3

Original post
by prophetkid
So basically, I'm stuck with this whole university ranking thing.
I'm looking to study Psychology at York St John University - small university, don't believe it's well known at all. However, University of York is in the top 10 for Psychology.
My question is, does it really matter which I go to? Do employers really care which university I get my degree from? I'm looking to get a Masters degree afterwards (at a different university), if that makes a difference.

Any advice would help me, thanks :smile:

Oh I should probably mention that both courses are BPS accredited.

It doesn't matter if you're looking for a master. .

Reply 4

Original post
by iammichealjackson
Firstly, you can easily get onto most masters degrees (they tend to be under-subscribed rather than over-subscribed since they aren't covered by student loans).

Rankings matter because it affects the quality of teaching and research at that university. there sure isn't a one-to-one correlation, some unis might be really good at teaching which aren't highly ranked. TSR sometimes tends to over-exaggerate the important that employers place on university reputation, you don't need to go to a russell group uni to do well in life. however those unis are more likely to give you a better experience.

If you had offers from both unis, would you pick YSJ over York university?


I've firmed YSJ because York declined me. I was declined due to getting ADD at AS. This was because I get anxious in the exam hall with lots of people. This year I'm allowed to sit exams separately, and I've found I'm flying through the resit modules (bio and chem). I just wanted to know whether it would be worth going through adjustment if I get the grades, or doing an extra year at college to get into York - by doing easier, non science subjects.

Reply 5

Original post
by Josb
It doesn't matter if you're looking for a master. .

Does the uni ranking not matter as much when applying for a master if u meet the requirements?

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