Physics at UCL, Bristol or Bath?

I've just received all my replies from UCAS: Got offers for physics from UCL, Bristol, Bath, Birmingham and Exeter, and got rejected from Imperial (although they might be reconsidering me, since my predicted grades changed). Which one should I choose?

Assuming Imperial decides not to reconsider me, UCL seems to be the best choice right now because of their prestige. But then I was offered 34 points in the IB, which seems a bit low...UCL's physics department is also only ranked 14th according to the Times, but then again, they're ranked number one above Imperial and Oxford according to the guardian (although I find this hard to believe)...Are these rankings even credible?

Bristol seems to have a better physics deparment (ranked number 6 according to Times). However, they aren't ranked as high in the Guardian and are also not too well-known outside the UK.

Bath seems to be well known for science and engineering, and also seems to have good work placement programs, etc. They also have one of the best sports facilities in the UK...But then I was offered 30 points in the IB, which seems really low. They're also out of the top 20 in physics according to the Times.

So which physics department is actually the best out of these 3 unis? I will probably be turning down Exeter and Birmingham, but am I overlooking them somehow?

Reply 1

Eau

15

UCL or Bristol. I will turn down Bath.

Reply 2

Abra

14

Definitely go to UcL if Imperial doesn't offer you a place!

Reply 3

ChemistBoy

16

I would say that the Bristol physics department is at the moment the best of the three. But if you are a prestige whore then go to london and be prepared for my wrath.

Reply 4

Abra

14

I just wouldn't go to Bristol, it's name or it's location.

Reply 5

ChemistBoy

16

Abra

I just wouldn't go to Bristol, it's name or it's location.

Fine, but that doesn't stop it being considered a top end university. Like I've said countless times, for physics you really aren't going to see any difference between UCL and Bristol.

Reply 6

stepheh

12

Abra

I just wouldn't go to Bristol, it's name or it's location.

I don't understand the point of your post.

He shouldn't choose a place purely by reputation.
what a load of crap.

Reply 7

DumberChild

ChemistBoy

Fine, but that doesn't stop it being considered a top end university. Like I've said countless times, for physics you really aren't going to see any difference between UCL and Bristol.

I think thats a very fair point.

It seems to me that the only yardstick you're judging the universities by is their reputations as dictated by league tables, which are notoriously arbitrary. There's no sunstitute for actually visiting the department, getting the "feel" of the place and asking yourself "can I see myself studying here for the next 3/4 years?" That would be my advice :smile:

Reply 8

yllihp

OP

DumberChild

I think thats a very fair point.

It seems to me that the only yardstick you're judging the universities by is their reputations as dictated by league tables, which are notoriously arbitrary. There's no sunstitute for actually visiting the department, getting the "feel" of the place and asking yourself "can I see myself studying here for the next 3/4 years?" That would be my advice :smile:

Unfortunately, i'm not going to get an opportunity to visit any of the schools since i live overseas.

Does anyone happen to know anything about UCL, bristol or bath's physics departments in particular?

Reply 9

electric.avenue

I wish I could tell you more about UCL's physics dept - I went there for an interview, and we weren't even shown round the labs!

I have to say that overall the UCL buildings seemed dull, and there is not much of a campus feel to the place. You feel like you are in a dusty building in central London. The canteen was underground and did not have much atmosphere. OK, I know you don't pick a uni on the basis of its canteen!

Reply 10

blablabla

2

I am considering bath for physics too.. even though it is not very high on the tables, it has a good reputation for science.. And dont forget that it is a beautiful place! it is much smaller than london or bristol, but then I love small places :smile:

I have an offer for imperial too, but wouldnt hesitate to choose Bath over it!
I've been told that that would be a stupid choice, but I can't really see why :redface:

Reply 11

Neo1

4

I think Bath is ranked 29th for Physics that might be why...

Does anyone know if Southampton or Nottingham is a good place to go and which of the two would you choose?

Thanks a lot

Reply 12

abood

going to bristol for physics and philosophy
give me a year and i'll tell you if it's any good
(look at my sig to see what I turned down for this fine, fine establishment)

Reply 13

VMB

what was your old predicted grades and what did they change to?

Reply 14

ChemistBoy

16

Neo1

Does anyone know if Southampton or Nottingham is a good place to go and which of the two would you choose?

Both are good, I would choose whichever one you felt happiest living in for the next 3/4 years.

Reply 15

yllihp

OP

VMB

what was your old predicted grades and what did they change to?

The old grades were 34/37 with 5 in maths and 6 in physics. The new grades were 35/40 with 5/6 in maths and 7 in physics.

I actually got Imperial to reconsider me, but I got rejected again. :mad:

Physics at UCL, Bristol or Bath?

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