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Do university rankings matter for Mathematics?

I plan on doing an Math degree.
(edited 6 years ago)
They're all on a pretty even playing field, although I would say that Nottingham and Leeds are probably the most highly ranked.

I think rankings do matter if you want to get on to a PhD course, as places are limited.
So surprised with people who have not even started undergraduate are already planning to do a PhD.. unless of course one has studied university material independently and thoroughly
Original post by VictoriaCoolio
I plan on doing a PhD after my MMath.

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That is my point, how do you know you'll be wanting to do a PhD if you have not even started undergraduate course?
Original post by VictoriaCoolio
I have studied at bit of University Mathematics whilst a Southampton for 6 months before differing.

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Imo that's still very little..
Your passion for mathematics is the only thing that matters now.
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kkboyk
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Original post by VictoriaCoolio
I plan on doing an MMath at either Leeds, Lancaster, Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle or Southampton. Then after that I will do my PhD in pure Mathematics. I'm just wondering if rankings matter for Mathematics and which one if these universities I should pick.


Honestly, no it does not. Those universities are regarded highly for Mathematics. Almost every course asking for AAB or higher have very very similar course content, so it really won't matter much.

Original post by VictoriaCoolio
I have studied at bit of University Mathematics whilst a Southampton for 6 months before differing.

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What sort? As in Analysis, proper Set Theory and such?
Original post by hassassin04
So surprised with people who have not even started undergraduate are already planning to do a PhD.. unless of course one has studied university material independently and thoroughly


Totally agree.

People who say they 'want' a PhD... Just goes to show how flawed the education system is now, or even how flawed wider society is. Talking about a PhD like it's just another educational certificate or something that anyone can get if they just carry on going to class.


Original post by ayyy2
math is for phag00ts
engineering master race


Heh heh, I'll bite.

Theoretical physics student here. I have quite an interest in fluid dynamics.

"I wonder what engineering students cover on their fluid mechanics courses? Specially the aerodynamic engineers!" I thought to myself one day.

Had a quick look at course content.

No theoretical basis or proper mathematical models in sight. It's all plug-and-play equations; baby stuff.

Engineering 'master race', hahaha, please.



Rankings do not matter. Ignore them. Far more important is that the universities that you are interested in specialise in your area of interest, as an example a Centre for EconPhysics or Complexity Maths. How many staff specialise in your area of interest? What research have they carried?

If you look at rankings then you will end up going somewhere that you regret. Rankings are a marketing exercise. Most universities lie (sorry heavily skew) the stats they submit. The ranking of the university will become irrelevant after your first week if you go to the right place.

Another area to think about is what is the location of the university like? Is there much going on? For example I went to St Andrews for an Open Day and found it to be isolated. Southampton has a great Maths department and the city is great too.
Original post by Pessimisterious
Heh heh, I'll bite. ~snip ~XKCD said it better, IMHO:

Original post by DFranklin
XKCD said it better, IMHO:



Heh, that's an old one. Engineers aren't even in the hierarchy! Heh heh.
Original post by Delta_1
Rankings do not matter. Ignore them.


Well I wouldn't go that far.

The world is fickle - rankings do and always will mean something... even if that meaning is caked in idiocy and groupthink.
Original post by DFranklin
XKCD said it better, IMHO:



I'd argue that philosophy is even purer than maths!
Original post by VictoriaCoolio
How important are international rankings for mathematics? Do they not matter at all because some highly ranked universities are missing from the QS World Rankings. Also which is more reliable QS World Rankings or the Times Higher Education or Shanghari? I also plan on maybe working in a different country in the future.


International rankings are based on prestige with academics around the world and research citation measures. Neither are very relevant for undergraduate teaching/course quality.

In terms of working abroad then size is normally what counts - larger old universities are more likely to be known outside the UK (regardless of subject). Unless you're aiming for a career in academia then the world rankings shouldn't play a large part in your decision making (and even if you are they're only one component - choosing somewhere you will thrive and do your best is the most important, dropping out of a top 10 university isn't going to impress anyone).
Original post by VictoriaCoolio
I am aiming for a career in academia.

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even if you are they're only one component - choosing somewhere you will thrive and do your best is the most important, dropping out of a top 10 university isn't going to impress anyone
Original post by VictoriaCoolio
So it's not important

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Not massively - it's something to be aware of - look into the detailed criteria to compare the international reputation scores from the citation scores. Of the two citation scores are going to be most relevant if you're considering a career in academia - it implies that you'll be in a department that has a record of publishing papers in high profile journals/publishing papers that have a significant impact on research elsewhere. But even then that's just your starting clue - look into who the academic staff are, what they're researching and publishing (if a department has a massive quantity of OR publications and you're interested in pure maths then that isn't going to be ideal) and whether they are actually involved in undergraduate teaching/supervision. Sitting in the same building as the expert in your desired field isn't going to help if that person is someone you'll never get a chance to meet (never mind work with).

If you're aiming for academia then look for courses that offer an MMath route (an extra year and an extra research project/dissertation is only going to help with getting onto a PhD) and ask about progression into PhD from the course.

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