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Chemistry Research, Durham University
Durham University
Durham

The "Ask a Durham Student" Thread :)

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catherine09

im worried my vocational subject of media would stop me from getting a place:frown: because its seen as soft


Yes, media studies is seen by many as "soft" and less preferred. However, Durham (and, for that matter, all universities but two, I think) don't have an official blacklist.

Taking media studies as a third A-level will not endear you to admissions. However, as a fourth it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Offers are made on the basis of three A-levels so your strongest three will probably be looked at. If you were predicted AAAB (with the B in English or History) that would be a major problem. If you're predicted AAAA/AAAB (with the B in media studies) it shouldn't be.

But even law still isn't the greatest of subjects. Having that and media studies isn't great. By all means apply, just remember than Durham is a competitive university (and English is an exceptionally competitive department). It's more than just A-level grades and subject combination, there's the personal statement and reference to consider as well (and, dare I say, GCSEs). Don't be put off applying, just at least one or two "back up" unis.

Also, when you say college, are you talking about a specific college at the university (as Durham is collegiate, but teaching takes place in departments) or do you mean the actual university as a whole?
Chemistry Research, Durham University
Durham University
Durham
thank you :smile:
i meant to type 'univeristy' as a whole
but accidently typed college

oh i didnt know law was seen as weaker
i was told it was seen as quite good
daaamn

would i look better if i dropped media after my first year
and took something else up?
or are half a levels seen as bad
I really don't understand the problem with taking 'A' level law. The same arguments used for having it blacklisted apply to 'A' level politics too.
catherine09
would i look better if i dropped media after my first year
and took something else up?
or are half a levels seen as bad


You're only expected to have three A-levels and one AS level (although it can still be possible to enter without that AS level). So not taking all four to A2 shouldn't be a problem. It may help your case if you were able to take a new subject up next year. That would give you three A-levels and two AS levels? Just be aware that your A2 year will often bring with it a more intensive workload. So don't bite off more than you can chew, it may only have a negative impact on your A2 performance in the stronger subjects.

I'd be tempted to continue all four to the full A-level (or, if you want, drop media studies after AS) and give it a go. Apply and see what happens. Just be aware that it's exceptionally competitive.

NDGAARONDI
I really don't understand the problem with taking 'A' level law. The same arguments used for having it blacklisted apply to 'A' level politics too.


Well, I see your point and it should be remembered that few universities have a blacklist (why was half of that sentence cut off!)

I'd say law would only be a major problem with some of the top law schools where (usually with politics) it's seen as being less preferred than traditional, theoretical subjects. Getting into bad habits and being poorly taught certain areas of law is a concern. Subjects such as English, History, languages and the sciences provide a stronger foundation. There's a difference in how it's taught at degree level too. It's not seen as a particularly "weak" or less preferred subject outside law schools. I think media studies should be the bigger concern.

But I think there are stronger A-levels than politics and I'm a politics student, I don't mean to disrespect to the subject just the A-level content (content that I've seen anyway).
I just think law schools are being picky. Of those that do blacklist law, do not do the same for politics. And I think it's more based on assumption of knowledge from 'A' level to degree than the methodology of how courses are. I would have studied history if I learnt anything other than Henry VIII and the Second World War.
i have a question for anyone studying medicine at durham?
Reply 1826
Avatar for Foxius
Foxius
W.R.T. what River was saying earlier http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7755329.stm
Foxius
W.R.T. what River was saying earlier http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7755329.stm

The governments argument for these soft subjects is that it gets people back into learning - personally I think students should have to study 2 decent subjects to get EMA.
I was just wondering if anyone knew how competitive Durham is at postgraduate level? I know for UG it's one of the hardest to get into and regardless of what the prospectus says they are unlikely to interview you unless you get all A's. I'm aiming towards a 2.1 at undergraduate level, but I'm a bit wary of them only looking at firsts regardless of what the prospectus says, if that makes sense at all.
yeah i'll see how it goes
try my best and hope to apply :smile:
doubt id ever have a chance though
Reply 1830
Avatar for Foxius
Foxius
wordsearch
I was just wondering if anyone knew how competitive Durham is at postgraduate level? I know for UG it's one of the hardest to get into and regardless of what the prospectus says they are unlikely to interview you unless you get all A's. I'm aiming towards a 2.1 at undergraduate level, but I'm a bit wary of them only looking at firsts regardless of what the prospectus says, if that makes sense at all.


It really varies from course to course - I think that's true for any postgraduate course anywhere. However, I do think you'll be ok with a 2:1 for most things. The quality of your mark only really comes into play if you're looking for some kind of funding from the university and/or department.
This question is for Americans currently studying at Durham.

Is it easy to get in Durham? Did you take many AP classes? If so, what were your grades?

I really want to go to Durham and want to know if I have a chance.
sophie192
This question is for Americans currently studying at Durham.

Is it easy to get in Durham? Did you take many AP classes? If so, what were your grades?

I really want to go to Durham and want to know if I have a chance.


I got in and I had a 5 in English Lit, a 4 in English Language and a 3 in Latin -- in defence of the 3, my school was too small to offer actual AP classes so I just studied on my own -- but I had some British A-levels too so it's hard to tell.

What are your APs and what are you applying for?
I'm going to bed now, but according to the CollegeBoard website Durham want 3 or more APs of 4 or higher, so if you do well in some that are relevant to your course (if you're applying for Economics then I guess that would probably be Calculus or something) then you've got a good shot. :smile:
I'm taking my AB and BC Calculus AP exams this May. But I predict a 5 or a 4 cuz I don't find them hard. And I might take AP Micro and Macro Economics next year.
Reply 1835
Avatar for bekky_90
bekky_90
i cant find anything about this on here, well about the main campus, but ive got a place at queens, so was just wondering what the night life is like there, do you usually go to the city or is stocken good? thank you
bekky_90
i cant find anything about this on here, well about the main campus, but ive got a place at queens, so was just wondering what the night life is like there, do you usually go to the city or is stocken good? thank you


I'm not a current student, but I went to a queen's campus open day and the tour guides (who were current students) said that they only really went into stockton to go to sainsbury's/pubs etc., for big nights out they went to middlesborough/durham/newcastle (and maybe sunderland?).

:smile:
Reply 1837
Avatar for afua12
afua12
15
If I want to apply for single honours German, do I have to apply for just Modern Languages? Looking through the prospectuc and website, I can't find any course codes for the specific courses, just modern languages in general :s-smilie:

It's just that I'm applying also for Chinese at a couple of unis (which Durham don't offer) so my personal statement isn't geared completely to German and I think it could look a little odd. Also, I'm pulling at strings a bit as my grades are a little below the required, but I was thinking that single honours would surely be less competitive than joint?
afua12
If I want to apply for single honours German, do I have to apply for just Modern Languages? Looking through the prospectuc and website, I can't find any course codes for the specific courses, just modern languages in general :s-smilie:

It's just that I'm applying also for Chinese at a couple of unis (which Durham don't offer) so my personal statement isn't geared completely to German and I think it could look a little odd. Also, I'm pulling at strings a bit as my grades are a little below the required, but I was thinking that single honours would surely be less competitive than joint?


Not going to comment on most of your issues as I have pretty much no link with the modern languages department, however Durham does a 'Languages for All' programme - http://www.dur.ac.uk/mlac/cfls/lfa/main/

Essentially, this is completely separate from your degree course, but you can still get external exams on it, should you want. There are various Chinese courses available, as the site expands upon.
Reply 1839
Avatar for QBC123
QBC123
10
I got an invite for an Open Day but Im International, do I need to send back the little card they sent me with a tick in the box that says I wont be attending?

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