The Student Room Group

Studying at Coventry

Hi,
I’m considering studying at Coventry University in a few years; I have heard mixed reviews and wanted some clarification on how it is generally viewed and whether it would be a good uni to go to.
Based on what I’ve read, newspapers and official indexes tend to rate it quite highly (e.g the guardian has said it’s a top 15 UK university) whereas student forums tend to say it’s not prestigious and actually has quite a bad reputation.
Generally, is it well respected (especially among employers)? Moreover, Coventry (abroad, where the classes are much smaller) offers students
jobs at multinational companies based near the university; would it look better on a CV that you’ve gone to an okay/decent university but have four years of experience in the field or that you’ve gone to a good/russell group university in England (excluding oxbridge) but have no experience?

Please note that I won’t be going to Coventry Uni in the UK but rather in another country where they have a branch (still studying a UK degree and it’s essentially meant to be identical just in a different location) so I’m only focusing on the academic side of things rather than the social aspect.

Any replies would be very appreciated!
(edited 2 years ago)
I study at Coventry. Its a good university, the reputation is not the best because of a twitter confession page where people from "coventry" always write weird stuff. Even tho they dont actually study at the university. It just a meme to write bad confessions and pretending to be from the uni.
Original post by Anonymous
I study at Coventry. Its a good university, the reputation is not the best because of a twitter confession page where people from "coventry" always write weird stuff. Even tho they dont actually study at the university. It just a meme to write bad confessions and pretending to be from the uni.


Okay, thanks for letting me know!
Coventry, a top 15 university?

No, but seriously - the academic reputation is probably not something to rave about. Aside from the confessions page someone else mentioned, it is not really a ‘target’ university in terms of employment in specific areas; banking, law, consulting.

Not to say that you won’t get a job, because of you course you can from any university, but some of the snobbier firms may not take your application seriously. I mean, I’ve done applications for internships at boutique firms that literally haven’t even had coventry as a selectable option for university.

If your focus is primarily on the employability aspect, do two things: 1) look into the spaces you’d want to work in& see what the typical universities are that they hire from. No employees from Coventry? Probably not a great choice. 2) See what other universities you’d have a reasonable chance of getting into with more favourable employment prospects.
Original post by Anonymous
Coventry, a top 15 university?

No, but seriously - the academic reputation is probably not something to rave about. Aside from the confessions page someone else mentioned, it is not really a ‘target’ university in terms of employment in specific areas; banking, law, consulting.

Not to say that you won’t get a job, because of you course you can from any university, but some of the snobbier firms may not take your application seriously. I mean, I’ve done applications for internships at boutique firms that literally haven’t even had coventry as a selectable option for university.

If your focus is primarily on the employability aspect, do two things: 1) look into the spaces you’d want to work in& see what the typical universities are that they hire from. No employees from Coventry? Probably not a great choice. 2) See what other universities you’d have a reasonable chance of getting into with more favourable employment prospects.

I guess it depends on the firms but university rankings have been irrelevant for me. As long as you have a honours degree, you get a 2:1/1 and have experience its fine.
Hi there,

I just graduated from Coventry University as an MSc International Marketing Management student. I would say getting an MSc in International Marketing Management at Coventry University is one of the best decisions I've ever made. As it's really allowed me to explore marketing in the industry. The course provided a comprehensive module. From marketing strategy, and digital marketing strategy to marketing metrics. Also, I really like the way how lecturers taught us, as they are not only teaching us how to do, but how to think. But of course, it course required a lot of self-discipline.

For me, Coventry University has a good reputation in the UK, and the tuition fees are reasonable when compared to other universities. And Coventry is the safest city in the West Midlands, ranking 22nd out of 44 towns, villages, and cities in the region. In 2021, Coventry's overall crime rate was 40 crimes per 1,000 people.

Feel free to ask me anything about Coventry university.

Best wishes,
Kylie
Original post by gabriela1010
Hi,
I’m considering studying at Coventry University in a few years; I have heard mixed reviews and wanted some clarification on how it is generally viewed and whether it would be a good uni to go to.
Based on what I’ve read, newspapers and official indexes tend to rate it quite highly (e.g the guardian has said it’s a top 15 UK university) whereas student forums tend to say it’s not prestigious and actually has quite a bad reputation.
Generally, is it well respected (especially among employers)?

Please note that I won’t be going to Coventry Uni in the UK but rather in another country where they have a branch (still studying a UK degree and it’s essentially meant to be identical just in a different location) so I’m only focusing on the academic side of things rather than the social aspect.

Any replies would be very appreciated!


From my perspective, Coventry doesn't have a good reputation in the UK, so it would be safe to assume employers may share a similar idea. I have friends that attend the university, and let's just say they didn't attend university for the purpose of getting a degree, yet were accepted.

To put it simply, if you want the "uni" experience where you're partying, and there is always something going on, Coventry is well known for accepting people like that.

Edit: Allow me to correct myself; your experience will greatly depend on the course you're doing, and my previous statements honestly come from word-of-mouth rather than research and experiencing life at the university.
(edited 2 years ago)
Yes, top 15 according to this (but it’s from 2020 and i believe they have dropped down the table since then) : https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2019/jun/07/university-league-tables-2020

This was very helpful, thank you. Probably not the best news to hear as going to Coventry abroad would have been a great opportunity for me as their branch is in my home city but, of course, I need to prioritise the universities which are more likely to help me get a job in a reputable company.

Original post by Anonymous
some of the snobbier firms may not take your application seriously. I mean, I’ve done applications for internships at boutique firms that literally haven’t even had coventry as a selectable option for university.

This part is especially quite worrying.

Thanks again for the advice and the information; I’ll definitely look into what universities the companies in the field I want to work in are hiring from.
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by Invective
From my perspective, Coventry doesn't have a good reputation in the UK, so it would be safe to assume employers may share a similar idea. I have friends that attend the university, and let's just say they didn't attend university for the purpose of getting a degree, yet were accepted.

To put it simply, if you want the "uni" experience where you're partying, and there is always something going on, Coventry is well known for accepting people like that.

Edit: Allow me to correct myself; your experience will greatly depend on the course you're doing, and my previous statements honestly come from word-of-mouth rather than research and experiencing life at the university.

This sounds similar to other things I’ve heard about the university so unfortunately I think you’re right about it having not the best reputation among employers. I have also heard that people who tend to not be very serious about getting a degree (and usually haven’t gotten the best A-level results) still often get accepted.
I’m definitely more focused on the academic side of things than the social side (ie partying) so it sounds like it could be a perfect fit for some people, as you’ve said, but maybe not for me.

Thank you for your response
Original post by gabriela1010
Okay, thanks for letting me know!


Which degree? It's good for Engineering but not very much else ...
Original post by Muttley79
Which degree? It's good for Engineering but not very much else ...

I was leaning towards Business management and leadership.
Having studied the same undergraduate (Business Management) degree at Coventry, I would ask you what you wish to do afterwards? The answer to this will shape what's the better option for you. As previously mentioned, top firms won't give you a second glance (I can confirm) unless you have other outstanding qualities e.g. Head of xyz society for x years, lots of internships (during Uni and in the summer), and/or side venture(s) professional qualifications. Depending on your ambitions, the Uni and degree can be a good choice. But if you wish to aim for high earning jobs in IB, Law, Consulting, as examples, or certain Master's programmes after, you will find your option limited.The positives that I have found through studying there was the international exposure and access (usually free) to qualifications outside of your degree which would normally cost hundreds. They had a lot of international trips (heavily subsidised) and initiatives that you can get involved in (But they don't advertise it so only the keen students find it). I hope this answer helps give you some perspective.
Original post by Student344521
Having studied the same undergraduate (Business Management) degree at Coventry, I would ask you what you wish to do afterwards? The answer to this will shape what's the better option for you. As previously mentioned, top firms won't give you a second glance (I can confirm) unless you have other outstanding qualities e.g. Head of xyz society for x years, lots of internships (during Uni and in the summer), and/or side venture(s) professional qualifications. Depending on your ambitions, the Uni and degree can be a good choice. But if you wish to aim for high earning jobs in IB, Law, Consulting, as examples, or certain Master's programmes after, you will find your option limited.The positives that I have found through studying there was the international exposure and access (usually free) to qualifications outside of your degree which would normally cost hundreds. They had a lot of international trips (heavily subsidised) and initiatives that you can get involved in (But they don't advertise it so only the keen students find it). I hope this answer helps give you some perspective.


Thank you for your response. I’m unsure right now as to what I want to do after university, but law did cross my mind as an option although it’s starting to seem like it would be an especially difficult path to pursue, after going to Coventry, as you are not the first person to tell me that top firms and competitive fields may be difficult to get into with a degree from there. I have heard about their extensive international connections, including trips and work experience they can set students up with abroad, but I don’t think this is enough to outweigh some of the other challenges you mentioned. You’ve given me a lot to think about, thank you.
Original post by Coventry University Student Ambassadors
Hi there,

I just graduated from Coventry University as an MSc International Marketing Management student. I would say getting an MSc in International Marketing Management at Coventry University is one of the best decisions I've ever made. As it's really allowed me to explore marketing in the industry. The course provided a comprehensive module. From marketing strategy, and digital marketing strategy to marketing metrics. Also, I really like the way how lecturers taught us, as they are not only teaching us how to do, but how to think. But of course, it course required a lot of self-discipline.

For me, Coventry University has a good reputation in the UK, and the tuition fees are reasonable when compared to other universities. And Coventry is the safest city in the West Midlands, ranking 22nd out of 44 towns, villages, and cities in the region. In 2021, Coventry's overall crime rate was 40 crimes per 1,000 people.

Feel free to ask me anything about Coventry university.

Best wishes,
Kylie

Any campus recruitment’s?what abt product design ma course?
Original post by Ansil aj007
Any campus recruitment’s?what abt product design ma course?

Hi there,

Please click on the link below to find out more about Product Design Innovation MA.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/pg/fah/product-design-innovation-ma/

Coventry University have Talent team that offers career support, plea click below to find out more.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/student-support/enhance-your-employability/careers-and-employability-services/

Hope that helps.

Thanks
Original post by Coventry University Student Ambassadors
Hi there,

Please click on the link below to find out more about Product Design Innovation MA.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/pg/fah/product-design-innovation-ma/

Coventry University have Talent team that offers career support, plea click below to find out more.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/student-support/enhance-your-employability/careers-and-employability-services/

Hope that helps.

Thanks

Would like to speak with someone from product design Academic section.
Original post by Coventry University Student Ambassadors
Hi there,

Please click on the link below to find out more about Product Design Innovation MA.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/pg/fah/product-design-innovation-ma/

Coventry University have Talent team that offers career support, plea click below to find out more.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/student-support/enhance-your-employability/careers-and-employability-services/

Hope that helps.

Thanks

like to talk to someone from the product design academic section
Original post by Ansil aj007
like to talk to someone from the product design academic section

Hello there,

What would you like to know? Have you tried chatting with current students; https://www.coventry.ac.uk/unibuddy/

Best regards
Oluwakayode Yusuf | Recruitment & Conversion Specialist | Coventry University

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