I'm struggling to decide where to go to uni and would appreciate any help. I've applied for an MEng with Placement Year and visited both universities. They're both very different and I'm completely undecided about where to go.
Here are my current thoughts:
Manchester:
- Higher offer (A*A*A)
- Russell Group University with an excellent international reputation and is well-known for great research
- Brand new Engineering department with modern facilities and lecture halls
- 'Blended' tutorials with a strong emphasis on lab work
- New student-led maker space for personal projects
- Big, lively city with loads of events, live music (which I am really into) and everything is within walking distance. Well-connected with bus routes etc.
- A lot cheaper, more diverse and friendlier
- One of the largest student bodies in the UK (but also a lower student-to-staff ratio apparently)
- Most targeted university by graduate employers
- Close to Peak/Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, etc.
- Rainy
Bath:
- Lower offer (AAA)
- Not a Russell Group but ranks consistently in the top 5 for Mech. Eng. Seems to be a more respected degree than Manchester's. Although I don't really know.
- Heard so many good things about the placement year that Bath offers
- More extra-curricular opportunities such as Formula Student
- Better graduate prospects
- Higher employment rate in first 12 months, far higher student satisfaction rates, higher graduate salaries
- Campus-based (short regular buses to the city centre), amazing sports facilities
- Picturesque location and surrounding area
- Much smaller and more expensive, also a bit touristy
- Super short train ride to Bristol and not too far from London
Both courses are very similar, with the first two years fixed and the opportunity to switch between Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil, and offer more freedom to specialise in subsequent years.
Thanks!