Exeter Vs Cardiff Vs Liverpool

I have offers from the mentioned university for msc Data Science , hence I am confused which university to join. My criteria to join would be
1) Academics
2) Availability of part time jobs
3) Social Life

Reply 1

ZoologyGal

Original post by MAS270900

I probably have a decent answer to this. My partner and I went to Liverpool, I also had undergraduate offers from Cardiff and Exeter and my partner is now doing a Masters in Cardiff too! In Liverpool as undergrads, we both studied Zoology in Liverpool and loved it. You have to go the extra mile and network with the proffessors to really get the most out of it but if you put the effort in, you can do very well academically. 1/3 - 1/2 of my course had a 1st (although zoolist are quite a passionate bunch about the subject). We went to Uganda in 2nd year and had a regular tutor for 2 years so you should come out with at least one good reference.

The teaching and credentials of staff at both Cardiff and Liverpool are excellent but having spent time in Cardiff now as well, for me Liverpool is a more exciting city with more to do (culture, art, film, cheapo music festivals and FOOD, which is definitely superior in Liverpool). However, my partner does say Cardiff has a fantastic alternative music scene and there is mmore to do than I realise (he's from Newport). He has done quite a lot of data science in his biosciences masters and academically, they are brilliant for data science. Both are very good options. Cardiff may be a little better for your data science study (the data staff are brilliant) but Liverpool is also very good academically and has A LOT going on. It depends on your preference. Can't help much with Exeter. It was a little too expensive and too far away but I know it also has a great reputation.

Extra note, my partner strongly recommends looking up some of the professors on twitter. They can be very funny and you can get the cut of their jib.

Reply 2

ExeterStudentRep

Official Rep

Hi @MAS270900,

Congratulations on your offers for all three universities! As a current student at the University of Exeter, I can offer my perspective on these three criteria, which hopefully can help you make an informed decision.

Academics
I cannot speak for MSc Data Science (I study BA Sociology), however I can say that from my experience the academic environment at Exeter has been really good. I have found my university teaching to be stimulating but also supportive, with plenty of opportunities for academic challenge alongside a good wellbeing network of staff and resources to support your academic progress. As well as that, as a Russell Group university ranked in the top 15 in the UK, you will have a well respected degree at the end of your time as a student!

Availability of part time jobs
Speaking from my personal experience and those of my friends, there is no shortage of student jobs available in Exeter. I work as a Student Ambassador, which has been a fun, flexible and worthwhile job alongside my studies, and have also worked in another student role for the University. The university's Career Zone offers a platform called Handshake, a website that lists many university-approved student job listings, including work experience and internships that have really helped boost my CV. As well as this, our Streatham and St Lukes campuses are based near Exeter city centre, where there are many retail and hospitality jobs available to students. Everybody I know who wants a part-time job has been able to find one.

Social life
Exeter has a really vibrant student population with loads of opportunity for socialising. My advice would be to have a look at the student clubs and societies that come under our students' Guild - we have so many under so many different categories that there is bound to a group for something you enjoy. I decided to give acappella singing a go when I joined uni, never having done it before, and I'm so glad that I did as this is how I have met many of my friends!
As well as the clubs and societies, there is opportunity for socialising through sport (we are ranked number four in the UK university sports league), our Give it a Go events and there is plenty of nightlife in Exeter too. Exeter is not a huge city - certainly not as big as Cardiff or Liverpool - but from my experience the student community has enough going on that I have never felt bored! I also personally prefer a smaller city, as I feel I know my way round and don't feel so overwhelmed.

I hope this helps you come to a decision - do let me know if you have any further questions!

Nina
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 3

CardiffUni Rep 2

Official Rep

Original post by MAS270900

Hiya! Congratulations on your offers, first of all!

The Data Science department here in Cardiff is fantastic, they're actually based in a new, state of the art building on campus called the Abacws! It's shared with the Maths department and its a lovely building. I'm not a Data Science student myself, but you can chat to a student who studies the exact same course! I'll link them here.

There are plenty of part time jobs available. We have a Student Jobshop where you can apply for student jobs and its always filled with opportunities. There are research part time jobs often advertised as well, so its fantastic if you want to earn some extra cash alongside some extra experience!

Social life is great here. We have over 200+ societies, some of them cultural, sports and general activities. You can always pick up something new here! The campus is right next to the city center, so there's lots to do :smile: