What's a good insurance choice for CS?

My son is predicted A*AA and is applying to Oxford and three other good universities, but I want him to have a 5th choice that is quite below the points those are asking for (as an insurance choice in case things go wrong in his exams). Does anyone have any recommendations for a decent standard mid-range university that has a good reputation or CompSci, and is a campus-based uni rather than a city centre one? We're also having to avoid London for cost reasons. All help gladly received :-)

Reply 1

hotpud

Somewhere he will be happy studying?

With the exception of a few employers, most are more interested in what graduates can do rather than the colour of their tie. It is graduates that make universities great, not the other way round. If your son is happy and motivated, he will do well wherever he goes.

Plus most of the non-Russel Group universities beat the Russel group hands down in terms of offering students optional extras like sandwich years (a must for computer science grads wanting to gain that all important experience), leadership courses, self-management courses, study skills and pastoral support. Do his first choices offer these?

Reply 2

totallyfine

As above. And one with the module combinations that he wants to study.
Somewhere like Surrey University or Swansea would be good to consider for their student feedback. Both are campus based in cities. Or Royal Holloway is campus based near London.

List of courses at campuses: https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/search/course?utf8=%E2%9C%93&c%5Bq%5D=computer&c%5Bacademic_years%5D=2024&c%5Benvironment_characteristics%5D%5B%5D=campus_y
Student feedback: https://discoveruni.gov.uk/

(edited 7 months ago)