Durham or Manchester for English?
Hello! 
I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain…
I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain… I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
Original post by bill.bear02
Hello! I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain…
I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain… I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
The most telling factor there for me is:
"Manchester: I think I would be happier here" as well as two uses of the word "amazing"
You sound more positive about the concrete advantages of Manchester. One of your major cons for Manchester is lower graduate salaries. That's an AVERAGE figure. I suspect the higher figure for Durham is intrinsic in that "snobbiness" i.e. rich people's kids get more highly paid jobs. Manchester is a city of opportunity and your future is what you make it. It sounds like you're yearning after that cachet of picturesque Durham with its colleges - just how important is that to you?
"Manchester: I think I would be happier here" as well as two uses of the word "amazing"
You sound more positive about the concrete advantages of Manchester. One of your major cons for Manchester is lower graduate salaries. That's an AVERAGE figure. I suspect the higher figure for Durham is intrinsic in that "snobbiness" i.e. rich people's kids get more highly paid jobs. Manchester is a city of opportunity and your future is what you make it. It sounds like you're yearning after that cachet of picturesque Durham with its colleges - just how important is that to you?
Original post by Artjen
The most telling factor there for me is:
"Manchester: I think I would be happier here" as well as two uses of the word "amazing"
You sound more positive about the concrete advantages of Manchester. One of your major cons for Manchester is lower graduate salaries. That's an AVERAGE figure. I suspect the higher figure for Durham is intrinsic in that "snobbiness" i.e. rich people's kids get more highly paid jobs. Manchester is a city of opportunity and your future is what you make it. It sounds like you're yearning after that cachet of picturesque Durham with its colleges - just how important is that to you?
"Manchester: I think I would be happier here" as well as two uses of the word "amazing"
You sound more positive about the concrete advantages of Manchester. One of your major cons for Manchester is lower graduate salaries. That's an AVERAGE figure. I suspect the higher figure for Durham is intrinsic in that "snobbiness" i.e. rich people's kids get more highly paid jobs. Manchester is a city of opportunity and your future is what you make it. It sounds like you're yearning after that cachet of picturesque Durham with its colleges - just how important is that to you?
Original post by bill.bear02
Hello! I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain…
I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain… I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
I just wanted to hop in and share some of the beautiful spots near Manchester that are super easy to get to.
As a recent graduate from the University of Salford, we're practically neighbours with Manchester.
I actually come from a small village in the Midlands, so moving to the "Big City" was a bit intimidating at first. But now, it feels like home. That said, it's totally normal to feel the itch to escape city life sometimes. So, here are some places I love to escape to:
There are also is an article by Manchester Evening News which rates some lovely places to go and visit.
Thanks,
Katie
(Offical Salford Rep)
(edited 10 months ago)
Original post by University of Salford
Hey @bill.bear02
I just wanted to hop in and share some of the beautiful spots near Manchester that are super easy to get to.
As a recent graduate from the University of Salford, we're practically neighbours with Manchester.
I actually come from a small village in the Midlands, so moving to the "Big City" was a bit intimidating at first. But now, it feels like home. That said, it's totally normal to feel the itch to escape city life sometimes. So, here are some places I love to escape to:
There are also is an article by Manchester Evening News which rates some lovely places to go and visit.
Thanks,
Katie
(Offical Salford Rep)
I just wanted to hop in and share some of the beautiful spots near Manchester that are super easy to get to.
As a recent graduate from the University of Salford, we're practically neighbours with Manchester.
I actually come from a small village in the Midlands, so moving to the "Big City" was a bit intimidating at first. But now, it feels like home. That said, it's totally normal to feel the itch to escape city life sometimes. So, here are some places I love to escape to:
There are also is an article by Manchester Evening News which rates some lovely places to go and visit.
Thanks,
Katie
(Offical Salford Rep)
Original post by bill.bear02
Thank you so much for all of these amazing replies! Extremely helpful! It is nice to know one of the biggest considerations for this decision is location. I am stuck as I am a person would feel quite confident in both a quieter picturesque town (Durham) or a busier metropolitan city (Manchester) and I don’t really know if I have a preference over any for this! As you may be able to tell, I am quite passionate about the arts so this would be important to me. May be a tad easier in a city setting?
I'm stuck between either Durham or KCL for english lit atm, but recently went up to visit it. Although it is small, it is still a very pretty area, and very close to Newcastle, York and I think you can get the train to Edinburgh quite easily too! So it is easy to escape to busier cities, whilst still go to the university
Original post by bill.bear02
Hello! I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain…
I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain… I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
Hi! I am literally in the exact same position choosing between english at durham or manchester and want to firm my choice very soon. Have you decided? I think I am going to choose Manchester as I did like the pretty, small-town feel of Durham, but I thought I would get bored of it after a year. The only thing I'm hesitant on is that Durham is more prestigious? But I imagine most employers don't see much difference between the two, and you can always do a postgrad at Durham. Good luck on your a-levels!
Original post by aimee.evans
Hi! I am literally in the exact same position choosing between english at durham or manchester and want to firm my choice very soon. Have you decided? I think I am going to choose Manchester as I did like the pretty, small-town feel of Durham, but I thought I would get bored of it after a year. The only thing I'm hesitant on is that Durham is more prestigious? But I imagine most employers don't see much difference between the two, and you can always do a postgrad at Durham. Good luck on your a-levels!
Hi! I'm also in a similar-ish position - picking between Durham and Edinburgh and although i'm really leaning towards Durham, i'm also worried it's a bit too small and i might get bored ,but equally i also really like Durham collegiate system - any advice for picking?!
The collegiate system? They're just glorified halls of residences. I'm not a particular fan of Manchester as a city - it feels very businessy - but the university itself looks quite impressive and I'd rather find my niche in Manchester than feel like I'm living in a niche in Durham. Harder to find your true people in a place that has more of a type that tends to apply to it. English and American Studies sounds good.
(edited 8 months ago)
Original post by bill.bear02
Hello! I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain…
I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
I may be reposting the same thing but I’m not certain… I am a current Y13 student hoping for 2024 entry for English Literature at either of these amazing universities!! However, I am currently stuck on which one to choose. Any help would be really appreciated. I am predicted A*A*A*.
Here are my current notes!
Manchester Pros
* Highly respectable university
* Course is amazing
* In the heart of an amazing city
* Large American Studies team
* Founded drama department
* Thriving arts scene within the city
* 6th for employability
* Links to media city?
* Year abroad - possibility of Toronto
* I think I would be happier here
* Students union is viewed far higher
* A more ‘modern’ university
Manchester Cons
* Far less picturesque
* Not as competitive course
* Not as highly seen within the UK
* Close to home
* Lower earnings after the course - £23,000
Durham Pros
* Extremely well respected and seen highly by people
* Competitive course
* General atmosphere of Durham
* Collegiate system
* 12th for employability
* Thriving arts scene within the city (to a lesser extent perhaps)
* SLIGHTLY higher student satisfaction
* Higher earnings after the course - £26,000
* Proximity to Newcastle for something busier
* Scholarship?
Durham Cons
* Reputation as snobby
* Very very very small
* Expensive housing and accommodation
I am literally in the EXACT same position between Manchester and Durham for English Lit! Still very undecided and struggling to choose. Good luck with ur a levels 😄
Original post by aimee.evans
Hi! I am literally in the exact same position choosing between english at durham or manchester and want to firm my choice very soon. Have you decided? I think I am going to choose Manchester as I did like the pretty, small-town feel of Durham, but I thought I would get bored of it after a year. The only thing I'm hesitant on is that Durham is more prestigious? But I imagine most employers don't see much difference between the two, and you can always do a postgrad at Durham. Good luck on your a-levels!
HELLO!!! almost forgot I sent this ahah! funny story... i started off with Durham firm and Manchester insurance. then I called UCAS the next day and requested for these to be flipped around! so Manchester it (hopefully) is in the end! whilst I was definitely concerned about prestige, it is truly splitting hairs to say one is more prestigious than the other - they are two exceptional universities. therefore, I went with the university and location that excited ME the most! really hope your A-levels went well, also. would love to know which direction you went in the end, and maybe see you in September? also, thank you for everyone's support and advice, it was extremely helpful!
(edited 6 months ago)
Original post by annalmc
I am literally in the EXACT same position between Manchester and Durham for English Lit! Still very undecided and struggling to choose. Good luck with ur a levels 😄
which did you choose in the end?? hope A-levels went well!!
(edited 6 months ago)
Original post by NatashaBack
Hi! I'm also in a similar-ish position - picking between Durham and Edinburgh and although i'm really leaning towards Durham, i'm also worried it's a bit too small and i might get bored ,but equally i also really like Durham collegiate system - any advice for picking?!
I think I found that I was happy to adapt to either a collegiate or city setting so i definitely understand!! ultimately, I think the final nail in the coffin for me leaning towards Manchester was that I was given the initial allocation of St Aiden's college (notoriously known as the college that no one visits but everyone gets LOL). whilst perhaps VERY unrealistic, I was counting on being allocated a college within the town (St Chads was just BEAUTIFUL). whilst I'm sure St Aiden's might have been a camp old time, I realised that it was quite separate from the flamboyancy of the colleges in the town (gowns, evening meals, etc.) - a prospect that quite excited me for just something COMPLETELY different! I would love to know what choice you made - after recently reading 'One Day', I will be very jealous if you chose Edinburgh
.(edited 6 months ago)
Original post by bill.bear02
which did you choose in the end?? hope A-levels went well!!
Ended up firming Manchester!! I think I felt more inclined to choose Durham because I thought I should because of the prestige, but realised that Manchester as a place suits me a lot more, and I loved the variety of modules in the course as well. Hope A-levels went well for you too!!🙂
Original post by annalmc
Ended up firming Manchester!! I think I felt more inclined to choose Durham because I thought I should because of the prestige, but realised that Manchester as a place suits me a lot more, and I loved the variety of modules in the course as well. Hope A-levels went well for you too!!🙂
amazing!! do you know if there is any group chat being set up?
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