How important is a prestigious university?

I hold conditional offers to the Uni of Strathclyde and Uni of Glasgow for Aerospace Systems and Aero-mechanical Engineering [I am in 5th year and expect to achieve the required grades]. I am finding it hard to decide which one to go to.

I understand that's Glasgow is more "prestigious" but Strathclyde offers more practical opportunities. I am considering going abroad for employment if that makes any difference to which one is best suited. Any words of advice for me?

Reply 1

Picnicl

Actually, for this subject Strathclyde is 133rd in the world and Glasgow just happens to be 134th. See QS Rankings 2024. But Glasgow is by far the more 'classical' university with a great diversity of subjects, greater number of staff and students, and a 4% greater (86% v 82%) research quality rating for all subjects on average than Strathclyde.

nb. why aren't Strathclyde showing in The Complete University Guide for this subject?

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

MisTea

Original post by Picnicl

Actually, for this subject Strathclyde is 133rd in the world and Glasgow just happens to be 134th. See QS Rankings 2024. But Glasgow is by far the more 'classical' university with a great diversity of subjects, greater number of staff and students, and a 4% greater (86% v 82%) research quality rating for all subjects on average than Strathclyde.
nb. why aren't Strathclyde showing in The Complete University Guide for this subject?

How coincidental! Do you think either university would harm/aid my career prospects in the future? I am also considering doing a masters at a classical university in England so would this have any impact or am I reading too much into this?

Reply 3

McGinger

At this level, 'which Uni' will make no discenable difference to your career, which btw is up to you and not predetermined by the brand name of your Uni. If Strathclyde offer placements or any other sort of work-experience that is a major plus that will make an enormous difference to your graduate CV.

Reply 4

University of Strathclyde

Official Rep

Original post by MisTea

I hold conditional offers to the Uni of Strathclyde and Uni of Glasgow for Aerospace Systems and Aero-mechanical Engineering [I am in 5th year and expect to achieve the required grades]. I am finding it hard to decide which one to go to.
I understand that's Glasgow is more "prestigious" but Strathclyde offers more practical opportunities. I am considering going abroad for employment if that makes any difference to which one is best suited. Any words of advice for me?

Hey @MisTea 😀 Congrats on your offers! Have you had a chance to visit both campuses recently? Which one do you feel is the best fit for you? Think about the course itself, but also the university and the locations and what opportunities would come your way during the degree.

Make a list of the things that are important to *you* and then look at how each of your options fit in to what you're looking for. Pick the degree and the uni that you'll be most happy and settled at - that'll give you the best chance of success in the long run.

Caitlin 🎓️
Official University of Strathclyde Rep

Reply 5

UofG Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by MisTea

I hold conditional offers to the Uni of Strathclyde and Uni of Glasgow for Aerospace Systems and Aero-mechanical Engineering [I am in 5th year and expect to achieve the required grades]. I am finding it hard to decide which one to go to.
I understand that's Glasgow is more "prestigious" but Strathclyde offers more practical opportunities. I am considering going abroad for employment if that makes any difference to which one is best suited. Any words of advice for me?

Hi there,

Congratulations on both your offers!

I am just finishing my 1st year studying mechanical engineering at Uni of Glasgow and I have absolutely loved it!
Although the course has been quite difficult at times, the lecturers provide a lot of online resources and the University support service have maths help drop-ins which are really good. In first year most of your courses are mixed in with other engineering disciplines, and through the year you have labs, learn different CAD software and do lots of fun group projects.
You can read more about the engineering school here: University of Glasgow - Schools - James Watt School of Engineering

As I'm only in my first year I can't comment too well on practical career opportunities, but I know lots of people in higher years doing engineering at Glasgow who have had great summer internships and study abroad opportunities. We have quite a few engineering based societies which can give you cool opportunities as well such as our Formula Student team UG Racing, Handprints, GU Rocketry, FemEng and our general engineering society GUES. I am a member of both FemEng ang GUES, and have had the opportunity to attend engineering workshops and events with industry professionals which has been really interesting!

I also left from 5th year, and found that I have enjoyed the social life at Glasgow as it isn't super clubbing focused. The West End is a really nice place to live with loads of green space, cafes, bars and restaurants. We have two student unions who hold weekly club nights, pub quizzes and open mics, have a great kitchen, pool, darts and snooker and host special events throughout the year. As previously mentioned we also have a huge number of student societies to get involved in, both academic and not, as well as over 50 sports clubs!

Although the historic campus is beautiful, I wouldn't worry too much about prestige when making your decision as both are incredible universities, but think more about where you think you will enjoying living on a day to day basis. Which campus will you enjoy walking around? Which part of the city would you rather be in? Which social life suits you better?

All round I honestly couldn't recommend Glasgow enough.
Best of luck with your decision!
Elise, 1st Year
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

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