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Newcastle vs Cardiff

I have applied for computer science and i’m stuck between the two since the grades offered are the same. I am also have an offer for the partners program. If I could know the pros of Newcastle that would be very much appreciated. I would also like to know about diversity in Newcastle.

Reply 1

Hello! My degree is not even close to computer science, but I can certainly offer my personal experiences with deciding on a university.

Part of my 'luck' is finding exams particularly challenging (I tend to thrive better on coursework), so I have had to undertake a foundation-year; which, in September, I found embarrassing and shameful, but in reality, I have discovered what I truly look for in a university. Now, how does this relate to you?

Throughout my A Levels, I dreamed about studying at Cardiff University. Not only was it close to home, but also a beautiful city, buildings, great course variety and facilities for my chosen subject, and technically a new country (I don't live in Wales haha). And I was so upset when I didn't get in come results day, so had to go through clearing and went to a new university along the south coast. Here, is where I discovered my preferences.

Cardiff was a city-based university, not a campus. I like to describe it as an educational institute you wouldn't know whether you walked in its parameters - I didn't like that, so of course I prefer a campus-based university which is what Newcastle is. I am also aware Cardiff's accommodation isn't 'attractive' compared to other places, and its nightlife is lively, which I also don't like. Drinking and partying does not appeal to me, but that doesn't mean I am boring, I make up for it on other ways by being overly sociable and adjustable. I feel like I would have struggled with Cardiff's nightlife, but you might be great! I personally don't know you.

Now, here is where Newcastle fits in. I am close to finishing my first 'unofficial' year of university, and as much as I have enjoyed where I am at, I do not want to stay. So, of course, I am looking at Newcastle which is the other end of England, and the furthest I may be away from home for a long period of time. Newcastle offers a combined course I am interested in, but also checks several boxes. I am unsure whether I will be eligible to apply, but time will tell.

I understand this may have been a little excessive, but what I am trying to tell you is to consider all aspects. What does Newcastle have that Cardiff does not? For me, it was the course but also it is a campus-based university. Are there societies/clubs/sports you are interested in? All, if not most, universities are different. Is one university primarily exam-based, coursework, or is it mixed? Personally, the less exams, the better. And I could be wrong, but I believe Cardiff and Newcastle have similar rankings, so either way, you are going to a great university. I have not personally done this, but check LinkedIn! You may find some people who have completed the degree you're interested in who you could ask.

Hopefully this has been helpful. I wish you the best of luck in your exams and deciding on a university. It is hard to know what is right, but trust me, you will know if something truly feels right for you.

Reply 2

Original post by Anonymous
Hello! My degree is not even close to computer science, but I can certainly offer my personal experiences with deciding on a university.
Part of my 'luck' is finding exams particularly challenging (I tend to thrive better on coursework), so I have had to undertake a foundation-year; which, in September, I found embarrassing and shameful, but in reality, I have discovered what I truly look for in a university. Now, how does this relate to you?
Throughout my A Levels, I dreamed about studying at Cardiff University. Not only was it close to home, but also a beautiful city, buildings, great course variety and facilities for my chosen subject, and technically a new country (I don't live in Wales haha). And I was so upset when I didn't get in come results day, so had to go through clearing and went to a new university along the south coast. Here, is where I discovered my preferences.
Cardiff was a city-based university, not a campus. I like to describe it as an educational institute you wouldn't know whether you walked in its parameters - I didn't like that, so of course I prefer a campus-based university which is what Newcastle is. I am also aware Cardiff's accommodation isn't 'attractive' compared to other places, and its nightlife is lively, which I also don't like. Drinking and partying does not appeal to me, but that doesn't mean I am boring, I make up for it on other ways by being overly sociable and adjustable. I feel like I would have struggled with Cardiff's nightlife, but you might be great! I personally don't know you.
Now, here is where Newcastle fits in. I am close to finishing my first 'unofficial' year of university, and as much as I have enjoyed where I am at, I do not want to stay. So, of course, I am looking at Newcastle which is the other end of England, and the furthest I may be away from home for a long period of time. Newcastle offers a combined course I am interested in, but also checks several boxes. I am unsure whether I will be eligible to apply, but time will tell.
I understand this may have been a little excessive, but what I am trying to tell you is to consider all aspects. What does Newcastle have that Cardiff does not? For me, it was the course but also it is a campus-based university. Are there societies/clubs/sports you are interested in? All, if not most, universities are different. Is one university primarily exam-based, coursework, or is it mixed? Personally, the less exams, the better. And I could be wrong, but I believe Cardiff and Newcastle have similar rankings, so either way, you are going to a great university. I have not personally done this, but check LinkedIn! You may find some people who have completed the degree you're interested in who you could ask.
Hopefully this has been helpful. I wish you the best of luck in your exams and deciding on a university. It is hard to know what is right, but trust me, you will know if something truly feels right for you.
Thank you for all the help
Original post by anonymous
I have applied for computer science and i’m stuck between the two since the grades offered are the same. I am also have an offer for the partners program. If I could know the pros of Newcastle that would be very much appreciated. I would also like to know about diversity in Newcastle.

Hi there!

My name is Alex and I'm a recent Newcastle University graduate - it's great to hear that you're considering us as one of your choices! For obvious reasons, I'm unable to speak on Cardiff University, but I'm more than happy to share some info on what we can offer you at Newcastle.

Our Computer Science BSc Honours course, as you'll already know, is AAB entry requirement. Even better still, if you successfully pass the PARTNERS Summer School, you will be offered a reduced requirement of BBC! This degree is great for its flexible structure, allowing you to choose your modules to specialise in your final year(s). With the first two years having fixed modules, this allows you to transfer between our degrees all the way up until the end of Stage 2. Our Computer Science degrees are also accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), so rest assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standard set by the IT industry - further expanding your graduate prospects! Moreover, you will be based in the Urban Sciences Building - our brand new £58m building which offers state of the art facilities for our students. Finally, you really will benefit from our well-established industry links, with our graduates being recruited by companies such as Nissan, Microsoft, Deloitte and P&G.

You can find out more about our Computer Science (G400) degree here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/g400/

Speaking more generally on Newcastle as a place to live, I may be slightly biased as I've lived here my whole life - which might actually be testament to the fact that it's such an amazing place to study given I've never moved away! There is so much to do and see - with big cultural spaces such as the Theatre Royal, the Hancock Museum, the Metro Radio Arena and more. Newcastle is a bustling city day and night, so you'll never run out of things to do; but if you're wanting to escape the city for a bit, it's a mere 20 minute drive to the coast, and a 20 minute drive in the opposite direction to the countryside for a change of scenery. I think what really makes the city, though, is the people! Everyone is so friendly here, and with most living here being students, you'll undoubtedly make many amazing friends along the way.

As a university, we really value and celebrate individual differences and the diversity that this brings to Newcastle. We want to ensure that no-one is at a disadvantage because of who they are. From religion, to gender, to race, sexual orientation and disability, we aim to create a positive, supportive culture for everyone to reach their potential with equal opportunity. In the wider workings of the university, we have Deans, Faculty Directors and an Inclusion Team which oversee Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Newcastle through scholarships, funds, etc. But the students without a doubt play a huge role in making the Newcastle University the safe, welcoming space that it proves itself to be. Through inclusive societies, student led campaigns, fundraisers and events, there are endless opportunities for you to get involved in to make Newcastle an even better place to study.

Find out more about Diversity at Newcastle Uni here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/who-we-are/equality/

I hope this answers your queries, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have anymore questions!

Best wishes,
Alex
(edited 11 months ago)

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