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University Choice

I have an option between two different universities. I will be living from home and just drive to uni. One is a Russel group however it is a 45 minute drive and the other is in the lower ranks however it is only a 30 minute drive or so is it worth picking a Russel group uni or is it not that important how good the university you attended is ?

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by TheLegend0505

The Russell Group is a marketing group aimed at driving research funding to their members. It is not necessarily an indicator of teaching quality (which is what most undergraduates are interested in). Nor is not being a member an indication that a university is not a "good" university. For example, St. Andrews and Bath are both excellent universities, but neither is a member of the Russell Group.

Which two universities are you choosing between? And - just as important - which course are you looking to do?

You talk about the non-Russell Group university being "in the lower ranks". The league tables are based upon what someone else feels are the important criteria - often because they're easy to measure. Given that they're so close, I assume you've been to visit each university, and have talked to the staff and current students, seen the facilities they have, etc. Which did you prefer (ignoring the drive-time)?

Reply 2

TheLegend0505

the universities are university of Birmingham and Oxford Brooke’s and the course is accounting and finance. After going to both universities I really don’t have a preference

Reply 3

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by TheLegend0505

the universities are university of Birmingham and Oxford Brooke’s and the course is accounting and finance. After going to both universities I really don’t have a preference

It's a shame that you have no preference! :smile:

Take a look at some of the data provided on The Uni Guide (here for Birmingham and here for Oxford Brookes). Numbers I tend to look for are student satisfaction, drop-out rate, and "employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial" (six months after graduating). But those might not be important to you.

To me, Birmingham is clearly the better option. But only you can decide if it's better for you, and if it is, whether it's "half an hour a day in extra travel-time" better.