Arden online or Wolverhampton?

They both have quite a few bad reviews but Arden's looks worse so I'm leaning towards Wolverhampton. Any non-biased opinions?

You can see TEF outcomes here: https://tef2023.officeforstudents.org.uk/
Arden has an outcome of Requires Improvement (overall and also for both Student experience and Student outcomes) - one of only 3 providers and the only university to get this outcome: "This provider’s overall outcome is Requires Improvement, which means that the provider was assessed in the TEF, and no overall rating was awarded. Improvement is required for a TEF rating."
Wolverhampton has a rating of Bronze (overall and for Student experience and Student outcomes): "This provider's overall rating is Bronze. Typically, the experience students have at University of Wolverhampton and the outcomes it leads to are high quality, and there are some very high quality features."

@Vystopian
Hello, for a completely unbiased view, check out a Universities report based on the Teaching Excellence Framework which is done by the Office for Students, older reports will be by the QAA. It takes into account student success rates, student feedback, quality of teaching and support etc. The report should readily be available online
I studied at Arden for 2 years and I had a really great time, I chose to do the MSc Psychology (conversion) 100% online - I know for less experienced students blended learning might suit them better. I already had done level 7 study with a PGCE and a PGC SENDco.
Arden do virtual open days and there are links to previous webinars here Upcoming Events & Webinars | Arden University
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

Have you visited Wolverhampton?
What are your priorities in a degree and university?

I'm skeptical. I've emailed you twice asking for some kind of reassurance and they've both been ignored. Keep in mind that I've already been accepted and given an unconditional offer and STILL you cannot be bothered to respond. The negative feedback online mostly consists of negative student to administration interactions and my experience as a pre-student seems to reflect this experience.

@Vystopian
Hi again, I am just a student ambassador, so I don't actually see into the admissions process.
Can I just clarify, what it is you want assurances of? It might be best leaving the admissions team with your number and requesting a call back
I was a 100% online student for 2 years, and I was perfectly fine. I live about half a mile from the Manchester campus and didn't have to call in once.
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

Both the comment you're responding to and the original response further up both state concerns over student to administration interactions, as the bulk of online criticisms seem to suggest. Most examples include, flat out ignoring inquiries which was my experience as a pre-student.
In response to this concern, Arden ignored me... This is a fairly solid confirmation friend but I'm open to any other thoughts you might have on the matter.

@Vystopian
Sorry I wasn't quite sure what you meant by, "I've emailed you twice asking for some kind of reassurance and they've both been ignored".
I would fill in an official 'request a call back' or 'make an enquiry' form at the top right hand side of the website and someone should be in touch https://arden.ac.uk/
All I can say is from my experience, when I was considering enrolling I got a call back checking my eligibility for the MSc Psychology program.
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

You're referring to the 'educational consultant' who processes your information. They were unable to help so I sent two messages via the 'make an enquiry' but didn't receive a response from either.

@Vystopian
If you private send me what you would like to know and your contact details I will pass them on to one of the team
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

They both have quite a few bad reviews but Arden's looks worse so I'm leaning towards Wolverhampton. Any non-biased opinions?

They both have quite a few bad reviews but Arden's looks worse so I'm leaning towards Wolverhampton. Any non-biased opinions?

@Vystopian
Hi again, I am just a student ambassador, so I don't actually see into the admissions process.
Can I just clarify, what it is you want assurances of? It might be best leaving the admissions team with your number and requesting a call back
I was a 100% online student for 2 years, and I was perfectly fine. I live about half a mile from the Manchester campus and didn't have to call in once.
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

Why do people here consider Arden or OU over the online degrees offered by the University of London? Their courses are prestigious, and the fees aren't too bad, and you can study over 5 years part-time. They don't cover every subject, but they do offer a fair number of them.

@Physician
I chose Arden and I had a fantastic time doing the MSc Psychology (conversion), I had the advantage of having 2 years of post graduate study behind me so I had a lot of confidence to dive straight in, I know for some people any MSc, particularly a conversion, can be a steep climb particularly at first. I'd never heard of the University of London, and I was at a H.E conference and someone mentioned Arden (and I saw one of the adverts on the Metrolink in Manchester) and that's where my interest began. Arden definitely have the best virtual learning environment I have come across (and I have worked in F.E and H.E for over 10 years).
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

I am sure others would say the same about Wolverhampton. But the Uni of London degrees are the most prestigious for online learning.