Which university for chemistry?

Hi! I was looking for some advice on which university to choose for a Chemistry degree.
I have achieved 3 A*s at A level in Chem, Maths, Biology.
My top 3 choices are University of Birmingham, Warwick and Keele.
I really really like Keele university, the campus, the fact that the accommodation and future 2nd year houses are more affordable etc. I could afford UOB and Warwick but if it weren’t for Keele not being a Russel Group, it would definitely be my top choice.
So, does Russel group really make a difference to graduate prospects and would it be silly for me to choose a non-russel group uni?
I’d really appreciate any advice! Thank you!

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

totallyfine

No, it wouldn't. Its most important that you like the modules offered and the environment.

Russell group status does not guarantee that you will enjoy the course or that the teaching would be better.
However, do go to offer holder days to be certain

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

mike23mike

The university brand is what is going on your CV for the rest of your life so choose carefully. With your grades you could go anywhere. Why have you not considered St Andrews, Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Durham or Bristol - all ranked higher than Warwick, Birmingham and Keele for chemistry? Your academic intellect would be stretched at these unis - more so than Warwick, Birmingham or Keele.

If you are self-financing and funding is a concern then choose York since its ranked 7th for chemistry. Its a lovely city and campus and affordable.

Reply 3

totallyfine

University brand is not as important as the level of degree you get. It is often over sold as a marketing ploy by more prestidious universities but makes very little practical difference for most people in reality. If you are happier in a less pestigious Uni, you are likely to flourish better. But you do need to research the reality of the courses on offer.
Its important to go to offer holders days and to really scrutanise the quality of degree on offer and to consider if it gives you the modules you prefer.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

Holly162

Keele is a great university and I’ve only heard positive opinions about it. I’m at a Russell group and the only benefit I’d say is that they often have the best chemistry facilities due to extra funding. It sounds like Keele is for you, and there’s no point going to a Russell group if you’re not going to be happy there. A 1st class from Keele will be better than a lower grade at another because you didn’t like it there :smile:

P.S as someone who’s applying to a lot of graduate schemes now, they often do blind application screening so that there’s not university bias anyways

Reply 5

McGinger

Do any of these courses offer any sort of work placement?
This add heaps to your graduate CV - and give you some context for learning within your degree.