CS at Queen Mary

2

Hi,
I am predicted A*AA. What would be best option for CS uni. Would QM be a good choice?
Or better work on my actual grades and if scored better , take a gap year and apply for UCL, KCL?
Is the difference between UNIs worth taking a gap year?

Reply 1

Dina essam

OP

2

Hi,
I am predicted A*AA. What would be best option for CS uni. Would QM be a good choice?
Or better work on my actual grades and if scored better , take a gap year and apply for UCL, KCL?
Is the difference between UNIs worth taking a gap year?

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Just be aware that 'In London' does not mean the course is better - however you want to measure that - and that its still possible to be totally miserable at UCL, KCL etc because you chose the wrong course or the wrong Uni for you.

Have you been to any Open Days at any Unis?
Have you looked at any courses in detail and the different optional units available?
Do any of them offer a work-placement or study-abroad - either adds heaps to your graduate CV.

Unis with strong CS departments include Bristol, Southampton, Bath, Loughborough, Sheffield etc.

Reply 3

Dina essam

OP

2

Original post

by McGinger

Just be aware that 'In London' does not mean the course is better - however you want to measure that - and that its still possible to be totally miserable at UCL, KCL etc because you chose the wrong course or the wrong Uni for you.
Have you been to any Open Days at any Unis?
Have you looked at any courses in detail and the different optional units available?
Do any of them offer a work-placement or study-abroad - either adds heaps to your graduate CV.
Unis with strong CS departments include Bristol, Southampton, Bath, Loughborough, Sheffield etc.

Of course I understand that in London is not the criteria to define a good uni. I live in London and was hoping to stay at home. That’s why exploring lLondon Options first. I had a detailed look on the courses and the subjects, I quite like the QM course, but not sure if the Name of the uni would make a big difference.
Thanks for taking the time to reply

Reply 4

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

I've merged your two threads together.

Reply 5

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Dina essam

Of course I understand that in London is not the criteria to define a good uni. I live in London and was hoping to stay at home. That’s why exploring lLondon Options first. I had a detailed look on the courses and the subjects, I quite like the QM course, but not sure if the Name of the uni would make a big difference.
Thanks for taking the time to reply

Hi!

The university name doesn't carry a significant weight, at least for a degree such as Computer Science. I think the main factor for choosing the university should be the contents of the degree: the modules you will study, as well as how the course and assessments are structured. The second most important factor should probably be the university itself: this is best assessed by attending open days, q&a, and offer holder events, as well as chatting to current students through platforms such as UniBuddy or TSR. Do you like the university's vibe, do they offer good facilities, career support, and extra-curricular options that interest you, how are the academics/lecturers/staff at the university, etc.

Of course, this is down to personal preference - you might value the location or certain rankings more than how your lectures or exams take place/ what nightlife the university has.

Is QM a good choice? Do you like the course and the modules? What did you think of the university's campus? Does it have any specific things that you are looking for at a uni? Have you chatted to any of the students - do they like the course? Are the career support and the graduate prospects good? If the answers are "yes", then it is a good choice.

Queen Mary's, Royal Holloway are quite good options in London. There is also University of Surrey. If you are looking outside of London, then Lancaster, Loughborough, Sheffield, are some good options to look into with lower grade requirements.

Should you take a gap year to reapply? That depends on how much you want to go to the university you want to reapply to and if you have a plan of what to do during the gap year, so that you are not wasting a year of your time just waiting. You know best 🙂

I was also predicted A*AAA when I was doing my A-Levels, so I had to go for universities with lower grade requirements. After being accepted into Durham, Sheffield and Lancaster, and studying CS at Lancaster for the past 2.5 years, I have not regretted that decision. Hopefully you will also make a choice that will make you happy 🙂

Best wishes,
Polina,
Lancaster University Computer Science Student Ambassador.

Reply 6

Rob Bellic

13

Original post

by Dina essam

Of course I understand that in London is not the criteria to define a good uni. I live in London and was hoping to stay at home. That’s why exploring lLondon Options first. I had a detailed look on the courses and the subjects, I quite like the QM course, but not sure if the Name of the uni would make a big difference.
Thanks for taking the time to reply

QMUL is one of the "decent" London unis for CS. It's not as good as KCL, UCL, imperial etc but is miles ahead of City, Brunel, Goldsmiths etc

CS at Queen Mary

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