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Durham or Glasgow for English Literature

Hello all,

I find myself in a pretty good problem and I need to choose between Glasgow and Durham for my postgraduate studies. I think I prefer the modules at Glasgow for my research interests (Using spectres in postcolonial speculative short stories as a way to interrogate technoscientific optimism) so postcol, anthropocene literature etc etc. At the same time, I know Durham is well known for its teaching and research.

I am not absolutely set on this topic, although I suspect my interests won't do a 180 and both courses are taught courses so I will definitely do a bit of exploring. I think I would benefit greatly from Durham's expertise and teaching + I want to remain in academia and I think I could get a really good foundation here.

I wanted to ask around and see if anyone has any insights on these two unis and studying here. I am an international student from SEA and have never been to either so going in blind. I'd appreciate any insight/help here or if there's anything you believe I should know before making my decision. Having a bit of decision paralysis, so any help on uni culture/city culture etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading this lengthy post!

Reply 1

Za366

Whichever option you see yourself enjoying more do that. University recognition only gets you somewhere, however if you enjoy the work you do that’s when you will never burnout.

I live in Scotland, Glasgow is a very good city for student life, and Glasgow university is a very supportive and welcoming university from my knowledge.

Whilst on the other hand, Durham university is similar with its properties (very supportive university for students and overall very high satisfaction rate.)

I would personally say for you, whatever course you see would be better for you in a sense that you would enjoy it more, you would get the most out of it and overall make it an memorable experience choose that university.

Always listen to your heart even if it doesn’t make the most academic or economic sense.

Reply 2

rockyroad2411

Original post by Za366

Whichever option you see yourself enjoying more do that. University recognition only gets you somewhere, however if you enjoy the work you do that’s when you will never burnout.
I live in Scotland, Glasgow is a very good city for student life, and Glasgow university is a very supportive and welcoming university from my knowledge.
Whilst on the other hand, Durham university is similar with its properties (very supportive university for students and overall very high satisfaction rate.)
I would personally say for you, whatever course you see would be better for you in a sense that you would enjoy it more, you would get the most out of it and overall make it an memorable experience choose that university.
Always listen to your heart even if it doesn’t make the most academic or economic sense.

Thanks for this! I suspect I already know the answer but im trying to talk myself in the opposite direction hahah. Thanks for the clarity

Reply 3

PG Study Chester

Official Rep

Original post by rockyroad2411

Thanks for this! I suspect I already know the answer but im trying to talk myself in the opposite direction hahah. Thanks for the clarity

Hello,

First.y congratulations on being in such a great position, both Glasgow and Durham are brilliant universities academically and in terms of the beautiful cities they are located in.

I wanted to reply to say that I would agree with Za366. Whilst the reputation of the university can be important in some situations at the end of the day if you aren’t happy there, you won’t enjoy the experience and you won’t get the most out of your studies. I would ask myself, where will I enjoy living and studying the most?

I see that you’re an international student - is visiting the uni and city an option for you? If it is, attending an open day could be a great opportunity to get a feel for the university. Not only are staff members on hand to chat to you, but you also have the chance to speak to current students as well, and you could combine it with a mini break to stay in the city and gain a sense of the wider location.

Rather than think about which is the ‘better’ institution, consider where you feel most at home, which is the course that is offered that appeals to your interests the most? Both Glasgow and Durham are excellent unis.
Once you answer this, I think your decision is made!
Good luck with your future studies,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

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