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edinburgh vs durham

Hi, I’m a year 13 student who’s applied and has offers for BA geography at durham at MA geography at edinburgh. I’m finding it difficult choosing between the universities, can anyone give me an insight or advice about the unis? Thanks
How do you feel about Edinburg being a 4 year course? An added expense or an exciting chance to go overseas?
Original post by Anonymous
Hi, I’m a year 13 student who’s applied and has offers for BA geography at durham at MA geography at edinburgh. I’m finding it difficult choosing between the universities, can anyone give me an insight or advice about the unis? Thanks

Its important to also consider whether you would prefer the collegiate system that Durham can offer or the broader social cohort at Edinburgh. Durham generally narrowly beats Edinburgh on League tables, but I haven't done much research on Geography so it's worth checking. It is probably also good to consider the city itself, would you prefer the more touristy yet bustling Edinburgh, or quiet and calm Durham? Either way, they're both amazing unis so well done! I am in the same position but am opting for Durham due to the course having slightly lower entry requirements and also favouring the smaller collegiate system as my course is very niche so I think it may be easier to make friends! My brother goes to Edinburgh, so despite loving the city I think I would commute in anyway to see him, whilst Durham seems more of a 'uni' city which I suppose has pros and cons in itself. Being able to choose to specialise in a specific niche when/ if doing Masters also seems like a win for me rather than immediately committing to four years. Good luck choosing!
Original post by esmethomas
Its important to also consider whether you would prefer the collegiate system that Durham can offer or the broader social cohort at Edinburgh. Durham generally narrowly beats Edinburgh on League tables, but I haven't done much research on Geography so it's worth checking. It is probably also good to consider the city itself, would you prefer the more touristy yet bustling Edinburgh, or quiet and calm Durham? Either way, they're both amazing unis so well done! I am in the same position but am opting for Durham due to the course having slightly lower entry requirements and also favouring the smaller collegiate system as my course is very niche so I think it may be easier to make friends! My brother goes to Edinburgh, so despite loving the city I think I would commute in anyway to see him, whilst Durham seems more of a 'uni' city which I suppose has pros and cons in itself. Being able to choose to specialise in a specific niche when/ if doing Masters also seems like a win for me rather than immediately committing to four years. Good luck choosing!

Durham doesn't rank anywhere near the top of global league tables. Edinburgh is closing on the likes of UCL and Imperial, although it probably won't ever overtake them. Edinburgh earns £1.5 billion plus annually, to Durham's £500 million.

I really don't understand how so many Durham students and alumni get fooled into thinking it can compete with the World's best universities. It can't, and as long as it earns so little money annually, it never will.
Original post by Anonymous
Durham doesn't rank anywhere near the top of global league tables. Edinburgh is closing on the likes of UCL and Imperial, although it probably won't ever overtake them. Edinburgh earns £1.5 billion plus annually, to Durham's £500 million.
I really don't understand how so many Durham students and alumni get fooled into thinking it can compete with the World's best universities. It can't, and as long as it earns so little money annually, it never will.

I think an important distinction is made here: rankings of Universities in the UK and Globally. I'm not sure why the likes of UCL or Imperial were brought in here (I have an offer for UCL this year which for various reasons I am unlikely to accept), but the truth is that the difference between Edinburgh and Durham is so marginal that more qualitative factors such as location and social scene would probably be the priority for a student to differentiate. Of course, if one intends to work abroad then looking at global charts would be more helpful however, with neither Durham nor Edinburgh being Oxbridge or the more Stem-focused London Unis, I doubt attending either uni has an edge over the other in terms of international employment. P.S I am neither a Durham student nor alumni just a fellow applicant offering my PERSONAL opinion :smile:
Original post by esmethomas
I think an important distinction is made here: rankings of Universities in the UK and Globally. I'm not sure why the likes of UCL or Imperial were brought in here (I have an offer for UCL this year which for various reasons I am unlikely to accept), but the truth is that the difference between Edinburgh and Durham is so marginal that more qualitative factors such as location and social scene would probably be the priority for a student to differentiate. Of course, if one intends to work abroad then looking at global charts would be more helpful however, with neither Durham nor Edinburgh being Oxbridge or the more Stem-focused London Unis, I doubt attending either uni has an edge over the other in terms of international employment. P.S I am neither a Durham student nor alumni just a fellow applicant offering my PERSONAL opinion :smile:

l think you will find in the academic community that Edinburgh is way ahead of Durham for research overall. That includes post-graduate, PhD, and post-doctoral research. Durham only does research on a scale in certain subjects, like Law and History.
Reply 6
Original post by Physician
l think you will find in the academic community that Edinburgh is way ahead of Durham for research overall. That includes post-graduate, PhD, and post-doctoral research. Durham only does research on a scale in certain subjects, like Law and History.

And physics

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