Should I prioritize course ranking or overall experience for my msc
I’m deciding between University of Surrey and Northumbria University for my MSc in Organizational Psychology, and I’m stuck. Surrey has a higher ranking for the course, but it’s also more expensive than Northumbria. On the other hand, Newcastle (where Northumbria is) is a more student-friendly and affordable city.
I know rankings can play a role, but how much do they really matter in the long run, especially for a master’s degree? Should I prioritize the course’s prestige, or would the overall experience (cost of living, student life, networking, etc.) have a bigger impact on my future opportunities?
If you’ve been in a similar situation, how did you decide? Also, for those in the workforce, does the university ranking actually matter when applying for jobs, or is it more about skills and experience?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
I know rankings can play a role, but how much do they really matter in the long run, especially for a master’s degree? Should I prioritize the course’s prestige, or would the overall experience (cost of living, student life, networking, etc.) have a bigger impact on my future opportunities?
If you’ve been in a similar situation, how did you decide? Also, for those in the workforce, does the university ranking actually matter when applying for jobs, or is it more about skills and experience?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
I’d pick the course that you’d enjoy more in this case, forget about rankings unless you looking to into something competitive that’s Law or Finance related.
Also moved to psychology
Also moved to psychology
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
Rankings play jack **** in general. It does with law somewhat; although times have changed a lot in that respect.
Original post by wowzielama
I’m deciding between University of Surrey and Northumbria University for my MSc in Organizational Psychology, and I’m stuck. Surrey has a higher ranking for the course, but it’s also more expensive than Northumbria. On the other hand, Newcastle (where Northumbria is) is a more student-friendly and affordable city.
I know rankings can play a role, but how much do they really matter in the long run, especially for a master’s degree? Should I prioritize the course’s prestige, or would the overall experience (cost of living, student life, networking, etc.) have a bigger impact on my future opportunities?
If you’ve been in a similar situation, how did you decide? Also, for those in the workforce, does the university ranking actually matter when applying for jobs, or is it more about skills and experience?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
I know rankings can play a role, but how much do they really matter in the long run, especially for a master’s degree? Should I prioritize the course’s prestige, or would the overall experience (cost of living, student life, networking, etc.) have a bigger impact on my future opportunities?
If you’ve been in a similar situation, how did you decide? Also, for those in the workforce, does the university ranking actually matter when applying for jobs, or is it more about skills and experience?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
It depends why you are doing the Masters.
If you want it to enhance your CV and appeal then pick the place with the better reputation. Sure, some employers won't care - but that's it, they don't care. The point is that some will think that Surrey is a more challenging course and more selective that Northumbria, and therefore the applicant form Surrey is stronger. You have no idea what your future application assessors will think, so on the precautionary principle, you should choose the one that satisfies the one for employers who care.
No employer ever has employed anyone on the basis of the cost of living at uni, or student life etc.
If you are hoping to go on and do a PhD, then go to the University with the strongest department in the specialization you are interested in, The Masters modules are likely to be stronger.
So if you are doing the Masters for you - go wherever you want. If you are doing the Masters to improve your career prospects, use the precautionary principle and go to the Uni with the best rep. If you re doing the Masters to progress to a PhD go to the university that is strongest in the specialization you are interested in.
Reply 4
Ignore rankings!!!! There are so few Masters that cover exactly what people want to study so if you find one, take it!
If you might be interested in further research/PhD, then it might be worth looking what subjects professors are researching at the university too as its easier (in my opinion) to stay on and study at the same uni rather than swap
If you might be interested in further research/PhD, then it might be worth looking what subjects professors are researching at the university too as its easier (in my opinion) to stay on and study at the same uni rather than swap
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- University of Dundee vs Hertfordshire. Msc in psychology (conversion)
- University choice
- QMUL or University of Liverpool for an MSc in AI?
- MSc real estate offers from Henley, Cass(Bayes) and Manchester
- MSc Psychology (Conversion/Online Learning)
- Is King's College good at Accounting and Finance?
- Online Masters in Computer Science - University of Keele
- Nottingham vs Manchester
- QMUL vs Brunel - Msc Finance & Investment
- durham , qmul or warwick for law
- Online MSc in Computer Science with Data Science, Sunderland
- Which university is best for data science
- Warwick or Manchester
- MSc Statistics at Imperial College London
- Safety of International Students in Bath: A Personal Experience
- MSc Choice based on University rankings and course flexibility
- University of Bath or Royal Holloway for Business Management
- Uof Aberdeen - MSc in Data Science or Finance, which programme/faculty is better?
- Can’t decide masters choices for computer science
- SOAS or St Andrew’s??
Latest
Trending
Last reply 2 months ago
I Study Psychology at the University of Southampton - Ask Me Anything!Psychology
6
11
Last reply 2 months ago
MSc Psychology Conversion Derby/Wolverhampton/Arden Jan 2025 StartPsychology
11
25
Last reply 3 months ago
Kings college London Msc in psychology and neuroscience of Mental health
