Help Me Decide: St Andrews vs Warwick for Physics

I’ve received offers from both St Andrews University,Warwick and Lancaster for an undergraduate degree in Physics,
and I’m struggling to make a decision.

St Andrews is known for its strong reputation within the UK, especially for academic excellence and historical prestige. But, Warwick is recognized for its international reputation and research-driven approach, which makes it appealing as well.

The rankings are confusing:
- **QS Rankings (Overall)**: Warwick (#69), St Andrews (#104), Lancaster (#141)
- **QS Rankings (Physics)**: Warwick (#151–200), St Andrews (#151–200), Lancaster (#251–300)

- **Guardian Rankings (Overall)**: Warwick (#8), St Andrews (#2), Lancaster (#11)
- **Guardian Rankings (Physics)**: Warwick (#9), St Andrews (#5), Lancaster (#4)

- **The Times Rankings (Overall)**: Warwick (#9), St Andrews (#2), Lancaster (#12)
- **The Times Rankings (Physics)**: Warwick (#8), St Andrews (#2), Lancaster (#5)

( so confusedddd... )

As an international student, I’d like to understand how these universities are perceived overseas. I care about:

- Overall rankings
- Subject-specific rankings (Physics)
- Standard recognition in the UK and globally
- Employment rates, employer perception, and recognition in companies or research institutions

Additionally, I plan to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhD) after completing my undergraduate degree. Which university offers a curriculum or research opportunities that would better prepare me for further studies?

Lastly, could someone also compare **UCL**, **KCL**, and **Durham** with St Andrews and Warwick and rank them based on these factors?
cz i heard that :
Ranking for Academic Reputation:
1. UCL > 2. KCL > 3. Warwick > 4. St Andrews > 5. Durham
Ranking for Physics:
1. UCL > 2. St Andrews ≈ Durham > 4. Warwick > 5. KCL
Ranking for Global Recognition:
1. UCL > 2. KCL > 3. Warwick > 4. St Andrews > 5. Durham
Ranking for Employability:
1. UCL ≈ KCL > 3. Warwick > 4. Durham ≈ St Andrews
Final Combined Rankings
Based on all factors (academic reputation, Physics strength, global recognition, employability):
1. UCL
2. KCL
3. Warwick
4. St Andrews
5. Durham

Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Reply 1

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Which university do you prefer the most?

Have you looked at the course structure, the campus, the location, cost of living etc? And then you can list the pros and cons for each university. Those would be the most important factors, seeing you’d enjoy the most that’s in your budget.

Rankings don’t matter that much unless you’re looking to go back to your home country afterwards which in that case, they may matter.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

username6990201

Reputation/employability/ranking differences for physics between the two is negligible compared to the other factors you should be considering to make this decision.

As an international student, you may not be fully aware how different the locations of St Andrew's and Warwick universities are. Where do you want to live for 3/4 years? Do some research into what these places are like, if you haven't been able to visit. Some people like Saint Andrew's relatively isolated location, some people like Warwick's campus. Both have their positive and negatives, and you can ask people to discuss these with you in greater detail, but people have their own preferences and since they are such different locations you should think about what you prefer.

Also are you aware that the bachelors course at Saint Andrews is 4 years whereas at Warwick it is 3 years (and 4 if you do an integrated masters or year in industry)? If the cost of international fees are a concern, then it may be worth taking into account that you have to pay for a whole extra year at Saint Andrews to get your Bachelors (this is because it is a Scottish univeristy)