Which to choose - Mechanic engineering

Look at the modules on offer, the universities themselves and then choose based on personal preference. Sites like uniguide and the completeuniversityguide can help 🙂

Reply 2

Original post by Maomei

I received offers from university of Sheffield and university of Birmingham on this subject, how to choose?

Both are great institutions, and you will be absolutely fine at either.

Id say within mechanical engineering Sheffield probably has the edge in reputation & factors that underpin that i.e. industry connections, research, history. Sheffield is probably strongest in the aerospace industry.

Both are great departments & great universities and you also need to factor in, the cities, the opportunities (such as societies, volunteering, sports, etc.), transportation, environment, travel home, cost of living, general vibe … all of this is still very important.

Reply 3

Original post by DerDracologe

Look at the modules on offer, the universities themselves and then choose based on personal preference. Sites like uniguide and the completeuniversityguide can help 🙂

I personally advise strongly against using these sites league tables, such as CUG/guardian etc. they use arbitrary methodologies, poor (arguably unrepresentative) underlying data, in some cases artificial skew, high volatility… all of which indicates they are highly unreliable & unsuitable. IMO they are simply a shill to drive traffic and ad revenue.
Whilst much more tedious, it’s better to research properly, especially with such an important decision.

Reply 4

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

Original post by mnot

I personally advise strongly against using these sites league tables, such as CUG/guardian etc. they use arbitrary methodologies, poor (arguably unrepresentative) underlying data, in some cases artificial skew, high volatility… all of which indicates they are highly unreliable & unsuitable. IMO they are simply a shill to drive traffic and ad revenue.
Whilst much more tedious, it’s better to research properly, especially with such an important decision.

Thanks for telling me! I’ll definitely use this advice when comparing unis myself 🙂 How would you suggest people do their research? Eg: what sites should be used?

Reply 5

Original post by DerDracologe

Thanks for telling me! I’ll definitely use this advice when comparing unis myself 🙂 How would you suggest people do their research? Eg: what sites should be used?

You are best going to lots & lots of open days & having pragmatic conversations with lots of the academics at every institution, this will help build a picture the key here is diversity and lots of views, and identifying the trends.

You can also review REF & TEF, and the industries you are most passionate for review their research and staff (and then ask if they cover the content in modules , have opportunities for this on dissertations etc).

Id also look at the course specific alumni over different time horizon’s: 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years… ultimately this will probably give quite a strong indication of what doors will be open to you afterwards. And this is particularly important if you have specific goals in mind.

You also need to speak to lots of students and recent graduates, this will help you understand the culture and opportunities currently available, more for less academic stuff, learning about where and how people socialise what is popular is it a sporty, cultural or an arty uni… (of course most unis offer all of this but it’s about how much of each)

Reply 6

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

Original post by mnot

You are best going to lots & lots of open days & having pragmatic conversations with lots of the academics at every institution, this will help build a picture the key here is diversity and lots of views, and identifying the trends.
You can also review REF & TEF, and the industries you are most passionate for review their research and staff (and then ask if they cover the content in modules , have opportunities for this on dissertations etc).
Id also look at the course specific alumni over different time horizon’s: 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years… ultimately this will probably give quite a strong indication of what doors will be open to you afterwards. And this is particularly important if you have specific goals in mind.
You also need to speak to lots of students and recent graduates, this will help you understand the culture and opportunities currently available, more for less academic stuff, learning about where and how people socialise what is popular is it a sporty, cultural or an arty uni… (of course most unis offer all of this but it’s about how much of each)

thanks so much!

Reply 7

Maomei

OP

1

Thanks for your comments guys.

I am living in Birmingham with my parents, would be easier for living and saving accommodation cost if I choose UOB.
However Sheffield seems has the edge in engineering education. I just wonder if it is worthwhile to go to Sheffield considering the living cost I would have saved if I choose UOB.

Reply 8