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Chemistry UCL v Bath

I have offers for both with similar entry requirements, but unsure whether to firm MSci Chemistry at UCL or Msc with year in industry at Bath? Went to Bath offer holder day, which I liked, but only just got UCL offer two weeks ago and heard nothing about offer holder days and did not go to open day there. I like the idea of London and the general reputation of UCL, but also like Bath and its campus. Anyone on here doing any of those degrees and could advise?

Reply 1

Whilst I’m not a student at either university, I did apply to UCL for chemistry (but not Bath).

I would perhaps ignore the reputations of either university when making a judgement, but it is well worth considering location, campus etc

Both degrees should have RSC accreditation, indicating the Royal Society of Chemistry considers each course to be satisfactory in providing you with all the necessary skills for employment afterwards.

I’d say MSci chemistry at UCL would be better if you plan to do research in chemistry in light of how the 4th year works, but a year in industry would be better if you plan to go into industrial chemistry.

I would suggest looking up what the following four companies do (these are companies listed as recent employers by bath for the placement year course) and whether any of these align with your career aspirations:

GlaxoSmithKline

Syngenta

AkzoNobel

Pfizer

Reply 2

Original post
by detmers2005
I have offers for both with similar entry requirements, but unsure whether to firm MSci Chemistry at UCL or Msc with year in industry at Bath? Went to Bath offer holder day, which I liked, but only just got UCL offer two weeks ago and heard nothing about offer holder days and did not go to open day there. I like the idea of London and the general reputation of UCL, but also like Bath and its campus. Anyone on here doing any of those degrees and could advise?

UCL

Reply 3

Original post
by Wired_1800
UCL

May I ask why do you think that?

Reply 4

Original post
by detmers2005
May I ask why do you think that?

UCL is better than Bath.

Reply 5

Original post
by Wired_1800
UCL is better than Bath.

How so? I would honestly say that if you are going off of rankings, then maybe.

It’s better to consider what one can do with each chemistry degree - in the OP’s case, the course for which they have an offer at Bath would be better for a job in industry (due to the year in industry) and the course at UCL for which they have an offer would be better if they plan on doing research (because the 4th year is spent working with a research group).

Reply 6

Original post
by TypicalNerd
How so? I would honestly say that if you are going off of rankings, then maybe.
It’s better to consider what one can do with each chemistry degree - in the OP’s case, the course for which they have an offer at Bath would be better for a job in industry (due to the year in industry) and the course at UCL for which they have an offer would be better if they plan on doing research (because the 4th year is spent working with a research group).

It is a fair challenge but i personally don't really on the year in industry claim. This is because i know students who applied for lots of industry placements but could not secure anyone, so they went to their final year. Obviously, i do not know of the Bath specific case but that’s the general theme.

With that in mind, i often suggest that the student aims for the best uni on paper according to their individual priorities.

Reply 7

Original post
by Wired_1800
It is a fair challenge but i personally don't really on the year in industry claim. This is because i know students who applied for lots of industry placements but could not secure anyone, so they went to their final year. Obviously, i do not know of the Bath specific case but that’s the general theme.
With that in mind, i often suggest that the student aims for the best uni on paper according to their individual priorities.

Bath ranks higher in chemistry though, do you think the general reputation of UCL would make finding a job in chemistry field (no interest in finance) easier? I am aware and it was said at offer holder day at Bath that not everyone secures a placement, but at least can go and study abroad.

Reply 8

Original post
by detmers2005
Bath ranks higher in chemistry though, do you think the general reputation of UCL would make finding a job in chemistry field (no interest in finance) easier? I am aware and it was said at offer holder day at Bath that not everyone secures a placement, but at least can go and study abroad.

In certain cases, reputation should help you to be competitive. In other cases, it is the individual’s desire and hunger to achieve positive outcomes.

I think you should think about it and make the decision. This is because there are various other factors at play including cost of living, London vs Bath, student culture, nightlife, academics etc. Some people would love the bustling and fast pace of London while others would rather a slower more personal pace to uni life.

If you do not really care and completely flexible, i’d suggest UCL based on overall rep
(edited 8 months ago)

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