The Student Room Group

University of Reading or Sussex

I'm applying for a Psychology with a Foundation year course and am struggling to choose between Reading or Sussex. Based on rankings, Reading is higher overall but Sussex is better for psychology.
I know they're both mid-tier unis and not Russell group so one is not miles better than the other, but that is what's making this decision so difficult.

Reply 1

They are essentially parallel Unis so which you choose wont make any noticeable difference to your career prospects. It comes down to where will you feel happiest - if you have not been to Open Days, then check out the YouTube Open Day and Campus tour films, and the tourist films for each place,

Reply 2

For the same kind of entry grades, how about Leicester instead?
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

I've known students at Reading who say its an excellent course and campus but they have not particularly warmed to Reading itself. Sussex is very close to Brighton which is a very diverse and exciting city. Do you have a preference for location?

Reply 4

Original post by aylaashraf
I'm applying for a Psychology with a Foundation year course and am struggling to choose between Reading or Sussex. Based on rankings, Reading is higher overall but Sussex is better for psychology.
I know they're both mid-tier unis and not Russell group so one is not miles better than the other, but that is what's making this decision so difficult.

Hi there @aylaashraf ,

It is completely ok to be between options! As a student at Reading, I have had a really positive university experience here over the past 2 years! You can read more about your chosen course here which lists the overview, structure etc. You may also want to speak to a current student studying your course to get a better understanding of whether its the right fit for you, they can be contacted here. 🙂

In terms of student experience, there is lots of academic support at Reading which makes it a great place to study! I love the campus here, due to all of the green space, especially the Whiteknights lake. There are lots of great opportunities at Reading, so do let us know if you have any more specific questions which you would like insights into!

A top tip of mine would be visiting both universities to see which one you get a feel for the most! If you cannot attend open days or visit, you may want to check out the university via a virtual tour if possible. You can access Reading's virtual tour here to see our wonderful campus!

Do let us know if you have anymore questions about student life or study here at Reading!

Best of luck with your decision making,
Millie 🙂
BSc International Development

Reply 5

Out of these 2, I'd personally go for Reading. Considerably older university, slightly higher average entry grades for this subject (65% v 64%), research quality for the subject is only 2% lower at Reading (83% v 85%), To put in context, Reading's research quality for Psychology is just as good as Bristol, 2% higher than Durham, and 7% higher than Bath. And Reading still ranks above St Andrews on Edurank for Psychology.
For, graduate prospects overall as a university, Reading is currently rated 81%, Sussex 76%. For graduate prospects for Psychology, Reading 69%, Sussex 63%. Source: The Complete University Guide.
I've long felt that Reading is like Leicester - some great departments, traditional universities with often achievable grades, and the campus/es and accommodation are more loved than the city centres themselves.
(edited 3 weeks ago)

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