Post results decision: Loughborough PPE or History and Politics at Warwick

Hey I’m a bit stuck and would really appreciate some advice.
I’ve got my insurance at Loughborough for PPE but after some doubts about the course modules and career prospects i called up some unís and I’ve also had a Clearing offer from Warwick for History & Politics.

Here’s the situation:

At Loughborough, I liked the campus and social aspect a lot and PPE feels like a good fit because it still has some economics. But the economics isn’t very maths-heavy and there aren’t loads of optional modules compared to Warwick (5 Per year compared to 15) . My worry is whether employers will see Loughborough PPE as less competitive compared to Warwick or Manchester.
At Warwick, i feel like the prestige is definitely stronger and it’s a target uni for consulting/finance, which is where I want to end up. But the course is just History & Politics, so no econ, and I’m worried I wouldn’t enjoy it as much and it would narrow my options. To complicate things, I was only 1 mark off an A in History. If I get it remarked and it goes up, I’d meet the requirements for Manchester’s Econ & History. That course is more technical in econ and could be stronger for employability.
What I want long-term is to go into the corporate world and just be successful😭. I’m just not sure what’s more important for employability:

Loughborough PPE: course I’d probably enjoy most, but less prestige.
Warwick History & Politics: more prestige, better name with employers, but no econ.
Manchester Econ & History (if remark works): strong mix of econ + prestige, but risky.

I guess my main fear is that if I pick Loughborough, I might enjoy the course and campus but later feel silly and regret not going for a more “respected” RG in terms of employability when i had the chance just for a few not that mathsy econ modules. I need to make a decision by tomorrow (Clearing deadlines💔) so i’d really appreciate any advice or guidance anyone could give me

Reply 1

ClearingHPFA

I would think these unis are similar enough in prestige that that shouldn't be a huge consideration. They're all good solid choices. Bear in mind also that RG unis are expanding, grade requirements are slipping (history at Warwick I think was being offered in Clearing at around BBB) at some point employers are going to have to start looking at the individual student rather than making assumptions on the institution. Which is a good thing.

Given Manchester is a big city uni and the other two are campus that's going to make a difference to the experience so think about what best suits you there.

Honestly I'd eliminate Warwick here - you think you might not enjoy the course, I would assume for going into finance you'd be better doing econ (I know nothing about corporate finance but it would seem logical to do something more Maths-based) so it doesn't seem to fit your plans.

One thing you could consider is work experience, Manchester could well offer better opportunities as a big city. Don't underestimate the value of even a low level job - my daughter took on a two day cleaning job and ended up becoming a cover for the firm's front desk over this summer, something she can blag up to "Customer Service Executive" for some gullible future employer!

So I feel Manchester probably is a slightly better fit with your plans BUT only if you feel you would be happy there. A happy student will always do better than an unhappy one whatever the rankings say.

Most importantly, what does your gut say. If you read this and your reaction was "Damn, I wish she'd told me to definitely go to Loughborough" then clearly you should go to Loughborough!!

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 2

McGinger

As above. Do not get hung upon concepts of 'prestige' - its all a bit meaningless, and not something that even academics would recognise. Employers are not obsessed with 'which Uni' either - certainly not at the level of Loughborough/Warwick - and few use this as a sift with job applications. They are far more interested in what else you have done at Uni other than your degree.

Loughborough PPE: course I’d probably enjoy most - this is far more important than the badge on your degree certificate. Its what you will be doing every day for the next three years, and if the course you are studying doesn't interest you or is just frustrating, your chances of a good degree result are limited, and your chances of being miserable, or even dropping out, are high.