Southampton vs Sheffield for Software Engineering

2

I currently have Imperial, Birmingham, Southampton, Sheffield, and Oxford as my choices but I want to apply to St Andrews so I have to replace one. I’ve narrowed it down to Southampton vs Sheffield. I want your guys’ takes on which I apply to. I REALLY value being able to have fun and have a social life (I don’t really care ABT clubbing tho) and I want to prioritise the one that has a more hands on/ practical course or more enjoyable course. I particularly enjoy the games design module in Southampton but I can’t find info on the other ones, and Sheffield also seemed to have a nice practical course with the opportunity to work with real companies. Which should I replace with St Andrews? Or should I keep both and replace one of the others? I also care ABT the city itself- which one has nice shops or places to hang out near the university?
I’m applying to Computer Science/ Software engineering btw with a predicted A*A*A in comp sci, maths, and art.
I have until tomorrow to make my decision, please help

Reply 1

McGinger

20

Both Unis are good for this subject - it isnt going to have any career etc impact whichever you choose, and neither is particularly better for student experience etc - Sheffield might have lower rents etc. So, look at the course content, and think about which optional units etc appeal, is there any sort of study abroad or work placement opportunity as this adds enormously to your graduate CV, and think about where you will feel happiest. If you have not been to an Open Day, look for the campus tour and city/tourist films on YouTube.

Final thought - remember that you do not have to make all 5 choices at once, you could leave one slot empty and add this choice at any time right up to the Jan deadline.

Reply 2

HA50

OP

2

Original post

by McGinger

Both Unis are good for this subject - it isnt going to have any career etc impact whichever you choose, and neither is particularly better for student experience etc - Sheffield might have lower rents etc. So, look at the course content, and think about which optional units etc appeal, is there any sort of study abroad or work placement opportunity as this adds enormously to your graduate CV, and think about where you will feel happiest. If you have not been to an Open Day, look for the campus tour and city/tourist films on YouTube.
Final thought - remember that you do not have to make all 5 choices at once, you could leave one slot empty and add this choice at any time right up to the Jan deadline.

Actually, I have to make the 5 choices by tomorrow as I already applied for early entry but have until tomorrow to change anything in my application.

It’s really difficult to find specific information about the courses, do you know which course is more practical or any other specific details about either course?

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Original post

by HA50

Actually, I have to make the 5 choices by tomorrow as I already applied for early entry but have until tomorrow to change anything in my application.
It’s really difficult to find specific information about the courses, do you know which course is more practical or any other specific details about either course?

Have you already submitted your application and with all 5 choices?

Reply 4

HA50

OP

2

Original post

by McGinger

Have you already submitted your application and with all 5 choices?

Yes, but I can change one for 14 days after submitting it. I just don’t know which of my options to replace with St Andrews

Reply 5

McGinger

20

Original post

by HA50

Yes, but I can change one for 14 days after submitting it. I just don’t know which of my options to replace with St Andrews

Which Uni is your potential Insurance choice?

Reply 6

HA50

OP

2

Original post

by McGinger

Which Uni is your potential Insurance choice?

Sheffield gave me an AAA offer while Southampton gave me an A*AA so I guess Sheffield is an insurance choice?

Reply 7

McGinger

20

Original post

by HA50

Sheffield gave me an AAA offer while Southampton gave me an A*AA so I guess Sheffield is an insurance choice?

That is a bit too risky - one choice of ABB or AAB would be safer. Remember that top Unis are unlikely to be forgiving about dropped grades in August as they wont need to be 'kind' to fill the course.

Reply 8

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by HA50

I currently have Imperial, Birmingham, Southampton, Sheffield, and Oxford as my choices but I want to apply to St Andrews so I have to replace one. I’ve narrowed it down to Southampton vs Sheffield. I want your guys’ takes on which I apply to. I REALLY value being able to have fun and have a social life (I don’t really care ABT clubbing tho) and I want to prioritise the one that has a more hands on/ practical course or more enjoyable course. I particularly enjoy the games design module in Southampton but I can’t find info on the other ones, and Sheffield also seemed to have a nice practical course with the opportunity to work with real companies. Which should I replace with St Andrews? Or should I keep both and replace one of the others? I also care ABT the city itself- which one has nice shops or places to hang out near the university?
I’m applying to Computer Science/ Software engineering btw with a predicted A*A*A in comp sci, maths, and art.
I have until tomorrow to make my decision, please help

Hiya,

I am currently in my final year of Computer Science and AI at the University of Sheffield so I can probably offer the insight that you are looking for into the course!

I have really enjoyed my time at Sheffield so far and the department has been so friendly and supportive. The lecturers are always there to help out and support you to explore your career interests. Throughout my time here, I was able to work on a software application that was developed alongside IBM using their tools and my team even won a cash prize at the end of the project. One part of my university experience that I was really grateful for was the opportunity to take part in a paid summer internship at the University with a professor from the department where I was able to work on a project of interest to myself with support. There are so many opportunities available and the university does its best to support. Sheffield also has lots of practical modules like you mentioned where we get to work with robots or develop different software tools like apps or websites.

The city centre is also very easy to access and navigate from the Diamond and SU with lots of local independent shops and restaurants nearby catered for students. In terms of the social aspect, there are over 300 clubs and societies offered by the SU that you can join in and meet people. There are so many different things to try and events put on in the SU, there is always something to do on campus.

As you have to make your decision urgently, I would recommend looking at the modules offered and how they align with your interests. You should be able to find more information about modules either on the course information page or a programme regulations finder.

I hope that helps a bit but let me know if you have any more questions!
Jivanthika

(edited 1 month ago)

Southampton vs Sheffield for Software Engineering

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