The Student Room Group

Need Help Choosing Last Two Unis (cs)

Hi, I'm looking at unis for CS BSc and really struggling what to do with my last two choices. My UCAS grades are A* (Computer Science), B (Mathematics), B (Chemistry). So far I have Exeter (AAA-AAB), Lancaster (AAB - but after asking them I should get an offer of ABB if I do get an offer since I take CS) and Aston (BBC - my backup). I'm really not sure what to choose for my other choices - I'm not really bothered about campus / city or location as long as it's in the UK. My main aim is a course / uni that is well respected in the space and makes me more competitive as a job applicant. I know people say don't decide off rankings but I don't really know what else to do atp as my schools internal deadline for UCAS applications is 2nd November. If anyone has any recommendations for unis / courses I should look at then please lmk :smile:. Atm I'm considering Cardiff, Surrey, Leicester, Newcastle and Loughborough for my last two choices but am open to suggestions. Thanks!

Reply 1

ABB choices - Cardiff, Swansea, City, Surrey, Sussex, Reading.

Reply 2

Original post
by Stnky
Hi, I'm looking at unis for CS BSc and really struggling what to do with my last two choices. My UCAS grades are A* (Computer Science), B (Mathematics), B (Chemistry). So far I have Exeter (AAA-AAB), Lancaster (AAB - but after asking them I should get an offer of ABB if I do get an offer since I take CS) and Aston (BBC - my backup). I'm really not sure what to choose for my other choices - I'm not really bothered about campus / city or location as long as it's in the UK. My main aim is a course / uni that is well respected in the space and makes me more competitive as a job applicant. I know people say don't decide off rankings but I don't really know what else to do atp as my schools internal deadline for UCAS applications is 2nd November. If anyone has any recommendations for unis / courses I should look at then please lmk :smile:. Atm I'm considering Cardiff, Surrey, Leicester, Newcastle and Loughborough for my last two choices but am open to suggestions. Thanks!

Hey @Stnky

I know it's not on your list, but UEA could be a good option for you! The computer science degree has a good reputation and prospects (have a look at the employability section on the webpage), and fits well with your predicted grades as a middle-ground option- the typical offer is ABB. There is also the option of adding a placement year to your degree so you would get good industry experience and connections that would really help you with careers later on!

I know you aren't really worried about the location, but UEA is a really lovely environment to study in too! There is lots going on- lots of societies and clubs, social events, a great campus, fab city etc. So something for you to consider!

In terms of general advice though, I would look for degrees with a range of modules that give you a variety of skills and experience and the option to get some relevant experience in the field as part of your degree, both of those will really help you in terms of career prospects!

I hope this is helpful, please let me know if you have any more questions about UEA or anything else!
UEA Rep Rosie ☺️
BSc Ecology and Conservation with Study Abroad

Reply 3

Original post
by McGinger
ABB choices - Cardiff, Swansea, City, Surrey, Sussex, Reading.
I’ll check them out, thanks👍

Reply 4

Hi there,

It sounds like you've researched a lot into courses and it's really great that you've already chosen 3 you're happy with! Although it might be making your decision harder, it's great that you don't have a preference on location or campus style as it means you have a lot of options.

I would recommend looking to see if there are any universities that offer industrial placements. A placement is a great way to gain some hands-on experience in your field and helps you stand out from the crowd when it comes to applying for jobs post graduation. Even if the university may not be as high up in the rankings, having the option of a placement will really benefit you in the long run. It does typically mean you'll be studying for 4 years, so this is definitely something to consider, however I'd still really encourage you to take a look. From a quick search, Manchester Met, Uni of Manchester, Uni of Liverpool, Cardiff, Loughborough and Uni of Nottingham all offer BSc (Hons) Computer Science with a Year in Industry.

Hope this helps, ^Hannah 🙂

Reply 5

Original post
by UniLancashire
Hi there,
It sounds like you've researched a lot into courses and it's really great that you've already chosen 3 you're happy with! Although it might be making your decision harder, it's great that you don't have a preference on location or campus style as it means you have a lot of options.
I would recommend looking to see if there are any universities that offer industrial placements. A placement is a great way to gain some hands-on experience in your field and helps you stand out from the crowd when it comes to applying for jobs post graduation. Even if the university may not be as high up in the rankings, having the option of a placement will really benefit you in the long run. It does typically mean you'll be studying for 4 years, so this is definitely something to consider, however I'd still really encourage you to take a look. From a quick search, Manchester Met, Uni of Manchester, Uni of Liverpool, Cardiff, Loughborough and Uni of Nottingham all offer BSc (Hons) Computer Science with a Year in Industry.
Hope this helps, ^Hannah 🙂

Great idea! Thanks for the help

Reply 6

Original post
by Stnky
Hi, I'm looking at unis for CS BSc and really struggling what to do with my last two choices. My UCAS grades are A* (Computer Science), B (Mathematics), B (Chemistry). So far I have Exeter (AAA-AAB), Lancaster (AAB - but after asking them I should get an offer of ABB if I do get an offer since I take CS) and Aston (BBC - my backup). I'm really not sure what to choose for my other choices - I'm not really bothered about campus / city or location as long as it's in the UK. My main aim is a course / uni that is well respected in the space and makes me more competitive as a job applicant. I know people say don't decide off rankings but I don't really know what else to do atp as my schools internal deadline for UCAS applications is 2nd November. If anyone has any recommendations for unis / courses I should look at then please lmk :smile:. Atm I'm considering Cardiff, Surrey, Leicester, Newcastle and Loughborough for my last two choices but am open to suggestions. Thanks!

Bear in mind that it's possible to submit a UCAS application with fewer than 5 choices, and add the rest later.

As long as you add the remaining choices by the "equal consideration" deadline (18:00 on 14th January) this won't disadvantage you.

Reply 7

Original post
by martin7
Bear in mind that it's possible to submit a UCAS application with fewer than 5 choices, and add the rest later.
As long as you add the remaining choices by the "equal consideration" deadline (18:00 on 14th January) this won't disadvantage you.
good point - i never considered that. edit - i swear you can only add/change choices within 14 days of submitting no?
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 8

Original post
by Stnky
good point - i never considered that. edit - i swear you can only add/change choices within 14 days of submitting no?

If you have not used all your 5 choices, you can add those remaining choices at any point up to the Jan deadline.

Reply 9

Original post
by McGinger
If you have not used all your 5 choices, you can add those remaining choices at any point up to the Jan deadline.

Aah ok thanks i mustve misread the guidelines👍
Original post
by Stnky
Hi, I'm looking at unis for CS BSc and really struggling what to do with my last two choices. My UCAS grades are A* (Computer Science), B (Mathematics), B (Chemistry). So far I have Exeter (AAA-AAB), Lancaster (AAB - but after asking them I should get an offer of ABB if I do get an offer since I take CS) and Aston (BBC - my backup). I'm really not sure what to choose for my other choices - I'm not really bothered about campus / city or location as long as it's in the UK. My main aim is a course / uni that is well respected in the space and makes me more competitive as a job applicant. I know people say don't decide off rankings but I don't really know what else to do atp as my schools internal deadline for UCAS applications is 2nd November. If anyone has any recommendations for unis / courses I should look at then please lmk :smile:. Atm I'm considering Cardiff, Surrey, Leicester, Newcastle and Loughborough for my last two choices but am open to suggestions. Thanks!

Hi there,

I am Ilya, a Cyber Security student at De Montfort University in Leicester. I noticed that DMU really fits into your description. We are a big campus based university in Leicester, so all buildings are in one place and really close to the city centre. Feel free to have a look online, our campus is modern and beautiful. We also have a great computer science course, even though I think Cyber Security course is better (but I am obviously a bit biased haha). Please have a look here: Computer Science BSc (Hons).

Also, I would be really happy if you decided to pay us a visit on our next Open Day on November 15th. Even if you already submitted your applications to other universities and DMU is not one of your choices, it's still a good idea to have a look because you can always consider us as a safety net and/or reapply to DMU in summer through clearing :smile:

Please let me know if you have any questions,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at De Montfort University :smile:

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