Is going to a good uni important?

6

I am a yr 13 students who’s currently applying to unis at the point but there’s a question which i want to ask people who are currently in universities or finished universities already. IS GOING TO A GOOD UNI IMPORTANT? I want to apply to good unis for psychology but their requirements are very high so am applying to unis which are like top 50 . But i feel like i have to end up at a good uni or else there’s no point going to uni .

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

17

Hi there,

I’d recommend not basing your university choices solely on league tables — they change every year, especially within broad ranges like the top 50. Employers don’t tend to look for degrees from a specific institution; what matters more is the quality of your course, your experience, and the skills you develop along the way.

That said, it’s perfectly fine to include one or two aspirational choices that are one grade above your predicted grades (for example, if you’re predicted BBC, you might apply to a course asking for BBB), if there’s a university you’re really interested in with higher grades.

For Psychology, I’d strongly suggest focusing on courses accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This accreditation is essential if you want to become a Chartered Psychologist, as it allows you to gain Graduate Membership with the BPS — the first step toward many accredited postgraduate pathways.

Also take time to look at the modules offered at each university. These can vary quite a bit, so note down the ones that interest you most, even though the core content will be similar across accredited programmes.

Finally, visit open days if you can — it’s the best way to get a feel for the campus, city, facilities, and whether you can picture yourself studying there.

If you’re considering Liverpool John Moores, here’s some info you might find useful:

•

Psychology BSc (Hons): https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/35654-psychology-bsc-hons

•

Open Days: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/undergraduate-open-days

•

Psychology online course presentation: https://www.youtube.com/embed/AhQsFa9gEsw

Best of luck with your applications!

Megan (LJMU Rep)

Reply 2

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Original post

by ash192

I am a yr 13 students who’s currently applying to unis at the point but there’s a question which i want to ask people who are currently in universities or finished universities already. IS GOING TO A GOOD UNI IMPORTANT? I want to apply to good unis for psychology but their requirements are very high so am applying to unis which are like top 50 . But i feel like i have to end up at a good uni or else there’s no point going to uni .

Hi there,

Everyone's uni journey and what they want and need out of uni life is different - the best uni for you personally won't be the best uni for everybody. And I would seriously caution against looking too deeply at the rankings and Russell Group status as these should only be a small factor in your decision unless the rankings are drastically different (e.g. choosing TCUG number 15 over number 100).

You would be far better to go to a few open days, hearing course presentations, meeting some current Psychology students and lecturers at that department and getting a feel for whether you would like it here. There will also be a lot of resources online such as youtube vids of campus tours, virtual open days and 3D maps etc.

All you can do is follow the pattern of applying to one aspirational (1 grade above predicted), two-three realistics (grades ~ predicted) and one insurance (grades 2 below predicted) and try to choose them based on not only their reputation but their course contents, location, campus/city vibe and general feel, because you are far more likely to enjoy your uni life and do well on your course at a uni you know you like than aiming for them based primarily on rankings.

TLDR: Its more important to choose somewhere where you like the course and the uni vibe, than choosing a uni based on reputation 🙂 - so yes, there is definitely still a point in going to uni even if its not one of the top 10 in the country - it will still help get you to where you want to be and give you a fulfilling student life!

Hopefully this helps, best of luck 🙂

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Be aware that the majority of Psych graduates do not actually go into this area. Its a very overcrowded field and with few openings for graduates. A career in Psychology leading to clinical work is a long, hard climb and will require a Masters degree, a PhD and years of relevant experience.

However, as with any degree, there are numerous other job/career possibilities - its the 'higher thinking skills' that employers value, not necessarily the subject knowledge. Employers actually take far less notice of 'which Uni' than many school-leavers assume - they don't use the Uni name as a filter. They are far more interested in what else you did at Uni apart from study, any placements or other work-experience, study abroad etc. So don't get hung-upon league tables of other nonsense - it really does not map out your career whether you go into a Psych related career or not.

Reply 4

UniofLawstudent2

Official Rep

8

Original post

by ash192

I am a yr 13 students who’s currently applying to unis at the point but there’s a question which i want to ask people who are currently in universities or finished universities already. IS GOING TO A GOOD UNI IMPORTANT? I want to apply to good unis for psychology but their requirements are very high so am applying to unis which are like top 50 . But i feel like i have to end up at a good uni or else there’s no point going to uni .

It’s a really common question, and the short answer is: it depends what you want to get out of uni.
Going to a “top” uni can open doors, like networking, certain grad schemes, or research opportunities, but it’s not the only route to success. Many students from unis outside the top rankings go on to have amazing careers.
For Psychology specifically: focus on finding a course that matches what you actually want to study, with good teaching and support, rather than just the league table. Also, check accreditation (like BPS recognition), that matters more for your career than the uni’s overall rank.
In the end, what you do at uni: how engaged you are, the skills you develop, placements you take, usually matters more than the name on the degree. Top 50 unis can still give you a fantastic experience and career opportunities if you make the most of it.

Reply 5

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

10

Original post

by ash192

I am a yr 13 students who’s currently applying to unis at the point but there’s a question which i want to ask people who are currently in universities or finished universities already. IS GOING TO A GOOD UNI IMPORTANT? I want to apply to good unis for psychology but their requirements are very high so am applying to unis which are like top 50 . But i feel like i have to end up at a good uni or else there’s no point going to uni .

Hi @ash192

I completely understand your concern, however you will be completely fine not going to a top university. 😊

Firstly, most employers are not concerned with where you have studied, it's more about the degree itself. You will get much more leverage by gaining experience, rather than going to a high ranked university. Additionally, you will find the rankings vary from different sources and changed regularly, so do not rely heavily on these.

It is much more important you find a university you are happy at, as this can help you feel more motivated and achieve better grades. I highly recommend your next steps are to find universities with grade requirements that match your predicted grades, then comparing them based on your personal criteria, such as distance, cost of living, modules and more

I hope this helps please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Lancshire)

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