Is going to a Russell Group uni important for software engineering?
Applying at the start of next year for software engineering, though I've been considering the good game design courses at the unis I'm interested in too. I didn't really imagine myself going to any russell groups or other prestigious unis as I assumed I couldn't get in due to how competitive they are. However, there are some I could get into if I work hard enough and do well on my exams, as well as with receiving contextual offers. I don't want to end up selling myself short.
However, I've been looking at the courses of unis I've been to and Portsmouth and Nottingham Trent really interest me. They seem to have good placements and employability too, which is what I've been focusing on. I like their student life and think they'd be good fits for me. My concern is with how competitive the software engineering job market seems to be and if going to a russell will actually give me a leg up. I want to know if anyone has any insight on the difference it makes and if i should try applying to them.
My current predicted are: A in compsci, B in maths, C in mandarin but I am studying really hard to get a B instead
However, I've been looking at the courses of unis I've been to and Portsmouth and Nottingham Trent really interest me. They seem to have good placements and employability too, which is what I've been focusing on. I like their student life and think they'd be good fits for me. My concern is with how competitive the software engineering job market seems to be and if going to a russell will actually give me a leg up. I want to know if anyone has any insight on the difference it makes and if i should try applying to them.
My current predicted are: A in compsci, B in maths, C in mandarin but I am studying really hard to get a B instead
Reply 1
14
The primary difference is that committed students learn more when in a group of other committed students, more of the students at the harder to get unto universities are committed.
For grad employerment it is very significant to have an sandwich year that is solid programming. Unless you wish to enter a management training grad program then need a sandwich year that uses "people skills".
There are very few jobs in games development, but most employers just care how much programming you done as part of the degree, so a course that have games programming is not a disadvantage provided you send most time going programming modules.
For grad employerment it is very significant to have an sandwich year that is solid programming. Unless you wish to enter a management training grad program then need a sandwich year that uses "people skills".
There are very few jobs in games development, but most employers just care how much programming you done as part of the degree, so a course that have games programming is not a disadvantage provided you send most time going programming modules.
Reply 2
Hello!
For software engineering experience is the most important thing! Having a degree from a lower-ranked university and an extensive portfolio of projects is going to be much more attractive to most employers than just a higher regarded degree. Of course if you have both then that's even better!
If you think you are going to enjoy and thrive better on a 'less prestigious' course and put the time in to build a good portfolio of projects, then that will help you succeed more. I know how difficult the job market is right now, and so I am also trying to work on projects! All the career events I have been to said that it is the most important thing for SE.
Zak (Computer Science student)
For software engineering experience is the most important thing! Having a degree from a lower-ranked university and an extensive portfolio of projects is going to be much more attractive to most employers than just a higher regarded degree. Of course if you have both then that's even better!
If you think you are going to enjoy and thrive better on a 'less prestigious' course and put the time in to build a good portfolio of projects, then that will help you succeed more. I know how difficult the job market is right now, and so I am also trying to work on projects! All the career events I have been to said that it is the most important thing for SE.
Zak (Computer Science student)
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