QMUL or Uni of Derby?

2

I'm hoping to start undergraduate study in September 2026, but at the moment I'm pretty torn which university to go to.
I'm applying for zoology and I've got an offer back from both unis. One is Zoology with a foundation year (QMUL) and the other is just Zoology (UoD) so the regular 3 years. Im trying to weigh the pros and cons of each but it doesn't seem to be helping, can anyone from those universities (or otherwise) help me?
P.S. I'm hoping to go into postgraduate wildlife conservation research.

Reply 1

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

12

Original post

by natacha21

I'm hoping to start undergraduate study in September 2026, but at the moment I'm pretty torn which university to go to.
I'm applying for zoology and I've got an offer back from both unis. One is Zoology with a foundation year (QMUL) and the other is just Zoology (UoD) so the regular 3 years. Im trying to weigh the pros and cons of each but it doesn't seem to be helping, can anyone from those universities (or otherwise) help me?
P.S. I'm hoping to go into postgraduate wildlife conservation research.

Hi @natacha21

Those are both excellent offers. It can be difficult to chose which option is better, but I'd love to add my opinion.

I would personally recommend the regular 3 years. If you have the grades to make the non-foundation option, it means you are very likely capable to begin at a first year level. Additionally, it would be one less year of tuition fees. However, if you feel you may benefit from a supportive environment to increase your confidence into university education, then a foundation year may be ideal.

If your comparing the courses based on other factors, here are some general ones I recommend comparing them on:
Here are some general comparison points:
•Grade requirements 📖- Compare the requirements to get into each university. If it is a close decision between the two, I'd recommend choosing the one with slightly lower requirements to relieve some pressure if possible-
•Modules 📚- Head onto the university website and compare the modules for your course of interest. This way you can see which course is more closely tailored to your interests.
•Distance 🛣️- This depends on how much you value being in close distance to home, therefore varying importance to everyone.
•Placement year 🌇- It's an excellent chance to gain work experience and put you one step ahead when you exit university, so it may be worth seeing if either university offer it for your course
•Quality 🎓- What's the reputation of the course? You could look at other students opinions, awards and more.
•Cost of living 💵- Which is more affordable? This could take into account travel costs or accommodation costs.

I highly recommend coming up with your own factors to compare, so the choice is tailored to you. Additionally, if you have the opportunity to attend an offer holder day, then this can definitely help you make your final decision.

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

Reply 2

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Original post

by natacha21

I'm hoping to start undergraduate study in September 2026, but at the moment I'm pretty torn which university to go to.
I'm applying for zoology and I've got an offer back from both unis. One is Zoology with a foundation year (QMUL) and the other is just Zoology (UoD) so the regular 3 years. Im trying to weigh the pros and cons of each but it doesn't seem to be helping, can anyone from those universities (or otherwise) help me?
P.S. I'm hoping to go into postgraduate wildlife conservation research.

Hello!

Congrats on those two offers - great news!

I can't offer advice based on which programme is best as Bath do not offer Zoology. However, it is always worth going through the module list on the course pages - which one seems to have more interesting content to you?

Its also worth considering how far away these unis are from where you live, where you would be looking to live and work afterwards (London VS Derby VS elsewhere), and the cost of living in these places. For example, the cost of living in London will be higher than Derby AND the course will be a year longer due to the foundation year, so if you chose QMUL you'd have to bear that in mind when budgeting for groceries, accommodation and socialising etc.

As has been said, going to offer holder days is a good way to get to know your potential course more and meet some current students so I'd definitely go if you are able, as well as checking out any travel bursaries you may be eligible for to help you with the cost of travelling to the events.

Ultimately this is up to you and both programmes will likely open up doors for you to go into conservation research. However I would prioritise: course contents, uni location/vibe, cost of living, distance from home.

Hopefully some of this helps 🙂 best of luck

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

Scotland Yard

Volunteer Team

20

Original post

by natacha21

I'm hoping to start undergraduate study in September 2026, but at the moment I'm pretty torn which university to go to.
I'm applying for zoology and I've got an offer back from both unis. One is Zoology with a foundation year (QMUL) and the other is just Zoology (UoD) so the regular 3 years. Im trying to weigh the pros and cons of each but it doesn't seem to be helping, can anyone from those universities (or otherwise) help me?
P.S. I'm hoping to go into postgraduate wildlife conservation research.

It would really help you to go to the offer holder days to get a feel for the places and ask any burning questions you have. If I were you though, I'd heavily weight the fact that you don't have to do a foundation year in Derby, so that's one less year of tuition fees and maintenance loans you'll owe at the end of your degree.

QMUL or Uni of Derby?

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