Better job prospects from a big name uni?

Milky_Mocha

If you had the option of attending either Cambridge/Oxford or a not so big name but which was known for excelling in the particular subject you require which would you go for? I'm of the opinion that so long as Cambridge/Oxford offer that subject then for the sake of a powerful CV it is best to go with these big names.

My brother wants to do a Masters in Civil Engineering and on applying to Surrey uni has immediately been made an unconditional offer. He had a 1st class Civil Engineering degree at uni of Greenwich and 5 years working experience with a leading civil engineering firm. I feel he should go for a big name uni or he's throwing away an opportunity.

What do you think?

Contributions appreciated

The_One_Who

No. You should go to the university that is best for you. Believe it or not, Oxford and Cambridge are not the best universities for all subjects. I know for mine the league tables tell me Cambridge is apparently the best department in the country, but I couldn't tell you a single person I would want to work with there. In fact, I can't even pick out a recognisable name in their staff list.

You should go to a university that suits your interests and what you like best. Not just go somewhere because it is perceived by some as being "better". The degree classification and relevant work experience counts for a lot more than a brand name.

melancholly

the only time oxbridge makes a real tangible difference over other top unis is with some city firms who only recruit from there. whether you'd want to work for those kind of companies is another matter. equally, there is a reverse snobbery that can work against you in some areas so it really is quite variable.

i think the way you are taught through supervisions, with so much time with senior academics in groups of 3 or less, is priceless, but for a postgrad course i don't know if you get the same set up. i'd think for a masters it's less important tbh.

surrey come 13th for civil engineering on the guardian website so that's pretty good. it also depends where he wants to live for a year. if he's self-funding the masters, realistically with his background he should be able to get into most places as masters courses make unis money and they are keen for more numbers!

aqueoushumour01

i had the grades to go to oxbridge but didn't - I regret my choice.

gorgeouslatinrose

surrey uni is certainly has an excellent reputation for engineering.
definatly better to look at universitys with the best reputation for the subject, rather than the big names. hes more likely to get better job prospects at a uni with the best reputation for the subject instead of an oxbridge uni just because of the name.

milkybars

At Masters or PhD level, it's far, far better to go to an institution with a very good reputation for that subject. At this level of education/post grad, the research side of things are important and a uni having a good reputation in a particular subject will be well known outside academia too. These leaders in research will likely be teaching the masters and having students do placements in their research groups so that will look very good on a cv.

Also btw... since he already has his degree mark, all offeres will be unconditional. Conditional offers are only made when an applicant is awaiting the outcome or grade of a qualification.

olly300

Second milkybars and The one who.

When choosing a uni to study a postgraduate degree it's important that you choose one that is well-regarded in the subject area you are studying.

Then you will find that employers for that subject area will target that uni specifically to recruit from.

Some employers (will not so much now with the economic situation) will do open afternoons/evenings at that uni to convince students to join their firm. Even more will ask to advertise jobs around the department.

tinotinotino

You should pick the University where you would feel most at home and feel would offer you the greatest level of tuition in your chosen subject area. You have to consider what type of student you are and whether the Oxbridge lifestyle would suit. Not disputing them as great institutions but they are not always the best.

Lokolo

^^ yes indeed I think I would have shot myself being at Oxbridge!

birduk

It all depends what he wants from his masters degree. Is it going to be a full-time one year degree? Does he want to have a life, or does he want the reputation?

Bizarely I went to Oxford for a year and then Surrey to study engineering. I had a much much much better time at Surrey than I ever would have had at Oxford. Oxbridge is about the studying, not the student life. You really do have to be a certain 'type' to fit in. The reputation of the Engineering department at Oxford really wasn't that great, but it is better for Civil.

Oh and it helps that Surrey has a good Engineering reputation (engineering geeks) and a School of Dance (very lithe). What a mix!

birduk

In addition, he should meet the academics he would be working for and with. That will give him the biggest boost. Research their work. Is it something he wants to develop?