Universities?

[Feralpeg]

DD is currently applying to several universities in the U.K. She wants to do her grad work there in Medieval Studies. She is applying to the University of Leeds, University of York, University of Edinburgh and Cambridge University. Of course, I've never heard of any of them except Edinburgh and Cambridge.

Are Leeds and York good universities. What about the University of Bristol?

If she is accepted, she won't be going until next fall. It is such a long way from home...mom's a little nervous!

 

[Dimplenose]

There is a group of elite (more established) universities called the Russell Group.

http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/

It doesn't mean that others offer a worse standard of degree (my son chose a non-Russell group uni) but Russell Group degrees are certainly held in high regard.

 

[higgy66]

I can't commment on the different standards of the universities but I can add that York or Edinburgh would be lovely places to live and both famous for their history. (don't know too much about Leeds and Cambridge so won't comment)

It must be very exciting for your DD but I can totally understand you're feelings!

 

[disney_princess_85]

There are loads of great universities in the UK. Check this link out: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2010/jun/04/university-league-table

I graduated from Lancaster, which is 6th.

 

[wideeyes]

They are all very good universities you mention however I think York is more highly regarded than Leeds. Obviously Cambridge and Oxford are the top universities.

The university guide doesn't tell you much though, I am not sure if it is relevant for post grad as it doesn't say

 

[disney_princess_85]

The university guide doesn't tell you much though, I am not sure if it is relevant for post grad as it doesn't say

I think the guide gives the reader a very general idea of what is considered a 'good' and 'bad' university. I must emphasise the word general. Obviously there are loads of different factors to consider.

To the OP: the best thing your daughter can do is go on the website of each establishment she is interested in and order some prospectuses.

 

[Jonjo]

As you will know Cambridge is a very, very old University founded in 1209. It's a lovely historic city to live in and has a Disney Store too. Being only an hour from London its handy for visiting the capital to see a show or to visit a museum.

If you want to know more about Cambridge give me a PM,
Which Cambridge college has she apply to?

York is very good too and is also a lovey place to live.

 

[emily1982]

I don't know about the others but York is meant to be very good, particulary for English I think the city is nice too. My cousin had just started at Lancaster which is meant to be good and alot of people I know have been to Cardiff university which is in Wales.

 

[gemmybear83]

All those universites are excellent choices

Cambridge usually requires an interview (not sure how they deal with this for international students?)

I would research the the ratings for particular courses, for example I went to the University of Sheffield which isnt in the top 10, but for my particular course is number 1 in the country, and widely desired by employers in the Uk and beyond

 

[taylor91]

I'm in my second year at Leeds University at the moment and it is a great university, but for medival studies I would recommend York as a city for it's history, I go all the time, it is amazing place
Good luck in your DD choices and if she ends up at Leeds university I can give her a tour

 

[Feralpeg]

Thank you all for the information. I will pass it on to my daughter. She is currently in her first year of teaching in Florida, but would really like to begin her grad work next fall. She has some big decisions to make, but it sounds like she is on the right track.

While I'm nervous about her going so far from home, it may be the excuse I've been looking for to visit your amazing country! I'm also a history fan and can't think of a better place to visit!

 

[Danauk]

My husband and I both have degrees from Leeds university. The university is nice and the student accomodations are in good areas. Leeds in general as a city is very good too for shopping etc and the student night life is good too!!

 

[oceanscape]

I'm an admissions tutor at the London School of Economics (the LSE) so will be happy to help if you have any questions about degree course admissions here in the UK.

Are Leeds and York good universities. What about the University of Bristol?

They are good universities. If you were to place those universities in an overall order, from "best" to "worst", in terms of reputation, it would probably be: Cambridge -> Bristol -> York -> Edinburgh -> Leeds.

Obviously different universities have different strengths in particular subject areas, so my comments refer only to the university reputation as a whole.

Hope your DD has lots of luck with her applications.