Are there any other 'prestigous' universities in the UK apart from from Oxbridge?

[mids2019]

Are there any other 'prestigous' universities in the UK apart from Oxbridge?

My daughter was watching some American teen thing yesterday on Netflix and there was girl who's entire future lay on getting into Yale and Ivy League entrance was the be all and end all for this particular group of teenagers.

I know the US has a different HE system and culture but do we still have similar views in the UK in 2022? If there are prestigious universities in the UK how would you define this prestige? If we only allow Oxbridge the prestige label does this mean anyone who wishes to go a prestigious university has one (or two) Oxbridge or busy type application experiences then that ship sails?

Or maybe prestige is an archaic class ridden concept that is fading this millennium?

I was drawn to one of the RG v other university discussions and it may appear that the RG is being used as an artificial label to convey prestige in an HE environment where competition for Oxbridge is more intense than ever.

Two unis v popular on MN were dismissed out of hand as “full of posh Oxbridge rejects”. No amount of cajoling could make him even browse their websites.

Very sad and narrow minded to rule out anything before at least looking at it.

There's another thread where some students refused to even look at Oxbridge.

I don’t think it’s unusual for students to not want to go to Oxbridge. My eldest didn’t fancy it and neither does my youngest.

Lots of high flyers don't choose Oxbridge. Some would prefer a less intense environment, others don't think they are at that level yet and some just don't want to put in the tremendous amount of work required in passing the entrance tests. Not to mention the students who don't feel they have adequate support from their school to apply.

Why is it derogatory to define a university full of posh Oxbridge rejects? Not everyone can or wants to go to Oxbridge, so what's wrong with them going elsewhere? Also, they're not all posh! As this thread has demonstrated, Durham and Exeter have their fair share of posh kids! But what's wrong with being posh? Doesn't mean you're necessarily going to be stuck up. It depends on the individual. There's a bit of inverse snobbery here.
The real problem in this country is this wretched class system.

Not wanting to go somewhere is fine, especially after considering the entrance requirements and course details.

However, refusing to even look at an institution is narrow minded imo.

I think a lot of young people know their own minds by this age. Mine certainly did. My eldest looked at Durham and knew it wasn’t for him. My youngest won’t even consider it. It would be a waste of a day and train fare for him to go up there. If I thought he was wrong I’d tell him but I know he’s got the sense to know what will work for him. It’s not about me being able to brag at dinner parties about where they are. It’s about them being happy and it working for them.

Teens can be a bit blinkered when it comes to universities. Mind you, so can the parents. We all have our preconceived ideas about places but of course it's better just to go and have a look at these places. You can be pleasantly surprised.

When I went around Oxford, I was surprised how relaxed it felt in some ways. The parents weren't posh at all but I suppose it varies from course to course.

Agree with user here about kids knowing what they want too.

Honestly, I don’t think I’m blinkered at all. I went to a few places with DS1. We didn’t love the same places and in the end he went to the place he had his heart set on (decent RG). I can’t imagine trying to steer him away from the decision.

Exactly.

You've given the answer as to why it's nuanced right there yourself @ErrolTheDragon – the OP asks whether some universities (the whole university, not specific courses) are prestigious and many of us, including you, have commented that there are some subject-specific differences.

Those in their respective fields, particularly if they are involved in recruitment, tend to know this, whereas those in completely different professions may well not. That's why it's so important to look in detail rather than just assume RG institutions riding high in the rankings are de facto more prestigious. It requires a subtler approach than this.

Teens can be a bit blinkered when it comes to universities. Mind you, so can the parents.

I research this for a living and can tell you with confidence that parents are far more blinkered about university choices than young people!!

I don’t doubt that at all.

Interesting thread. DS1 goes to one of the "super selective" grammars in south London. The school has a good hit rate with Oxbridge but significant numbers go to the London universities (UCL, Imperial and LSE), the total Oxbridge / RG is 65- 75% of the last few cohorts. Clearly its high for a reason.

I think that's what is meant by prestige then. The top 4 are well regarded across the board, whereas it varies more according to the subject in the other Russell Group.

wintersacomin - yes, those destinations would be expected at a super selective grammar. The entrance requirements are very high at those universities.

User, my DC also knows her own mind at this age. After all, she is the one who is going to be studying there. However I did suggest some places she hadn't considered and she's going to have a look. I haven't steered her towards them; I've just told her what's out there. In the end, it will be her decision of course but it's good for teens to have as much information so they can make the best decision for them..

I agree.

@mids2019 surely you need to have another list of prestigious universities for other subjects apart from STEM? What about the arts, drama and music?
Only five Russell Group universities offer visual arts degrees:
Newcastle
Oxford Ruskin School of Art
Southampton Winchester School of Art - 10 miles from Southampton
Edinburgh ECA
UCL The Slade School of Art

The following (but limited to) would knock socks off most of the above.
University of the Arts London (Central St Martin's, Camberwell, Chelsea, Wimbledon, London College of Fashion etc.)
Royal College of Art
Glasgow School of Art
Goldsmiths
Falmouth
Brighton

If you were planning on reading History of Art then The Courtauld would be the most prestigious.

For music:
Royal College of Music
Royal Academy of Music
The Guildhall
The Scottish & Welsh conservatoires are both better than any on the MN list.

For Drama and dance:
RADA
LAMDA
Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
Trinity Laban

It is not only Oxbridge that is recognised internationally 🙄