Sheffield or Glasgow for politics and IR?

[Smartysmitty]

DS can't decide between the two, any views would be welcome! He has unconditional offers from both (grades in hand) and dismissed other options that are at a campus university. He started at another uni last autumn but dropped out at Christmas and wants to get it right this time.

What did he not like about the other university? It might be helpful to compare Glasgow and Sheffield with the first university and assess what differences they offer that might make his experience better going forward.

We went to the Glasgow offer holder day and the IR /politics talk was informative. The range of modules available was wide and in the past they have had very impressive guest lecturers and an active range of societies linked to IR and Politics

Unless he is going straight into 2nd year at Glasgow one thing to consider is that there will be an extra year of study at Glasgow as Scottish degrees are 4 years instead of 3. There will be extra expense and an extra year of study. This put my dd off studying at a Scottish uni.

I'm not sure if it's changing, but my DD's in her first year at Glasgow and RUK students don't pay for their 4th year of tuition. DD looked at going straight into the second year, but you can miss a lot in terms of core elements for your degree. Plus friendships might be harder, as the vast majority study for all 4 years, so will have forged alliances and groups with people already. DD's having a great time - loves both the university and the city too.

Visit both cities and see which he prefers.

@MinervaMcGonagallsCat he has visited both and is still uncertain.
@StoorieHoose it's good to hear that the offer day was interesting. Unfortunately, he got his offer the day after!

Get him to check out the module options for each course. Here is the Glasgow one www.gla.ac.uk/coursecatalogue/courselist/?code=POLITIC&name=Politics+%26+International+Relations. It should show the contact hours and subjects covered in each module

Glasgow is ahead of Sheffield in both the CUG and The Times league tables if that helps. That said, there isn't much in it and Scottish unis do do well on entry standards which boosts them.

Sheffield is by far the cheaper and easier for accommodation. I come from Glasgow and when I went to Sheffield I felt very at home. Quite similar places.

Reading between the lines, it also sounds like you might live a very long way from Glasgow?

Glasgow is highly rated.

How important are his surroundings to him? What is Sheffield like? Attractive? I’ve never been.

Glasgow is a big gritty city, but the university area is very beautiful. Walking at the side of the river to the Botanic Gardens ..sitting in the lecture hall looking out at the river and the bust of Lord Kelvin in the corner and realising your bottom is on a bench that students have sat on for hundreds of years….the Cloisters … Glasgow University Union in castle like building… going to visit the mummies in the Hunterian Museum…

The locals are also very friendly and even now, no woman, child or disabled person will have to stand on the ‘Clockwork Orange’ underground as any sitting man will usually offer his seat

That said, if Glasgow’s far from home, that’s something to take into account. One of mine is miles away and its a bit of a pain unless you’re well heeled.

We're in London so Glasgow is a long way to go, but you're right @EvelynBeatrice the university is beautiful. Sheffield isn't a beautiful city but has something very special. It's a tricky decision and I think will come down to the course. Thanks everyone for your views

I think Sheffield is quite attractive! And the uni is in a really nice part of the city.

Would he need to pay international fees for Glasgow?

Check out average travel costs. We find for Glasgow that EasyJet flights to Gatwick are much, much cheaper than the train.

FWIW we visited both (with different DC) and really liked both. Sheffield felt more alt and laid back, Glasgow more international. But that could be subject dependent and just what we saw on the day. Both are great for live music!

@Lint6 not any more. From 3024 you pay for all four years 😫.

2024 doh!

Sheffield says it’s a top-rated student experience. I don’t know if they are cherry-picking which surveys to quote.

Sheffield has been a top uni when it comes to happy students for decades. They have very few privately educated dc when compared to many other unis and there’s a lot for students to do. Knowing several recent students, they had a very good time and drinking/parties were very much part of it. One did politics with very low contact hours but I think adding IR adds a bit more into the week.

Sheffield is a socialist city. So if you are not socialist, your tribe will be difficult to locate. No idea about Glasgow. Neither will guarantee a module will run. Core ones should.

You have no idea if Glasgow is a socialist city?? That made me giggle!

Tizer, it seems odd that your frequently tell people off for choosing unis based on the types of student who might be there and yet, here you are! As you always say yourself, there are all types of people at all universities. Sheffield certainly has had quite a famous LibDem representing its student constituency.

Sheffield's Student Union wins prizes every year by the way so I think its NSS accolades are deserved.

Their accommodation is on a kind of campus and is very nice with a bar they actually do use on site , and music practice rooms and green spaces. When we went to the offer day these were big ticks for Sheffield as was the friendliness and approachability of social sciences staff. Have they built the new Soc Sci building yet?

Also lolling @ not knowing if Glasgow is a socialist city 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Aside from studying Sheffield is very good for outdoors types, lots of sporty students. It’s right on the edge of the Peak District so good for hiking, cycling etc. I had a ball there