Bath or Sheffield for Engineering? Does Russell Group matter any more?

[Vanta]

My DD has been offered a place at Sheffield for Mechanical Engineering. She has just been rejected from Bath for the same course but Bath offered Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering instead. Which degree do you think is 'better'? Does it actually matter? Bath isn't Russell Group, Sheffield is. You need a slightly lower grade for the Integrated course - is that seen as a 'lesser' course because of that (you still need AAA)? Any insight really appreciated.

My DC is currently in their final year studying General Engineering and specialised into Energy & Sustainability at Sheffield. The first two years for DC's year group were really badly affected by COVID-19, meaning the university had to do remote teaching. The first two years seems to be when a lot of lab work was scheduled. They were lucky that the staff there developed "virtual labs", even some where the lab equipment could be seen by webcam and operated remotely by the students (I don't know if other universities would have been this lucky?). I believe all universities had to cancel labs during COVID-19? DC has had labs in 3rd and 4th year, but I guess it depends which options you choose (DC chose some modules that had lab work). DC's year was also offered the opportunity to retake some of the missed activities and makes use of the free lab time most weeks. It's a shame labs weren't running as usual during COVID, but we can't fault them for their efforts!😊My youngest is considering doing the same course next year.

I love Bath, I'm there once a week for a hobby but it's very touristy, if we go in on a Saturday to see friends though it can be pretty annoying in peak season, big tour groups, hen parties, not to mention people from the surrounding countryside areas who all come in. For students it's pretty expensive, drinks are at least £2 or so each more than wear I live 20 miles ish from Bath for instance and houses are 50% more according to rightmove which has a knock on effect on rental prices

Choosing the university needs to take into consideration the location etc. basically. My dc graduated in engineering but neither of these two universities but despite what one person experienced here, she had practicals right through Covid at her university.

Oh and another point, check to see what accreditation the course offers

I'm taking all this info on board ready for in a years time!

@NCTDN All RG and RG plus unis have 100.% accredited engineering courses. Only a few brand new courses won’t be. Places like Bristol, Sheffield etc won’t develop courses the engineering council says are not good enough. Do check each one though! Obviously covid affected a lot and hopefully that level of disruption won’t happen again.

Sheffield is a great place to be a student

Sheffield every time

Honestly. Bath v Sheffield in this scenario. Either is great. Don't sweat it. Congratulations to your daughter.