Architecture-Oxford Brooks.

[QuintanaRoo]

Dd is considering Oxford brooks for architecture for her Part 2 but has just been reading about it being the most indebted university in the country. Also that they’ve just had redundancies affecting the architecture dept.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the course/quality of teaching?

I cannot answer those specific questions. All I can tell you is that one of my BFs went to Oxford Brookes, her major was food technology and she has done very well. I know OB is generally considered the best of the old polytechnics / new universities in the country. Have you visited? That might be a good starting point then your kid can ask questions in person.

Thank you. I think previous university experience has taught me it’s the individual course which matters rather than the overall uni. She’s got an interview next week so we’ll see what happens and maybe do emergency visit if she’s offered a place.

Our friend's DD chose Oxford Brookes for architecture and it has been ideal for her. The course sounds like it has been great and she has been happy there. She graduates this year.

Thank you, that's reassuring. DD was not happy at her Part 1 uni and we don't want to make the same mistake.

We went to the open day in the autumn for my DD and we were impressed. It was having loads of investment – lots of new buildings under construction. Maybe that is why they are in debt? It had a good feel to it, the accommodation we were able to see felt fresh and well maintained, the campus landscaped a bit. The main building was modern, spacious and smart (can't remember it's name) with a courtyard outside. It will most likely be on DD's UCAS list of 5.

@SingingAvocado Thats exactly why they are in financial trouble. Overspending on capital projects. Its architecture department is pretty good though and it’s Oxford! Great city for students. I would take a good look at the course and satisfy herself that it meets her needs. There’s constant info coming out about redundancies.

Maybe ask questions about exactly what redundancies and how they will impact on teaching in her prospective department, though.

My department (humanities) has just been told that none of the four jobs we were due to advertise will now be filled because of a university-wide deficit, which will measurably impact our teaching offerings next year (because three of the jobs were down to two retirements and a colleague leaving) and mean we have to pull one MA.