Chemistry Bath v UCL

[cxd]

My child has an offer for MSci Chemistry for UCL (just plain four year course, dropping to three if not making 60% in Y1 or Y2) and for same for Bath (with year in industry, 4 years either way as year in industry also possible with BSc). Doesn't really want to go to the other three options and would risk clearing if not accepted by those two on results day as chemistry was in clearing at lots of unis last year. Does anyone have any advice or a child on any of those courses which course to firm of those two (we know about costs which are an issue but not putting us off London entirely)?

Internships aside, and all other things being equal, it will come down to which uni your DS feels most comfortable in. And that includes the campus, the city, the general vibe. As a PP said, it’s pointless being in a place that you do not like just because you feel it’s a better choice hypothetically. I am biased because I (for no good reason) prefer UCL, but your DS will have a gut feeling about which one he will have a happy 3 or 4 years in.

But of course that almost goes without saying and you’re here to gather intel to work out the ways in which the two are equal or not in terms of the actual programme.

Sounds like the UCL Chemistry admissions team are overwhelmed - however that has no bearing whatsoever on what the teaching and general experience will be like, that’s just one team, not a general culture of indifference. It’s worth holding on if he thinks it might be the right place for him - and it’s ultimately his decision.

Is this chemistry and if so is he on the Msci International Programme?

As a scientist in an adjacent field - Bath, every day of the week

No. History and Politics with a year abroad. Sorry I know nothing about chemistry.

Not sure regarding indifference as he has emailed several times, general admissions and chemistry admissions tutor. Thinking they value international students more as they provide higher revenue....??

Whether you get a reply to an email (or 2) seems an odd basis to make the decision. As others say, this won’t reflect the quality of their teaching or a multitude of other important things.

Is it that you want to feel wooed? Parents and students often do. They take the view that their kid is great and they are going to spend a lot of money, so want to feel wanted. The thing is, these top places have plenty of applicants. And you have to decide based n things that are important, not if they have responded well to an email sent to an admin email.

Loads of good points made by people on t hi thread. Both have lots going for them: if wanting to work internationally , UCL will be more known. But for UK chemistry Bath will be right up there too.

I’d go and visit again even if not to a Dept Open Day. And I’d be putting the onus on DC about this. The here are 2 of excellent options and they must do the legwork and choose. At either, getting quality work placements or internships will require THEM to be very proactive. It will be their work or lack it f it tgat gets the A level grades needed or doesn’t. They have to take ownership. You can rest assured neither is a weak option.

Wouldn't say I or son wants to feel wooed but unis are also businesses (and UCL in particular as it has by far the most international students in UK and targets them in particular I assume for financial reasons) and it is an investment for the young people and a wrong decision literallycosts them thousands. Main concern is support while at uni , heard e.g. that tutorials at UCL are hit and miss.A bit biased admittedly as have older child at Bath who's getting excellent support but completely different degree, not StEM.