Bristol or Birmingham for Maths and Computer Science with quant ambitions?

[mat150]

DC has applied for Maths and Computer Science. Can't decide between Bristol or University of Birmingham for Insurance. Both have the same offer of A*AA.

Likes them both. No preference as such of a city or a campus university. DC is a non contextual offer holder. Accomodation costs not an issue as aware that Bristol will be more expensive.

Essentially would like to go into 'Quant' after graduating, so wondering out of the two which would give him a better chanceto break into the field.
Anyone in a similar situation or have DCs studying maths and CS at either one with any feedback? Which would you choose and why?

Also, say one decided later on to do a separate post graduate masters say from Imperial or Oxford, would either one (Bristol or Birmingham) give you an advantage over the other for getting in?

Appreciate any suggestions/thoughts to help decide.

Thanks.

This is tinkering at the margins, OP. These are two excellent programmes and the quant jobs are extraordinarily competitive.

Bristol has better Maths and Birmingham has better CS. In both cases I would say that the reputational difference is greater than the difference in the CUG rankings. But each is really very good in the other field.

My guess is that Bristol is better connected to quant jobs, because by reputation their Econ graduates do well. OTOH an elite MSc programme such as Imperial or LSE or Oxford is a better qualification than either. To get there, DS mainly needs to excel and stand out from the crowd.

If your family can afford the MSc (in the event of the Insurance route) I think the question is, is DS’ greater strength in Maths or CS? I would choose the corresponding uni. I assume you are accurate that the degree programme is ‘and’, which is generally about 50-50; is that right?

Best wishes to DS.

I would treat the quant aim as a portfolio question as much as a university-name question. Between two strong courses, look at the exact maths depth, programming/project work, internship support, finance/data societies and whether he can build evidence outside the degree. For a later MSc, first-class marks, hard modules and strong technical projects will matter more than a small Bristol/Birmingham difference.

To add to what @TravisWritingCoach said, the reason I suggested DS go with his strength if an MSc is the aim is to maximise his chances for the strongest possible academic record.

Also, for an MSc he should do a Y3 project in his stronger subject, possibly with a focus towards the MSc specialisation though this is less important. The main thing is to stand out from the early part of the year as an excellent project student, taking initiative, showing originality, keeping to an ambitious timetable, and meeting his supervisor with reasonable though not excessive frequency.

This person will be well placed to write a meaningful letter of reference. When it is strong it can clinch an acceptance.

Agree with @TravisWritingCoach that meaningful involvement in relevant societies and of course internships can also be very helpful.