Which University to Choose?

[riicky]

Hi,

I pursuing a Degree in Engineering field, I had attend the open house for SIT 2014, now I'm choosing between Uni of Glasgow or Uni of Newcastle in Mechanical Design & Manufacturing.

I'm in a dilemma which one to choose from, usually do you look at the school's world rankings? Or what other things do you look for?

Hope other experienced forum-er would help.

Thanks.

 

[nyvrem]

Top 100 universities for Engineering and Technology 2013-14 - Times Higher Education

University of Ein. is ranked 55. I can't find the other one >:

Besides that, when I was choosing a University, things that I took notice was.

1) What is the ratio of student VS lecturers

Huge class size means lesser time to assist students = more work on my side running around finding answers

2) Who are the lecturers (are they from the Uni or adjunct or TAs)

This was important for me because during your final years (majoring), you would want your professors to write testimonials for you. Useful for graduate school. Also, the actual lecturer has better insights as how the lesson should be done since they would be involved in the planning VS the adjunct or TA who is there just to execute the course plans.

3) Do the core modules help me in my line of work in the future.

I think in almost every degree, this is quite an important factor to consider. Although many might say what you study in University won't be used for work later in life, there might be times when it would! Better be safe then sorry.

4) Previous years graduates performance.

Check with the University's student career center on how people in the course you want to enter fared after graduation. They would normally have some basic statistics. Eg, how many found work within 3-6 months, how many got accepted into graduate schools, starting pay, etc. Give you a guide on how "wanted" your field of study is. (Just a guide, not a good one since you need to factor in other things such as economy etc etc.)

5) How do employers see graduates from this university / course

This, you would need to do some research. Sad to say, not all degrees/Universities are created equal. Bosses look at different universities with a face of judgement already. It could be because of a previous worker who happen to graduate from there, it would be because the boss hears it from his good friends etc. I have personally heard supervisors comment that students from a certain course from certain universities are not trained well enough. Just do a check to give yourself a better judgement of the course you are going to choose.

Hope it helps.

Good luck !

 

[riicky]

Top 100 universities for Engineering and Technology 2013-14 - Times Higher Education

University of Ein. is ranked 55. I can't find the other one >:

Besides that, when I was choosing a University, things that I took notice was.

1) What is the ratio of student VS lecturers

Huge class size means lesser time to assist students = more work on my side running around finding answers

2) Who are the lecturers (are they from the Uni or adjunct or TAs)

This was important for me because during your final years (majoring), you would want your professors to write testimonials for you. Useful for graduate school. Also, the actual lecturer has better insights as how the lesson should be done since they would be involved in the planning VS the adjunct or TA who is there just to execute the course plans.

3) Do the core modules help me in my line of work in the future.

I think in almost every degree, this is quite an important factor to consider. Although many might say what you study in University won't be used for work later in life, there might be times when it would! Better be safe then sorry.

4) Previous years graduates performance.

Check with the University's student career center on how people in the course you want to enter fared after graduation. They would normally have some basic statistics. Eg, how many found work within 3-6 months, how many got accepted into graduate schools, starting pay, etc. Give you a guide on how "wanted" your field of study is. (Just a guide, not a good one since you need to factor in other things such as economy etc etc.)

5) How do employers see graduates from this university / course

This, you would need to do some research. Sad to say, not all degrees/Universities are created equal. Bosses look at different universities with a face of judgement already. It could be because of a previous worker who happen to graduate from there, it would be because the boss hears it from his good friends etc. I have personally heard supervisors comment that students from a certain course from certain universities are not trained well enough. Just do a check to give yourself a better judgement of the course you are going to choose.

Hope it helps.

Good luck !

A million thanks dude! you gave a very detailed suggestion. It certainly helped me

 

[TrollersRollers]

Hi,

I pursuing a Degree in Engineering field, I had attend the open house for SIT 2014, now I'm choosing between Uni of Glasgow or Uni of Newcastle in Mechanical Design & Manufacturing.

I'm in a dilemma which one to choose from, usually do you look at the school's world rankings? Or what other things do you look for?

Hope other experienced forum-er would help.

Thanks.

Glasgow's curriculum is tough.
Newcastle's curriculum is not so tough.

Tough life vs Easy life. You choose. :X

Prestigious uni in SIT are Glasgow and TUM.

If you want a fun uni life, then choose Newcastle.

If you want a challenging uni life and want to compete with NTU/NUS/SUTD, then choose Glasgow or TUM.