Science Postgraduate at Open University In Wales - Postgraduate

Overall score

I would not recommend this course at City to anyone. It is very poorly organised and is really over priced for the service you receive. If you get your fees paid then consider it, otherwise save your money, it is NOT worth it, trust me.

Study experience

Most lectures are not worth even going in to. Often they are rescheduled without notice. All the lectures specific to the course are employed on a 'visiting lecturer' basis, meaning that they will not be in the uni other than the one hour per FORTNIGHT they come to teach, and dont expect a reply on email from them, you will get them for one hour per fornight and no more. Another module is delivered entirely by 'guest' lectuerers. This would be good if it was only once in a while, but every week you need to go to these lessons of no value that consist of the guest (who is not a teacher by profession) telling you a few stories about what has went on in their lives over the year. It is interesting the first time or so, but believe me it becomes a waste of time after so long.

Facilities

gym is great i really like it. the staff in the union are nice, i cant really comment on the bar because i dont use it [am 27 and know SU bars are mainly for undergraduates]. re the computers: there is never enough in the journalism department, often get thrown out of rooms cause a class is on even if that class is not using all the computers. that is fair enough i guess, but there should be other computers availabe elsewhere when each student is paying £7500.

Postgraduate life

i'm just a member of the fitness centre. it has many good classes on. There seems to be many other clubs and societies, but i cant really comment on that.

Job prospects

it might help, but i have been to another 2 universities that would help much more on this front [will not mention names as it would seem like i was promoting them, the point is to shop around before handing any money to city]. i was shocked to hear when i got here that the vast majority of students at city have a very low opinion of city. when you see on league tables that city has a high employment rate consider this- they dont say what jobs those students are being employed in - low pay etc. the graduates are also living in london so it is easier to get a job here than any other part of the uk, but that might not be a job you like or are paid well in comparsion to living costs in london.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.

Overall score

Queen's University offers a supportive research environment for Ph.D. students. There is ample training available to improve your research skills. The university campus is beautiful and accommodation is plentiful.

The city leaves a lot to be desired. Beware if you are from outside NI, as it is difficult to fit in. NI students go home every weekend, leaving foreigners feeling out of place!

Study experience

Widening access programmes have resulted in the dumbing down of courses. Ofcourse this is no different from other universities. Lecture halls were ok, and lecturers were professional and cared about students.

Facilities

New library developed which is a plus. The old ones were pretty shabby. Bars are good - plenty around the campus should the Union not be to your tastes. Sports facilities are good too. Clubs for everyone.

Postgraduate life

Clubs and societies for sports are plentiful. Other societies for non-sporting activities are in-name only. Again, this is no different to other universities.

Job prospects

As the overwhelming majority of students are from NI, consequently NI employers are eager to target them. Not than many British or International companies come to recruit directly. If you are an international student, I advise you to consider studying in England, to make the most of job opportunities.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.

Overall score

One of my top choices.

Study experience

Lectures are well prepared, and the range of modules is huge.

Facilities

Well equip, and the computers are good.

Postgraduate life

There are a lot of clubs and interesting events going on.

Job prospects

All my friends get a job in the end.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.