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Asked by hannahgrimes to Alex, Chris, Harriet, Jed, Ken on 19 Mar 2012.
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Ken Gibbs answered on 19 Mar 2012:
My father offered to support me through Oxford but I declined because I believed that I would be working in Africa for most of my career and thus probably should be trained in Africa for African conditions.
I went to Cape Town University which has an excellent reputation. Of interest was that I was accepted by WHO (The World Health Organisation) at a time when South Africa was being excluded from many things. I was told that the academic standard was globally competitive and Cape Town University had a well established reputation for appointing lecturers based solely on their ability – which meant that some of the staff were black or of colour at a time when the South African Government applied apartheid (separateness) most rigidly.
Would I recommend the university ? I think you would need to consider where you expected to work after qualification to ensure that Cape Town University could provide what you need. If they have suitable courses, their academic standing is excellent. The environment was described at one time as “The Fairest Cape in All the World” and I still marvel at how beautiful the area is. Against this, you should also consider your own security as the society is said to be very violent, fuelled somewhat by hard drugs.
I personally have never regretted attending UCT.
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Alexander Zacheshigriva answered on 20 Mar 2012:
It was my parents plan for me to go to a Uni in UK. And I was happy with that. Then I reviewed lots of uni websites, brochures and league tables. Also looked at the cities that they were in. I had a friend who studied in Edinburgh Uni before I started and he suggested it to me. So I checked. The reputation was good the course looked good and the city was lovely. I have had short visits to Nottingham, Guildford, Aberdeen and Edinburgh before choosing Edinburgh as my top choice.
And yes I can recommend it. The teaching and reputation is pretty good. The university life here is great.
I would strongly suggest you assess the cities where the universities are as well as the uni’s themselves. As going to university is much more than going to lectures. Also, if you are keen on any activities or sports, check if the uni society looks good.
Good thing about Edinburgh is that university is not on a campus, it’s in the city (and what a city!) so it gets you out and about. Which really adds to the experience.
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Jed Ramsay answered on 20 Mar 2012:
I chose my university based on where would be closed to the girl I was in love with at the time!!
Not the best criteria!! Still I went to Warwick University and had a great 3 years there and came out with a decent degree at the end of it.
I recently did a second 3 year, part time course in river and coastal engineering which I did at the University of West England (Bristol). My company paid for me to do this and they had designed the course as well so it was very relevant to my job. It was an OK university but I think Warwick was better.
And later this year I hope to start a Masters at Loughborough University. I chose this one because the course I want to do is supposed to be the best one in the country there – it has a very good reputation. So we’ll have to see on that!
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