Old polytechnics

sniffy

sniffy

sniffy

Soldato
Joined
12 Dec 2003
Posts
8,141
Location
East Sussex
Ello lads

I'm applying to different universities at the moment. Basically I'm wondering how the old polytechnics are regarded within employment now? I believe they used to be regarded as below "proper" universities but I've heard attitudes are changing. What's your experience?

The polytechnic in question is Brighton and the course is Computer Science. The rest of my choices are "proper" universities and I imagine I'll take a place at one of them (as they simply offer better graduate prospects) if I'm offered a place but I think it's still important to investigate.

Thanks for any replies :)
 
There doesn't seem to be any real prejudice against what used to be the old Polys. MMU for instance although within the student community of Manchester is seen as the "lower" of the two universities, any qualifications earned there are still seen by employers as being a university graduate.
 
sniffy said:
Ello lads

I'm applying to different universities at the moment. Basically I'm wondering how the old polytechnics are regarded within employment now? I believe they used to be regarded as below "proper" universities but I've heard attitudes are changing. What's your experience?

The polytechnic in question is Brighton and the course is Computer Science. The rest of my choices are "proper" universities and I imagine I'll take a place at one of them (as they simply offer better graduate prospects) if I'm offered a place but I think it's still important to investigate.

Thanks for any replies :)
Click to expand...

Name of the Uni is still far more important than how good the course is at that particular uni. Especially in banking
 
Thanks paradigm and mattx :)

Matt, that's weird but understandable I guess. Besides Oxford and Cambridge, how do employers know you went to a well-regarded university? I know that's a silly question but do they just know or do they look at some resource (i.e. Times online university rankings)?
 
Mostly, the "high-ranking" employers just "know" which universities have a reputation for providing strong candidates in their respective fields.

However I'd say making sure you will enjoy the university you are at is more important than going to the one a few employers would prefer you were at. No good at all going to Uni A if you hate it, as you simply won't study.
 
Can't say I've ever experienced any problems here. I did my HND in Ceramic Technology at Staffordshire Polytechnic, back when it was a poly and not a University like it is now. Although I did do my degree at a 'real' University, Keele, so I don't know if that's sort of overshadowing the HND. Like I said though, I've never had a problem yet.
 
A lot about your question depends on the career path you see yourself pursuing. However, for a lot of graduate opportunities, an old polytechnic will not be regarded as highly as a proper university.

Also, if you you are interested in Computer science, then another question you should ask yourself is how theoretical/applied a course you would like to study. An old polytechnic is likely to have a more applied course compared to proper universities.
 
some polys are good, but you have to be careful which you chose, as my local college (burton tech) is becoming a university soon. Just proving anywhere can get university status these days.
I would say in almost all cases old uni>old poly, and employers are fully aware of this:) An old university will be high up on the newspaper ratings with old polys in the middle then the jokes at the end (derby/staffs/demontfort/lincoln/preston etc).

Relating directly to your post, old polys are regaurded by employers just like they always were. Just the phrase 'i have a degree' in itself unfortunately means nothing anymore
 
Last edited:
sniffy said:
Thanks paradigm and mattx :)

Matt, that's weird but understandable I guess. Besides Oxford and Cambridge, how do employers know you went to a well-regarded university? I know that's a silly question but do they just know or do they look at some resource (i.e. Times online university rankings)?
Click to expand...

the Russell group uni's are well regarded along with the times list and the where the best candidates have come from previously.
 
Thanks lads, can always count on OcUK :cool:

Hiroki said:
Also, if you you are interested in Computer science, then another question you should ask yourself is how theoretical/applied a course you would like to study. An old polytechnic is likely to have a more applied course compared to proper universities.
Click to expand...

OK that's interesting. Could you give an example of how the different universities might treat the same problem?

mglover070588 said:
Just the phrase 'i have a degree' in itself unfortunately means nothing anymore
Click to expand...

That's becoming more and more apparent :(
 
Let me throw my hat in the ring...
I am in the second year of a computer science degree (part time) at Thames Valley Uni. I tried to change to either Birkbeck or Westminster purely because of the travelling time, but both universities refused to accept my credits from the first year (120) as they would not acknowledge any teaching at the newer uni's such as TVU or London Metropolitan.
Whilst there is a degree of snobbery from older universities, what really matters is that a degree from anywhere says that a student can work on their own and carry out research to a certain level. I am lucky in that I am already employed in IT and this will just add to my CV some formal qualifications as well as my experience.
I suggest you go somewhere you feel comfortable at, work hard and use the skills you will learn on practical projects such as designing databases/websites for charities etc etc
This will help you get a leg up onto the employment ladder, your attitude will take you as far as any qualification...
 
sniffy said:
OK that's interesting. Could you give an example of how the different universities might treat the same problem?
Click to expand...

For instance, at Oxbridge I know that the course is incredibly theoretical with no real applied stuff taught whatsoever. The thinking being that learning a particular language or a particular component of a current system is not going to be useful in the long run. languages come and go, and a lot of the time in an applied course, what you learn is quickly obsolete. By learning the theory behind things, you are able to get a foundation which you can apply to any language/system.

On the other hand, at some of the universities lower down the lists, computer science is taught in a much more vocational way. Equipping their graduates with a hands on knowledge of particular areas of computing. This is why there are so many of these specific courses such as network systems support degress etc.

Personally I feel that you are better off going for a theory based course, if you are able to. At the end of the day, all of the best graduate opportunities do not expect a working knowledge of any of their systems, and so you may as well learn those things and get paid for it. Also taking a theory based course is going to equip you with transferrable skills, which are likely to help later on in life (for instance at Oxford, the CS students all have to take Mathematical logic).
 
sniffy said:
Thanks paradigm and mattx :)

Matt, that's weird but understandable I guess. Besides Oxford and Cambridge, how do employers know you went to a well-regarded university? I know that's a silly question but do they just know or do they look at some resource (i.e. Times online university rankings)?
Click to expand...

Oxford and Cambridge aren't regarded as top for some courses. Although they are regarded top university's.

Look at the times newspaper rankings. Remember look at course rankings not university rankings.
 
You make a very good point mate. Although I'll find the theory-based approach slightly more boring, it's no doubt more beneficial.
 
AcidHell2 said:
Look at the times newspaper rankings. Remember look at course rankings not university rankings.
Click to expand...

I have mate. I just used those two examples as they're well known for being elite universities :)

Hate said:
If you want to do CS, go to Sussex. Seriously.
Click to expand...

I've applied for Sussex :) I'd love some input into what it's like there.

Edit

Damn sorry, was suppose to edit my previous post.
 
jidh007 said:
Southampton is excellent for CS and part of the Russell group (I do believe?)
Click to expand...

They don't accept BTECs unfortunately :( I really wanted to apply.

To anyone thinking about doing a BTEC: Don't do it. They're good courses but aren't the best option if you plan going to university.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom