Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around identifying the top universities for studying physics in the UK, focusing on prestige rather than value-added metrics. Participants share their opinions on various institutions and the factors influencing their choices.
Discussion Character
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest a list of top universities including Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Durham, Queen Mary University (QMW), and Manchester, though the list is incomplete.
- There is a proposal to include Oxford and York in the top 10, with a participant questioning the omission of these institutions.
- One participant provides a historical context for QMW, mentioning its previous name and mergers, while expressing uncertainty about its current status.
- Another participant emphasizes that the choice of university should depend on personal fit and enjoyment rather than prestige alone.
- A participant argues that quality comes from research output, referencing research assessment scores as a measure, though acknowledging their age.
- Concerns are raised about the relevance of RAE rankings for undergraduates, with suggestions that factors like course stability, university reputation, and living conditions are more important.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on which universities should be included in the top 10, and there is no consensus on a definitive list. The discussion reflects a variety of personal preferences and criteria for evaluating universities.
Contextual Notes
Some participants note that the discussion is subjective and influenced by personal experiences, with no clear resolution on the best universities for physics.