Which to accept, oxford or cambridge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for choosing between PhD offers from Oxford and Cambridge, focusing on factors such as international reputation, research opportunities, and personal preferences regarding the environment and supervision.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that both Oxford and Cambridge are highly respected, making the choice less critical in terms of reputation.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of the specific PhD area and the suitability of the program to the candidate's interests.
  • Another participant notes that Cambridge is generally regarded as better for sciences, while Oxford is seen as stronger in the arts.
  • Concerns about the physical environment and personal fit at each university are raised, with suggestions to consider the towns and living conditions.
  • Some participants recommend checking the research groups and supervisors, highlighting the importance of the supervisor's availability and expertise.
  • One participant mentions a preference for Cambridge due to a project involving Toshiba, which they believe would enhance their CV.
  • Another participant points out that league tables favor Oxford, but personal experiences and project opportunities may outweigh these rankings.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of the supervisor's engagement and the research group's reputation, with specific references to the Quantum Information Group at Cambridge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions, with no consensus on which university is definitively better. Some prioritize personal fit and project opportunities over general reputation, while others reference league tables and traditional reputations.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge various factors influencing their decisions, including the specific research focus, supervisor availability, and personal preferences regarding living conditions, but these considerations remain subjective and unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering PhD programs at prestigious universities, particularly in the fields of physics and quantum information processing, may find this discussion relevant.

Baggio
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Hi,

I have two Phd offers from Oxford and Cambridge and I need to make my decision by thursday... I want to do a post doc in the US so international reputation is of most importance...any thoughts?

Thanks
 
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Well they are the two best most respected universities in the UK so really it doesn't really matter which one you go too.

Have you had a look at the place?
The environment?

It might help you decide which one is towards your taste.

And on general, Cambridge is good for sciences whereas Oxford is good for Arts.

Hope it helps, congratz btw.
 
The one that is best suited to your phd area would be my guess :confused:
 
Well my area of interest is solid state quantum information processing. They both have very similar projects with good supervisors. I just want to know which has the better international reputation as I plan to leave after I finish my phd.

Most people DO say Oxford is more renouned for the arts whereas Cambridge is better for science.
 
You could look at both university sites on information on graduate studies and may want to request information about the physics department for both.

If you believe in league tables then see this : http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/gooduniversityguide2005/20physics.pdf

In the end it doesn't really matter which one you go too as both are very well respected.
 
Last edited:
Yeah I've seen most of the league tables... They seem to suggest Oxford is the best. Though I visited clarendon and it seemed quite run down. Decided to go with Cambridge because the project will involve working with Toshiba which can only be good for my CV :) .. plus they're offering more money.

Thanks
 
Ok I'm back at square one again... Can't decide. The supervisor as Oxford seems to really want me to go there judging by the e-mail he just sent me. Both projects involve using quantum dots as single photon sources for quantum information processing. I was wondering if there is anyone working in this field who may have an opinion as to which would be the better option.

I have till Tuesday to decide because that's when Oxford need to know
 
You shouldn't go by what the different unis are reputed to excel at at UG level :rolleyes:

Like othershave said, you need to check out:

  1. The supervisor
  2. The research group
  3. The towns

For the first two - check out their publications, look for PRLs etc.

...but, very importantly, make sure your supervisor will have time to supervise you, eg. if they are HoD, they won't have much time...

For the third - I'd much rather live in Cambridge.
 
J77 said:
You shouldn't go by what the different unis are reputed to excel at at UG level :rolleyes:

Like othershave said, you need to check out:

  1. The supervisor
  2. The research group
  3. The towns

For the first two - check out their publications, look for PRLs etc.

...but, very importantly, make sure your supervisor will have time to supervise you, eg. if they are HoD, they won't have much time...

For the third - I'd much rather live in Cambridge.

The reason I'm going by reputation is because I've considered those things you said but couldn't decide still. I've made my decision now though and it's Cambridge as your second bullet point clinches it i think. To be working with Toshiba would be a real bonus.
 
  • #10
I saw that on a Google search - that's a good point: Cambridge has more business/science parks (semi-) associated with the uni.:-)

And, presumably, it'll be DAMPT which isn't too bad :-)
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Yeah actually the project allocated to me involves working with the Quantum Information Group http://www.toshiba-europe.com/research/crl/QIG/

I think the director of that group Prof Pepper is also the head of semiconductor physics at Cambridge.

Can't ask for more really..
 

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