MSc Finance: Bristol or Lancaster University
Your QuestionI received 2 conditional offer for postgraduate study which from University of Lancaster and University of Bristol. Both are the finance subjects. The deposit paying deadline is coming. However I can't decide which one I should take. One of my Professors recommends the Lancaster one. But most of the ranking told me that Bristol one is better.
Could you please show me the very recently raking for all the university in accounting and finance field?
As you know both these universities are excellent in the field of Finance and so congratulations for securing two offers.
Let us consider some facts:
Ranking
The Times Overall: Bristol (7) Lancaster (21)
http://www.how2uk.com/Times%202005.html
The Times ranking of Economics (field most closely related to Finance): Bristol (8) Lancaster (17)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/displayPopup/0,,13406,00.html
The Times ranking of Business: Bristol (n/a) Lancaster (8)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/displayPopup/0,,13385,00.html
The UK Governments RAE (research) rating for Accounting & Finance: Bristol (5) Lancaster (n/a)
http://www.how2uk.com/AccFin.pdf
So you are right Bristol is better in the ranking. Bristol is also considered a really prestigious university by British people.
Location
Bristol is a small city in the South West of England. It is a really nice and lively city. The university is in the centre of the city and students at the university generally love it. The university is very prestigious so all students, not just Finance, are of a really high standard.
Lancaster is a town in North England. The university is outside the city which is a common complaint from students, unfortunately it is not a very good looking campus.
In personal, lifestyle terms I would absolutely recommend Bristol.
Other Factors
Although the above factors point to Bristol you should consider other things, including:
- Course content - check out the course details - see which you prefer
- Tuition Fees - are you price sensitive?
- Class size - ask the departments to tell you class size (or check their websites) - smaller is better.