Jump to Course review
Jump to University review
Course review
Review by: Gordon S
University: Oxford University
Course: Engineering
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Postgraduate
Visit the Engineering forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
1/2
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Computing, Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I research in a field that is my own. As a result it is exciting and developing all the time. Any progress that I make in my research could have a tangible effect if it works, and this is very encouraging when motivation to produce work is a very individual effort.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I don't think that anything really was different to what I expected before arriving to study.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Mainly lab work, programming and reading. The occasional seminars and reading groups occur throughout the week requiring preparation by reading papers on the subject.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Reading on the current state-of-art as a postgraduate is essential. Further, to be able to critique the work rather than just read it is a skill that needs to be developed throughout the course.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The ability for me to choose my hours, methods and future. At the end of the programme, results and progress made are down strictly to me.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
Sometimes, lack of collaboration means that it does get lonely. There are tasks that are required to be performed which are boring and repetitive but must be performed for me to go on and do the exciting work!
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
The university offers excellent facilities and support both within the curriculum and out of the department.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
Core hours of 9-5 working on your own. Expectation to produce results or progress at weekly/fortnightly supervisory meetings. Mainly self-taught but with the option of going to lectures or tutorials if they are available.
Looking for more information on Engineering?
Other reviews for Engineering
Bobby G, 1st Year doing Civil Engineering at University of Bristol
Tim G, 1st Year doing Civil Engineering at Loughborough University Ron J, 1st Year doing Mechanical Engineering at University of Southampton Sam F, 2nd Year doing Mechanical Engineering at University of Exeter Nicola R, 2nd Year doing Civil Engineering at Cardiff University Jonathan W, 2nd Year doing Architectural Engineering at University of Leeds Alice O, 3rd Year doing Civil Engineering at The University of Strathclyde
Ian D, 2nd Year doing Mechanical Engineering at King's College London, University of London Freddie W, 2nd Year doing Mechanical Engineering at University of Bristol Rupert D, 2nd Year doing Mechanical Engineering at University of Bristol
Looking for another course? Or university?
University review
Review by: Gordon S
University: Oxford University
Course: Engineering
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Postgraduate
Visit the Oxford University forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
It is different; it's not the typical university experience but it offers so much opportunity and diversity that it makes it very enjoyable. I have had a brilliant 1st year.
What is the academic life like at your university?
In a word - challenging.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Having done fresher's week before. It was as I expected. Fun and boozy. You make and get what you put in.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
College system has it's strength and weaknesses. Out of hours, the sporting aspect is fantastic and there is a wealth of things to do. However, the bureaucracy that goes on because of it (being a member of the uni/college/department) makes doing things sometimes more difficult than they actually are.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Plenty to do. Rugby, rowing, whatever. It's a fantastic way to make new friends or pick up a new sport.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Lots of things to do. As alcohol orientated as you want it to be.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Small, but busy. As a result there are plenty of things to do. The tourists are a nuisance but they are to be expected. It's a good place to live.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
College. The best in 1st year for meeting new people. Once that is done though, get a house. You need a living room!
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Catered. This is a good idea for a post grad as it's very social and gives you time to focus more on work and socialising rather than making meals. Cheap too.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £90 week
Looking for more information on Oxford University?