University Prestige: Does it really matter?

With the recent introduction of student grants and maintenance loans, more and more of us are able to vie for university places.

However, the question remains, does the name of the institution affect your future?

With the cost of university having risen to a massive £3145, the choice of university has become a huge life decision.

The Independent newspaper has estimated that the average student will leave university with debt amounting to £17500, therefore graduate prospects are crucial.

Now we get to the root of the question, does prestige matter?

The Times Good University Guide 2009 ranked Oxford and Cambridge as the top two national Universities.

This comes as no surprise, it almost goes without saying that a degree from Oxbridge can stand you in good stead with regard to graduate opportunities.

However, whilst Oxbridge students are often head-hunted for their skills, likewise students from the apparent less 'prestigious' universities, such as the old polytechnics can excel within their subject field too.

With the recent introduction of student grants and maintenance loans, more and more of us are able to vie for university places.

Lauren Hart

Rhydian, a student at New College, Oxford says "Although the students at Oxford University work hard for a place here and continue to be pushed to their potential, I am aware that Oxford isn't for everyone, and other universities offer just as impressive degrees in other fields."

It would be fair to say that a degree is relative to the motivation and effort put in by students.

Similarly, many of the old polytechnics offer quality teaching in subjects not offered by other universities.

Not only this, but many of these universities are rated higher than other more 'prestigious' institutions, such as the Russell-group universities that are established, long holding institutions.

For example Nottingham Trent University is ranked at number 17 on the league table for both Law and Art & Design, which is above Newcastle on both counts.

These statistics prove that a degree is what you make of it. As long as you work to your potential and make the most of the opportunity that university offers, then you can't go too wrong!