grad school

[Maratez]

Hey guys,
I have recently been accepted to grad school at both the University of Bradford as well as Bournemouth University in the program of Human Osteology. Sheffield has also accepted me in the program of Aegean Archaeology, although I would rather study Human Osteology, what are the reputations of these schools like?, It has been a little difficult being in the states, the only information I get on the schools are from the universities or from the internet, anyways, I would love to hear what any of you guys have to say about these schools.
thanks
mara

[Stig]

Hi,

Well it depends how your look at it, but if you want to see a ranking of Universities then copy the link below into your browser and click on the subject heading marked Archaeology. The Times newspaper publishes this survey every year looking at the research levels and teaching levels for the depts.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,6734,00.html

Think Sheffield comes out on top of the three you metioned...its also one of the cheapest places to live in the UK...(though I think Bradfords quite cheap as well!?)... Bournemouth has the coast though, and is well known for its night life....so really it depends on what your priorities are:)

Hope this helps
stig

dead cat tell no lies

[the invisible man]

Bradford Uni claim that Bradford is THE cheapest city in the UK in which to live. I can well believe it...

Bradford got a 5 for research last time round - 4th equal in the UK -and a grade of excellence for teaching. Ra ra. As stated, how much weight you want to give these things is up to you, but from the US it's difficult to see what else you can do.

However, all three do have good reputations - Sheffield got a 5* for research last time, I believe.

[troll]

If sunshine, sand and high rent is your bag-go to Bournemouth.Equally,if you want to attend a uni where the staff either don`t turn up or, hand their classes over to their PhD students,go to Bournemouth. Go to Bradford. Good reputation and capable, professional graduates too.:D

[Oxbeast]

And having been out on the town in all three places, Sheffield wins by a country mile.

[disheartened]

Bradford's just poured lots and lots of money back into the department, moving to new buildings about 2 years ago, and have revamped the Masters programmes entirely, much more emphasis on dead people now! Staff are great, v. helpful, and interested, great on the sciencey side of stuff. And I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for JB's, or the Mainline, or whatever it's called nowadays!

[the invisible man]

Hmmm, I detect a slight possibilty that Troll, Dishearted and I might have something in common!:D

However, being officially Mature, I cannot possibly comment on the places of entertainment that may be popular with young people!

[Beki]

Hey, Being a bradford student I would say Bradford all the way! Its cheap, the osteology course is great, the staff are amazing and nightlife is varied so theres something for everyone.

J.B's is now called the court yard...although i never call it that!

[BoltonSquanderer]

Hey guys, you forgot to mention The Beehive.

[Maratez]

well I guess Ill be going to Bradford!!!!!! thanks guys for all your opinions. I noticed that they have dorms for international graduate students, out of curiosity, does anyone know what they are like?, I think it would be better for me to find a group of people who are looking for another roommate though.

[disheartened]

I spent 2 years in halls in Bradford, and lived out in second year, being perfectly honest, I'd go for halls rather than trying to look for a room. Especially if you dont' know Bradford very well, we had a nightmare looking for a house to live in in 2nd year. If you're only going to be there for a year, halls are the most convenient, hot water, electricity provided nd not having to deal with some VERY dodgy landlords (even in terms of dodgy landlords!). Then again, i've never been in the post-grad halls...

[the invisible man]

Check out the uni website at www.brad.ac.uk. Click "Student Life" then "Accommodation". There is loads of stuff on the halls, application forms and a pdf booklet. Note that most of halls are on campus - you might see this as a good thing or a bad thing, living over the shop so to speak!

There are also links to info on private accommodation which you can access direct on unipol.leeds.ac.uk/bradford/

As an oldie I live at home but I have son at another uni, and can echo Disheartened's warning. Maybe there ARE good student landlords somewhere, but if so they are more likely just less bad.

[Wakeyologist]

I applied to bradford in feb for msc human osteo and still havent heard anything back i have been told they doent start the ball rolling until the results are out..

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Osteoarchaeology