Study in Belfast/Aberdeen?

[1DNS]

I am looking at going to go to graduate school at Belfast or Aberdeen, and am wondering how they compare in terms of cost of living, quality of life, and so on. I appreciate any feedback.

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by 1DNS

I am looking at going to go to graduate school at Belfast or Aberdeen, and am wondering how they compare in terms of cost of living, quality of life, and so on. I appreciate any feedback.

I'd say if you want an exciting, studenty 'happening' sort of place, go for Belfast. It's a vibrant city full of smart bars, interesting shops and restaurants, and with a large student population, there are lots going on musically and culturally, in term-time at least. The peace dividend since the Good Friday Agreement has seen Belfast attract a lot of inward investment, sprucing up entire areas and renovating old buildings. Also you will be well placed to explore the wonderful corner of Ireland, with Antrim coast, Mourne mountains and rugged coastline of Donegal within easy reach. Galway and Dublin are also a few hours by bus. The cost of living will be lower than Aberdeen, which, though a pleasant place (the Granite City) and some beautiful scenery around (the Highlands), has higher prices because of the oil and gas industry. It will also be colder in Aberdeen, being further north and east, though marginally drier.

[tmash]

These are my opinion and experience so far:

Belfast:
It is a great place which i have experienced first hand with great Northern Irish people and their history. Now when you consider Belfast , it will also depend on which University you apply to. Queens university is very good , UK top 30 , good ratings in engineering , maths , architecture and Law at PG level. The university is located near town CBD around night clubs , bars ETC. But the student areas , where most students rent accommodation is not a recommended area to live according to most parents around Belfast (2008) .
The other university is Ulster University , which is the biggest Uni in Ireland.Campuses are spread across the country , but i cant say much about the academic ratings as i have less knowledge of this institute. You might be commuting to college outside the city (belfast) or stay near college (Jordan's town , Maggee etc)

2)The rentals are affordable and i think its one of the most affordable places to live in the UK.

Aberdeen.

It is Great too , possibly greater than Belfast. It is a student city with four universities concentrated around the town. In the past , it has attracted people like Prince William to study there at St Andrews.There are more international students in Aberdeen than in Belfast.This causes rentals in Aberdeen to be more higher and possibly equivalent to Edinburgh.Much of this being caused by the OIL industry.

I would not want to write a biased review , this little information should give you a picture of your destiny and help you decide. Do some further research for yourself and i think , either way , you wont regret your decision . Both cities are great especially the communities.

Good luck.

tmash

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[Joppa]

Originally Posted by tmash

Aberdeen.

It is Great too , possibly greater than Belfast. It is a student city with four universities concentrated around the town. In the past , it has attracted people like Prince William to study there at St Andrews.

St Andrews is nowhere near Aberdeen (80 miles apart), and a very different kind of place too (population: 16,000 vs 185,000).

[tmash]

Originally Posted by Joppa

St Andrews is nowhere near Aberdeen (80 miles apart), and a very different kind of place too (population: 16,000 vs 185,000).

Yes , you r right. I was trying to quote RGU. St Andrews is in St Andrews. My apologies.

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[stephenc]

I would definately agree - Belfast is buzzing at the minute

Queens University has a great reputation throughout the world and a super social life

Stephen

[petew2oz]

have you thought on the cost of studying? In Scotland it is free but not sure about Belfast. The night life in Aberdeen is the best in Scotland and has a very low crime rate. But I maybe bias as I am an Aberdonian

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by petew2oz

have you thought on the cost of studying? In Scotland it is free but not sure about Belfast. The night life in Aberdeen is the best in Scotland and has a very low crime rate. But I maybe bias as I am an Aberdonian

OP wants to go to a graduate school (i.e. do a postgraduate course), which is never free even for home students, and as international student from US, fees will be quite high either in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Reckon around £10000 to £12000 a year, more for MBA (up to £20k).

[tmash]

Originally Posted by stephenc

I would definately agree - Belfast is buzzing at the minute

Queens University has a great reputation throughout the world and a super social life

Stephen

I think this is biased.Queens has great reputation worldwide but... for what?...I just checked the university league and Queens is as far as 32 in the UK followed by the belittled Aberdeen at 33.(Check the league). If a university cant make it in top 10 in the UK what more in the world...As a person who have lived in both countries i can say that both offer something good. Northern Ireland has a good number of American students and non students, i do not know about Aberdeen. From that point it can be good for you but Scotland offers something unique as well like great countryside , great Scottish culture etc.Make your research and visit both places on open days b4 making a decision.I guess whatever decision you will make will be personal and based on your taste and destiny.

tmash

[petew2oz]

OP wants to go to a graduate school (i.e. do a postgraduate course), which is never free even for home students, and as international student from US, fees will be quite high either in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Reckon around £10000 to £12000 a year, more for MBA (up to £20k).
To Joppa
As you have stated that it is not free when did you last go to study? When I did my post grad in electronic eng. it was FREE apart from the photocoping of the doc's £60 for the year. As i am from Aberdeen I would not know about international fees and did not sugest other wise. That is why a lot of english students come here to study inc. my nephew (Bs Chemical Eng.)