6 years Imperial or 5 years Southampton?

**deg3neration** · 13-03-2008, 08:44 AM

hi guys! im an international student from singapore. i was recently offered a place in imperial, but im in a sort of limbo now because i cannot decide between imperial and southampton, reason being because i have to pay the full rate as an international student.

this would work out to around 200k pounds for imperial (plus minus a bit) and around 120k pounds for Southampton. this cost difference is pretty substantial. (my parents can afford to pay, but we would be in a bit of debt) in addition, i would be able to save one year if i choose Soton as it is a 5 years course, compared to a 6 year one at Imperial. honestly speaking, i dont really see the need of a BSC to a doctor? of course, it would be nice to be able to do a subject of your interest outside of medicine, but i wouldnt view it as an absolute necessity.

having said this, i was really happy to get a place in imperial, and if the cost and time differentials were not there, the choice would really be an easy one! sadly, this is not the case. thus, any advice you guys have to offer would be greatly appreciated! thank you!

**tcdlewis** · 13-03-2008, 12:16 PM

Are you planning to stay to practice in the UK after graduating? Because you should probably be aware that applications post graduation is points based and having a BSc would give extra points... that's not to say you could make up these points elsewhere just something to bare in mind.

80k is a lot of money! Is that because of the high cost of living in London?

**deg3neration** · 13-03-2008, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by tcdlewis

Are you planning to stay to practice in the UK after graduating? Because you should probably be aware that applications post graduation is points based and having a BSc would give extra points... that's not to say you could make up these points elsewhere just something to bare in mind.

80k is a lot of money! Is that because of the high cost of living in London?

wow thanks alot! yoru advice is really useful. i never knew about the points based thingy. hmmm that gives me one more reason to weigh up. the cost differences are mainly due to the difference in course fees :/

**agneishd** · 15-03-2008, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by deg3neration

wow thanks alot! yoru advice is really useful. i never knew about the points based thingy. hmmm that gives me one more reason to weigh up. the cost differences are mainly due to the difference in course fees :/

having a BSc would certainly help when applying for a medical job here
just got to consider that as well now!

**jdr06** · 21-03-2008, 01:25 AM

also having done a research project during your bsc really distinguishes you when it comes to applying to be a registrar later on, which imperial more or less garuantees in its bsc year. 80k is a lot though and im not sure how much of a difference it will make. the other point to make that while mtas is done on points, it quartiles you nad with the current system it doesnt matter what uni you are at its more important that you are in the top quartile and that will be harder at imperial as they have a higher calibre of students to most other unis. of course the whole system could nad probably will change. id save the 80k and go to southampton to be honest.