Hello everyone,

I am going to begin my PhD journey next January in Sports Science/Exercise Physiology. I managed to obtain unconditional offers from Brunel University and the University of Bath. I have been trying to gather the pros and cons of each University in hopes to reaching a decision to where my destination should be.


Any opinions and/or advice would be immensely appreciated.

Bath is a wonderful place. The university is a bit 60s tower block but the city is amazing with loads to do and great history.

I grew up near bath and went to college there. It is a wonderful city - i would definitely recommend it. Brunel (I've only been there once for 3 hours) I found very bleak and a bit of a pain to get to and from central london (although I suppose bath is no better, but at least you have a ton of shops on your doorstep and Brizzle close by).

Not too sure about who's best for sport, but i know bath have a great reputation - don't they have a football team in the leagues?

Hi Sneaks,

Thanks for your reply.

Bath is higher in ranking than Brunel in sport. However, I suffered from other factors other than simple ranking system when I was undertaking my MSc at Brighton. For example, there was no support from the faculty leaving me with a feeling of alienation throughout my course.

I need to seek more advice when it comes to research training and support, studying environment, accommodation etc.

Thanks Pam,

I do agree that Bath is a wonderful historical place.

The decision has to be made on the merits of the supervisor and the rapport that you will have with them. Arrange two visits to bath and brunel. I had one before I started my PhD and then they showed me facilities and the grad school etc. You have to see the library as these are needed and its for the long haul.

Please go and have a look at both uni's and talk with the supervisors, at least make an appointment if that's possible. Even if Bath is beautiful and has transport facilities, what if you can't seem to have a good conversation with the supervisors and they don't have the environment that you might find relaxing.