I have an interview coming up for Sheffield University, which is local to where I have done my undergraduate studies. I have also had a really good interview at Manchester Uni that will possibly turn into an offer. If I get offered both, which is the better uni? Will I get bored of staying in the same place as my 1st degree? I really liked the department at Manchester, so how important are ‘gut feelings’? Will the choice of uni affect my post doc opportunities?

Coming from near Sheffield my self,I would be forced into saying Sheffield is better! However, it is the group and not the actual university you need to look at, and the reputation they have. You may also want to look at the things you can do in your spare time, of which both Sheffield and Manchester have an abundance of.

It really depends upon the department but considering the upcoming merger between manchester and umist happening in october then manchester will be the best uni for reputation. Manchester is a much bigger city if thats your sort of thing too. It also looks better for jobs if you do your phd in a different place to your first degree.

A general rule of thumb in choosing a PhD place, if all other things are equal, is to move to a different university. This will expose you to different influences and should make you a more rounded researcher. If you do your PhD in Manchester it will show future employers that you were prepared to relocate to do your PhD - if you stay in the same place it can look like you just wanted to carry on living the student life you'd got used to. To be honest though, as long as you're choosing the PhD project because you're interested in it and you like the research group it will make little difference.

Both universities are in the top flight of UK institutions. Check the RAE rating of each department to see which has the best rating. As a Sheffield student you will already know that it is the best city in the UK and (as well as being the home of FindAPhD) is particularly sunny today. The decision is yours.

And Sheffield has more trees per person than any other city in the UK.