Yes, that was along the lines of what I was thinking. I didn't want to introduce names in case of dissent, but I will here - note that they are fantastic universities, I just meant to emphasise the difference in perception from those outside the UK, for instance:

The supervisors I have in mind would be in universities such as the University of Yale, U.o. Bristol, smaller universities under the University of London, etc. The 'big' universities thus are Oxbridge.

I don't think I would want to study in the US, which is why I'm not mentioning any of them: I'm from Australia, so would be unsure how they would react to funding in terms of funding an overseas student. It would also be the fact that archival research may not be so easy, etc. Otherwise, some great universities with great supervisors there (such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, Yale, Stanford, etc.).

======= Date Modified 23 Apr 2011 07:28:06 =======
Would you advise following a specific person who is really a leader and well-renowned in their subject, but is not in a very prominent university, to complete a PhD (in History)?

I have more than one adviser/supervisor in mind - about three - all who are prominent and considered the 'top' in the field, but not at 'fantastic' universities (UK). On the other hand, a 'top' university does not quite have people specialising in my field: they can cover it, but not their area of specialty.

Plus, would it be more advisable to go with someone would who agree with you in terms of you thesis?

NOTE: I've updated the topic with a new post, check below. Thanks.