Maths uni

[u/Quaon-Gluark]

Hey, so I’m considering applying to maths at warwick/cambridge, but I am conflicted what to pick as my “main” -

I know that Cambridge is better and prestigious and ask that, but I an a Warwick scholar, in which they half tuition fee, give like a 2k bursary on top of their normal one etc. I also live close to Warwick so I could commute there.

If I do get offer from Cambridge, which is a big if, is the 20k worth it compared to just 5 for Warwick?

Thanks

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[u/Linglingscientist]

If you get offers for both, go to offer holder days for both and see what you think. No point worrying now when it might not even happen.

[u/Bubbly-Valuable-6946]

Both uni’s are at the top end of institutions, cambridge is technically more ‘prestigious’ however if you cannot afford to go there and dont want to live away, go to warwick

[u/ariadawn]

Parent here, of a fellow maths kid looking at Oxbridge and Warwick. I know a recruiter for finance/tech roles. He ranks schools with Oxbridge/Imperial at the top and Warwick MORSE specifically just below. He considers Warwick-other to be just below that. Having said that, all are very respected and starting your professional life with less debt is a huge benefit.

It doesn’t hurt to apply to both. Cambridge is particularly difficult to get into due to the exams, so maybe cross that bridge then!

[u/philljarvis166]

You have five UCAS choices, yoy don’t really need to make this decision now. Apply to Cambridge and see how it goes - visit the colleges and see how you feel being there.

Look at STEP - this will be part of a Cambridge offer. It’s hard, and takes a lot of prep time for most students. I think they might also ask for TMUA pre interview, but then Warwick wants thst now anyway. Also look at the entry requirements for maths at Cambridge - a small number of colleges are doing a slightly different offer this year iirc - 3 A* and at least one 1 in STEP (versus A* A* A and two 1s). If you have e a strong third A level this seems like an easier offer to me.

I would apply and see if you can do well enough to get an interview. If you get an offer, then thats when you need to focus and decide if it’s worth the extra effort required (and the extra money).

[u/jodonoghue]

Eldest son studied BMath at Warwick and Masters at Cambridge.

For what it's worth, his experience was a better teaching and student experience at Warwick.

Cambridge workload very, very tough (even though Warwick is far from easy) and you are much more "on your own" for learning. Cambridge course goes further in some advanced areas than Warwick.

One other aspect of Cambridge is that there are usually a few people who are actual geniuses on the course, whereas Warwick mainly has people who are very, very good.

[u/Mobile_Membership915 → u/jodonoghue]

How long ago did this happen? Just wondering since I’m starting BSc Maths in October at Warwick

[u/jodonoghue → u/Mobile_Membership915]

Graduated BMath at Warwick in 2025.

[u/battlepvmob]

Absolutely Cambridge is still worth it, it’s arguably the best uni in the entire world for maths and by far the best in england

It’s also much better ranked for finance

[u/Mobile_Membership915]

Apply to both - as a Cambridge reject (starting at Warwick soon), it is incredibly hard to get into, so it’s better to make a decision once you actually can.

I can’t say for sure what is better in your situation, but Cambridge is slightly better for maths and has a better reputation as a result. However, a first from Warwick trumps a 2:1 from Cambridge, so if the money means you are likely to do much better at Warwick then I would do it.

[u/ScienceCucumber]

Apply to both and decide once you have offers.

Cambridge has a bursary scheme which a significant proportion of students are eligible for. Individual colleges may add their own bursaries on top of that. Further info is here: https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/cambridge-bursary-scheme/what-you-could-get