h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well, I don't know if the teaching is actually any good being a history student myself, but science is definitely where the money is here as evidenced by some very shiny new buildings.

Oh, and that was in reference to Bristol, oops .

That's really worrying. I'm 38 and just approaching the end of my 1st yr at B'ham, and will be 41 by the time I graduate. Admittedly I am studying mainly for my own reasons - I never had the chance 20 years ago - but I'm still aiming for at least a 2:1, just to prove a point to myself. Plus I want to teach afterwards.

My particular degree course is Humanities (Medieval English & History) and the support I have had has been great. Having said that, there are only 6 of us taking it...

On the whole I really like Birmingham Uni, though I admit to only really seeing the area around the Arts building, Library, Waterstones and the Guild.

From a science point of view, I do find the general trend for decline in standards and availability very worrying. My son is 12, has a great maths and science brain (unlike his totally illogically minded mum!) and I am really concerned what options are going to be available for him when he reaches uni age.

Having said that, I'm not too chuffed with high school standards either. It was the frightning discussions on parents evening that made me think "I can do better than this myself!"

Maybe this survey from the Independent might help:

http://education.independent.co.uk/higher/az_uni_colleges/