194,786 university reviews

Content is very engaging and entertaining but depends a lot on lecturer - some can move too slow/fast through content

Big fan of the halls and the layout allows you to meet new people and socialise. Issue reporting very inconsistent

The best aspects of my course is that it’s interesting. The worst aspect is that lecturers may not be as responsive sometimes.

When I stayed in park wood flats, I think the room was a very good size. The colour scheme wasn’t as nice but that’s not a big issue. The location was a bit far from main campus, but that wasn’t a big issue either.

One of the best aspects of my course is the variety in how it’s taught, with a mix of lectures, seminars, and independent study. This makes learning more engaging and allows students to develop different skills, such as critical thinking, discussion, and research. I also appreciate having access to lecturers who are knowledgeable and willing to help when needed, whether that’s during lectures, seminars, or through email. Having supportive lecturers makes a big difference when trying to understand more difficult topics. However, one of the more challenging aspects is that contact hours can sometimes feel limited, which means a lot of the learning relies on independent study. While this helps build self-discipline, it can occasionally feel like there isn’t always enough time to fully go through complex topics in class. At times, clearer guidance on assignments or more opportunities to ask questions during sessions would make the course even better. Overall, the course is interesting and valuable, but a bit more structured contact and support could improve the experience for students.

One of the things I like most about the uni halls is the convenience of living close to campus. It makes it much easier to get to lectures, use the library, and take part in societies or events without having to worry about long commutes. It’s also a great way to meet new people, especially in the first year, as you’re living with other students who are also new and looking to make friends. Having shared spaces like kitchens and common areas helps create a social atmosphere and makes the experience feel more like a community. On the other hand, one of the downsides can be the cost compared to what you actually get, as accommodation can feel quite expensive for students on a tight budget. Sometimes the rooms or facilities can feel basic, and maintenance or repairs can take a while to be sorted. Noise can also occasionally be an issue when living with lots of other students in the same building. While halls are a great way to settle into university life, improving value for money and making sure facilities are well maintained would make the experience even better.

See previous rant.

A PhD is self-directed, not taught. I do have regular contact and support from my supervisors.

Course content is good - not many optional modules

So far, my experience with the course has been quite positive. The lecturers are supportive and it's easy to reach out to them if I need help. The only thing I would say is that the course could focus a bit more on the main subjects instead of spending too much time on minor topics.

teaching quality differs across modules main courses tend to be delivered well

The worst thing is that they have moved the PDT course to the bower ashton campus, which severely limited the facilities as there are workshops in Frenchay that have now been repurposed for Architecture courses, making the product design courses estranged from more similar and suitable locations. There is a lack of break-out and well suited locations for this course to take place. The open workshop space available to use without booking is small and only has basic power tools. The lectures do not take place in the most well suited areas either, as the classrooms have small desks and limited materials - not even provided cutters, cutting mats or hot glue or off-cuts on hand. The content is very minimally content based in this first year so far. Nothing like Product Design in A level where there is emphasis on learning the properties of materials, forming processes, and case studies of other designers. That is severly lacking and underwhelming. furthermore, the contact time is minimal but that is expected for a design course. the main downside is that you must take a bus down to Bower Ashton, for a (for exammple) four and a half hour timetabled session. It then ends 30 minutes in. This is really not the best use of time, money, and planning. The lecturers are nice and great fun and great help, they do their best with what they are given. They are what make showing up to lectures worthwhile. Its quite nice that they try to bring in previous students/graduates of the course, but so far it hasnt been useful and it almost seems to water down the activities during sessions. I'm sure they can probably add something valuable to the sessions, but they aren't being utilized or don't have the experience to do so. The technicians are wonderful and knowledgeable, and in year 1 it has so far been introductory. the range of specialities are vast, like ceramics, metalworking, textiles, and there is much potential if utilised

I enjoy the course as lot. I do think some lecturers have adapted a better teaching style. There's a good blend of task based learning with the traditional listening kind. Some sessions have 60 slides and some have 15, it all depends on the lecturer. I wish there were more sessions based on assessments, time slots dedicated to working on essays in an educational setting for those with a chaotic home life.