Queens Uni Canada or Cambridge?

[prer25]

So I am getting funding in both, but better supervisor in Queens Uni (very appropriate for the kind of work I want to do- film/transgender studies) So should I choose four years of good supervision over the prestige of Cambridge? (tis for PhD in Gender Studies through a CultStudies lens) 

Edited March 19, 2018 by prer25

[brainlass]

That depends on how big the disparity in supervisor quality would be. To be frank, that's a big prestige gap, which can matter (especially if you want to stay in academia). What about the supervisor at Queen's is more appealing to you? Just research topic, or mentorship style? I suggest you think seriously about how big the difference in supervisor quality would be, and whether it is great enough to balance/outweigh the relative prestige difference. If you're comparing "good" to "very good" for mentorship, I would suggest going with Cambridge. However, if the contrast is more like "bad" to "very good," then Queen's would be a better choice (a productive and completed degree from a less-prestigious institution is much better than a terrible experience elsewhere!)

Edited March 20, 2018 by brainlass

[TakeruK]

I agree there is a big prestige/ranking/resources gap. I don't know how Queens' fare for Gender Studies, but if you would like to chat about Queen's U as a school in general and/or living in Kingston, send me a PM

(I chose Queen's for a masters degree because of a very good advisor fit too)

[A2018]

On 3/19/2018 at 2:19 AM, prer25 said:

So I am getting funding in both, but better supervisor in Queens Uni (very appropriate for the kind of work I want to do- film/transgender studies) So should I choose four years of good supervision over the prestige of Cambridge? (tis for PhD in Gender Studies through a CultStudies lens) 

What's the program at Queen's? Gender Studies or Cultural Studies? 

Are you Canadian, British, or international? Do you have plans for immigration? 

What's the funding like?

Without knowing further details,  all I can say is: most people, when hearing about Cambridge and Queen's, will very likely choose Cambridge for the prestige. It's almost common sense. However, you had to ask the question, so it's clear that your heart isn't 100% for Cambridge, in which case I might think Queen's is a better fit for you. 

That being said, who's the supervisor at Cambridge? Is there more than one person who can support you? CUST at Queen's allows you a committee of three- do you have 3 people you want to work with? 

[prer25]

Hi all!

So in Cambridge they are providing me with a supervisor who isn't really either a film studies or a trans theory scholar, although the department has people who work in transgender studies. Queens is giving me 30000 CDN funding, with a very apt supervisor, and yes, three people who I want to work with are sorted there. And I am an Indian scholar. I am also in for the GATES Cambridge Scholarship. The Cambridge Supervisor has kept reiterating its not her primary area, although she said she could guide me.  Queens Phd Cultural Studies is more flexible. I was thinking if I have an appropriate supervisor and produce better work, does prestige matter then? 

Edited March 22, 2018 by prer25