Oxford vs. ETH Zurich (CS)

[Kleene]

I will have to make a decision between these two awesome institutions. Both courses are (probably) unfunded, so that is not an issue. I am a student from the Netherlands. My field is theoretical computer science. At the moment I think I will continue with a PhD after the Master's. The courses are:

 

Oxford: MSc Mathematics and the Foundations of Computer Science

ETH: MSc Computer Science

 

Oxford
+ Maths!
+ Living in college
+ Likeminded people
+ Reputation
+ Tutorial system

+ Written projects instead of exams
- More competition
- Time frame (12 months October-September)

ETH
+ Time for researchships/internships
+ Located at the scene (Zurich: Google, IBM, etc.)
+ Learning German
- Trouble finding housing and commuting

 

As you can see, I have a lot of pluses assigned to Oxford. The main thing that is troubling me and causing me to think that ETH might be a better option is the PhD prospects. At Oxford I will have to apply for a PhD only a couple of months into my course. It is a 12 months course as opposed to ETH's 18 months course. Effectively, the duration is similar, since you work throughout the summer at Oxford. This brings me to the fact that in Oxford I will have no opportunity to gain research experience, except for the final project. However, I do not know how much research experience I would be able to gain at ETH either. I am aslo not completely positive that I will go on to a PhD. I might change my mind during the Master's.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Kleene

[zaphyr]

In my field of interest, integrated circuits, ETH is a way better and well-known comparing to Oxford. I think that ETH would be a better choice for you, though it depends highly on what sub-specialization you want to pursue in CS. For me, Oxford sounds a non-technical traditional school.Even if you would like to pursue a PhD afterwards, a school with better collaboration to industry rocks. However, learning German from scratch would be tough. Yet I would rather ETH.   

[Kleene]

In my field of interest, integrated circuits, ETH is a way better and well-known comparing to Oxford. I think that ETH would be a better choice for you, though it depends highly on what sub-specialization you want to pursue in CS. For me, Oxford sounds a non-technical traditional school.Even if you would like to pursue a PhD afterwards, a school with better collaboration to industry rocks. However, learning German from scratch would be tough. Yet I would rather ETH.   

I have the impression that the quality in my field (theoretical CS) is rather comparable. I would not be learning German from scratch by the way, but I hope to get to speak it fluently. I can read it all right, but speaking is another cup of tea. Plus, I think you could maintain yourself quite well in Switzerland with just English. Most courses are taught in English.

 

Thanks!

[JeanPeuplu]

I have also applied for the MFoCS at Oxford so I will advise you to go to ETH to increase my chances of getting a scholarship :-D .

 

More seriously, the programs look quite different.

 

What do you like in theoretical CS ? Are there researchers on this topic at Oxford ? At ETH ?

 

Are you sure there is more competition at Oxford than at ETH ?

[Kleene]

I have also applied for the MFoCS at Oxford so I will advise you to go to ETH to increase my chances of getting a scholarship :-D .

 

More seriously, the programs look quite different.

 

What do you like in theoretical CS ? Are there researchers on this topic at Oxford ? At ETH ?

 

Are you sure there is more competition at Oxford than at ETH ?

I am not entirely sure about the competition, but I strongly suspect it since Swiss nationals do not need awesome grades to enroll in the Master's. Since 50% is Swiss in most Master's courses, the competition would be less stringent than in Oxford were everyone needs similar high grades. In fact, admission for ETH graduates is unconditional. Even more, if Switzerland is anything like the Netherlands virtually everyone will proceed to the Master.

 

I am interested in a very broad range of topics in theoretical computer science and I am not completely sure what I would like to research. I will definitely look into the available courses and supervisors again!

Edited April 8, 2014 by Kleene