Without a doubt, Manchester. Its got a much better rep especially within research and has put lots of money into new buildings and equipment over the last few years since it merged with UMIST. I am biased as I'm just finishing a phd at Manchester in chemistry however my girlfriend is just finishing a masters in psychology at salford and the administration and general teaching standard there sounds a lot worse, also the location of Manchester uni is a lot better.

The main thing to consider is that phds aren't really standardised and as such potential employers will put a lot more weight on the institution you studied at and if you end up getting a job in academia then the person who supervises you and even your external examiner can add weight to your qualification.

Getting towards finishing my thesis now, well i would be if my supervisor would actually proof read it, i've been pestering him since june!

Anyways thats not what i've come on here to ask

I was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap way to get my final bound copy of my thesis printed to give that raised ink effect, I seem to remember solid ink printers would give that effect and I would like at least one of my bound copies (the one for myself of course) to look pretty :)

I decided to apply for a PhD in the end, and I was just offered it yesterday! I start in September, guess I better start swatting up a little bit at least.

I graduated last july (2006) with a 2:1 MChem chemistry degree, at the time I didn't want to do a phd but now after a year working I miss academia and I'm considering doing a phd. I haven't found one which i like to sound of yet but my main concern is whether I've forgotten too much chemistry to be able to do one! my question is, how much knowledge are you expected to know when starting out in your first year?