If someone does a PhD at an average university, ranked say 40/120, rather then somewhere like Oxford-does it lessen the value of that PhD in the eyes of employers/institutions?
Perhaps Oxford is a bad example as globally only 1-2 unis are comparable, but say something like Manchester (excellent uni) as opposed to an average school?
Thanks,
Coffee
Re: Does it matter where you do a PhD?
yes it does. not only does the name recognition help in terms of future prospects but the quality of your advisor determines the quality of your phd research to a large extent. good universities have better quality researchers for your advisors.
Re: Does it matter where you do a PhD?
The bragging rights attached with attending a first rate university are limited. Your department's ranking is more important and the repute of your prospective supervisor is the most. When you start a PhD, the choice of your supervisor is the most critical one. He/She should be reputed as an expert in the area you are interested in and doing the work that excites you. A lot of experts in certain areas are attached with average ranked universities in Europe and North America.
The rankings take into account all the departments and facilities available in the university and hence the universities focusing on one or two areas are not ranked well in overall ratings.