Univ. of Waterloo vs Univ. of Edinburgh + Univ. of Trento (EuMI)

[pagfloyd]

I have to decide between the two (MS in CS):
1. Univ. of Waterloo, Canada [CD 33k p.a. funding], Specialization: Databases
2. EuMI [study track: Univ. of Edinburgh, UK (1 yr) + Univ. of Trento, Italy (1 yr)], [Erasmus Mundus Schol: 21K Euro p.a. / 2 yr. course]Specialization: Net-Centric Informatics

Personal research interest: semantic web; information retrieval
career interest: job after MS (preferably in the US/UK)

I don't have much idea about the schools in (2). But, from whatever info I have gathered, people say that edinburgh's informatics deptt is among the best in the world. But then, waterloo's mathematics/cs deptt, allegedly, is among the best [but some hold that opinion only for undergrad studies not grad + some say canada's job scene is murky for int'l students] . Also, I am not sure about the idea of pursuing a degree in 2 places [w.r.t (2)].

I am looking for more information in terms of:
- ranking
- opportunities [research / internships]
- job placements [avg. salaries / job profiles / job scene for international/non-EU students]

I'd greatly appreciate any pointers/opinions regarding the above.

[MDK]

It's definitely Waterloo, there is no space for comparison. Specially since your interests rely in the field of Database and IR.
Waterloo all the way dude, don't even think about it.

[w_guy]

go to Waterloo. It has the largest comp science/math department in the world.

[pagfloyd]

thanks for the replies, guys.

It would be really helpful if you could elaborate on your replies.
Waterloo has the largest compsci/math deptt [which is due to comp sci being under faculty of mathematics] - i feel this fact doesn't warrant anything, does it?
Secondly, as of now, I am very much inclined towards Waterloo. It would be great if people could give their opinions on 'cons' of waterloo and 'pros' of my (2) option, in terms of the points I mentioned in the original post - so that I am 'level-headed' while making my decision

[w_guy]

i can vouch for waterloo because i am from waterloo. :-)
you are right it is under the department of mathematics. but computer science courses are very much integrated with the math course and developed specifically where you use the theoretical math aspects in your CS courses. which is not found else where.

[angel08]

waterloo anytime...... i know about Eumi program.. its worthless...xcept for the goof stipend u get... the job scenario after ur degree is nill..

go to waterloo....the brand name wud help u greatly in future and also easy to jump into US :P