Membership of the Russell Group tells you that a university belongs to a research-intensive group. It does not tell you whether a particular degree is the right choice for you.
Russell Group is not a shortcut for choosing a university
The Russell Group includes universities such as Oxford, Manchester, Bristol and Leeds. The group exists because these universities share a strong focus on research.
That does not mean every course at a Russell Group university is stronger than every course elsewhere. It does not mean teaching will suit you better. It does not mean employers ignore graduates from other universities.
Universities outside the Russell Group can offer excellent courses, strong employer links, outstanding placement opportunities and highly respected departments. Bath, St Andrews and Loughborough are obvious examples of universities with strong reputations despite not belonging to the group.
Your course matters more than the label
UCAS choices are made course by course, not university group by university group.
Look at the modules, assessment methods, placement opportunities, facilities, support and entry requirements. Two universities with similar reputations can teach the same subject in completely different ways.
A Russell Group name does not improve a poor course match. If the modules are wrong, the grades are unrealistic or the location feels wrong, membership does not fix the problem. A non-Russell Group course with the right structure, clear support and strong progression is the better choice.
When research intensity is relevant
Research intensity matters when it affects your degree directly. Specialist facilities, leading academics, dissertation supervision and postgraduate opportunities can all be important, particularly in some sciences and research-focused subjects.
Even then, look at the department rather than the badge. The evidence you need sits on the course page, in the facilities, in the optional modules and in the outcomes for graduates.
Russell Group membership is useful background information. It should never decide your UCAS choices on its own.