Hey all,
I've applied (and been accepted) to some slightly unorthodox master's programs in the UK and I'm hoping to get some advice. The two are an MA at Birkbeck College (University of London) in "Psychoanalysis, History and Culture" and an MSc at the University College of London in "Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies."
I'm interested in studying psychoanalysis both as it relates to the humanities and potentially to become a practicing clinician. (Might pursue a PhD in English or Cultural Studies afterwards, might go into formal psychoanalytic training, or both). Both programs have great faculty in the field and promise to cater to my interests, though Birkbeck looks slightly more appealing because it's a more interdisciplinary program (set up jointly with the history department).
The biggest difference, however, is cost -- UCL costs almost double the price of Birkbeck (20,000 pounds) for international students. I've won a scholarship to study in London, and will pay for the rest in loans. If I go to Birkbeck, my scholarship covers all but room/board; if I go to UCL, my scholarship won't even cover all of my tuition.
I understand that UCL is a more prestigious institution and, unlike Birkbeck, has name-recognition in the US, but I'm not sure if the prestige is worth 10,000 pounds more of student loans -- especially when Birkbeck's offerings seems just as good or better. In terms of getting into good PhD programs in the States afterwards, do you think it matters which program I choose?
I should add that I was also accepted into Goldsmith's MA in Cultural Studies, which I hear is top-notch (and costs about the same as Birkbeck). I wouldn't be able to pursue psychoanalysis much at Goldsmiths, which is my passion, but it looks like it would also be a great experience.
Thanks in advance!