British Phd programs

[stuffbroker]

Curious if anyone has information on IR or AP Phd programs in the UK, including Distance Learning (DL) programs.

Specifically,..... quality of the programs, cost and ease to which one might transfer at Masters level or higher.

All info appreciated.

[gsams]

If you are talking in comparison to their American counterparts, they are two separate worlds. If you want to get a job in the UK or transfer into a US PhD program, I would caution you against anything but LSE/Oxbridge. Those are notable. However, even with those, I feel you will be at a disadvantage just because the way courses are taught and the way curricula are structured doesn't transfer well to America. I lived in the UK a year and studied at a reputable British uni and found that the master's students especially were not learning all that much in poli sci above what I was doing at the undergrad level in the US. That was just my experience, but after considering doing a master's at LSE, I decided against it because of the US job market.

[stuffbroker]

If you are talking in comparison to their American counterparts, they are two separate worlds. If you want to get a job in the UK or transfer into a US PhD program, I would caution you against anything but LSE/Oxbridge. Those are notable. However, even with those, I feel you will be at a disadvantage just because the way courses are taught and the way curricula are structured doesn't transfer well to America. I lived in the UK a year and studied at a reputable British uni and found that the master's students especially were not learning all that much in poli sci above what I was doing at the undergrad level in the US. That was just my experience, but after considering doing a master's at LSE, I decided against it because of the US job market.

Gsams. thanks for the perspective. I've done all of my coursework and comps at the phd level, just need to complete my thesis.....and......I'm not overly concerned with pursuing an academic position.

Really trying to gain information (and I should have been more specific in my original posting) on Research Phd's, in contrast to Taught Phd's which more closely align with US approaches.

Best of luck with your applications.

[gsams]

Gsams. thanks for the perspective. I've done all of my coursework and comps at the phd level, just need to complete my thesis.....and......I'm not overly concerned with pursuing an academic position.

Really trying to gain information (and I should have been more specific in my original posting) on Research Phd's, in contrast to Taught Phd's which more closely align with US approaches.

Best of luck with your applications.

No problem. If academia isn't a problem and getting a job in the US with a less-notable name doesn't bother you (unless it is Oxbridge/LSE), then go for it! There is a big difference between a taught and researched PhD and Masters, but it is far less of an issue outside of academia.

[flyers29]

Just out of curiosity: how does the British model account for not giving as much breadth of knowledge via coursework? Obviously British academics seem to know their stuff despite the difference in approaches. I'm not saying that the 2-2 1/2 years of coursework that American PhD students is all "necessary" to being successful, but the British model of taking literally a couple of classes before diving into thesis writing doesn't seem like much, either.

Edited March 19, 2010 by flyers29

[gsams]

It is a completely different system.

In undergrad, you only do political science, but there was less independent thought expected of me as an undergrad. I learned more "canon" sort of work, but thought less, if that makes sense? You don't have extraneous "wild card" courses often like you must do to pass in the US. Thus, when you enter the UK PhD system, you already supposedly KNOW that "canon" of material. That was at least my interpretation. I think US undergrads write and articulate ideas much more clearly but know less about their disciplines over all. So, I guess that it is give and take. That is MY interpretation seeing both sides. I prefer the US approach because I believe it gives a better foundation, but I think much can be learned from how well-versed the UK students are on their discipline. American students in my discipline can be atrociously ignorant of those who came before them and who are worth noting depending on what they have been studying, who they studied with, and where they came from.