Middle East Studies - Oxford / Georgetown / Sciences Po-KCL

[Barrufet]

I would appreciate feedback to choose between the following 2-year master's degrees. I have an undergraduate degree in International Relations from a Spanish uni. My research interests include Gulf foreign policies + hard power tools, but I would also like to learn more about the wider Middle East. I am planning to pursue a PhD afterwards. I am listing some pros and cons.

 

Oxford - MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies -> PRO: 30,000w thesis and research training. Excellent for developing research skills. Emphasis on Arabic. Reputation. I like the city. CON: no internship opportunities. Less networking with professionals. Very few classes, compared to other programs. 

Georgetown - MA in Arab Studies -> PRO: emphasis on Arabic. Strong program overall. Great for networking. DC opportunities. Reputation. CON: very expensive and is being conducted 100% online. I might not stay in the US after the masters.

Sciences Po & KCL dual masters - MA in International Security + MA Politics and Economics of the Middle East -> PRO: Strong program. Combination of two great cities and unis. Many opportunities to network. Strong foundation in social sciences. Reputation. CON: Sciences Po doesn't have an academic focus. One year in each uni might be not enough to cultivate relationships with professors and fellow students.

George Washington University - MA in Middle East Studies -> PRO: DC opportunities, good program and POMEPS research opportunities. I also received a fellowship that covers half of the tuition. CON: I might not stay in the US afterwards, so network becomes less valuable. Also, GWU seems weaker than the other three, but that is just my perception as an outsider.

 

Thank you!