LSE develoment-related degrees

[skipxtracer]

I am interested in a master's degree that focuses on international development and has a strong human rights component. LSE seems to have most of the attributes I'm looking for in a school (except for a built-in internship in the field), but I'm having a hard time choosing between the MSc in development studies, the MPA in int'l development and the MSc in development practice--the differences among the degrees aren't totally clear from the site. I assume they prepare you for somewhat different types of careers, but it would be super helpful if someone could lay that out for me. Also, does anyone have a feel for the difference between how two-year MPA degrees and one-year MScs might be regarded by future employers?

Thank you!

[Cdot]

Contact the staff, they are usually very helpful. I think with the myrriads of degrees offered your question is highly plausible. Also taking a look at their complete viewbook (for all degrees) might help

[tbonetrain]

@skipxtracer

Those are great questions whose answers I am interested in myself. Please post any information you receive if you don't mind. Thanks!

[skipxtracer]

@skipxtracer

Those are great questions whose answers I am interested in myself. Please post any information you receive if you don't mind. Thanks!

The Student Recruitment and Study Abroad Coordinator just responded...by copy-and-pasting the blurbs from the website. So unhelpful! I'll let you know if I get through to someone more helpful.

[tbonetrain]

The Student Recruitment and Study Abroad Coordinator just responded...by copy-and-pasting the blurbs from the website. So unhelpful! I'll let you know if I get through to someone more helpful.

Yes, please do!

[RH7]

I am interested in a master's degree that focuses on international development and has a strong human rights component. LSE seems to have most of the attributes I'm looking for in a school (except for a built-in internship in the field), but I'm having a hard time choosing between the MSc in development studies, the MPA in int'l development and the MSc in development practice--the differences among the degrees aren't totally clear from the site. I assume they prepare you for somewhat different types of careers, but it would be super helpful if someone could lay that out for me. Also, does anyone have a feel for the difference between how two-year MPA degrees and one-year MScs might be regarded by future employers?

Thank you!

Pretty much all MScs in the UK are quite theoretical and don't have a lot of added value, bar more 'knowledge' and some analytical skill. The MPA at LSE is a bit strange because they still hang on to that old British tradition of stuffing the entire term or year into a 2-3 hour exam worth 70-100% of your mark (like the MSc), but adding some practical elements like the capstone and more quantitative classes. You'll probably gain harder skills in analytics and management with the MPA, but if you already have these skill sets, I'm not sure if the extra year would be worth it if you don't have funding. In terms of how employers view these in the ID business, it makes absolutely no difference.

[skipxtracer]

Pretty much all MScs in the UK are quite theoretical and don't have a lot of added value, bar more 'knowledge' and some analytical skill. The MPA at LSE is a bit strange because they still hang on to that old British tradition of stuffing the entire term or year into a 2-3 hour exam worth 70-100% of your mark (like the MSc), but adding some practical elements like the capstone and more quantitative classes. You'll probably gain harder skills in analytics and management with the MPA, but if you already have these skill sets, I'm not sure if the extra year would be worth it if you don't have funding. In terms of how employers view these in the ID business, it makes absolutely no difference.

Thanks, that's very helpful. Do you happen to know if the MPA (or the MSc) there can lead into a PhD?

[tbonetrain]

@RH7

How competitive is admission to degrees like the MSc in development studies? Does about 12 percent for a foreign student sound reasonable?

[RH7]

Thanks, that's very helpful. Do you happen to know if the MPA (or the MSc) there can lead into a PhD?

MScs and MPAs are normally standalones. But we have MPhil and MRes degrees available, which allow you to go straight into a PhD (funds and all that jazz permitting).

[RH7]

@RH7

How competitive is admission to degrees like the MSc in development studies? Does about 12 percent for a foreign student sound reasonable?

For international students (especially if you're North American) it's definitely much higher than 12%! Can't pinpoint exactly, but it's nowhere close to being as difficult as the MSc in economics or finance.

Edited November 4, 2010 by RH7

[tbonetrain]

For international students (especially if you're North American) it's definitely much higher than 12%! Can't pinpoint exactly, but it's nowhere close to being as difficult as the MSc in economics or finance.

Ohhh, that's interesting, thanks @RH7. Why is it a higher rate of admission for international students from North America? Also, have you ever heard of North American students receiving financial aid/scholarships from LSE?

Thanks for all your wisdom.

[RH7]

Ohhh, that's interesting, thanks @RH7. Why is it a higher rate of admission for international students from North America? Also, have you ever heard of North American students receiving financial aid/scholarships from LSE?

Thanks for all your wisdom.

Never quite understood it really lol, maybe to increase their profile in North America. Um, I know they have loans available for North American students, but don't know the conditions behind it.

[skipxtracer]

Yes, please do!

In terms of differences between the degrees, I did find this buried on the LSE website:

What is the difference between the MSc Development Studies and the MSc Development Management?

If you take the MSc Development Studies you will have one compulsory course DV400 Development: theory, history and policy, other courses to the value of 2 units and write a 10,000 word dissertation. You may NOT register for DV431, Development Management.

If you take the MSc Development Management you will have one compulsory course (DV431 Development Management, other courses to the value of 2 units and write a 10,000 word dissertation. You will also be involved in a project working on research for e.g. an NGO, a government department, etc as well as doing the course and examination. See Examples of Projects Worked on by MSC Development Management students| (PDF). You may NOT register for the course DV400 Development: theory, history and policy.

I haven't found any great explanation of the MSc Dev. Mgmt. project, though. I'm going to ask them for more details on how it works, but it usually takes them like two weeks to reply...

[skipxtracer]

MScs and MPAs are normally standalones. But we have MPhil and MRes degrees available, which allow you to go straight into a PhD (funds and all that jazz permitting).

This is the reply I got back from LSE on this question, in case anyone wants more info:

All taught master's programmes at LSE can lead to PhD study. Usually the Selection Committee consider students who receive a merit (60% and above in their studies at LSE, this is roughly equivalent to a 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4 point scale). Students should make a new application to the department of their choice the year prior they wish to study, along with a research proposal. Applicants to PhD programmes are normally required to have a Masters degree from a UK university (or equivalent institution) in a subject relevant to the programme for which they are applying. Students are invited to submit applications that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School. You will find staff areas of interest under the subject information in the 'Departments, Institutes, Centres' section of the Graduate School Prospectus 2011, on individual departmental websites (links at http://www2.lse.ac.uk/graduateProspectus2010/departmentsInstitutesCentres/Home.aspx ), and on the LSE Experts webpage at http://www2.lse.ac.uk/researchAndExpertise/Experts/Home.aspx

You should also contact the relevant academic department at an early stage of your application.

MPhil/PhD programmes normally start in late September each year but it may be possible to start in January (Lent term) or April (Summer term), depending on the availability of methodology courses most of which are held in the Michaelmas term http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/diaryAndEvents/termDates/Home.aspx#generated-subheading2 Please note that if you wish to study for a PhD in the Department of Economics, you are only permitted to start your degree in September (Michaelmas Term).

[washwater]

Hi there,

 

This topic has been quite useful to me.

However I still have few questions...

 

First of all, if I well understood, I can apply to both MSc (Development Studies and Management) at the same time but if I go into one, I will not be able to choose as optional course the main course of the second. Right?

 

For my second question, I need to quickly brief you on my CV.

I already have a dual master in telecommunication engineering and IT for Health, approximately 2 years of internship in that field plus, in next fall 2014, 2 1/2 years of work experience into the ID field with an international organization (IT but also project management, capacity building...).

Again, if I well understood (I'm not a native english speaker), a MSc is more "academic" and a MPA will give me this but also glimpses into the professional world. I would stay in the IT field, I would think that I've got enough of experiences and would just go for academic knowledge.

However I don't have particular experiences in the economic field. Would therefore a MPA more appropriate for me?

 

Thanks in advance for your answers!