Oxford MPhil Development Studies vs. LSE MPA Public and Social Policy

[izquierdotort]

Hi all,

I have been accepted at Oxford for the MPhil in Development Studies and at LSE for the MPA in Public and Social Policy starting october 2012, and I'm having a difficult time deciding where to go.

Upon graduation I wish to pursue a career as a consultant for non-for profits (I have professional experience in the non-for profit sector, as well as in management consulting at a top strategic firm) in my home country Mexico.

In terms of university lifestyle I understand that Oxford is better than LSE. I also understand that LSE's scope is much more pragmatic than Oxford.

Could anyone help with insights into these programmes and universities?

Thanks!

Santiago

[bnmca2012]

Don't know much about those programs in particular but I am currently attending LSE. I have been generally disappointed with the lack of rigor. In terms of comparisons I would look at the number of people in the program, the amount of class time, whether or not people from outside departments will be able to enroll in your classes (this often dilutes the quality of academic discussions especially if you are in a specialty field and others are novices), the number of years on the course (1 year of two 10 week class terms is quite short. At LSE classes are over by March 16th and don't start until October!). On the whole I find that there are extremely limited resources at LSE. Library space is at a minimum and the library will frequently have only one copy of an assigned reading. Friends who have done their undergrads at Oxford have expressed a similar dissatisfaction with what is available at LSE. I obviously haven't been that impressed with LSE as a school so please take that into account, but there are a lot activities available while living in London that you would not be able to participate in as easily from Oxford.