University of Toronto or London School of Oriental and African Studies?

[Am240793]

Hello all,

So here it is. After a horrible wait, I finally got offered admission (thank God!) to two wonderful graduate schools: University of Toronto (the #1 in Canada), and the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London. Considering that I'm applying to Middle Eastern focus programs, I couldn't be more grateful for this turn of events.

Problem is, I have to pick one. So here are the pros and cons, hoping that some of you guys can propose interesting feedbacks:

UofT's masters of Near and Middle Eastern Civilization (that's how it's called, but more of a Middle Eastern Studies program though...) seems way more focused on linguistics, anthropologic and historic approach of the region, while my main interest is politics of the Middle East and SOAS' program is Middle Eastern politics and classes are thus extremely wonderful to me!

UofT has a great reputation worldwide, and might be better to find a job later on or follow on to a doctoral program.

SOAS is more specialized, has a good reputation, but still is a European school that I don't believe to be able to compete with the reputation and international output of Canadian/American universities.

Toronto is going to be cheaper as I am a Quebec permanent resident (London's tuition fees average 28 000 Canadian dollars, which is a sh*tload of cash considering I could pay 5000 Can. Dollars for the Toronto degree).

But London SOAS is more specialized, and as every UK masters program, only requires one full time year of study.

What do you think??

Thanks for replying!!

[Hank Scorpio]

Just going on what you've said, and what I know of schools in the UK and U of T, I would recommend U of T.

As I understand it, with few exceptions, the funding for doing an MA in the UK is very poor, if any at all. Conversly, U of T typically offers at least some kind of funding to students they accept. That being said, money isn't everything. It's good to avoid sending yourself into serious debt if you can avoid it, but ultimately money shouldn't be the deal-breaker, unless all other things are equal.

Also, as you said, and I think you're quite right, U of T has an excellent reputation...definitely more so than SOAS. If you plan on looking for a job in academia, or doing a PhD, reputation is an important thing to consider.

But the most important thing to think about is how well you'll be able to conduct the research you want to do. The more you can contribute to your field, the better. I know you said U of T's department doesn't focus as explicitly on what you want as SOAS, but keep in mind that you're expected to do a certain amount of independent research that will allow you a considerable amount of freedom. U of T doesn't need to already have a department that's heavy on what you are specfically interested in; they just need to be supportive and capable of proper support for you an your interest(s).

Sooooo, all that being said, I would lean more toward U of T.

Either way, best of luck!

[canteaus]

I would agree with you that your specific MA program at Toronto is more arts/humanities focused than social-sciencey (please excuse my made-up word) compared to London.

However, if you're considering doing a phd. My advice is to stay in Toronto.

Here's why:

1) In my personal opinion, Toronto's reputation looks better for phd applications. Most people know that Toronto is a huge research school that produces students who were either dominated by its rigourous and unforgiving grading or students who excelled through it.

2) since you're a domestic student, I would save your money and do a phd in the States or the UK (top 10 schools).

If you're not seriously considering a phd. Both Toronto and London are fine schools, and its up to whatever you think will get you a job after graduation.

[Spytgale1]

I would have to say it all boils down to where you want to be after you graduate. If you want to be in NA then pick U of T, but if you want to be in Europe then go to SOAS.

[jogatoronto]

If you attended UofT for your undergrad then go to SOAS (assuming money isn't an issue) because it gives you a chance to network with academics and students in your field from other parts of the world. Academic provincialism sucks.

If you didn't go to UofT for your undergrad then UofT is a great place for your MA because it will make you a competitive candidate for PhD applications (4th biggest Academic library in North America = great thesis materials). Trust me, I still use my friends' UofT library IDs for research online for my M.Sc. thesis at LSE.

Edited August 11, 2012 by jogatoronto