Can you please rate these lesser known programs?

[Homelesss]

I'm trying to figure out what's the value of some lesser-known* European Masters IR/IS/Poli-Sci programs. If you know anything about them, please help...

I'm looking for two factors,

Prestige - the "brand" ... is the name respected or even recognized internationally? (1 to 5 stars)

Actual Quality - how is the actual quality of the program? (1 to 5 stars)

Please rate!

ALSO feel free to elaborate rather than just give a rating!

Gold starts for first hand experiences

Diplomatic Academy of Vienna

CISD at SOAS

Aarhus University

University of Amsterdam

Stockholm University

Leiden

For an aspiring diplomat from Eastern Europe, would these be worthy backup alternatives to the LSE/IHEID/S.Po type institutions... or are they not worth it? Would it be better (in case of getting rejected from top schools) to wait for next year and work on improving my CV?

Many thanks everyone, I really mean that!

*lesser-known, NOT to say bad. I know they are good. Please don't feel offended if you go there!

Edited to specify that I'm looking for MA programs!

Edited December 18, 2012 by Homelesss

[ohgoodness]

I have 3 terms of IR/Pol Sci from Stockholm and would say that the quality is 2ish when it comes to training/education and 3-4 when it comes to research. It's hard to give a rating since it all depends on which cluster you would enter, since stockholm works alot with inter-departmental research networks etc. Obviously you should know that Swedish phd's are offered as "jobs" posted twice a year for applicants - usually 1-2 positions are open where one is geared toward a research project and one is more open-ended. Stockholm would, however, take a second place to Uppsala and, depending on your interests, Gothenburg. The positions, however, are highly sought-after seeing the job-safety, funding in the Swedish system so I would not see it as an easy route. In my department - we have many Americans who wanted away from the stress of the U.S and love the Swedish system.

If you are interested in working in Europe then you should look into European University Institute as well.

[Homelesss]

Hi, thanks for dropping by!

I'm primarily interested in MA programs (sorry for not making this clear)

How would you say Sweden is for those?

Thanks!

[ohgoodness]

I'm doing mine in demography/sociology and am extremely pleased but I know that it does vary by department. Uppsala still far outpaces Stockholm when it comes to a MA in Pol Sci but that does not mean that Stockholm is poor.

I'd go to Stockholm if I was looking for a MA to build off. You would have to do a rather heavy MA thesis, six months work striving for a published paper, but would be able to take courses in most social sciences and enjoy a nice city (with a horrible housing market). Sweden is cheap when it comes to studying so that's a plus as well.

[IRToni]

Hi! Did you look at Central European University? I've been hearing lots of good stuff from there recently, although it is apparently quite European-focused.

Did you look at some lesser-known schools in England (Warwick, Nottingham)?

Otherwise, I've heard good stuff from Leiden, but I think the degree is quite expensive, and the course selection seemed quite small. SOAS is an amazing school, especially if you have a more regional focus.

It is hard to evaluate without knowing what you're after. Did you apply to MIA at IHEID?

[Homelesss]

It is hard to evaluate without knowing what you're after. Did you apply to MIA at IHEID?

Yep, I applied for MIA, and I suppose I'm looking for other programs like it. That is, programs interdisciplinary in nature (not too political or economic... but naturally featuring some components of both). Does that make any sense?

[Homelesss]

I'm looking for two factors,

Prestige - the "brand" ... is the name respected or even recognized internationally? (1 to 5 stars)

Actual Quality - how is the actual quality of the program? (1 to 5 stars)

Diplomatic Academy of Vienna

CISD at SOAS

Aarhus University

University of Amsterdam

Stockholm University

Leiden

Know anything about the above programs? Please help, I really need some input