NYU or UCL?

[ийнна]

Hello!
 

I got an offer for a MSc in International Public Policy at UCL and an offer from NYU for a MA in IR.

I am very torn between the two .. In general terms UCL and NYU are really good universities so it makes the chocie even harder.

 

Basically I am doing an undergrad in the UK, and my dream for about 10 years has been to study in NYC at some point and live there. I am aiming at working for the United Nations but being a practitioner (specialising in International security) rather than a researcher. In that sense, UCL seems to be a better choice. But then I saw in a couple of other threads that the MA in IR at NYU is research-based and one of the reasons is the final year thesis (very  research-based) but then at UCL there is also a thesis to write so I don't think this argument could be very valid.

I would want to know what everyone thinks, I don't really know how the US system works to be honest, perhaps despite being a MA, the program is still somehow professionally-oriented. 

If you have any comments, advice please do share It will make a big difference !!

thanks a lot !!!x

[tribesdude]

I dont know much about those specific programs (I only know about Wagner, and I assume UCL is University College London and you did not mean UCLA). Well you have to balance the choice between where you think you will be happy (I would assume if you are in London right now you already have the friends and the support group that you need), as well as the cost between those two programs. In terms of your goal at working for the UN, I would assume NYU's program would help you more, simply due to its location. Since there are so many organizations located in NY, including UN, I would assume it would be easier for you to get a job there after graduating from NYU's program rather than after graduating from UCL. However taking my advice with a grain of salt, given that I myself am an undergraduate student  and what I am saying is based on research on Canadian and American institutions. If this matters, NY has a fairly sizable Russian population (and Central Asian to a lesser extent) and I am assuming you are from Russia (I apologize if I am mistaken in my assumption) so that could be a plus too. However I can not comment on the quality of UCL's program.

 

Good luck!

[ийнна]

Helloo ! Thank you very much for your answer ! And yes I was talking about UCL in London rather than UCLA I should have perhaps clarified!

 

I do not live in london acutally I do my undergrad in the north of england. But even if I was in London the prospect of changing environment does not scare me that much

I think I would be happier in NYC in fairness because of the prospect of jobs etc. and just because NYC is my dream since I was 10 or so. But leaving aside the 'emotional'/'romantic' argument, how good would you guys think NYU is in comparison to UCL in terms of jobs, reputation/standing in the world?

Also I applied to SIPA and got rejected and I am thinking in the future in like 10 years after having worked etc. apply again for an Executive program going to NYU would be better you would say? 

 

Thanks a loooot !

[tribesdude]

If you want to worth in North America, I would say NYU is your best bet. Plus considering it is located in New York, which has a lot of organizations/firms in it, I would say NYU would most likely be better if you want to get a job. Furthermore, the UN HQ is in New York, and since you want to work for the UN, I would assume that you would have an easier time getting a job there if you are from NY. Plus, like you said it is in  NY, so that should be an interesting experience for you. When looking at the school, dont just look at the quality of the program, but also its location and where you think you will be happier (so social life for example). Going to a top University would still be depressing if you were not happy with the environment  or social life, or other such factors. Anyway, what I am trying to get at is think about where you will be happier, in NY or London, based on what you know about the school's (programs and social life) as  well as their locations, and even who you know within the city. 

 

In terms of UCL, if you want to work in Europe, I would assume UCL would probably be the better bet. I am sure employers know a lot about the school, but from the perspective of going to UCL and then wanting to work in NA, I would guess that they would have less experience with grads from there as opposed to grads from NYU (or another top US institution), so that may slightly decrease your chance of getting employment in NA. However in Europe I would assume that you would have little trouble getting a job after studying at UCL. 

 

As for SIPA, same here. Getting into SIPA would have made my decision so easy, however as someone who is straight out of undergrad (I am just finishing up my term now) I was told that they tell this message to a small number of applicants, and that I lacked the experience and that I should reapply once I get it, which honestly kind of pissed me off lol. I was really hoping that the central asian card would work but well it did not. Anyway you could always go to Columbia in the future (as an MBA or as you yourself stated an executive program, like maybe an EMPA or EMBA). As for myself, I am leaning towards NYU Wagner, but still have not decided.

 

Hope this helped. Good luck deciding. 

[tanda1]

As for SIPA, same here. Getting into SIPA would have made my decision so easy, however as someone who is straight out of undergrad (I am just finishing up my term now) I was told that they tell this message to a small number of applicants, and that I lacked the experience and that I should reapply once I get it, which honestly kind of pissed me off lol. I was really hoping that the central asian card would work but well it did not. 

Hahaha, I got the same letter. But what I find strange is that I know tons of people who are just starting off with their jobs and apply then (so they'd have a year by the time they end up going) and get in. This not accepting people straight from undergrad is really quite a policy they seem to follow stringently. It's a bummer because I wanted to the dual program at SIPA and J-School. Now I'm going to have to head to J-School and pick where I wanna go for International Affairs next.