which masters in development studies program?

[jtu2tj]

It's time for me to make a decision! 

 

these are the offers I'm considering:

 

UK, 1 year programs:

 

University of Sussex, IDS (institute of development studies) - MA Gender and Development

LSE (london school of economics and political science) - MA Gender, Development, and Globalization

SOAS (school of oriental and african studies), University of London - Msc Development Studies

 

Canada 2 year program:

 

University of Ottawa - MA International Development and Globalization - Entrance Scholarship awarded

 

so here's my thoughts:

 

My general research interests within development studies are:

 

- focus in South Asia, especially India

- want to study gender inequalities within the social, cultural, and political structures there

- how development is gendered and creates differential impacts, meanings and process for women and men.

- would like to study impact of gender mainstreaming

- and how women's knowledge can be incorporated into development process

 

Not sure what program to choose because:

 

a) University of Ottawa:

 

PROS: i received a full entrance scholarship from University of Ottawa, my tuition is basically covered through the scholarship, This program also has a co-op option, links to Development agency CIDA,  I'm Canadian,close to home

CON:  2 years long as opposed to the 1 year UK programs, have to take french language course, not much of a focus on gender, Don't know the world reputation of this program?

 

b. University of Sussex, IDS:

 

PROS: IDS, has great reputation in development studies, program focuses on gender and development, modules look at many of my research interests, 1 year long

CONS: expensive, don't know if i should be just focusing on gender and development or should i stay broad and stick with development studies, far away from home

 

c) SOAS:

 

PROS: good reputation, expert in regions such as india/south asia, program is on broad development studies, with a optional module on gender and development, can do dissertation on gender and development if i like, in a major city > london therefore close to many development jobs

 

CONS: don't know if i should be focusing on broad development studies, or on gender and development, expensive, far away from home

 

d) LSE: 

 

PROS: prestigious good reputation worldwide, some focus on gender

CONS: very expensive, not much focus on development, more focus on gender, far away from home

 

If anyone can give me their opinions i would really appreciate it.  I'm really torn, if i should focus on gender and development, or is it better to safe and go with a broader field of development studies and only take a module on gender and development.  And what do my career prospects look like if i go to each one of these universities. Any word of advice is appreciated!! thanks!

 

 

 

Edited April 10, 2013 by jtu2tj

[jtu2tj]

anyone? any information will be helpful about the programs or universities, especially career prospects, anything! please?

[MPPgal]

For south asia development go for soas definetly your best fit

[IRToni]

I'd also say SOAS would be nice. A combination of general development and some gender stuff, so you'd have both. For South Asia, SOAS is also probably the best. How much of a cost difference are we talking? Is your UOttowa scholarship renewable? If so, under which sonditions?