Sciences Po MDP versus Oxford CSP

[Rummy]

I have offers to study the Masters in Development Practice at Sciences Po, Paris and the MSc in Comparative Social Policy at Oxford. I'd like to work with an international organisation (UN, World Bank, WTO etc.) or a reputed international non-profit on completion of the program.

 

I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from a b-school that is ranked among the top three in India. I also have over 7 years of experience, mostly in the development sector, in India. Given my current profile, I have been able to get job offers from international organisations and international non-profits to work in their India offices. However, I am keen on working in other parts of the world too - I am particularly interested in Asia; however, this is an area where my profile is sorely lacking and I believe that an international degree will allow me to have a more international career.

 

The Sciences Po MDP is a one year programme targeted at people with 3 to 7 years of work experience.I think it is well suited to my profile. However, my understanding is that Sciences Po doesn't have the kind of reputation that Oxford has in international development circles. Is this true? I'm concerned that the Oxford course is targeted at fresh graduates and is more academic than professional in nature - which means, a lot of the students take up the course because they are interested in continuing on to a PhD in the area, rather than taking up a job.

 

Given my background and my goals for doing a programme at this stage, which would be a better option for me?

 

P.S: In terms of cost, there isn't much different between both. Oxford would end up being a bit cheaper, but not so much cheaper to justify choosing it over Sciences Po. Also, I am equally happy to live in either Oxford or in Paris.

[k_angie]

Hi Rummy!

I myself have offer from ScPo in Masters in I tear national Development. I wanted to apply for oxford too for my post grad but they don't have a MA but MPhil. The sole reason why I didn't apply there (Oxford) was because the course is way too academic better for people who are interested in more of an academic oriented programme. While I want to work ASAP after my post graduation.

That being said and to address your question, I would say you choose ScPo over oxford, this is because ScPo first is very reputed for its development programmes, secondly you mentioned an interest in working in Asia, well the director if the programme, Laurence Taubiana has worked on Asia. Like specifically on Asia. Finally I saw the syllabus of the two and I find the ScPo degree better or more career oriented than the latter.

Having said that, I advise you to talk to the current students through using Facebook or the university's website and then make an informed decision.

Good luck! Hope this helps!