LSE vs. UCSD IR/PS

[Kosmosis707]

Hello all, 

 

I have recently received offers of admission to both the UCSD IR/PS MA in International Affairs and the LSE MSc in Comparative Politics.  

 

While I understand the two programs are very different, I’m curious to see if anyone has a recommendation out of the two.  My situation:  I’m trying to keep as many avenues open as possible for international career paths, especially academia.  I’m interested in: 1) research in Comparative Politics or Area Studies, 2) work as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department, 3) work as a United Nations Officer, 4) work as an international journalist (yep…the curveball), or 5) possibly work in a federal position in national defense.  

 

UCSD is close to home and has a great focus in Asia, but the one year Masters at LSE has a great reputation and is easier on the wallet.  

 

Does anyone have any advice regarding this? Thank you much.

[Fante]

Congrats on getting into both programs! 

 

This is what an admission officer who works for the UN and attended a UK school told me: if you want to work for the US State dept, or as a US foreign service officer, you should go with an American school. However, LSE is pretty much an all-around stellar school and in my opinion, more reputable than UCSD. I think that LSE will open more doors, especially if you're American, it will open the door for jobs outside the US. 

 

Another thing to consider is to make sure the program offers the skills you want to learn. And I am talking strictly about skills (so stats, econometrics, writing, research, etc.), stuff you need on your resume to get the types of jobs you want. 

 

LSE is very expensive in my opinion, but I guess for Americans, it's just a normal price, haha! Keep in mind London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. But like you said, it's just one year, compared to two in the US.

 

If I were you, I'd pick LSE  (but I don't know that specific program, I am just basing this on the schools).

Edited February 10, 2015 by Fante

[avocadoze]

San Diego is one of the most expensive cities in California, so both London and San Diego will be expensive to live in. I think you should choose based on what you want your job prospects to be.

[Kosmosis707]

Thanks so much for the insight everyone.  Honestly, working in the US is not something I’m looking for.  I’m looking to work outside of my country and it sounds like LSE is well regarded globally.

 

As for cost, north San Diego is right up there with the most expensive areas.  The cost of living is high and it seems almost to London levels.  However, the additional year in San Diego would cost me quite a bit more since I have veterans funding for only one year.

 

Thanks again everyone, and if anyone else has more insight it would be greatly appreciated.

[2012latam]

Just a note:  I'm applying to UCSD IRPS and if you get on campus housing, its highly subsidized.  You'll be spending 500 bucks/month for your own room average.  Off-campus, the same would possibly be 700-1000/month.  London is more expensiv, hearing what people have to say.   Also, if you choose the research route, UCSD will look better, but LSE is still a a great school. I'd just be skeptical in how U.S. employers would feel about a one-year degree from abroad and wouldn't take that risk.  Also, there's a higher chance of getting funding, RAs, TAs in UCSD, as most students get it and cover mose of their costs with it.  The negative thing is that you have to devote 20-25 hrs/week to TAing and RAing instead of your courses or internship, etc.

[Kosmosis707]

Just a note:  I'm applying to UCSD IRPS and if you get on campus housing, its highly subsidized.  You'll be spending 500 bucks/month for your own room average.  Off-campus, the same would possibly be 700-1000/month.  London is more expensiv, hearing what people have to say.   Also, if you choose the research route, UCSD will look better, but LSE is still a a great school. I'd just be skeptical in how U.S. employers would feel about a one-year degree from abroad and wouldn't take that risk.  Also, there's a higher chance of getting funding, RAs, TAs in UCSD, as most students get it and cover mose of their costs with it.  The negative thing is that you have to devote 20-25 hrs/week to TAing and RAing instead of your courses or internship, etc.

 

I did notice the nice prices on housing.  I put in my application immediately but the wait is still anywhere from 9-15 months, I think.  It looks like by applying earlier, I have a shot of getting in by January of 2016 which would be great.

 

The cost of living is way higher in London from what I have seen, but I do see LSE coming in with a higher reputation than UCSD with some “ranking systems” (Foreign Policy, QS World Rankings), even with the one year programs.  Also, it seems like a lot of LSE faculty are accepted into American PhD programs but the same can be said for UCSD.  I believe LSE is one of the few one year programs that is looked at favorably internationally.

 

It’s still a tough decision but a great spot to be in.  Part of me feels like one year just isn’t enough time to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities that I am shooting for, but the reduction in cost for a one year program at a great political science research university like LSE is very tempting.  However, as you mentioned, I think there is a more active career center and more opportunity for work at UCSD.  

 

As for now, I’m just waiting to see if either one offers any additional funding.  That will likely guide the decision at this point.

 

Again, if anyone out there has any info they want to share on either program, it is GREATLY appreciated!

[IRToni]

Also note that LSE, at the M.A. level is kind of known as a "degree mill", at least in Europe. Many of my friends who studied there, .e.g. were not really able to make connections with professors, because many of their courses were not taught by professors, and they only met with their thesis advisor once, getting most of their advising done by PhD students. Compared to UCSD, the environment is also much more hierarchical, and RA/TA positions for MA students are rare, because PhD students are also scrambling for them (at UCSD, all PhD students are fully-funded throughTAships).