Public Policy in the UK

[eretsicd]

Hi everyone. First of all, I would like to apologize if I have posted in the wrong forum, as it seems to me that the site is more US-oriented; secondly, I apologize if I have posted in the wrong sub-forum (I might have needed to post in “Decisions, decisions”, but this one appears to be more active). Finally, I apologize for my grammar!

 

I would like to receive any kind of advice regarding which Master I should pick. I have received four offers:

-KCL, Political Economy. I do not know how to feel about this one. It seems the most versatile option, but maybe it is too theoretical to offer good future professional opportunities.
-UCL, Public Policy. Probably the programme I like the most. Also, the most expensive option, LSE excluded.
-Warwick, Public Policy. I consider this a less expensive UCL. What scares me is the possibility that it would not offer me the same amount of future options that UCL could offer; however, I might just be biased because I personally would prefer to move to London.
-LSE, Comparative Politics. I do not want to go there. It was my (badly picked) second choice, and it is excessively expensive.

I am an EU student, and I could not really save much to pay for my studies. I am going to need to take a loan of 6-10,000 pounds (depending on my choice). Do you think it is worth it? Do you have any sort of suggestion to help me make a decision? Thanks a lot!

[kd7432]

Right place, right forum. But unless you tell us a bit about your background, why you want go to grad school, and what you hope to do after, you'll get very generic advice

[kd7432]

@eretsicd Also congratulations on all the acceptances!

[CakeTea]

I assume that you straight from undergrad or have you worked a few yrs? Any chance to learn more about your academic areas of interest and goals?

I am familiar with the London colleges and there are some fine differences in terms of concentrations, strengths, teaching and students.

[eretsicd]

Thanks for the replies, and sorry for not providing enough details!

Yes, I am going straight from undergraduate studies. I do not have relevant work experience in the field; in fact, I barely have any kind of work experience at all – only some summer jobs.

My main area of interest is the implementation of policies within the public sector, albeit with a viewpoint inherent to market logics. I am interested in the impact of the economic approach in policy-making, which is why I decided to apply to a Political Economy Master, among the others.

A postgraduate degree seems necessary to achieve a better understanding of the topic; similarly, pursuing my education in the UK appeared to me as the most culturally enriching option (otherwise said, UK universities are better than European universities, generically speaking).

It is hard for me to tell what my exact goals are – I am not sure myself. Primarily, I would like to undertake a professional path that could allow me to put into practical use what I will learn. Very vague, I know.

Thanks again for the interest and help!

[monocle]

Congratulations on your choices! But may I suggest deferring and going to work first?  It'll help you figure out what kinds of jobs there are and define your goals.

I've said this multiple times on this forum, but too frequently I've encountered job-seeking graduates from UK universities looking for work (entry-level poorly-paid positions), without concrete goals of what they want to do, and without any practical skills/experience. I think this comes from the culture that so many UK students go to their Master's straight from undergrad.

Seriously, going to work first will make your MA much more valuable.

[CakeTea]

@ eretsicd: Can you send me a private message PM please? I prefer to send you my UCL,LSE,KCL,Warwick review, it is too long. I cannot post the full text and my screen freezes. 

Congratulations on your admissions. It is a bit challenging to provide value added advice without precise interests and goals. Otherwise I can say yr concentration is strong at LSE/UCL. As monocle correctly indicated, MPP programmes at professional schools benefit strongly from prior employment. Work gives you experience, develop interests, have productive class participation (confirmed by a prof) and makes you more employable after graduation. Employers place importance on experience. I also notice that you need to raise ££ for tuition. Working 1-2 yrs would enhance yr profile, add experience and solve funding.

It is a European thing, but students tend to be straight out of undergrad at most UK MPPs, exceptions of more seasoning are Ox MPP and LSE MPA. I visited all London colleges and spoke to profs, students and alumni. The best MPP in the UK: Ox, LSE, UCL

[eretsicd]

Thanks for the various suggestions. In all honesty, I did not even think of deferring, for different familiar reasons. Now that you tell me you think it would be the wisest choice, I might consider it; nevertheless, I am still (and maybe inappropriately) more inclined towards my original idea.

 

I should have sent you a PM, CakeTea. Thank you for your willingness to share your reviews, greatly appreciated!

 

[happygomucky]

I think that the comparatively cheap cost of studying a masters in the UK (compared to US professional programmes) means that lots of people go into MAs and MPPs as a way of creating a bit of breathing space to figure out what to do in their careers after undergrad, and perhaps don't feel ready to enter the job market. The downside is that those qualifications don't add a lot to your CV. But you definitely won't be alone @eretsicd!

I reckon this qualification will probably help boost you into entry level positions, but not much more. It may help you slightly in applying for graduate schemes. What you really need to do, if you're set on this option, is spend the time between the end of your undergrad and start of your masters boosting your CV and getting some good internships under your belt. Your lack of work experience will be a hindrance when you look for a job. 

On the universities I would go for KCL or UCL - the London location will help you in your job search, and perhaps you can find relevant voluntary/part time positions. KCL's politics dept has a good reputation and is international in focus. LSE generally has the best reputation but with your lack of clarity about what to do afterwards I can't see the value of the additional cost.