MSW student interested in European International Relations program

[alexma63]

Hello,

I am a graduate student from Ottawa, ON, Canada currently studying my Masters in Social Work at Carleton University (BA with Hons, Psych). 

Since developing a strong interest in international human rights, health and social policy during my studies, I have decided to apply to programs in International Relations (IR) and International Human Rights Law, LLM. I am interested in these degrees to add international knowledge to the issues that I have already studied. I am planning to apply in Europe for multiple reasons but the main two reasons being that I believe it's a great place to do an international studies degree and I've always wanted to live in Europe. 

That all being said I have a few questions and am looking for advice:

1. University recommendations. I would like to know if anyone has had an exceptionally positive experience anywhere in Europe with this type of study. Currently I plan to apply to Kent, Essex, Norwegian University of Life Sciences as well as a few schools in Ireland. I was wondering if anyone has had exceptionally positive experiences or could recommend a program. Essex looks like my ideal university given the course content. Does likelihood of employment vary for the LLM vs MA in IR in your experience (if you happen to be familiar with both)? I am interested in doing policy analysis for a large NGO (e.g. UN, WHO) or a government body like the EU.

2. Chances of admission. I was wondering if anyone has applied to these programs and knows how competitive they are. I can't find information online... Just to give you a sense of my application: I have an A (85) overall average, have worked in public health policy at the city level, have streamed policy in my MSW, and have worked in my health care environment as a receptionist/navigator for the past 7 years. 

3. When to apply. I am slightly confused about the best time to apply for the programs in the UK. Most are do sometime in July of next year. Despite this, I have been told that it is to my advantage to apply ASAP... Starting in April of next year I plan on doing an internship working with implementing United Nations health goals at a national level in Canada. I just don't know if I should wait until that practicum site is confirmed next February so I can write about on my statement of interest or if I should just mention it as a future plan and apply ASAP.

4. Scholarships/funding. In Norway I know that the education is free but I also know it is certainly not in the UK. And of I have to consider living expenses as well.... I know there are student lines of cred it that I can get. But in terms of funding, are there certain scholarships I should definitely apply for? I would like to get as much of my degree/living expenses covered as possible. 

5. Visas for the UK. I qualify for the ancestry visa... would it be in my best interest to apply for that visa if I plan to work in Europe afterwards? Or would a student visa be best? 

 

Thank you for any advice anyone can give! This is a lot to take on while still completing another masters but I wouldn't like to hold off another year if possible. 

 

Cheers,

 

Alex Madore 

[alexma63]

I also forgot to mention that I speak French, English and basic Swedish.