[dublinerr]

Hello,

I have been offered places for 2013 intake from The University of Durham, MA in Defence, Development and Diplomacy; University College London, MSc in Security Studies -also MSc in Global Governance and Ethics-; King's College London, MA in Terrorism, Security and Society (at War Studies Department) and finally, I am expecting an offer from The University of Oxford, MPhill in International Relations -based on my personal talk with the postgraduate admission officer as they do not currently accept application for 2013, which is why my application is on hold for 2013 commencing-

I also hold an offer from SOAS (MSc in Middle East Politics) yet I am not really considering a postgraduate study there anymore.

I am from Turkey and I originally matriculated my undergraduate studies in 2003 yet I was diagnosed with leukemia and thus took a couple of years out of school. Following my treatment, I am now about to conclude my B.A in English Language and Literature -with a minor in International Relations- and will be studying at one of these schools/programmes hopefully in the UK. However, as you may reckon, I am trying to make best possible -if there is such thing- choice for my studies; a programme which will help to make amends for the time lost regarding my career prospect in the future...

I am currently aiming for a career in Defence-Security industry (firms, think-tanks, market consultancy such as Visiongain...etc) but I am also very much interested in the IR theory thus seriously considering for PhD -again in the UK or US- A combination of these two -academic theorizing and industry-based practicality- I guess, would be my dream job -again, if there is such thing-

The fact that London is quite demanding for a student budget is a concern for me and though nearly all of these programmes charge the same amount fee, my concerns are related to daily expenditures as well as the accommodation. In fact, Turkish Lira/British Pound currency rate makes thing even murkier as it triples the amount for me.
I have a keen affinity for pastoral cities -yes I am now talking about Durham- and a relatively sedimentary life as I would like to concentrate on my studies, yet, I have certain doubts about its global reputation -I really have no idea- and I am certainly aware of the fact that it is an excellent university with high reputation in the UK. Also, since the programme in Oxford lasts for 2 years, it really curbs my enthusiasm for Oxford University.
All in all, any comment, suggestion and/or idea will be highly appreciated as I am really confused. Which of these schools would be the best possible alternative for a prospective career in Defence/Consultancy/Think-Thanks/Academia? Also, as an international student without a UK residency -and definitely without a British citizenship- do I have a chance for UK job market in my specified fields after my graduation with one of these schools? Thank you very much for your valuable contributions.

King's College: MA in Terrorism, Security Society.
University College London:MSc in Security Studies; Global Governance and Ethics.
Durham University: MA in Defence, Development and Diplomacy.
Oxford University: -possibly- MPhill in International Relations.

P.S:My apologies if this part of the forum is not correct one for this one is, in fact, the very first forum that I have created an account.

[sj27]

It's my impression that Kings has by far the best reputation for the area you are interested in.

[Vanbrugh]

Congratulations on your offers! Honestly, they are all great places and you can't go wrong in your choices.

However, for security I agree that Kings College London has the best reputation in that field (and the apparently the best connections). It's War Studies department is considered world class.

[dublinerr]

Thank you very much for the responses... Your comments are in correlation with what I have heard about the War Studies Department: excellent programmes and faculty, strong affiliations with industry...etc. However, I am a little skeptic towards London for prospective monetary burden. Is it really my bias or is it an imminent reality that London could be demanding?
Also, what do you guys think of Durham University? I have heard that the school is very popular and is considered as top-notch besides the Golden Triangle in the UK. Thank you.

[TheRandomer]

(Original post by dublinerr)
Thank you very much for the responses... Your comments are in correlation with what I have heard about the War Studies Department: excellent programmes and faculty, strong affiliations with industry...etc. However, I am a little skeptic towards London for prospective monetary burden. Is it really my bias or is it an imminent reality that London could be demanding?
Also, what do you guys think of Durham University? I have heard that the school is very popular and is considered as top-notch besides the Golden Triangle in the UK. Thank you.

Hi, I'm afraid I can't comment on your particular degree because I'm a science student - but I've been at Durham the past 4 years and absolutely loved it! It's a very small but charming city, honestly it's beautiful, and there's plenty going on to be involved in - it packs a big punch for such a small place!
I found the rent here to be quite expensive, typically you'd be looking between £60-80 per week not including bills etc. depending how far you'd want to walk / cycle to the city. However this is far cheaper than living in college accomodation, and certainly far far cheaper than central London! From your list of places I'd say that Durham is probably the cheapest place to live, since it's up north.
If you have any questions about life in Durham, or want me to try and find good pictures (i.e. not just prospectus posed photos) of the city for you to help you decide, just let me know

[dublinerr]

[QUOTE=TheRandomer;38248238 From your list of places I'd say that Durham is probably the cheapest place to live, since it's up north.
If you have any questions about life in Durham, or want me to try and find good pictures (i.e. not just prospectus posed photos) of the city for you to help you decide, just let me know [/QUOTE]

Thank you very much, needless to say, one always looks for a helping
hand in this decision-making process -at least I do- I will be visiting Durham (well, together with London and Oxford) in late July and early August just to look around, talk to someone in the department -hopefully with a faculty- and will be staying in the University College. -already booked it-
I am really, really interested in Durham University as well as the city per see, but as an international postgraduate student, I am also under the stress for my employment after my studies. Are you aware of any data that reflect the employment rates of Durham graduates -well, postgraduates in my case- ? Any commentary regarding employability of the university's graduates in general is equally more than welcome. Thank you...

[anna_ready]

How about going for MPhill in International Relations from
The University of Oxford as you told you have B.A in English Language with a minor in International Relations

[anna_ready]

How about going for MPhill in International Relations from
The University of Oxford as you told you have B.A in English Language with a minor in International Relations

[dublinerr]

(Original post by anna_ready)
How about going for MPhill in International Relations from
The University of Oxford as you told you have B.A in English Language with a minor in International Relations

Oh! Yes, I will hold a B.A in English Language and Literature (GPA 3.92/4.00) with a Minor in International Relations (4.00/4.00) in February 2012 as I still have one semestre to go... I will really consider myself lucky with an offer from The University of Oxford because a degree in humanities -not to mention in English Literature as well- is mostly considered as an "unconventional" background for students seeking postgraduate studies in social sciences. -due to Behavioralist "Revolution" in 1950s-60s I guess- But my GPA(s), voluntary and professional experiences, academic publishing at undergraduate level, and of course excellent references with some awards have helped me a lot. (not only for The University of Oxford but for all of those schools)

I do know that a degree from Oxford will definitely a boost my career, but the fact that this time I am needed to finance 2 years -instead of 1 year- is really a concern for me. -MPhill is a 2 years programme, somewhere in between a taught degree and a PhD with a lengthy dissertation- Above all, England is an expensive country and, definitely Oxford is not immune to that -city and the university alike in terms of accommodations-catering- and I do not know if I am biased but, I do not think that I will be able to secure a scholarship from Oxford as an international student. But I will apply for sure once it starts. -they are not currently commencing for anything in 2013- Thank you.

[Adheen]

Congrats ! I agree with others, KCL is the best for security studies =) I sent my application for MA in IR last month and still waiting for the reply, I also have been offered to Sussex Uni at Brighton ( 1-2 hour from London I guess) , MA in Geopolitics and Grand Strategy. Between both of these uni, I would definitely choose KCL.

Regarding your concern on living cost and accommodation, London is of course the second expensive city in the world ! My friend who graduated from KCL advice me to find accommodation at Zone 5 & 6 around the Central heading towards North-East-South, he recommend me to look at places like Stratford,Illford, Leighton, East Ham cos it's less expensive , easy to get Halal food around here ! This could be useful for you too , so try make a survey on the rental prices for accommodation before making your decision =)

Just in case if you choose to go to KCL, let me know ! xoxo

[dublinerr]

(Original post by Adheen)
Congrats ! I agree with others, KCL is the best for security studies =) I sent my application for MA in IR last month and still waiting for the reply, I also have been offered to Sussex Uni at Brighton ( 1-2 hour from London I guess) , MA in Geopolitics and Grand Strategy. Between both of these uni, I would definitely choose KCL.

Regarding your concern on living cost and accommodation, London is of course the second expensive city in the world ! My friend who graduated from KCL advice me to find accommodation at Zone 5 & 6 around the Central heading towards North-East-South, he recommend me to look at places like Stratford,Illford, Leighton, East Ham cos it's less expensive , easy to get Halal food around here ! This could be useful for you too , so try make a survey on the rental prices for accommodation before making your decision =)

Just in case if you choose to go to KCL, let me know ! xoxo

Good luck on your applications and thank you for the information! Based on my experience with King's College, it more or less took 4 weeks for college to finally make a decision on my application so accordingly, you will probably learn the outcome very soon.
In September, I will be visiting to UK to see these schools; speak to the admission advisers and programme directors if it is all possible -a visit originally planed to have taken place in August- which will cover London schools, Durham and finally Oxford.

I guess your offers will be for 2012 intake, right? Thank you.