LSE versus Georgetown

Hi all,

I have been accepted into Georgetown's University SFS' MA in Security Studies and the LSE's MSc International Relations. But, I'm having a lot of difficulty choosing between the two.

Both are excellent schools and programs, but having to choose between a university with a program that I feel is more well for suited for a career in security over a university that has a well-known brand within the UK is no easy task. I want to live in the UK in the longterm.

LSE has far more credibility academically and I would be able to continue building a network within the UK and internationally. Georgetown is more US focused network-wise and is less known outside the States.

However, I believe that Georgetown's academics offers courses that would allow me to build a solid set of skills and LSE does not provide such a broad education in a specialized area.

There is also the issue of my age. Last month, I turned 30 and would like to get into the workforce asap. LSE's course is only 12 months, while Georgetown's would be 16-18 months.

Finally, Georgetown, as you can imagine, is significantly more expensive than LSE and I doubt that I will stay in the US, after Georgetown, as I lack American citizenship.

What do you think? Do you think I should follow the advice of my friends and former colleagues to study at LSE? Or should I take a gamble and head to Washington?

Thanks Aceadria. It's a tough decision. My gut says Georgetown, but everything else says LSE.

Thanks for the tip! I've already contacted about 10 prospective employers (Chatham, RUSI etc) to see what they thought. Very little response (unsurprisingly).