[ellemay816]

Hey everyone!

I need some advice! I'm an American and I would really like to come to the UK to do my masters degree. I did a semester at LSE and loved it and I want some more!

Here are some specs on my credentials: I graduated from Boston University with a 3.5 GPA. In British terms I believe that this is a solid 2:1 (most sources I've found say that a 2:1 is between a 3.3 and a 3.7 GPA, so I'm right in the middle). Like I said I did a semester at LSE, and also a semester in Israel doing a development studies internship. I also had a great development economics centered internship while in London.

Anyway, I've got 11 schools that I'm looking at now and I just wanted to get some advice from everyone here since I don't know British schools as well as American ones:

University of Glasgow - Development Studies program
University of Manchester - Development Economics and Policy program
Kings College London - International Political Economy program
LSE - Political Economy of Europe program, focus on development
Bristol University - International Economics program
University of Leeds - Global Development program
SOAS London - Development Economics program
University of Sussex - Development Economics program
University of York - Development Economics and Emerging Markets program
University of Edinburgh - International Development program
Oh and the only non-British school:
Trinity College Dublin: Development Management program

If anyone can give me insight on these programs I'd love it! Specifically on the math heaviness (I'm good at math but i don't love it, so I would prefer a less math intensive program) as well as the likelihood of my acceptance to these programs. I am pretty clueless when it comes to which schools are tougher than others so I would like to know which ones are "reach schools" and which are more "safety schools." (Sorry if that's all American jargon).

Thanks so much!!!

[Rex Regis]

All are solid universities, but LSE is the best one you have listed there. I would recommend it for anything Economics.

Update: thanks to the poster below me for correcting me and making me look like an idiot. My bad

[Zenomorph]

Since when has Ireland become British

[JR246]

Is that Sussex programme from the Institute of Development Studies? If so, I'd rate it highly.


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[ellemay816]

(Original post by JR246)
Is that Sussex programme from the Institute of Development Studies? If so, I'd rate it highly.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Yes the Development Econ program from Sussex is in the IDS. Does the IDS have a great reputation for Development degrees? I don't really know anyone in the development field to ask...

[JR246]

It's one of the best development schools and its research is highly respected.


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[Valyam]

Hi, at UG level I looked into Sussex University, and others you haven't mentioned, for Economics related degrees. Back then Sussex was ranked top 2 in Europe for Economic development studies and the campus is quite nice too.

[ellemay816]

Sounds good! So it looks like Sussex is a really great option! anyone know the acceptance rates / how hard it is to get in? For instance, would a 2:1 be sufficient?

[Tomcrease]

I think with a good 2:1// 3.5GPA you would stand a fairly good chance at any of them, have a look on their individual websites for the grades they expect however. LSE is probably the hardest but the best on the list. Also Bristol is very good. I can't say much for the others. There's no where in the UK you would want to go geographically? Or are willing to travel anywhere?

[ellemay816]

(Original post by Tomcrease)
I think with a good 2:1// 3.5GPA you would stand a fairly good chance at any of them, have a look on their individual websites for the grades they expect however. LSE is probably the hardest but the best on the list. Also Bristol is very good. I can't say much for the others. There's no where in the UK you would want to go geographically? Or are willing to travel anywhere?

I had a really great time in London / LSE so I'd love to go back. However, I also would be eager to explore what else the UK has to offer. I have only traveled around the UK a little bit so it could be cool to see some of the other cities in the country. So, yeah, I'm definitely willing to go anywhere! I'm mostly just looking for the best program, no matter where it is.

[Tomcrease]

(Original post by ellemay816)
I had a really great time in London / LSE so I'd love to go back. However, I also would be eager to explore what else the UK has to offer. I have only traveled around the UK a little bit so it could be cool to see some of the other cities in the country. So, yeah, I'm definitely willing to go anywhere! I'm mostly just looking for the best program, no matter where it is.

I'm certain it would be LSE then

[ellemay816]

(Original post by Tomcrease)
I'm certain it would be LSE then

Awesome! yeah I think LSE will be my top choice, for sure. It is just that, of course, it's hard to get in! Any ideas on what schools could be a "sure thing" for me? so that I can have some good back up plans if LSE doesn't work out?

[drugs]

(Original post by ellemay816)
Awesome! yeah I think LSE will be my top choice, for sure. It is just that, of course, it's hard to get in! Any ideas on what schools could be a "sure thing" for me? so that I can have some good back up plans if LSE doesn't work out?

kings edinburgh manchester bristol

gluckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[ellemay816]

(Original post by drugs)
kings edinburgh manchester bristol

gluckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Thanks! Kings, Edinburgh and Bristol are definitely also on the top of my list. I'm still a bit unsure on Manchester. I don't know if I'd like living there, just from what I've heard.

[ellemay816]

In fact, Manchester, Leeds and York may be the bottom 3 on my list. I am more worried about the city and living rather than the schools. Any insight on those?

[Joinedup]

Manchester and leeds are lively student cities, lower cost of living than london. York always seemed a bit boring imo, I've never studied or lived there, just day trips. obv york's a small city with the uni being built in the 60s on the outskirts.
Whatever's going to float your boat.

[ellemay816]

(Original post by Joinedup)
Manchester and leeds are lively student cities, lower cost of living than london. York always seemed a bit boring imo, I've never studied or lived there, just day trips. obv york's a small city with the uni being built in the 60s on the outskirts.
Whatever's going to float your boat.

I've heard some mixed reviews on Manchester as a city, but if you describe it as a lively student city, then that's great! I've lived in Boston the past 5 years and I love how the city is so friendly to students, but how it is also still a big city with lots of things to do. I have actually heard good things about Leeds, too, but I was unsure of how large the city was and if I could get bored after a while. And yeah I think I'd end up a bit bored in York.

But the main thing is that I want to make sure I go to a great school! I think since all the master's programs are only a year long that even a smaller town could be bearable.

I know that unis like LSE and Sussex (particularly for development) are probably the best two programs. I'm just interested in learning more about all of the other schools so I know if I don't get into my top choices then I'll have good back up plans.