University College London
London
ESPS at UCL
Hi, I recently got an offer to study European Social and Political studies at UCL and I was wondering if anybody could answer some of my questions.
Is ESPS a very good degree?
Does it have good career prospect?
I would like to work in management consulting, would it allow me to work at top MC companies such as McKinsey?
Or should I try to transfer to a more traditional degree such as Economics (is it even possible)?
Does taking the full economics specialisation actually prepare you for postgraduate studies?
Or would you appear as a “weaker” candidate compared to straight economics candidate?
Does the ESPS degree allow you to work internationally or would you be “stuck” in Europe?
Would it be wiser to take the full economics specialisation for management consulting, or can I just take elements of economics?
I got rejected from oxford (PPE), I was wondering if I should and can re-apply while being at UCL? It seems that top management consulting companies often recruit mainly from Oxbridge and LSE.
Thank you very much in advance
Is ESPS a very good degree?
Does it have good career prospect?
I would like to work in management consulting, would it allow me to work at top MC companies such as McKinsey?
Or should I try to transfer to a more traditional degree such as Economics (is it even possible)?
Does taking the full economics specialisation actually prepare you for postgraduate studies?
Or would you appear as a “weaker” candidate compared to straight economics candidate?
Does the ESPS degree allow you to work internationally or would you be “stuck” in Europe?
Would it be wiser to take the full economics specialisation for management consulting, or can I just take elements of economics?
I got rejected from oxford (PPE), I was wondering if I should and can re-apply while being at UCL? It seems that top management consulting companies often recruit mainly from Oxbridge and LSE.
Thank you very much in advance
University College London
London
Hey VLC,
I took ESPS and I was very satisfied with what I got. Of course it really depends what you're looking for. What you should know is that ESPS is a very broad degree that allows you to do pretty much anything you want. That can be an advantage, if, like me, you want to discover new academic fields. On the other hand it can also be a disadvantage if you know exactly what you want to do.
In my case, I did a specialisation in law, which was enough to make me realise that's what I want to do. A few years down the line, however, and I'm having to start a law degree from scratch because whatever modules in law I did in ESPS are not enough to qualify as a practicing lawyer - so I'm regretting not studying pure law from the start. But as I said, when I started at UCL I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to try loads of different subjects, otherwise I would probably never have realised that I like law so much in the first place.
In your case, you seem to already know which direction you want to go. If you want to be hired by McKinsey/KPMG/Ernst & Young, you really should go for a more business-oriented degree. Economics, or MBA, or even Law & Economics (v. good degree by the way).
The appeal of ESPS is in the language + year abroad, but you can actually take a year abroad with most degrees nowadays, so if you organise your economics degree in such a way as you would go abroad for a year and learn a language, then you don't necessarily have to miss out on that.
That being said if you do take ESPS, I'm sure you will have a very enjoyable four years and you will learn a whole lot of very useful stuff. The professors are all top-class, and I consider myself lucky to have done the degree. Also, the department is small enough that it gives a family-like atmosphere. Not something you get in the bigger departments.
The only thing is that the job market is getting really tough out there and it just seems like employers are moving away from arts degrees altogether, so in terms of strict employability, a BSc in Economics or dual LLB/Bsc is definitely a better bet.
I took ESPS and I was very satisfied with what I got. Of course it really depends what you're looking for. What you should know is that ESPS is a very broad degree that allows you to do pretty much anything you want. That can be an advantage, if, like me, you want to discover new academic fields. On the other hand it can also be a disadvantage if you know exactly what you want to do.
In my case, I did a specialisation in law, which was enough to make me realise that's what I want to do. A few years down the line, however, and I'm having to start a law degree from scratch because whatever modules in law I did in ESPS are not enough to qualify as a practicing lawyer - so I'm regretting not studying pure law from the start. But as I said, when I started at UCL I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to try loads of different subjects, otherwise I would probably never have realised that I like law so much in the first place.
In your case, you seem to already know which direction you want to go. If you want to be hired by McKinsey/KPMG/Ernst & Young, you really should go for a more business-oriented degree. Economics, or MBA, or even Law & Economics (v. good degree by the way).
The appeal of ESPS is in the language + year abroad, but you can actually take a year abroad with most degrees nowadays, so if you organise your economics degree in such a way as you would go abroad for a year and learn a language, then you don't necessarily have to miss out on that.
That being said if you do take ESPS, I'm sure you will have a very enjoyable four years and you will learn a whole lot of very useful stuff. The professors are all top-class, and I consider myself lucky to have done the degree. Also, the department is small enough that it gives a family-like atmosphere. Not something you get in the bigger departments.
The only thing is that the job market is getting really tough out there and it just seems like employers are moving away from arts degrees altogether, so in terms of strict employability, a BSc in Economics or dual LLB/Bsc is definitely a better bet.
Original post by DamienRM
Hey VLC,
I took ESPS and I was very satisfied with what I got. Of course it really depends what you're looking for. What you should know is that ESPS is a very broad degree that allows you to do pretty much anything you want. That can be an advantage, if, like me, you want to discover new academic fields. On the other hand it can also be a disadvantage if you know exactly what you want to do.
In my case, I did a specialisation in law, which was enough to make me realise that's what I want to do. A few years down the line, however, and I'm having to start a law degree from scratch because whatever modules in law I did in ESPS are not enough to qualify as a practicing lawyer - so I'm regretting not studying pure law from the start. But as I said, when I started at UCL I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to try loads of different subjects, otherwise I would probably never have realised that I like law so much in the first place.
In your case, you seem to already know which direction you want to go. If you want to be hired by McKinsey/KPMG/Ernst & Young, you really should go for a more business-oriented degree. Economics, or MBA, or even Law & Economics (v. good degree by the way).
The appeal of ESPS is in the language + year abroad, but you can actually take a year abroad with most degrees nowadays, so if you organise your economics degree in such a way as you would go abroad for a year and learn a language, then you don't necessarily have to miss out on that.
That being said if you do take ESPS, I'm sure you will have a very enjoyable four years and you will learn a whole lot of very useful stuff. The professors are all top-class, and I consider myself lucky to have done the degree. Also, the department is small enough that it gives a family-like atmosphere. Not something you get in the bigger departments.
The only thing is that the job market is getting really tough out there and it just seems like employers are moving away from arts degrees altogether, so in terms of strict employability, a BSc in Economics or dual LLB/Bsc is definitely a better bet.
I took ESPS and I was very satisfied with what I got. Of course it really depends what you're looking for. What you should know is that ESPS is a very broad degree that allows you to do pretty much anything you want. That can be an advantage, if, like me, you want to discover new academic fields. On the other hand it can also be a disadvantage if you know exactly what you want to do.
In my case, I did a specialisation in law, which was enough to make me realise that's what I want to do. A few years down the line, however, and I'm having to start a law degree from scratch because whatever modules in law I did in ESPS are not enough to qualify as a practicing lawyer - so I'm regretting not studying pure law from the start. But as I said, when I started at UCL I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to try loads of different subjects, otherwise I would probably never have realised that I like law so much in the first place.
In your case, you seem to already know which direction you want to go. If you want to be hired by McKinsey/KPMG/Ernst & Young, you really should go for a more business-oriented degree. Economics, or MBA, or even Law & Economics (v. good degree by the way).
The appeal of ESPS is in the language + year abroad, but you can actually take a year abroad with most degrees nowadays, so if you organise your economics degree in such a way as you would go abroad for a year and learn a language, then you don't necessarily have to miss out on that.
That being said if you do take ESPS, I'm sure you will have a very enjoyable four years and you will learn a whole lot of very useful stuff. The professors are all top-class, and I consider myself lucky to have done the degree. Also, the department is small enough that it gives a family-like atmosphere. Not something you get in the bigger departments.
The only thing is that the job market is getting really tough out there and it just seems like employers are moving away from arts degrees altogether, so in terms of strict employability, a BSc in Economics or dual LLB/Bsc is definitely a better bet.
Thank you very much! I guess my only question, is what do you suggest I do ? I have heard that no one in recent years has transferred to straight economics at UCL. MBA was always part of my plan, but it is longer down the road. I guess the thing that scares me the most is that the european in the title is a little restrictive, and the rest looks evasive.
well I don't know how far you are in the application process - has been some years since my own application.
If you still have the possibility you can always apply for economics instead.
If it's too late for that, then go for ESPS and make the most of it! Take a specialisation in economics and choose your language carefully. Make sure to learn the language properly on your year abroad, and when you come back apply for an MBA!
Most universities will admit you with ESPS and spec. in economics.
As far as I understood the British higher education system, the place where you studied is way more important than what you studied. UCL is still UCL no matter what the degree, so you'll be fine to get into MBAs.
By the time you complete the MBA it won't matter what you did at bachelor level anyway. And you'll be more employable by mastering an extra language.
If you still have the possibility you can always apply for economics instead.
If it's too late for that, then go for ESPS and make the most of it! Take a specialisation in economics and choose your language carefully. Make sure to learn the language properly on your year abroad, and when you come back apply for an MBA!
Most universities will admit you with ESPS and spec. in economics.
As far as I understood the British higher education system, the place where you studied is way more important than what you studied. UCL is still UCL no matter what the degree, so you'll be fine to get into MBAs.
By the time you complete the MBA it won't matter what you did at bachelor level anyway. And you'll be more employable by mastering an extra language.
(edited 10 years ago)
I am afraid it is too late to change to economics now. I could always ask at the begining of year, I have nothing to lose. Do you reckon it is worth it to reapply for another course while being at UCL? Would top universities like oxbridge recognise esps full economics specialisation if I were to apply for msc economics? which language do you reckon would be the best? I hesitate between spanish and german, spanish is more widely used and is spoken in emerging in some countries but germany has as far as I know has better universities, is a top employer and the courses look more intersting.
thank you very much
thank you very much
I don't think UCL would let you change you degree programme at the beginning of the academic year. That being said, if you ace your first year and only get firsts, especially in your economics modules, they might let you transfer to BSc Economics after the first year. Or then again not. I'm not sure if your best strategy is to worry about that at this stage.
I think you should go along with ESPS and get the best grades you can. It's still an excellent degree and of course Oxbridge will consider you for MSc, just as long as you get a 1st or a high 2:1 in average.
As far as the language is concerned, definitely take German over Spanish. Over half of Britain's foreign trade is with Germany, while UK-Spanish trade ties are mostly linked to the tourist sector. What do you think employers will prefer?
That being said, as far as I'm aware ESPS doesn't let you start just any language as a beginner. If I remember well from my first year, you could be a beginner in Russian, Dutch, or Scandinavian languages, but you had to have had French/Spanish/German/Italian at your A-levels if you wanted to chose them as your main language.
I think you should go along with ESPS and get the best grades you can. It's still an excellent degree and of course Oxbridge will consider you for MSc, just as long as you get a 1st or a high 2:1 in average.
As far as the language is concerned, definitely take German over Spanish. Over half of Britain's foreign trade is with Germany, while UK-Spanish trade ties are mostly linked to the tourist sector. What do you think employers will prefer?
That being said, as far as I'm aware ESPS doesn't let you start just any language as a beginner. If I remember well from my first year, you could be a beginner in Russian, Dutch, or Scandinavian languages, but you had to have had French/Spanish/German/Italian at your A-levels if you wanted to chose them as your main language.
Original post by DamienRM
I don't think UCL would let you change you degree programme at the beginning of the academic year. That being said, if you ace your first year and only get firsts, especially in your economics modules, they might let you transfer to BSc Economics after the first year. Or then again not. I'm not sure if your best strategy is to worry about that at this stage.
I think you should go along with ESPS and get the best grades you can. It's still an excellent degree and of course Oxbridge will consider you for MSc, just as long as you get a 1st or a high 2:1 in average.
As far as the language is concerned, definitely take German over Spanish. Over half of Britain's foreign trade is with Germany, while UK-Spanish trade ties are mostly linked to the tourist sector. What do you think employers will prefer?
That being said, as far as I'm aware ESPS doesn't let you start just any language as a beginner. If I remember well from my first year, you could be a beginner in Russian, Dutch, or Scandinavian languages, but you had to have had French/Spanish/German/Italian at your A-levels if you wanted to chose them as your main language.
I think you should go along with ESPS and get the best grades you can. It's still an excellent degree and of course Oxbridge will consider you for MSc, just as long as you get a 1st or a high 2:1 in average.
As far as the language is concerned, definitely take German over Spanish. Over half of Britain's foreign trade is with Germany, while UK-Spanish trade ties are mostly linked to the tourist sector. What do you think employers will prefer?
That being said, as far as I'm aware ESPS doesn't let you start just any language as a beginner. If I remember well from my first year, you could be a beginner in Russian, Dutch, or Scandinavian languages, but you had to have had French/Spanish/German/Italian at your A-levels if you wanted to chose them as your main language.
Only French and Spanish are not ab initio. I already speak French and a little of spanish.
So do you reckon it is worth it to reapply or should I just stick with ESPS?
Original post by DamienRM
I don't think UCL would let you change you degree programme at the beginning of the academic year. That being said, if you ace your first year and only get firsts, especially in your economics modules, they might let you transfer to BSc Economics after the first year. Or then again not. I'm not sure if your best strategy is to worry about that at this stage.
I think you should go along with ESPS and get the best grades you can. It's still an excellent degree and of course Oxbridge will consider you for MSc, just as long as you get a 1st or a high 2:1 in average.
As far as the language is concerned, definitely take German over Spanish. Over half of Britain's foreign trade is with Germany, while UK-Spanish trade ties are mostly linked to the tourist sector. What do you think employers will prefer?
That being said, as far as I'm aware ESPS doesn't let you start just any language as a beginner. If I remember well from my first year, you could be a beginner in Russian, Dutch, or Scandinavian languages, but you had to have had French/Spanish/German/Italian at your A-levels if you wanted to chose them as your main language.
I think you should go along with ESPS and get the best grades you can. It's still an excellent degree and of course Oxbridge will consider you for MSc, just as long as you get a 1st or a high 2:1 in average.
As far as the language is concerned, definitely take German over Spanish. Over half of Britain's foreign trade is with Germany, while UK-Spanish trade ties are mostly linked to the tourist sector. What do you think employers will prefer?
That being said, as far as I'm aware ESPS doesn't let you start just any language as a beginner. If I remember well from my first year, you could be a beginner in Russian, Dutch, or Scandinavian languages, but you had to have had French/Spanish/German/Italian at your A-levels if you wanted to chose them as your main language.
Do you know if it's possible to be considered for two modern foreign languages at interview? Since I'm taking both French and Spanish at A-level, and would be happy with either. (Particularly with the dual degree)
Hey VLC,
I took ESPS and I was very satisfied with what I got. Of course it really depends what you're looking for. What you should know is that ESPS is a very broad degree that allows you to do pretty much anything you want. That can be an advantage, if, like me, you want to discover new academic fields. On the other hand it can also be a disadvantage if you know exactly what you want to do.
In my case, I did a specialisation in law, which was enough to make me realise that's what I want to do. A few years down the line, however, and I'm having to start a law degree from scratch because whatever modules in law I did in ESPS are not enough to qualify as a practicing lawyer - so I'm regretting not studying pure law from the start. But as I said, when I started at UCL I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to try loads of different subjects, otherwise I would probably never have realised that I like law so much in the first place.
In your case, you seem to already know which direction you want to go. If you want to be hired by McKinsey/KPMG/Ernst & Young, you really should go for a more business-oriented degree. Economics, or MBA, or even Law & Economics (v. good degree by the way).
The appeal of ESPS is in the language + year abroad, but you can actually take a year abroad with most degrees nowadays, so if you organise your economics degree in such a way as you would go abroad for a year and learn a language, then you don't necessarily have to miss out on that.
That being said if you do take ESPS, I'm sure you will have a very enjoyable four years and you will learn a whole lot of very useful stuff. The professors are all top-class, and I consider myself lucky to have done the degree. Also, the department is small enough that it gives a family-like atmosphere. Not something you get in the bigger departments.
The only thing is that the job market is getting really tough out there and it just seems like employers are moving away from arts degrees altogether, so in terms of strict employability, a BSc in Economics or dual LLB/Bsc is definitely a better bet.
I took ESPS and I was very satisfied with what I got. Of course it really depends what you're looking for. What you should know is that ESPS is a very broad degree that allows you to do pretty much anything you want. That can be an advantage, if, like me, you want to discover new academic fields. On the other hand it can also be a disadvantage if you know exactly what you want to do.
In my case, I did a specialisation in law, which was enough to make me realise that's what I want to do. A few years down the line, however, and I'm having to start a law degree from scratch because whatever modules in law I did in ESPS are not enough to qualify as a practicing lawyer - so I'm regretting not studying pure law from the start. But as I said, when I started at UCL I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to try loads of different subjects, otherwise I would probably never have realised that I like law so much in the first place.
In your case, you seem to already know which direction you want to go. If you want to be hired by McKinsey/KPMG/Ernst & Young, you really should go for a more business-oriented degree. Economics, or MBA, or even Law & Economics (v. good degree by the way).
The appeal of ESPS is in the language + year abroad, but you can actually take a year abroad with most degrees nowadays, so if you organise your economics degree in such a way as you would go abroad for a year and learn a language, then you don't necessarily have to miss out on that.
That being said if you do take ESPS, I'm sure you will have a very enjoyable four years and you will learn a whole lot of very useful stuff. The professors are all top-class, and I consider myself lucky to have done the degree. Also, the department is small enough that it gives a family-like atmosphere. Not something you get in the bigger departments.
The only thing is that the job market is getting really tough out there and it just seems like employers are moving away from arts degrees altogether, so in terms of strict employability, a BSc in Economics or dual LLB/Bsc is definitely a better bet.
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