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Certified Anglophile/US vs UK systems

I am new to this forum and just want to send out a hello to other posters here. I am a graduate of the University of California and am currently employed as a manager in the law enforcement field. My undergraduate degree is in Sociology but I am in the process of earning a second BA in History at UC with aspirations of obtaining a graduate degree at a UK university in that field. I am fascinated with everything British and am intrigued by the banter regarding the differences between the US and UK systems. I am probably older than most posters here and I must say that both systems are excellent by any standard. I have done quite a bit of research on UK universities and the UK system but still have questions that I would love to have addressed by those "in the know". Conversely, I am very open to answering questions from those who are considering education in the US.

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I'm American and doing a masters in the UK. To be honest, there's not much that is starkly different, other than the way we are assessed. And the fact that a masters degree in the UK is shorter.

I dunno, I think it's a little bit odd to just be an Anglophile. I love London and that's why I'm here; I also chose to study at a university that is a world leader in my subject. But I really wouldn't recommend coming to the UK just because you are fascinated by it--you should first figure out what you want to study, research some specific universities, and then maybe make a visit if you can. It sounds like you would want to study outside of London, which honestly isn't very British, particularly at the universities. So that's a start.

Reply 3

blujazfan

Thanks for the input, Shady. I have done quite a bit of research and am looking at doing a MA or MPhil in British Medieval or Early Modern History. My primary fascination with England is of the historical nature and to be honest the US falls short in that respect. In terms of UK university, at least in the field of history, there seems to be a great deal more flexibility in designing your own research focus and an emphasis on the written word. The dissertation lengths in most of the programs I have investigated vary between 10,000-20,000 words (MA) and this is considerably more lengthy than those required at many US institutions (at least among those that offer a terminal MA). I'm looking at KCL, Bristol, Warwick, Durham and Manchester. Any personal insight into these institutions?

Reply 4

lucho22

blujazfan

Out of those Durham's history department is supposed to be excellent - and Durham is awfully 'British' - it has its own medieval castle and is set in a quaint quiet town is a scenic area! :p:

- If that's what you're looking for

Reply 5

arkbar

Anyone going to make a sociology joke? No? Just me then.

Reply 6

dismal_laundry

Are you in criminal justice? There really isn't a parallel field in the UK in universities, although there is law.

Reply 7

Ang|ophi|e

Lol. I just had to comment. As you can see my username is Anglophile. :biggrin:

[You can ignore this]

Reply 8

blujazfan

Lucho22, yes, I have heard good thnings about the Durham with regard to it's History Department. Appreciate the input...

Reply 9

blujazfan

A number of police departments in California require undergraduate degrees (or minimally two years of study with the intent of later degree completion) for employment. Although a portion pursue an Administration of Justice course I believe this tends to limit postgraduate opportunities. My major at UC was actually Sociology with a deliberate focus on the concept of law and its relation to social groups (heavy theory). However, I have finally come to my senses and realized my passion for history. And yes Arkbar, sociology jokes are welcome.

Reply 10

arkbar

What UC did you attend? This may moderate/exacerbate my sociology jokes...

Davis

wesetters

What on earth are you talking about ?

I'd like to know that too.....85% of the polulation of Britain isn't particularly British....very odd if you ask me. I never knew I wasn't particularly British.

But anyway....

...to blujazfan, have you considered York univeristy? They have an excellent history department and a specialist research department for Medieval Studies (the courses on offer by the Centre for Medieval Studies can be seen here.

Not sure what you know about York, but it has a massive history dating right back to Roman times. It was an important place during the Medieval era, so is a perfect back drop to studying medieval British History (there is the massive and impressive Minster, the city walls, parts of the Castle (incluing the Keep) and loads of other very old buildings :biggrin:

Reply 13

blujazfan

Roger, I did look at York and inadvertantly left it off my list. My main dilemma lies in the fact that there are a great many good history progrms in the UK. Of course, my grades are going to factor into and reduce the scope of my selections.

Reply 14

ChemistBoy

York does have a top class rep for medieval history, the department is in a great building in the town too (not on campus).

http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/cms/

btw I had a girlfriend who studied early northern renaissance art so she spent a lot of time there.

Reply 15

blujazfan

Ok, so far one vote for Durham and two for York. With regard to Shady's comment about areas outside of London "not being very British"...maybe he meant waaay outside London.....Paris perhaps?

Reply 16

ChemistBoy

blujazfan

Ok, so far one vote for Durham and two for York. With regard to Shady's comment about areas outside of London "not being very British"...maybe he meant waaay outside London.....Paris perhaps?

My vote is not based on an informed comparative opinion. I'm a scientist, not a historian.

Reply 17

shady lane

wesetters

What on earth are you talking about ?

London--which isn't very British, particularly at the universities.

Have you been to London?! It's not British at all.

Reply 18

blujazfan

Let's start by defining "British"? It's cosmopolitan like any other international city but still maintains a culture and manner all its own.

Reply 19

shady lane

You live in the Bay Area. I live in London. Do you really want to claim you know London more than I do?

I've lived in Oxford and now live in London, the difference is massive. If you want London culture, come to London. If you want British culture, I'd suggest you go elsewhere in the country.