Manchester VS KCL

Hi, I am an American undergraduate studying political science and international relations looking at various UK universities for my masters. Right now, I'm being drawn to two similar programs, both a MA in International Political Economy -- one at the University of Manchester and one at King's College London.

I was wondering if anyone had any insight to either of these programs/departments or universities in general. Right now, it's looking like KCL will be more expensive for me (which is definitely something I need to consider), however the marketability of KCL is drawing me towards it. I am interested in Manchester as well, but I don't know too much about it and would like some insight from someone who may know more.

I am also open to any suggestions for similar programs at other UK universities as well, I am just beginning my search with a goal to apply by the end of the year. Thanks!

Wow so let's try and unpack this...

Reputation wise: Equal....there's really nothing between them. Everyone has heard of Manchester and everyone has heard of London... Anyone who doesn't know of these places or institutions is likely not somewhere you'll want to work.

Living cost's: Manchester all the way....you can probably live in Manchester for a year for roughly 70% of what you would spend living in London and would have just as much fun. You can also visit alot of different cities nearby.. Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham (really nice to party in where i went to uni).

But....if you plan on working in the UK, KCL might give you a tiny edge...you'll have more opportunities to go to networking events in London and thats where a large amount of MNC (multinationals) HQs are located...so envision a scenario of getting a few interviews in say January and February because employers like your profile you'll have a long train ride down from Manchester to London (3,5 hrs more or less).

I'm American too and just finished my degree in Business Management at University of Nottingham.

If this was a three year degree i would advise you to definitely go to Manchester but if you plan on working in the UK then pick KCL for networking and job opportunities...obviously you can get the same jobs by living in Manchester but the hiring process takes place mainly in the winter here.

Other options:

LSE, Leed's, Bristol, Durham, Nottingham, SOAS.

Also a real good one for IPA is Edinburgh, that's where Mark blythe went....you should know him! If not your missing out look him up! Works at Brown.

Thank you, this was helpful. It's sounding more like KCL would be the better option for me...granted I haven't applied yet just researching which program I should devote my effort to. Thanks again

Hi, I am an American undergraduate studying political science and international relations looking at various UK universities for my masters. Right now, I'm being drawn to two similar programs, both a MA in International Political Economy -- one at the University of Manchester and one at King's College London.

I was wondering if anyone had any insight to either of these programs/departments or universities in general. Right now, it's looking like KCL will be more expensive for me (which is definitely something I need to consider), however the marketability of KCL is drawing me towards it. I am interested in Manchester as well, but I don't know too much about it and would like some insight from someone who may know more.

I am also open to any suggestions for similar programs at other UK universities as well, I am just beginning my search with a goal to apply by the end of the year. Thanks!

Hi the Guardian good university guide has KCL's politics department as the 10th best in the UK and Manchester's as 30th. It's a no brainer for me, got to be Kings. Why not look at the universities with the top 10 politics departments and make a call. Living in Dundee will be very different from living in London.