Oxford or LSE for Sociology?

Hi!

I applied for MSc Sociology at both Oxford and LSE, and planned to go to whichever offered me a place (if either of them did). Now I'm lucky enough to have unconditional offers from both!

Naturally, my decision will be based on all sorts of factors - my career plans, course content, finance/funding and so on. One thing I'm not sure of, though, is the relative reputations of their sociology departments. I'm aware that LSE Sociology is the oldest sociology department in the country and they do have some amazing staff, but does this mean it is 'better' than Oxford Sociology? If so, why and how? If not, is Oxford better, or is there not much in it between them? Should I just disregard the idea of one being a 'better' department than the other, and look at their work in my particular areas of interest?

I never imagined I'd be making this choice, or that it would be quite so difficult! If you had this choice, where would you go and why?

Thanks in advance :smile:

Reply 1

lupinpooter

4

Ai-Li

Naturally, my decision will be based on all sorts of factors - my career plans, course content, finance/funding and so on. [...] Should I just disregard the idea of one being a 'better' department than the other, and look at their work in my particular areas of interest?

Congratulations, by the way!

Reply 2

pornstarz

2

Oxford, because its oxbridge.

Reply 3

kat2pult

18

Oxford because I think it'd be a nicer place to live and study, but go for the one you prefer, they're both amazing so it doesn't matter too much one way or the other.

Reply 4

danny111

3

does it really matter? both are top notch.

where would you rather live? what course do you like more (I assume they will be somewhat different)?, LSE is most likely a bit more expensive, can you afford that?

answers those and similar questions for yourself and youll get a much better picture rather random strangers saying whatever they think.

Reply 5

Craghyrax

17

Ai-Li

Hi!

I applied for MSc Sociology at both Oxford and LSE, and planned to go to whichever offered me a place (if either of them did). Now I'm lucky enough to have unconditional offers from both!

Naturally, my decision will be based on all sorts of factors - my career plans, course content, finance/funding and so on. One thing I'm not sure of, though, is the relative reputations of their sociology departments. I'm aware that LSE Sociology is the oldest sociology department in the country and they do have some amazing staff, but does this mean it is 'better' than Oxford Sociology? If so, why and how? If not, is Oxford better, or is there not much in it between them? Should I just disregard the idea of one being a 'better' department than the other, and look at their work in my particular areas of interest?

I never imagined I'd be making this choice, or that it would be quite so difficult! If you had this choice, where would you go and why?

Thanks in advance :smile:

I'll be doing an MPhil in Sociology at Cambridge next year.
I looked at the Oxford course, and didn't like it because it seemed to heavy on stats/research methodology and too low on theory.
I would prefer living in Oxford to London, but I hate London.
I haven't looked at the LSE courses as a result. If I were you I'd compare them closely and choose one based on your interests and strengths. Also look at the academic profiles of people in each department, and check whether they represent your key interests. Think about which would be able to support you or supervise you best should you continue to PhD.
Finally - I don't know if this is true - but I heard that London Unies use exams in their Masters. That would instantly rule a course out for me, due to my preferences. I'd have a detailed look for that if I were you.

Definitely don't choose 'Oxford because its Oxford' :facepalm:

Take a good look and use your head.

Reply 6

Craghyrax

17

pornstarz

Oxford, because its oxbridge.

That's rubbish advice.

Reply 7

titanbg

Hi Craghyrax

I am applying to LSE MSc Economy, Risk and Society and now I am completing BSc in Sociology with Psychology in Portsmouth.
How did you got into Cambridge? What uni you went and did you get a First class in Sociology? Above all, was the education from Cambridge worth it???

Reply 8

Beyoncelove

1

Original post by titanbg

Hi Craghyrax

I am applying to LSE MSc Economy, Risk and Society and now I am completing BSc in Sociology with Psychology in Portsmouth.
How did you got into Cambridge? What uni you went and did you get a First class in Sociology? Above all, was the education from Cambridge worth it???

Hey!
when did you apply for Economy, Risk and Society? Did you already hear back? thanks :smile:

Oxford or LSE for Sociology?

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