Oxford PPE vs. LSE International Relations

Hi, im an American that is looking for some sort of comparison between these two programs. How are they looked at terms of prestige(I know PPE is very high but how is LSE IR looked at by employers?). Also what are some of advantages/disadvantages from picking one school over the other in terms of academics, finance, social life, etc. Is the faculty at each uni comparable?

Reply 1

fuglyduckling

PPE is one of Oxford's most prestigious courses and - in my opinion - ranks higher than International Relations, which I thought was only available in MA format, anyway.

In terms of the reputation of the two universities: they are both top-notch. Bar Economics, however, I would expect Oxford to be slightly better regarded, although this doesn't matter because both universities are good enough that you will never be turned away for interview based on your academics.

LSE will be more expensive than Oxford. Social life: this is down to you! Would you rather live in a more expensive cosmopolitan capital with far more going on, or in a smaller studenty place with a university vibe?

Reply 2

Sianey

You should probably bear in mind that LSE are very into taking overseas students, while Oxford will take purely the best regardless of where from.

Reply 3

Nutter

They're vastly different honestly - IR and PPE cover completely contrasting fields and the decision should ultimately depend on where your interests and passion lies, because that's also precisely where you will succeed. Don't bother applying for PPE if you cringe at the thought of having to answer philosophical questions, etc. Both are very prestigious courses and close to being the flagship courses of the respective institutions, so worry not.

Reply 4

Knogle

Oxford will take purely the best regardless of where from.

AFAIK Oxford does set quotas for international students.

Reply 5

Wise One

PPE is Philosophy, Politics and Economics. International Relations is, well, International Relations.

The two are fairly different and although you might study some IR in the first, you'd also have to do lots of other, completely different stuff.

Bear that in mind.

Reply 6

Drogue

PPE is an amazing course, very well taught and regarded, since it's Oxford's flagship course. However as said, it's very different to IR. You have a compulsory exam in each in the first year, then usually choose 2 of them to do 8 modules in for years 2 and 3. But remember economics isn't like A level, it's not a discussion based subject - it's maths, models and how things react to other things.