The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations

11

Could anybody offer any opinions on GSDIR for a BA in International Relations? Geneva would, I assume, be a great environment in which to study the subject, but is the school well-known at all? I imagine that it's overshadowed somewhat by the HEI.

Thanks,
Louis.

Reply 1

shady lane

16

It is a very well-known and respected school, although I've only heard of people who did masters and PhDs there. I didn't realize they offered BAs.

Reply 2

Franc Vouloir

OP

11

I see. I may consider it, then, although, being a private institution, the fees are a little steep. Whereabouts would you place it, quality/reputation-wise, in comparison to, say, LSE or St Andrews? (Note: I'm not suggesting equivalence between LSE and St Andrews, just giving examples of two well-known British IR schools.)

Reply 3

miccim

LGoddard

I see. I may consider it, then, although, being a private institution, the fees are a little steep. Whereabouts would you place it, quality/reputation-wise, in comparison to, say, LSE or St Andrews? (Note: I'm not suggesting equivalence between LSE and St Andrews, just giving examples of two well-known British IR schools.)

Hello. I don't know much about this school, but having studied in Geneva, I tought I would look at it. I went on their website, and the faculty looks good. However, you must know that it is a private school, unlike HEI for instance. In other words, you will have to rely on what people tell you, as it won't appear in any ranking or else. Also, those schools tend to have more mature students looking for developing professional skills, rather than young "normal" students. I don't imply that it is not good, only that you have have to look whether it is best suited for you.

Just in case: I know the University of Geneva launched a BA in IR this year; and at £400 per year, you won't find much better in terms of quality for price. You must be fluent in French though, and I think that this year's deadline is passed.

An alternative solution is to do your BA in UK (or wherever) first, and then try to apply for a master's degree at HEI. I did HEI, and it is really a very good school, both for your professional life or if you want to continue in academics. Those of my friends that continued their studies got accepted wherever they applied generally (LSE, St-Andrews, UCL, Trinity, Essex, etc.).

Reply 4

Franc Vouloir

OP

11

Thanks for the advice. I probably won't go for GSDIR in the end, due to both the fees and the probably quite unconventional atmosphere that you mentioned.

As it happens, I did have a look at the course on the University of Geneva website, but, although it's taught in English, I don't think that I'd be able to improve my French to the level required. (I studied it at GCSE, but didn't continue it to AS.)

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