Choice between Kings (War Studies) and Sussex (International Relations)?

Mark1976

I got offered places at Kings College London (War Studies) and Sussex (International Relations). Both courses hold the same amount of interest for me and both universities have a fairly good rep. I was just wondering what others would do given the choice? I am a mature student (31) and was wondering which Uni might be better for someone of my age?

Reply 1

Mike_P

1

They are two quite different programs. If they interest you similarily, well, though decision.
What would you like to do once you've graduated?

I believe otherwise that the War Studies department is very reputable, but reputation is perhaps not what one solely should base a decision on.

Reply 2

Kitty Pimms

17

They are two very good departments, and two very good courses. I would say that the King's department has slightly more by way of 'wow' factor from the staff, but the course and faculty there are considerably more specialised; whereas what you learn at Sussex will be broader.

In terms of the mature student experience, I suppose it depends to some extent what you want to gain from university. If you are quite happy establishing a life outside of the university, then Kings might suit you more; but if you're happier getting really involved in campus life then the community at Sussex might offer you more opportunities to make your mark.

I believe WiseOne has just finished the course at Sussex, hopefully he'll be along later to offer his expert opinion on the department. :smile:

Reply 3

Mark1976

OP

I would like to join the FCO or go into teachng after my degree but I an quite oen to other potential careers. It is quite importent for me to have a life outside of the university, even though I want to get fully involved in university life because of my age I would like the option of having a life away from school. Thats why location wise at least London might be better.

Reply 4

bryan

10

I think it depends on what you are interested in. I am under the impression that the Sussex is possibly broader, while the KCL courses focuses on wars and conflicts.

Reply 5

Kitty Pimms

17

Mark1976

I would like to join the FCO or go into teachng after my degree but I an quite oen to other potential careers. It is quite importent for me to have a life outside of the university, even though I want to get fully involved in university life because of my age I would like the option of having a life away from school. Thats why location wise at least London might be better.

This is very true. However, living in West Sussex you'll already know for yourself how brilliant Brighton is!

This is probably a really daft question, but have you visited both? What did you think?

Reply 6

Mark1976

OP

I have been to both; they both have features, which are attractive. Brighton is a cool place and has a more laid back feel. The campus is right on the edge of the Downs and you could bike in from most parts of Brighton. On the other hand the War Studies dept is on The Strand and in a pretty buzzing location. There is a lot more available in London (even though Brighton is hardly a backwater). One thing I have noticed though is that the War Studies dept seems to get more big hitters coming in for lectures and seminars. But would a War studies degree limit career opportunities compared to a more general International Relations Degree?

Reply 7

Kitty Pimms

17

Mark1976

I have been to both; they both have features, which are attractive. Brighton is a cool place and has a more laid back feel. The campus is right on the edge of the Downs and you could bike in from most parts of Brighton. On the other hand the War Studies dept is on The Strand and in a pretty buzzing location. There is a lot more available in London (even though Brighton is hardly a backwater). One thing I have noticed though is that the War Studies dept seems to get more big hitters coming in for lectures and seminars. But would a War studies degree limit career opportunities compared to a more general International Relations Degree?

I don't think it would limit your opportunities, simply because Kings *is* war studies. The two are so synonymous and well known that I don't think your career opportunities would suffer, no. My only question would be whether you're sure the course is right for you - it might be an idea to email the secretary to ask for first year module guides to see how much more restrictive it is likely to be. If you've got an idea that you might want to do postgraduate study afterwards it's worth bearing in mind, in case you are pushed down a path during your undergrad which doesn't accord with your research interests. If you're planning to go straight into employment, though, it's unlikely to matter particularly. So just make sure you're picking the right place for *you*.

Reply 8

Wise One

11

At the end of the day it's going to come down to where your interests lie;

War Studies is very different from International Relations, particularly Sussex's brand of IR.

At King's, you'd be spending 100% of your time on War Studies. This might seem obvious, but at Sussex, you'll only spend 100% of your time on International Relations in your final year, with 50% of your first and 25% of your second year occupied with electives from elsewhere in the university - drawn from Anthropology, American Studies, Philosophy, Geography, History, etc. etc.

Also worth bearing in mind that, while Sussex is pretty good at the security/war end of things, it does so in a rather peculiar way. As an example, take the second year module, Issues in International Security (which was only introduced recently ... i.e. after me). Security here isn't just about warfare, but disease, environmental hazards, rape, genocide, and so forth. The focus is a lot wider.

Also, there are compulsory modules in International History, International Political Economy, and International Political Theory, which form the base of the degree, with you specialising in specific, in-depth topics (assessed entirely by essay and dissertation) in the final year.

From my perspective, it seems relatively obvious that you're either someone who wants to do war studies or you're not. If so, King's is clearly the way forwards, otherwise Sussex has a brilliant (from my perspective, at least ... :biggrin: