LSE, SOAS or Sussex for Development Studies?

Hello everyone!

I am planning to pursue my graduate degree in Development in 2024. I have received acceptance letters from LSE for MSc in "International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies", SOAS for the MSc "Global Development", and Sussex for MA in "Development Studies". However, I am having difficulty deciding which one to choose.

I am from Colombia and I am interested in working with NGOs in the development sector back home. My focus is on hands-on work, so I am looking for a programme that emphasizes practical experience.

While LSE has a better reputation, Sussex is ranked number one for development studies, and SOAS is ranked number two. I want to choose a programme that will provide me with a good education and job opportunities, as well as networking possibilities.

I am also considering the pros and cons of the cities where these universities are located. Although I am excited about living in a city like London, Brighton seems like a nice city and may be less expensive than London.

I would appreciate any suggestions from this community that would help me choose between these opportunities.

Reply 1

Pear521

3

Original post by laura.bernal

Hello everyone!

I am planning to pursue my graduate degree in Development in 2024. I have received acceptance letters from LSE for MSc in "International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies", SOAS for the MSc "Global Development", and Sussex for MA in "Development Studies". However, I am having difficulty deciding which one to choose.

I am from Colombia and I am interested in working with NGOs in the development sector back home. My focus is on hands-on work, so I am looking for a programme that emphasizes practical experience.

While LSE has a better reputation, Sussex is ranked number one for development studies, and SOAS is ranked number two. I want to choose a programme that will provide me with a good education and job opportunities, as well as networking possibilities.

I am also considering the pros and cons of the cities where these universities are located. Although I am excited about living in a city like London, Brighton seems like a nice city and may be less expensive than London.

I would appreciate any suggestions from this community that would help me choose between these opportunities.

I have an offer from Sussex so may be a bit biased but since it’s number 1 for development I think it provides really good networking possibilities as they invite in speakers and previous students to talk.

Hi Congratulations on your offers! It's great that you're looking to study at SOAS for the MSc Global Development Programme and want to work in NGOs. I'm a final year undergraduate at SOAS and what I like the most about SOAS is that it's in the heart of London, a short walk away from Oxford Street and the British Museum. London is definitely more expensive that Brighton but SOAS offer lots of financial advice and support including bursaries, scholarships etc and they provide job opportunities such as becoming a student ambassador and taking on part time work along your studies. Being at SOAS also provides great networking opportunities as you can meet people from all over the world and join the 165+ societies offered at SOAS and SOAS CareersZone offer tailored CV support and help with providing job and internship opportunities and workshops tailored to support you in your next step after your Masters Programme. Hope this helps!

Reply 3

sha4298

1

Original post by laura.bernal

Hello everyone!
I am planning to pursue my graduate degree in Development in 2024. I have received acceptance letters from LSE for MSc in "International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies", SOAS for the MSc "Global Development", and Sussex for MA in "Development Studies". However, I am having difficulty deciding which one to choose.
I am from Colombia and I am interested in working with NGOs in the development sector back home. My focus is on hands-on work, so I am looking for a programme that emphasizes practical experience.
While LSE has a better reputation, Sussex is ranked number one for development studies, and SOAS is ranked number two. I want to choose a programme that will provide me with a good education and job opportunities, as well as networking possibilities.
I am also considering the pros and cons of the cities where these universities are located. Although I am excited about living in a city like London, Brighton seems like a nice city and may be less expensive than London.
I would appreciate any suggestions from this community that would help me choose between these opportunities.

Hey Laura i'm facing the exact same predicament now, and wanted to check in on where you ended up going and how it is wherever you are!! I hope you're doing great :biggrin:

Original post by sha4298

Hey Laura i'm facing the exact same predicament now, and wanted to check in on where you ended up going and how it is wherever you are!! I hope you're doing great :biggrin:

Hi,

I'm not sure if SOAS is one of your options but as a MSc Development Studies student, I will share my experience and insights just in case it is.

SOAS consistently ranks in the top 5 globally for Development Studies and has a strong academic reputation with many passionate professors. Our professors are highly renowned academics with research-heavy backgrounds so we often focus on books and articles written by our professors themselves! Many of our faculty members have extensive experience working with International Organisations like The World Bank so it is a great place for networking and maintaining future connections. SOAS is unique through its critical and decolonial approach to development, challenging mainstream economic and political theories whilst steering away from Eurocentric content. The course aims to provide a holistic understanding of development challenges and I can confidently say that this has been my experience with this degree.

SOAS has great links with NGOs, think tanks and international government agencies and we are lucky to have frequent talks and lectures by external members and those working in these fields. SOAS is well recognised internationally, particularly for Development Studies so it is a great place to study at and a great way to get your future applications recognised.

Through this course, SOAS also offers a module titled 'International Placement Module,' where students are able to partake in work placements with NGOs and different development agencies. It is a great way to gain practical experience in this field whilst also studying the theoretical side. This degree also offers a module titled 'Development in Practice' where you are taught the practical side of development and how it is applied to real-life scenarios.

If you are interested in a globally-focused and interdisciplinary approach to Development, with world-leading academics then SOAS is a great choice!

LSE, SOAS or Sussex for Development Studies?

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