Durham vs LSE

I’ve got an offer for Economics, Sociology and German from Durham (am intending on asking to switch Sociology for International Relations) and an offer for international social and public policy from LSE (am intending to ask to add economics with it). I’ve heard mixed reviews about LSE, not sure what to do. I much prefer LSE to Durham in terms of location and I think its better in terms of world renowned, however socially I’ve heard Durham is much better and I don’t love the idea of having a lonely undergraduate experience. Not a very party person but need a social experience. Also not sure whether Durham’s degree will be better

Reply 1

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

19

Original post by afc15

I’ve got an offer for Economics, Sociology and German from Durham (am intending on asking to switch Sociology for International Relations) and an offer for international social and public policy from LSE (am intending to ask to add economics with it). I’ve heard mixed reviews about LSE, not sure what to do. I much prefer LSE to Durham in terms of location and I think its better in terms of world renowned, however socially I’ve heard Durham is much better and I don’t love the idea of having a lonely undergraduate experience. Not a very party person but need a social experience. Also not sure whether Durham’s degree will be better

A degree is 'better' only if you find it interesting and want to study it. For most employers, the degree subject doesn't matter. Have a look through the modules and optional modules for all years of the courses and work out which you would prefer to study. Then think about location, housing availablility, distance from uni and costs, travel costs, etc.

Reply 2

PQ

PS Reviewer

21

It’s also worth a look at the NSS detailed results for every question for your courses on the discover uni website

That will give you a clearer idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each course which you can use to decide if any of the weaknesses are in areas that are particularly important to you. And if they are you can ask the university if any changes have been made to improve things.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

I’d be cautious thinking you can just ask to add econ. Econ is hyper competitive at Lse so unless you have an incredible reason possibly unlikely they will switch you. I’d recommend asking them at an offer holder day

Reply 4

Anonymous #2

economics is like… insanely hard to get into at LSE, it would be hard for them to just add it. i don’t know anyone who’s heard back for that yet, even 4A* applicants

Reply 5

afc15

OP

4

Original post by Anonymous #2

economics is like… insanely hard to get into at LSE, it would be hard for them to just add it. i don’t know anyone who’s heard back for that yet, even 4A* applicants

They already accepted the change so thank you but I was more wondering about choosing which university

Reply 6

Anonymous #2

Original post by afc15

They already accepted the change so thank you but I was more wondering about choosing which university

i think LSE will have a bit more prestige for your course, but if you want somewhere smaller definitely go for durham. the social aspect sounds like it might be alright for you, as the party culture wouldn’t be as big but the college activities means there’s still a lot to do.

Reply 7

afc15

OP

4

Original post by Anonymous #2

i think LSE will have a bit more prestige for your course, but if you want somewhere smaller definitely go for durham. the social aspect sounds like it might be alright for you, as the party culture wouldn’t be as big but the college activities means there’s still a lot to do.

Oh ok. Thank you very much!!

Reply 8

Anonymous #1

Original post by afc15

They already accepted the change so thank you but I was more wondering about choosing which university

Do you do maths?

Reply 9

afc15

OP

4

Original post by Anonymous #1

Do you do maths?

Yes yes and AS further maths

Reply 10

Anonymous #3

What are your stats (A-Level + GCSEs)? And out of interest, how did you manage to faciliate the change.

Reply 11

afc15

OP

4

Original post by Anonymous #3

What are your stats (A-Level + GCSEs)? And out of interest, how did you manage to faciliate the change.

I didn’t change from ISPP to economics, I just added it. So I’m just doing a joint honours in international social and public policy and economics. My GCSE’s were six 9s and three 8s. My a level predicted grades are 3A*s and an A in AS further maths. I’m doing economics, Latin and maths as a levels. Apparently, for LSE your grades are not massive factors because everyone applying has very high predicted grades it’s a lot about the personal statement. I also did an online course on international migration and its impact on the economy and a work experience at a think tank in London. You just need to show that you love the subject and why your love for it is different to everyone else’s: ie what makes you unique. At least that’s what I was told I had to do

Reply 12

shn fler flwe

8

go to LSE

Durham vs LSE

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