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MSc Statistics (Social Statistics )

Hi,

LSE has offered me full tuition waiver for its MSc Statistics (Social Statistics). On the other hand, I have a full scholarship offer (tuition waiver + stipend) from the KCL for its MSc Economics and Policy. I am not sure which one to choose? I’m currently working as a data analyst in London, but I am planning to pursue a PhD in Statistics or Economics in the future.

I would appreciate any advice and insight on the two programmes.

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Reply 1

Congratulations on getting admitted to two great programs with funding. KCL's program is a policy program. So if you want to pursue a PhD in Policy or Political Economy then this might be most appropriate. LSE is pure statistics. If you know you want to do a PhD in Statistics, then your choice is clear. PhD in economics is not an easy path if you are not on the right track. I'd suggest you do more research about that. What was your undergraduate major?

Reply 2

Original post by SS378
Congratulations on getting admitted to two great programs with funding. KCL's program is a policy program. So if you want to pursue a PhD in Policy or Political Economy then this might be most appropriate. LSE is pure statistics. If you know you want to do a PhD in Statistics, then your choice is clear. PhD in economics is not an easy path if you are not on the right track. I'd suggest you do more research about that. What was your undergraduate major?


Thank you so much for these insights. I have a none-UK BA in economics and a UK postgraduate diploma in economics. In my PG, I took level 7 micro and macroeconomics courses and performed well (earned distinction). I also took a level 7 econometrics course but didn’t do really well in that.

Reply 3

There is a strong bias in phd econ admissions for very high grades and letters of recommendations from economists (professors with PhDs in economics). Research assistant positions are common ways to get these letters. PhD programs in statistics (and economics also) generally look for strong math backgrounds, but performing well in a masters in statistics certainly would be helpful. Talk to your undergraduate professors and see what they recommend.

Reply 4

Also, look closely at the modules in each program. Find out what books you will be using and then you can get an idea about the courses. Why do you think you did poorly in level 7 econometrics?

Reply 5

Another thing, both departments really want you to attend their program, otherwise they wouldn't be handing out money like that. You have been accepted by two very different programs. Where do you really want to go? What do you really want to study? Do you plan to stay in the UK for your phd?
(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 6

Original post by SS378
Another thing, both departments really want you to attend their program, otherwise they wouldn't be handing out money like that. You have been accepted by two very different programs. Where do you really want to go? What do you really want to study? Do you plan to stay in the UK for your phd?


For now, I’m more interested in statistics but I am not sure if this interest will continue or change for PhD.

Reply 7

Original post by SS378
Also, look closely at the modules in each program. Find out what books you will be using and then you can get an idea about the courses. Why do you think you did poorly in level 7 econometrics?


It was purely a health issue- I started latent TB medication when I was taking the course, so missed several classes and the medication was so strong that made me dizzy and lethargic all day.

Reply 8

Original post by TheStudent93
Thank you, SS378. I did my undergrad in Afghanistan and most of the lecturers who taught us were masters themselves. I will talk to them but they may not be able to help me that much.
I did talk to one of my pg diploma professors when I wanted to apply for MSc programs. He seemed more inclined towards LSE MSc Statistics, but it was before I received an offer from any of the two programs.

TheStudent93, you're welcome. If you can handle the rigorous curriculum, I'd suggest LSE. If money is a concern, go with KCL. With your background in economics and then a masters in statistics, you could still do the policy, political economy/political science route and focus on "methods" which would be the technical statistics/econometrics side. I'd reach out to some of the professors in the statistics department, well maybe the program director or course leaders, and get their general feedback on pursuing a PhD after the masters degree in statistics or statistics adjacent programs. Do the same with KCL. Their responses might help shape your decision. Also, if LSE is your top choice, then I would let the LSE program director know you got a full scholarship to another program and was wondering if they would consider providing additional funding.

Reply 9

Original post by TheStudent93
For now, I’m more interested in statistics but I am not sure if this interest will continue or change for PhD.

I think statistics will give you more options going forward, but LSE is certainly not an easy course. In addition to traditional studying, you will need to work through past exam papers to be successful in their exams.
(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 10

Original post by SS378
I think statistics will give you more options going forward, but LSE is certainly not an easy course. In addition to traditional studying, you will need to work through past exam papers to be successful in their exams.


Yeah, I agree it is not an easy course and that I will need to work hard throughout the course.

Reply 11

Original post by SS378
TheStudent93, you're welcome. If you can handle the rigorous curriculum, I'd suggest LSE. If money is a concern, go with KCL. With your background in economics and then a masters in statistics, you could still do the policy, political economy/political science route and focus on "methods" which would be the technical statistics/econometrics side. I'd reach out to some of the professors in the statistics department, well maybe the program director or course leaders, and get their general feedback on pursuing a PhD after the masters degree in statistics or statistics adjacent programs. Do the same with KCL. Their responses might help shape your decision. Also, if LSE is your top choice, then I would let the LSE program director know you got a full scholarship to another program and was wondering if they would consider providing additional funding.


Thank you for the insights. I’ll definitely contact the course directors and see what they think/say.

Reply 12

Hi, congratulations. I commented your case to my advisor, who is lse insider, if you wish, you can private message me and tell you what they told me. I prefer not to post in a public forum.

Reply 13

Original post by jhorgelys
Hi, congratulations. I commented your case to my advisor, who is lse insider, if you wish, you can private message me and tell you what they told me. I prefer not to post in a public forum.


Hey, thanks for your reply. I just sent you a message via my friends accounts. I am unable to send private messages through my own account

Reply 14

Congrats! When did you receive the LSE scholarship?

Reply 15

Original post by vitakulyniak
Congrats! When did you receive the LSE scholarship?


Thank you. Received it two weeks ago.

Reply 16

Original post by TheStudent93
Hi,
LSE has offered me full tuition waiver for its MSc Statistics (Social Statistics). On the other hand, I have a full scholarship offer (tuition waiver + stipend) from the KCL for its MSc Economics and Policy. I am not sure which one to choose? I’m currently working as a data analyst in London, but I am planning to pursue a PhD in Statistics or Economics in the future.
I would appreciate any advice and insight on the two programmes.

Hi,
I can't help with your question, but if you decide to go with LSE, feel free to reach out! I'll be studying MSc Statistics (Social Statistics) there as well :smile:

Reply 17

Original post by leonie5
Hi,
I can't help with your question, but if you decide to go with LSE, feel free to reach out! I'll be studying MSc Statistics (Social Statistics) there as well :smile:


Hi, congratulations on your offer! Will let you know if I decide to proceed with it.

Reply 18

Original post by leonie5
Hi,
I can't help with your question, but if you decide to go with LSE, feel free to reach out! I'll be studying MSc Statistics (Social Statistics) there as well :smile:


Hey Leonie! I've decided to go with LSE as well for the MSc Statistics (Social Statistics). I’m really looking forward to it and would love to connect as we prepare for the programme.

Reply 19

Original post by TheStudent93
Hey Leonie! I've decided to go with LSE as well for the MSc Statistics (Social Statistics). I’m really looking forward to it and would love to connect as we prepare for the programme.


Hey, not sure how we can connect over this app. Do you want to share any contact details that I can message you?

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