If you used Clearing in 2024, how did you find it?

Is the MSc in Economics well regarded? Insights or experiences will be greatly apprec

Background: So I graduated from the OU with a BA in business management (economics), and got accepted to SOAS for an MSc in Economics (economic policy initially but I have an engineering degree so they gave me an opportunity due to my quant background).

Why I applied: Now, my tutor at the OU suggested SOAS to me (along with other universities e.g., nottingham), as I wasn't aware of its existence. I've also applied to QMUL and KCL of which I am waiting for their answer, and did not apply to City as I've read enough on this forum e.g., city is dead, etc... Most programs were closed, as I started applying after getting my grades (June 23), and even with a First I figured LSE, UCL and such will not let me near the door w/o a pure Econ degree.

Where am I now: I am currently in management for a global company in the UK, with an engineering background, doing quite well on the financial side, but I still need to prove things to myself (and especially others... yeah, I know).

Where I want to be (maybe): I'm thinking of working in Saudi Arabia or the UAE, hence this course could be great for it. But I also don't want to re-live my UK experience from a decade ago, arriving with a Degree from a foreign University that plays no role here (nobody cares). It's always good to have a head-start and not from the very bottom.

Doing this MSc means I will take a sabbatical because I want to enjoy the full Uni experience. But I want to do so in a University that provides me with a) A good high quality course, b) Good surrounding and an appealing cohort.

I don't want: tutors skipping classes, or strikes, I want to study, not march to Wesminster and to be honest, some of the comments in this forum are... sheesh... (looking at you SOASllbsurvivor).

Question: Should I accept SOAS, and if accepted to QMUL, should I still go with SOAS? (KCL will be a reject for sure). Or should I want a year and apply to all of the usual ones after taking many econ courses and such? (the league tables are certainly worrying because SOAS is ~500 or so worldwide, and not great on others).

Thank you everyone.