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KCL Clearing - International Relations

I have an offer from SOAS for IR & Law (with achieved grades). I saw KCL is in clearing for IR and was wondering if it would be a better option for me. Although the SOAS course combination looks really interesting, I think KCL's resources, admin and reputation are both better. I really like SOAS's modules however I know there are options in year 2 and 3 to do law modules at KCL. Would really appreciate anyone's thoughts on whether the KCL course is worth switching to.
Reply 1
Hi,

I haven't applied to either or experienced either course. However, I have applied to a course knowing that I wouldn't enjoy it before. My advice would be to research it a bit more using a direct approach: reaching out to current students.

SOAS seems nice as far as I can see, I have messaged someone using Unibuddy about Chinese there and they were very helpful. Maybe try that for the department you're going into as students tend to be more open about any shortcomings or nice aspects to their courses.

Another thing I would recommend is a little of reflection on your part with regards to what it is you want from your degree. Both the unis are generally well ranked in your chosen field, however King's does tend to pull ahead of SOAS. So I ask the time old question do rankings matter to you?

Wish I could have given you more substantial advice.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Fai🌞
Hi,
I haven't applied to either or experienced either course. However, I have applied to a course knowing that I wouldn't enjoy it before. My advice would be to research it a bit more using a direct approach: reaching out to current students.
SOAS seems nice as far as I can see, I have messaged someone using Unibuddy about Chinese there and they were very helpful. Maybe try that for the department you're going into as students tend to be more open about any shortcomings or nice aspects to their courses.
Another thing I would recommend is a little of reflection on your part with regards to what it is you want from your degree. Both the unis are generally well ranked in your chosen field, however King's does tend to pull ahead of SOAS. So I ask the time old question do rankings matter to you?
Wish I could have given you more substantial advice.


Thank you for taking the time to respond! I think speaking with current students is a great suggestion as I’m finding it hard to make a decision.
Reply 3
Original post by booklover101
Thank you for taking the time to respond! I think speaking with current students is a great suggestion as I’m finding it hard to make a decision.

Hi,

I also just checked other posts on this application and someone mentioned that KCL is good for people who like conflict studies if that's something you are interested in!
Reply 4
Another quote from another forum post about King's IR posted 5 months ago:

"I am a final year IR student at King's. First and foremost, King's has the department of War Studies which has a world wide reputation. Some of the best scholars in the field teaches our modules and the support provided has been excellent. I have friends in LSE who complain how 'theoretical' the course matter is. If you want to do something related to IR, go to King's. The networks and opportunities are amazing. Most of my coursemates have either secured a masters offer at Oxbridge or Sciences Po while the others have a well-paying job. (this might be a biased perspective but I have had this discussion with few people over the years and they all agree that King's is one of the best in UK and Europe for IR)"
Original post by Fai🌞
Another quote from another forum post about King's IR posted 5 months ago:
"I am a final year IR student at King's. First and foremost, King's has the department of War Studies which has a world wide reputation. Some of the best scholars in the field teaches our modules and the support provided has been excellent. I have friends in LSE who complain how 'theoretical' the course matter is. If you want to do something related to IR, go to King's. The networks and opportunities are amazing. Most of my coursemates have either secured a masters offer at Oxbridge or Sciences Po while the others have a well-paying job. (this might be a biased perspective but I have had this discussion with few people over the years and they all agree that King's is one of the best in UK and Europe for IR)"


Thank you so much, that is so helpful!
Original post by booklover101
I have an offer from SOAS for IR & Law (with achieved grades). I saw KCL is in clearing for IR and was wondering if it would be a better option for me. Although the SOAS course combination looks really interesting, I think KCL's resources, admin and reputation are both better. I really like SOAS's modules however I know there are options in year 2 and 3 to do law modules at KCL. Would really appreciate anyone's thoughts on whether the KCL course is worth switching to.

Hi there ! I got an unconditional offer for IR at King's but SOAS was my insurance for Politics and IR. I personally choosed KCL bc the course was more oriented towards war and conflicts which is a part of IR I really love. So I would suggest comparing both of the syllabuses and pick the one that interests you the most ! If you ever choos to attend KCL after all, feel free to DM me on here since we'll be on the the same course :smile:

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