Oxford or Cambridge for Criminology (MSc Vs. Mphil)?

Hi everyone! I applied to both Oxford’s MSc in Criminology and Criminal Law and Cambridge’s MPhil in Criminology, and, unexpectedly, I’ve been offered a place at both. Now I’m really unsure about which one to choose.

I initially thought Cambridge was my first choice since the degree is more research-focused, but I also love theoretical study, so now I’m feeling quite torn.

Is anyone else in the same situation and up for a chat? I’d also really appreciate any advice from past students from either course.

Thanks so much! :smile:

Reply 1

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by Anonymous

Hi everyone! I applied to both Oxford’s MSc in Criminology and Criminal Law and Cambridge’s MPhil in Criminology, and, unexpectedly, I’ve been offered a place at both. Now I’m really unsure about which one to choose.
I initially thought Cambridge was my first choice since the degree is more research-focused, but I also love theoretical study, so now I’m feeling quite torn.
Is anyone else in the same situation and up for a chat? I’d also really appreciate any advice from past students from either course.
Thanks so much! :smile:

The difference between the two isn't going to make any difference in future employment prospects, no employer is sitting there going 'I prefer Oxford MPhil Criminology applicants over Cambridge'. So pick the one you think you'd enjoy the most, and therefore get the most out of.

Reply 2

thegeek888

Original post by Anonymous

Hi everyone! I applied to both Oxford’s MSc in Criminology and Criminal Law and Cambridge’s MPhil in Criminology, and, unexpectedly, I’ve been offered a place at both. Now I’m really unsure about which one to choose.
I initially thought Cambridge was my first choice since the degree is more research-focused, but I also love theoretical study, so now I’m feeling quite torn.
Is anyone else in the same situation and up for a chat? I’d also really appreciate any advice from past students from either course.
Thanks so much! :smile:

If you want to do a PhD degree then you should choose Cambridge, otherwise choose Oxford. 😉

Reply 3

Anonymous #2

Original post by Anonymous

Hi everyone! I applied to both Oxford’s MSc in Criminology and Criminal Law and Cambridge’s MPhil in Criminology, and, unexpectedly, I’ve been offered a place at both. Now I’m really unsure about which one to choose.
I initially thought Cambridge was my first choice since the degree is more research-focused, but I also love theoretical study, so now I’m feeling quite torn.
Is anyone else in the same situation and up for a chat? I’d also really appreciate any advice from past students from either course.
Thanks so much! :smile:

Which one did you choose? I am in the same position! I’ve been told the Cambridge MPhil is regarded more highly however

Reply 4

Mu-tron

Original post by thegeek888

If you want to do a PhD degree then you should choose Cambridge, otherwise choose Oxford. 😉

Why are you saying Cambridge is better if you want to do a PhD? If you're going to make a sweeping statement like that then you need to back it up. Personally I don't see any reason.

I know someone who did the Oxford MSc so I'll ask them what they think of it.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 5

Sages91

Original post by Anonymous

Which one did you choose? I am in the same position! I’ve been told the Cambridge MPhil is regarded more highly however

Hi, I'm the original poster! I ended up choosing Cambridge after speaking to a few potential supervisors. I realised that the professors most interested in the themes I want to explore are all based there at the moment, so it felt like the best choice, especially since I'm hoping to pursue a PhD afterwards. I honestly think both courses are excellent and I absolutely love Oxford as a city, though!

If you’d like to connect, feel free to drop me a message ☺️

Reply 6

Mu-tron

Original post by Sages91

Hi, I'm the original poster! I ended up choosing Cambridge after speaking to a few potential supervisors. I realised that the professors most interested in the themes I want to explore are all based there at the moment, so it felt like the best choice, especially since I'm hoping to pursue a PhD afterwards. I honestly think both courses are excellent and I absolutely love Oxford as a city, though!
If you’d like to connect, feel free to drop me a message ☺️

The person I spoke to did not enjoy doing the MSc at Oxford. I asked why, but have not heard back. But it sounds like you've accepted Cambridge's offer so I guess it doesn't matter. They said they don't know about the Cambridge MPhil but "I can only imagine it is better or at least not as bad" lol.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 7

Sages91

Original post by Mu-tron

Thanks for the insight! That's super reassuring as I’ve been lowkey doubting my choice even though I didn’t really have much of an alternative with the research interests I’ve got lol

Reply 8

Mu-tron

Original post by Sages91

Thanks for the insight! That's super reassuring as I’ve been lowkey doubting my choice even though I didn’t really have much of an alternative with the research interests I’ve got lol

I don't think master's degrees are that restrictive. I am sure that at Cambridge, as at Oxford, you would have some freedom to pursue your research interests. If the academics there share your interests, that may be helpful in some ways, but if they don't, it doesn't really stop you doing very much. Aligning your research plans to the academics available is important in a doctoral degree (*cough* not that I bothered *cough*), not really in a master's degree.