UCL Politics and IR vs UCL HPE
Hi everyone!
I've received an offer for both UCL Politics and IR, and History, Politics and Economics (my counsellor told me to apply to 2 programs to increase my chances of getting an offer). I'd like to potentially pursue a career in diplomacy. I really liked HPE because I love history and economics, and these courses are things that I consider to be essential to IR; however, it's also part of the School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies Department, which is certainly interesting and gives access to the SSEES library, but I'm not quite sure if this degree will be as reputable/well-known to employers as the Politics and IR one. Also, I'm not sure if the HPE program is as geared towards/good for IR as the Politics and IR degree.
Any thoughts?
I've received an offer for both UCL Politics and IR, and History, Politics and Economics (my counsellor told me to apply to 2 programs to increase my chances of getting an offer). I'd like to potentially pursue a career in diplomacy. I really liked HPE because I love history and economics, and these courses are things that I consider to be essential to IR; however, it's also part of the School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies Department, which is certainly interesting and gives access to the SSEES library, but I'm not quite sure if this degree will be as reputable/well-known to employers as the Politics and IR one. Also, I'm not sure if the HPE program is as geared towards/good for IR as the Politics and IR degree.
Any thoughts?
Reply 1
Original post
by AnonymousHi everyone!
I've received an offer for both UCL Politics and IR, and History, Politics and Economics (my counsellor told me to apply to 2 programs to increase my chances of getting an offer). I'd like to potentially pursue a career in diplomacy. I really liked HPE because I love history and economics, and these courses are things that I consider to be essential to IR; however, it's also part of the School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies Department, which is certainly interesting and gives access to the SSEES library, but I'm not quite sure if this degree will be as reputable/well-known to employers as the Politics and IR one. Also, I'm not sure if the HPE program is as geared towards/good for IR as the Politics and IR degree.
Any thoughts?
I've received an offer for both UCL Politics and IR, and History, Politics and Economics (my counsellor told me to apply to 2 programs to increase my chances of getting an offer). I'd like to potentially pursue a career in diplomacy. I really liked HPE because I love history and economics, and these courses are things that I consider to be essential to IR; however, it's also part of the School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies Department, which is certainly interesting and gives access to the SSEES library, but I'm not quite sure if this degree will be as reputable/well-known to employers as the Politics and IR one. Also, I'm not sure if the HPE program is as geared towards/good for IR as the Politics and IR degree.
Any thoughts?
Hi, this is slightly late but I would say HPE is probably the best for multidisciplinary reasons (since Economics is highly relevant to IR/influencing Politics). Also, through history you can observe how diplomatic relations have been carried out in the past which is useful.
The Pol and IR degree is probably more highly regarded though, especially since HPE is exclusive to UCL only and has less degree recognition from an employer's perspective! And IR degrees will probably incorporate more Model-UN type discussions that are particularly helpful for pursuing a career in diplomacy.
Either way, I reckon both will be useful and are good degrees but Pol and IR is better for your career aspirations
I'm applying for 2026 entry for HPE btw! How much of your personal statement was centered around Eastern Europe bcs idk if the WHOLE thing needs to be to get an offer 🥲
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