KCL vs UCL postgraduate taught psychology/neuroscience

i currently have offers from KCL msc neuroscience and am waiting to hear back from two other programs, and given that the ioppn has loads of labs and research opportunities + kcl msc programs have built in clinical observation placement opportunities.

HOWEVER, i am interested in applying for applied pediatric neuropsychology msc taught at UCL - but that program is extremely small and has no opportunities for placements. but obviously ucl is excellent for psychology. if i apply now, i will probably have to wait quite a while to hear back (as i applied around 8 weeks ago for KCL and am still waiting to hear back). i am finishing up my undergrad and am an international student.

my dilemma is that i will have to find housing for next year soon as i am leaving london in july, and this will depend on whether i end up at kcl or ucl. thus, should i just not apply to ucl given my KCL offer and opportunities for placements? i am hoping to apply for a dclinpsych following the completion of my masters, which is why a placement opportunity is so crucial for me.

what are everyone's thoughts? and does anyone have advice on how to reach out to labs within universities to ask for research opportunities?

Reply 1

Hiihateyou

Original post by racheljtan18

i currently have offers from KCL msc neuroscience and am waiting to hear back from two other programs, and given that the ioppn has loads of labs and research opportunities + kcl msc programs have built in clinical observation placement opportunities.
HOWEVER, i am interested in applying for applied pediatric neuropsychology msc taught at UCL - but that program is extremely small and has no opportunities for placements. but obviously ucl is excellent for psychology. if i apply now, i will probably have to wait quite a while to hear back (as i applied around 8 weeks ago for KCL and am still waiting to hear back). i am finishing up my undergrad and am an international student.
my dilemma is that i will have to find housing for next year soon as i am leaving london in july, and this will depend on whether i end up at kcl or ucl. thus, should i just not apply to ucl given my KCL offer and opportunities for placements? i am hoping to apply for a dclinpsych following the completion of my masters, which is why a placement opportunity is so crucial for me.
what are everyone's thoughts? and does anyone have advice on how to reach out to labs within universities to ask for research opportunities?

Just as a reality check - it will take several years of experience after the completion of your masters until you are competitive with the applicant pool for the DClin, so apply to the course you prefer. Also, UCL and KCL aren’t miles apart, and London is very commutable , if you stay in private halls you can book your place now while you work out where you will study.