Where should I go for international relations?

thinkabelle

Debating between international relations at Queen Mary University/Royal Holloway which one is better?

Reply 1

cksiu

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by thinkabelle

Debating between international relations at Queen Mary University/Royal Holloway which one is better?

What attracts you to go for IR? Look at the course modules to see which uni best fits.

Also, Queen Mary is a member college of London Uni. It maybe more resourceful because its student could access other colleges' facilities.

Reply 2

caichal

Original post

by thinkabelle

Debating between international relations at Queen Mary University/Royal Holloway which one is better?

QMUL is more reputable and well known, it’s a Russell Group and is ranked higher. it’s also in London, not in the middle of nowhere like Royal Holloway.

Reply 3

McGinger

it’s a Russell Group and is ranked higher.
Which is essentially meaningless in the real world - and wont mean that anyone will like the course or enjoy being at that Uni more.

Reply 4

caichal

Original post

by McGinger

it’s a Russell Group and is ranked higher.
Which is essentially meaningless in the real world - and wont mean that anyone will like the course or enjoy being at that Uni more.

Mmmm, it’s more impressive to employers so I’m not sure about meaningless! :smile:

Reply 5

McGinger

Original post

by caichal

Mmmm, it’s more impressive to employers so I’m not sure about meaningless! :smile:

it’s more impressive to employers

Evidence?

Reply 6

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

Original post

by thinkabelle

Debating between international relations at Queen Mary University/Royal Holloway which one is better?

Hi @thinkabelle ,

Picking the right university can be difficult so it's great to see you are looking for additional advice. ☺️

My first point is always to compare modules, this way you can see what interests you more and which optional modules may align closer with your passion.

Aside from this first step, I always recommend taking into account the cost of living in the area. If your planning to live in accommodation, which option fits your budget better? Personally, this factor was extremely important to me as I wanted to avoid financial stress, however this has differing weight on decision-making for different people. I recommend making a list of accommodations and comparing both universities, or comparing travel costs.

Distance may also be important to you, depending on whether you wish to be closer or further from home, or if it's overall not too significant in your decision.

Open days are a great way to make your final decision, this way you can ask tutors and current students about the course, university experience, social life or career prospects. I recommend having a list of questions ready for on the day so you don't miss anything. If possible, bring an extra person so you can have another set of eyes and ears to learn about the university and assist in your decision making.

Some additional factors you may wish to consider are:

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Societies

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Personal preference (e.g the "vibes" of the university"

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Local area

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Pressure (is one offer lower than the other?)