SOAS or University of Westminster
Hi everyone,
I’ve received offers for a Master’s in Politics and International Relations from both SOAS and the University of Westminster. I’m trying to decide between the two and would really appreciate some insights from current students or alumni.
Which university would be the better choice in terms of academic reputation, teaching quality, career prospects, and overall experience for this course?
Thanks you!
I’ve received offers for a Master’s in Politics and International Relations from both SOAS and the University of Westminster. I’m trying to decide between the two and would really appreciate some insights from current students or alumni.
Which university would be the better choice in terms of academic reputation, teaching quality, career prospects, and overall experience for this course?
Thanks you!
Reply 1
Original post
by DaminirathodHi everyone,
I’ve received offers for a Master’s in Politics and International Relations from both SOAS and the University of Westminster. I’m trying to decide between the two and would really appreciate some insights from current students or alumni.
Which university would be the better choice in terms of academic reputation, teaching quality, career prospects, and overall experience for this course?
Thanks you!
I’ve received offers for a Master’s in Politics and International Relations from both SOAS and the University of Westminster. I’m trying to decide between the two and would really appreciate some insights from current students or alumni.
Which university would be the better choice in terms of academic reputation, teaching quality, career prospects, and overall experience for this course?
Thanks you!
Congrats on receiving both offers! I'm currently doing a Masters in Development Studies at SOAS and previously completed my undergraduate degree in International Relations here as well, so I hope I can offer some useful insights.
SOAS and Westminster differ significantly in both their academic focus and institutional ethos. SOAS is globally recognised for its non-Eurocentric and critical approach especially in areas like Politics and International Relations. The course content here is rooted in perspectives from the Global South with a particular focus on Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Westminster tends to take a more Eurocentric or Western-oriented approach with a broader, more general focus on international politics.
SOAS attracts leading academics with deep regional and theoretical expertise and the teaching is highly interdisciplinary and critical, engaging with frameworks like decolonial and feminist theory. Westminster offers a more applied and skills-based approach, focusing on contemporary policy challenges and vocational learning.
In terms of career prospects, SOAS has stronger international links, particularly with NGOs, global institutions and development agencies. There's also a diverse and politically engaged student body, which creates a space pf activism and discussion with people from all over the world.
If you're looking for a globally-oriented and politically active academic environment, SOAS is definitely he better fit.
Best of luck,
EH
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