<p>So I wasn't expecting this - but I got accepted into the MPhil in European Politics and Society at Oxford this week. Of course, no funding. And I also go into LSE's MSc Politics and Govt of the European Union. Also, no funding.</p>
<p>Um - help?
Oxford = 2 years so more pricey in the long run. But, one year in London is still going to be $$$. </p>
<p>Also, anyone have thoughts on how the programs compare? Professors are telling me that if I want to go the academia route, Oxford will be best. But if I want a job, either would be good. However, what I am worried is that if I take loans, I will never be able to pay them on a professors salary (I already have loans from undergrad). </p>
<p>Any help / thoughts ???? Anyone else in the same programs ????</p>
<p>Well, I agree with your profs, but I also think that your $ concerns are justified. Despite not having the Oxford name, I would probably lean toward LSE regardless of path. 2 years at Oxford without funding would set you back <em>at least</em> £40,000…probably closer to 60. Oxford (and Cambridge for that matter) are surprisingly pricey and approach London in terms of cost of living. Getting your degree and getting out may be a wise choice.</p>
<p>I agree with your professors’ recommendations. But if cost is a concern, they are honestly both very good schools for what you want to study, so go for the less expensive one. </p>
<p>Also, be sure to look at external funding sources.</p>
<p>Go Oxford. You will be able to build a much better connection than at LSE.
LSE MSc programs are money making programs.
Oxbridge’s would be a real deal.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I am keeping up the search for external funding - but as I didn’t get Clarendon or the Overseas awards… or the Rhodes, or a Fulbright… yeah… its going to be tough.</p>
<p>VastlyOverrated: why do you say that Oxbridge MPhil’s are money makers? I was under the impression that you have a VERY good shot at getting into a top PhD program out of them, because of the hardcore research focus. But I am genuinely interested… I don’t want to throw away 40+ k on a degree thats not going to help me…</p>
<p>Well, my Cambridge MPhil has certainly helped me. I’m off to a top 5 American PhD program next year…A degree from Oxbridge will certainly help you. That doesn’t change the fact that MPhil students essentially pay for the undergrads (who have capped tuition).</p>
<p>Vastly: Gotcha. That makes sense. But it’s nice to hear you are off to a good American PhD program in the future. I am thinking that may be the route I want to go {do Oxbridge, then go back to the states and get a funded PhD}.</p>
<p>LSE would be the cheaper option and I hope that I would have what it takes to make it into a top PhD program from LSE. </p>
<p>However, am I right on this… if I did a PhD overseas [say I went LSE and then maybe Oxbridge for a DPhil], coming to teach in the USA would be harder? Also, I would still be classified as “overseas” … so would that mean any sort of funding options would be pretty much non existent? I can’t do the EU-national funding schemes (like ESRC Studentships). </p>
<p>Another question: would having an MSc make it harder for me to get into a top 5 PhD program in the USA? I have heard that the MPhil is looked on more favorably as it is the “US equivalent” b/c of the two years you put into it.</p>
<p>im no expert in this, but considering that there are plenty of “overseas” faculty members at my school, i think its a matter of research magnitude and frequency. if your work is good enough to get published in top journals, then you can find a faculty position anywhere that is aware of your publications.</p>
<p>Hi, work for banks, definitely LSE. Work for schools, LSE or Oxford. City life - LSE. Campus life - Oxford. Both UK and not for America. Congrduaions and it is your choice.</p>