LSE Msc Economics vs Oxford MPhil

[keyneseffect]

I'm trying to decide whether to go to LSE or Oxford next year for my masters

Background:
- Oxbridge undergraduate
- 1st class degree (very high position)
- Little maths/econometrics background

Funding:
- Full fees funding
- Fixed amount of living expenses funding

Cost is not really an issue as although in Oxford I will have to live for 2 years with the same amount of money accommodation and living are a lot cheaper than London.

My long term aim is to work either as an economist in a central bank or international institution or somewhere in development.

I feel that LSE has a slightly better reputation internationally and so in signalling terms may be a better option. There is a small chance that I will want to go to the US to do a phd afterwards and LSE may place me better for this.

On the other hand I feel I will learn more at Oxford. 2 years is obviously going to involve more learning than one. The first year is supposed to be pretty intense and just micro, macro and metrics which would mean I'd gain a lot of depth. The second year gives the chance to do a proper thesis (30,000 words vs 10,000 words). Further, given my lack of maths background I might be suited to Oxford more and not really find the LSE course that rewarding.

But then again an extra year is a long time and maybe a years experience would be a better investment. Why spend an extra year in education when its unlikely I'll use much of the depth I'd go into and the two qualifications will look almost identical?

In terms of teaching I hear different things from almost everyone. As far as I can tell Oxford micro and metrics are very well taught but LSE is better for macro. My main interest areas are monetary policy and development. I know Oxford is excellent for development.

Finally there are personal considerations. Although I'd like to be in London, I'm worried that socially it is hard for postgrads who are only there one year and don't know many people. Oxford I already have a few friends and feel that the college environment will be easier to integrate into.

Any thoughts would be greatly welcomed!

[asianeconomist]

I am not entirely sure where you're coming from, but LSE is considered to be a top 10 department for Econometrics (and strictly dominates Oxford in that department). Oxford is supposed to be good in Macro (especially Development) with guys like Fafchamps....

[keyneseffect]

Sorry, I didn't mean to say Oxford strictly dominates LSE in Econometrics just that it was well taught. I wouldn't agree that the reverse is true though - for some areas eg macroeconometrics, financial Oxford may have an edge on LSE. Oxford is notoriously bad for macro though this may be improving, and yes development is a big strength at Oxford.

[acoma]

how did you decide in the end?