Hey all!
I would like to get some views before I could make an informed decision about which course I should pursue.
I have been admitted to both LSE International Political Economy (MSc) and for Oxford's Development Studies (MPhil). And, I am unsure where to go.
My academic interests lie in the political economy of oil-rich countries and hence both courses are suitable in their own manners. I am attracted to the programme at Oxford much more, since it would give me training in other fields of study (such as anthropology and history), and has a focus on development (which is really my thing). At the moment, I am not very interested in pursuing a PhD later on, but it is an option I do not discard.
My dilemma is the following. Although I feel very interested in working within the field of development, perhaps wiithin international organisations or NGOs, I am daunted by the job/salary prospects of a worker of this industry. It is often an exploitative and insuffciently-payed industry. Hence, I am not sure whether a development-oriented course would restrict my career options in the future. How truly "defining" is my choice of a Masters?
Although I really love the programme at Oxford, I am not sure whether I should go for it and go to the "more-flexible" LSE instead (which would perhaps enable me to work in development at first with the possibility of switching industries if I want to in the future... e.g. business and govt.)
Is the choice of a masters as defining as I think it is? Having studied Development Studies at Oxford, would it be very difficult to switch industries, say a job in business in the UK? Or would I have it better going to LSE?
Thank you!
:rolleyes: