FAO Americans (or other non-Brits) that know about UK universities

[FleurDuMal]

I'm currently suffering a (nice) dilemma and am looking to all sources for help.

A bit of background: I'm in the process of applying to Law schools for entry onto LLM's (basically, one year taught postgraduate law degrees), and have received two replies - one from the Law school I'm just about to complete my undergraduate law degree at (King's College London), and one from the London School of Economics.

The dilemma is this - I'm really in two minds about which one to accept. I've really enjoyed my time where I am now, and the I know for sure that the tutors who teach the area I want to specialise in are not only very competent and skilled, but very nice people as well. However, I've always wanted to complete research in the US after my LLM, and I've heard that the LSE is very well regarded over there.

I know most Americans probably haven't heard of any university outside of Oxbridge (much like most Brits don't know of any universities outside of the Ivy League), but I was wondering what Americans who have some knowledge of the university system over here actually thought of its reputation? If you are somehow connected to academia, law or the social sciences, even better! The fact that the fee's at the LSE are almost £4,000 more than where I am now makes the decision even harder

Thanks for your help!

 

[Abstract]

I think you're going to get a response here that isn't representative of the US population with regards to universities, because we're so international.

Anyway, I'm from Canada and got my MSc in Australia. I'm going for my PhD in Oz as well, but I considered Kings College. Excellent uni. LSE is rather ace, of course, but your professors and experience is more important than which uni you attended, especially when both your options are excellent.

I'd say they're both as well-known over here (ie: most have not heard of either of them) despite being considered "Ivy League" in the UK and the rest of the world, but I'm willing to bet that Kings College is more well-known generally. I'm not sure about LSE in the world of Law. Maybe they're more well-known in those circles.

I almost considered Kings College for my PhD, but their projects weren't what I was looking for (ie: they weren't interesting ).

 

[FleurDuMal]

I think you're going to get a response here that isn't representative of the US population with regards to universities, because we're so international.

Anyway, I'm from Canada and got my MSc in Australia. I'm going for my PhD in Oz as well, but I considered Kings College. Excellent uni. LSE is rather ace, of course, but your professors and experience is more important than which uni you attended, especially when both your options are excellent.

I'd say they're both as well-known over here (ie: most have not heard of either of them) despite being considered "Ivy League" in the UK and the rest of the world, but I'm willing to bet that Kings College is more well-known generally. I'm not sure about LSE in the world of Law. Maybe they're more well-known in those circles.

I almost considered Kings College for my PhD, but their projects weren't what I was looking for (ie: they weren't interesting ).

Hmmm...interesting. What were you thinking of doing your PhD in at King's? You're right, Kings is an excellent college, and most people would perceive no difference between the two. I've always felt that LSE might be better regarded in areas of law closely allied to the social sciences, or are of an international character, such as public international and socio-legal theory (both of which I'm considering specialising in). I've really enjoyed my time at Kings. The facilities are, on the most part, excellent (especially the library), and the teaching has been very good (with the odd exception).

Something just tells me that it'd be good for me, personally and academically, to have a change for a year - shake myself from my comfort zone. Visiting the 'same old' library, and the 'same old' lecture theatre and the 'same old' seminar rooms, etc, could make me lethargic and complacent. Being thrown into a new environment could bring about a zest and an energy which I might not get if I stay on at the same place (OK, the LSE is actually only across the road from King's but you get the idea ).

Btw, what is Monash university like in Australia? I seriously considered doing a year there as Kings do a bit exchange with them.

 

[4nr-]

Hehe, I'm in the midst of my applying to the U.K. too, although for undergraduate studies. I would go for LSE if you get an offer from them, as it is a more renounced university. But either should be great.

 

[7254278]

I am from the US and I have heard of both. Both are TOP NOTCH UNIVERSITIES! Maybe LSE is a bit more famous but I am sure Kings College is just as good and most probably just as famous. The fact that you know the teaching quality is good and that LSE is more expensive I would stick to Kings College. I am almost convinced there is almost no reputation difference between both schools. Good Luck!