Hello, everybody! I got an offer from Warwick in March (MSc in Behavioural and Economic Science) and was put on the waiting list in LSE (MSc Management Science (Decision Sciences)). Time passed, no anwser from LSE
I was going to apply for my Tier4 visa soon, but quite surprsingly LSE sent me a letter with a conditional offer (they require a copy of my degree certificate). Should I change my mind? I was really looking forward to studying in Warwick, but at the moment I am, to say the least, confused. LSE sounds more redoubtable, but I still don't know what to do. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Only you can make this decision. They are both v. good unis. Think about living situation

Probably, you know which course and uni would better in terms of applying for a PhD programme?

Lucky you! You're going to be the best judge of departments/supervisors. You're going to have to get used to independent research and judgements so you might as well start now.

Aside from that, are you a townie or a country person? I've lived in both areas and they are pretty much at the opposite ends of this spectrum. OF course London is very expensive too.

Thanks for your anwser. Yeah, I am totally responsible for my final decision, but it's always great to have some additional pieces of information to base your decision on.

Well, I've been living in the big city (>5mln ppl) for my entire life, and I also was in London once, it was really memorable experience. On the other hand, maybe it would be great to try smth different like living on campus. In fact, it's one of the aspects I am confused about. My guess is that country pace would be great for me, but I also like exploring new places and things which is easier in city like London. I'm also a bit afraid that LSE is not very social uni.

To sum up, this is a really difficult decision. I am eager to stay in the UK for PhD, so right now this is the most important factor for me.

Well, after a ton of thoughts I am inclined to choose Warwick. I like the content of the course more, and I also think that this course offers more opportunities for a good PhD topic after doing my masters.
So, the only question is "Am I stupid to choose Warwick over LSE?"

For example, my parents think I am because if I had to come back to my home country, the brand of LSE would look much better in my CV.

It's a tough one. LSE is definitely more well known internationally. I think if you intend to do a PhD afterwards it won't matter so much though.

Well, yeah, I've changed my mind two or three times in last three days. Still don't know what to do, I have a week for making a final decision, but I have no idea how I'm gonna do that. Both choices have their own pros and cons.
And what about finding a job in UK after graduating? I've heard that it's extremely difficult for a non-EU citizen, but still would be there a big difference if I tried?

What do you mean if you tried? I think in the UK LSE or Warwick wouldn't matter too much. I think maybe just focus on the course. There are many people that go to prestigious unis or courses and absolutely hate them. Could you try to find any information from previous students' experiences? What about previous graduates' job prospects after completing the MSc?

I did some research, but Behavioral Economics in Warwick is relatively new course, so there is no much information available. The course content seems more attractive and campus life would be smth new and exciting. The only thing that makes me worry a bit is international reputation of Warwick.

My instinct is to tell you to go to Warwick. It's got a great reputation in the UK and it's small quiet campus, so will be totally different than London and LSE.

Thanks a lot for your help. I want to go to Warwick, but I'm full of doubts, so your advice makes my life easier :D

An M.Sc. (followed by PhD) is no easy task and therefore you should be doing the project you want to do. If that is at Warwick, then go there. There's no point in going to LSE and finding once you've started the course that you have made a mistake.

I assume you've visited both departments, met the staff and had a chance to talk to other students as this interaction is a big help? From what little I've been able to ascertain, there's more to the Warwick course than the LSE course.

Ian

First of all, thanks for your anwser. It was quite difficult to visit the UK because I was finishing my BSc here, in Russia, and working at the same time, visa requirement wasn't much help as well. But I communicated with Warwick staff and alumni for necessary clarification. Unfortunately, I didn't do much research on LSE course because I wasn't expecting an offer from them until the very last moment. Overall, the communication experience with Warwick was very positive.

Hey, I know this post was started many months ago.. I've just applied to the same courses at LSE and Warwick. While I still have not heard back from them, I wish to know more about both universities and their courses from the students' personal experience. May I know where did you end up going? What made you choose one over another programme, and how did you find the course there overall? Would you recommend the programme and is it helpful for someone looking for a PhD in the future? Thanks a lot!