Masters Discussion Forum

Hi all,

I am planning on starting a Master in development economics next September. I have received offers from Manchester, SOAS and Sussex and am still unsure which one I should choose. Could some of you please give me some advice?
What is the reputation of these programmes? How known and respected are they in development circles (for finding a job after the Master) or in academia (if I would want to pursue a PHD at some stage)?

I am hesitant for several reasons:
- From what I read in the forums, Sussex is well-known for development studies, but I'm not sure about development economics (the development economics programme is not administered by IDS, contrary to the development studies one). Also Sussex is lower in overall rankings than Manchester for instance, I'm unsure how that would affect job or PHD prospects.
- SOAS is well-known as well, but I'm afraid it might be too heterodox and that I might come out with too little quantitative skills.
- haven't heard much about Manchester...?

Thank you all for your help!

:) sure, I've seen that. Thanks for your reply!

Do you know the progammes and their reputation otherwise?

Hi,

Thanks for taking the time to answer, I really appreciate it! I didn't know that Sussex was going through some strife at the moment...
No, I don't have a particular geographic area in mind. But I'm more interested in applied microeconomics, poverty and inequality issues and also especially in the randomised trial methodology, that's why I want some sound econometric skills,
What do you mean by "almost reputations"?:) In general do you think they are all kind of equal reputation-wise?

Thank you very much for your answer!