University

**repartee** · 09-11-2011, 03:04 AM

I am from the UK and in the next year I am going to be applying to studying for a Masters in Criminology. I have narrowed my choices down to two institutions but I can't make my mind up.

They are within 2 places of each other in the university ranking tables. One has a very good domestic and international reputation but is not known for it's Criminology programs, it is just part of the law department (for those that are interested it is called King's College London). Also this university is based in central London and therefore the living costs will be higher.

The second is not as highly regarded as a university, although it is on par in the rankings, but it does have it's own Criminology department which is said to be one of the better in the country (the University of Leicester). The study modules/units also sound more interesting. It is in a decent and fairly average UK city.

Which would you choose? Should I go to a university because it has a better overall reputation or go to the one which is lesser known but probably has the better course?

**AureliaSeverina** · 09-11-2011, 03:51 AM

I suppose it depends on how likely it is that you will get a job in your field afterwards. If you can be sure you'll get a job in Criminology, I'd go for Leicester because the bosses in this field will know that its Criminology programme is better. If you are more likely to end up working in an unrelated job, King's College might be better because people will be wowed by its overall reputation.
Do you know any professionals or Criminology graduates who you could ask for advice? Maybe there's a forum or something where you could ask?

09-11-2011, 03:04 AM	#1
repartee Member [03%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 151	I am from the UK and in the next year I am going to be applying to studying for a Masters in Criminology. I have narrowed my choices down to two institutions but I can't make my mind up. They are within 2 places of each other in the university ranking tables. One has a very good domestic and international reputation but is not known for it's Criminology programs, it is just part of the law department (for those that are interested it is called King's College London). Also this university is based in central London and therefore the living costs will be higher. The second is not as highly regarded as a university, although it is on par in the rankings, but it does have it's own Criminology department which is said to be one of the better in the country (the University of Leicester). The study modules/units also sound more interesting. It is in a decent and fairly average UK city. Which would you choose? Should I go to a university because it has a better overall reputation or go to the one which is lesser known but probably has the better course?
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09-11-2011, 03:51 AM	#2
AureliaSeverina Member [09%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 386	I suppose it depends on how likely it is that you will get a job in your field afterwards. If you can be sure you'll get a job in Criminology, I'd go for Leicester because the bosses in this field will know that its Criminology programme is better. If you are more likely to end up working in an unrelated job, King's College might be better because people will be wowed by its overall reputation. Do you know any professionals or Criminology graduates who you could ask for advice? Maybe there's a forum or something where you could ask?
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