UK vs.US for Masters

[sundaysundae]

Hey everyone!

Apologies if this topic has come up before but I couldn't seem to find all the information I'm looking for in previous threads. I'm choosing between applying for an MUP in UCL and in a number of US schools. The US schools I'm considering are the GSD, UPenn, Berkeley and MIT. Does anyone know the general differences between UCL and US grad planning schools in terms of culture, teaching, staff, resources etc? I've written to the schools but of course info from a third party would help!

I would be really grateful for any info on UCL vs. the US given the higher costs and longer time of obtaining a US masters. Just fyi, I'm currently doing my bachelor's in geography in the UK so I'm quite well-acquainted with the UK education system.

Also, if you went to any of the above schools and don't mind sharing your experience please do pm me! Bit uncertain about my chances, especially given my non-design background. Thanks guys!

[shaun.jacobsen]

I too am looking for some information on the differences as well. I am intrigued by the shorter length of completion time in the UK (despite the heavier course load, which I can handle) as well as the opportunity to live abroad (I studied abroad in Paris as an undergraduate).

I'm looking to apply to UCL as well, in the Transport program. The cost is a bit high, though, are you looking at any other funding sources aside from loans?

[archdav]

Personally, I think you'll get a much better education in planning in the US (particularly out of those universities listed). I studied at the LSE in Planning and whilst it was a great programme, the two-year course in the US will much better prepare you to become a planner. That said, you should think about where you want to practice. If you're interested in staying in the UK, then UCL is probably you're best choice.

You may consider narrowing it down like this:
- MIT (for international planning work)
- Berkeley (for academic planning work)
- UCL (for UK planning work)
- UPenn (for US planning work)
- GSD (for urban design work)

You have some of the best programmes in the world listed above - so you won't go wrong. Talk to the advisers and research their specialisations. This will help you make a decision. Good luck!

[fleiswatter]

Don't waste your time and money on the one year MUP program at UCL if you don't have prior planning experience and are not from the UK.

That was my biggest mistake. Not only can Americans not work in the UK post study (the degree is largely RTPI-focused), but you won't be able to find a job in the US with that worthless degree alone. I didn't learn any practical skills besides researching and writing, which an undergrad degree already teaches. You won't learn zoning, GIS, history, law, master planning, land use - essentially all the minimum fundamentals you need to get a planning job in the US.

However, if you're a UK citizen, most companies or boroughs will actually teach you hands-on-skills through their graduate schemes with just having the one year master's at UCL. In that case, the degree is worth it since you won't need to know the skills aspect of the job beforehand.