AIBU to ask what is better for undergrad economics? Cambridge or LSE?

[downtonabbeyfan1234]

If MNHQ want to move this to higher education that is fine with me.

Fortunate that DS has offers from both unis and I know they are both excellent (no issue cost wise with us thankfully). Anyone has any information as to what has the better undergrad course?

We've both looked at as much info as we can online. Apparently LSE has a new economics curriculum (and that interests DS very much) but Cambridge has a mix of maths and essays. Rankings wise Cambridge is higher up in the UK subject rankings but LSE is higher up in the global rankings for economics. If anyone has any DC currently doing economics, relaying their thoughts would be great.

I know that Cambridge is excellent but DS has heard of some cases where people turn down their Cambridge offer to go to LSE.

I’d put Cambridge #1 and LSE as an insurance if it’ll drop a grade.

Cambridge would be a lovely city in which to be a student - London can feel too big, isolating and lonely. Loads of international students at LSE who’ll fly home to HK etc on graduation, whereas Cambridge will be more mixed.

My DH went to Oxford- I’d advise Oxford or Cambridge every time; so many good employers only look there for their graduates, and the other people he meets there will go on to great things, so very worth knowing (more so than at LSE).

He can always move to London on graduation- which if he does economics he’s likely to anyway.

DS feels the LSE course has more flexibility and better choice of optional modules. I'm guessing for the core modules they learn almost the same thing?

A PP mentioned someone hating LSE and then dropping out. But I've heard of people who unfortunately hate their time at Oxbridge and drop out of that too.

Not sure where you're currently based. I think the point is he'd be choosing the city as much as the uni. Would it be possible for him to spend three days by himself in Cam and then London - to see where he feels happiest? Something to think about as a student in London is that he will spend a lot of time by himself - it's a major city after all. Some love it - I did and was always inspired by walking across the river. In fact, I still do that very same walk every evening and just love it. However, lots of my friends found it difficult and hated it. Similarly, I found Oxbridge too small as a postgrad and moved to London half way through and commuted in while lots of my friends thought it was the best. There is no wrong and right answer here, just a personal preference

@Fuuyf5677 LSE does have an offer holder day in April

@downtonabbeyfan1234

A PP mentioned someone hating LSE and then dropping out. But I've heard of people who unfortunately hate their time at Oxbridge and drop out of that too.

There are people who drop out everywhere. It is worth mentioning that the Tripos structure at Cambridge makes it quite straightforward (although not guaranteed) and quite common to switch subjects after your have completed your Part 1.

@downtonabbeyfan1234

DS feels the LSE course has more flexibility and better choice of optional modules. I'm guessing for the core modules they learn almost the same thing?

It is true that LSE has a bigger, in some cases better, range of applied economics courses to pick from in the third year. LSE doesn't have core/compulsary third year micro/macroeconomics papers in the way that Cambridge does. But this is IMO only really classable as a strong benefit for someone who really knows what they want to specialise in after university.

The first & second years are more similar.

I think your idea of Cambridge for undergrad and LSE for postgrad is ideal.

^This.

What draws DS to London is that fact that that many times there are joint society events with LSE,KCL and UCL. (Many of the political socs do this).

However DS and I have had a chat and he's apply to do a masters in London in the future.