London School of Economics (LSE) or NTU Double Degree

[Picolo]

Hi,


I need some help from those who are familiar with the London School of Economics. My niece just received the offers from:
(1) NTU to study double degree (Accountancy & Business) (4-yr), and
(2) London School of Economics to study Economics (3-yr).

We are familiar with the local universities and the career options after getting an Accountancy degree from NTU. However, we are not familiar with the career options if she is to pursue LSE. Hope to hear some advice as to which will be a better choice for my niece. For your info:

a) She is an introvert but she has many friends
b) She scored A for General Paper
c) She speaks in a monotone and not one to mingle around easily with people (in my eyes lah)
d) She is not on any scholarship programme. My sis is not rich and will have to get a loan to put her into LSE.
e) She seems to be more interested in LSE than NTU

For someone like her, is it better to play it safe by picking NTU? We are very familiar with the career paths from there. Given her introverted personality, if she goes to LSE, will she end up not able to find a job if she doesn’t have a certain charisma?

[verykiasu2010]

any time, LSE is much much more valuable than NTU.


it is a no brainer

NTU is far far behind LSE.

LSE was where Dr Goh Keng Swee studied, and a lot a lot more famous and influential leaders studied

is like asking to choose between RI in Singapore versus another school in a neighbouring country

[MummyThreeStreams]

I agree with verykiasu2010. In addition, living on her own abroad will give her a learning experience you can’t get locally. Having said that, you pointed out your sister is not rich and will need to take a loan. I don’t know her financial situation. I think this would be the key sticking point (rather than career prospects etc.).

[markfch]

In terms of global ranking by Times Higher Education in 2011, LSE was ranked 86th and NTU was at 174th. Incidentally, NUS was ranked 34th worldwide.


http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2010-2011/top-200.html

[Chenonceau]

:congrats: LSE is far better and opens up more doors.


Tell her this for me. :udawoman:

[sporemum]

The brand name of LSE is good, but then again, u need to consider the costs vs the value. NTU may be ranked lower, but she is doing a useful double degree Accountancy and Biz. Presumably this may be difficult to get in and might be valued by employers here ? Economics - well, i always felt is a more academic subject. On employer’s stdpoint , they may not pass over local grads for ovs grads, mainly cos even with a brand name, unless the grad is outspoken, has a first class or second class upper, etc. Also depends on what career/route yr niece will like to embark on. If she wants to go on sthing further academic, work ovs or be employed in the local industry.


If yr niece is craving for ovs exposure, i think nowadays uni has a fair nr of opportunities to go on ovs attachmts (of cos will cost $$). As for training to be independence, can also ask her to stay in ntu hostel- no need to fly to UK. These could be viable cheaper alternatives.

[sleepy]

Perhaps attend NTU for basic degree then follow by Masters at LSE?


A relative of mine took the above route. I can’t remember which course he took in NTU but I know it’s only 3 years not 4.

Masters course is shorter so your sis can save some money on living expenses.

Based on 1 sample size, seems to me it’s excellent career propect !

[carebear]

Hi Picolo, definitely I will choose LSE if it were for myself.

Points to consider:
1. Is your niece willing to go to LSE?
2. Going abroad will definitely help in improving her social and oratorical skills.
3. Financial status of the family. They should sit down and work out the costs and sacrifices they have to make, also consider what kind of job she can get in future and whether these financial sacrifices are worth while and how many years later can they recoup the losses.

[Chenonceau]

sporemum:

The brand name of LSE is good, but then again, u need to consider the costs vs the value. NTU may be ranked lower, but she is doing a useful double degree Accountancy and Biz. Presumably this may be difficult to get in and might be valued by employers here ? Economics - well, i always felt is a more academic subject. On employer's stdpoint , they may not pass over local grads for ovs grads, mainly cos even with a brand name, unless the grad is outspoken, has a first class or second class upper, etc. Also depends on what career/route yr niece will like to embark on. If she wants to go on sthing further academic, work ovs or be employed in the local industry.


If yr niece is craving for ovs exposure, i think nowadays uni has a fair nr of opportunities to go on ovs attachmts (of cos will cost $$). As for training to be independence, can also ask her to stay in ntu hostel- no need to fly to UK. These could be viable cheaper alternatives.

:goodpost: Nice balance coming in!!

[ChiefKiasu]

Personally, I think the overseas stint will actually help the introvert find her niche and confidence. It is very different staying by oneself, and knowing that you have to depend on yourself to solve problems since help is not just a few bus-stops away. Chances are, when she comes back, she will be an independent, confident and articulate young lady.


That said, like what sporemum says, what employers want is someone that can help solve problems for them and add value to their organisations. Academic qualifications only opens doors; to be invited in, you still need to convince the employer by demonstrating your capabilities beyond the academics. This usually come from good performance in industry attachments or part-time work during the school holidays.

Personally, I teach a module in the LSE programmes (external). While passing is not the issue, scoring beyond a passing grade requires lots of critical analysis. Most local students are route learners, perhaps trained from their 12 years of local education, and hence the majority does not do very well. So, getting a 1st class honors for LSE is indeed reflective of the quality and maturity of the student.