みなさんこんにちは、コクレポです。
最近周りでも社会人３−５年してからそろそろ海外大学院に留学したい、という人が増えてきました。
今までに書いたフルブライトやチーブニング、ロータリー奨学金の合格の仕方のように、大学院選びにもコツがあります。せっかく会社を辞めて1年ー2年、新しい生活をするなら、一番満足できる環境にしたいですよね。私も最初は選び方が分からず、ただ専攻のランキングだけみて上から出す、しか方法が思いつかなかったですが、それでは奨学金も受からないし、そもそもその授業の満足度はあまり高くならないと思います。私は今の大学院にとっても満足していて、本当にここを選んでよかったと思えているので、今日は私がここを選ぶまでに辿り着いたプロセスをお伝えしたいと思います。
理論or実践
フルブライトやチーブニング奨学金の記事でも何度も口を酸っぱくして言っていますが、本当にこれが一番の肝。フルブライトに応募したジャーナリストの先輩が教えてくれたのですが、これを聞いた時も私は”理論”と”実践”ってどういう意味？？はてな、、という感じでした。
どういうことなのかというと、例えば私の専攻分野だと、実際に記事を書いたり、カメラレポートをしたり、インタビュー、動画編集、ポッドキャストを制作したりする授業がたくさんあるのが実践系。実際に働くのとあまり変わらない環境です。（いわゆるJSchool、ジャーナリズム専攻だと大体これ）一方、理論系だと座学授業を受けてリーディングをたくさんして卒論書く準備をする、（LSEとか、メディア専攻だと大体これ）というのが流れです。
一般的に理論系の大学院の方がランキングが高いのは、ランキングは論文の質と量で判定されるので、論文を重視している理論系の方が高くなり、一方、論文を書かなくてもよく、その代わりにインターンが必須であることが多い実践系はランキングは低いことが多いです。
留学の満足度を高めたいなら、学者になりたい人以外は実践系を選ぶのがいいと思います。Linkedinで志望校の人たちにヒアリング聞き回った私の調査結果としては、理論系を選んだ人の満足度が相対的に低かったです。”授業を受けて、トピックは面白いけど、じゃあそれ実世界ではどうやったらいいのか、というのが気になるのにそこは踏み込んでくれない”、”高い授業費を払ってやることかな、就職に繋がりにくい”という意見をもらいました。
日本で就職を考えている人は高いランキング、で選べばいいかもしれませんが、米英企業や国連など考えている人は、その言語での実務ができるのか、その経験、を問われるので、インターンの機会が多かったり、授業でポートフォリオを作ることができる実践の方が向いていると思います。
実践系の大学院は現地企業との繋がりが多いことが多いです。例えばイギリスだとロンドン大学シティ校はランキングはとても低いですがBBCのジャーナリスト輩出量トップで、BBCで働いてる人が実際に授業を行ったりしているので関係がとても深いです。授業もかなり実践的で、即戦力になれるプログラムになっています。なので、目的がメディア関係の学者になりたいならLSE、BBCで働くならロンドン大学シティ校、というように目的によって大学院の選び方は変わってきます。
一般的に、ヨーロッパは理論系の学校が多く、アメリカは実践系が多いと言われています。また、同じ大学院でもコースによって理論っぽいコースと実践っぽいコースがあります。専攻によって違うので、やっぱり大学名だけで判断せず、受けたい専攻コースの授業カリキュラムを調べてから志望校を決めるのをお勧めします。
Linkedinで在校生に聞いてみる
Linkedinは就職用SNS、みたいな感じのもので、海外では大体みんなプロフィール作っています。自分が興味ある分野の人と繋がりやすくなる上、空きのポスト情報が出てきたり、興味ありませんか？と声をかけてもらえたりするので作っておいて損はないです。上記でも書きましたが、志望校が絞られてきたらその在校生に授業の満足度を聞いてみるのオススメです。良さそう！と思っていても意外と、ネガティブなことが返ってきたりします。例えば私はアメリカかイギリスで迷ってましたがイギリスの留学生は”イギリス経済はかなり停滞しているから就職を考えるならアメリカの方がいいと思う” ”ロンドンは教授のデモが多くて授業がしょっちゅうなくなる、１年間で高い学費払ってるのに残念”など、リサーチしていただけでは分からなかった情報がもらえて参考になりました。送る時の参考に、私が送ったメッセージやりとりの一つを載せておきます。
- MSc Media, Communication, Development at LSEDear Mr.Ashraf,
I hope this message finds you well.
My name is Mizuki, a Japanese individual who has received an offer for the Media Communication and Development program at LSE.
I am reaching out to you as a current student in this program to seek your insights and opinions about the course.
Firstly, I would like to inquire if you are satisfied with the program. I have some concerns that the curriculum might be predominantly theoretical. As I aspire to pursue a career as a public relations officer or journalist in international organizations such as the United Nations, I believe it would be more interesting to have practical courses as well. I have also been accepted into SOAS’s Media in Development program, which is ranked lower than LSE, but I am under the impression that they offer a more practical approach. Could you please provide some insights into the practical aspects of the Media Communication and Development program at LSE?
Secondly, I would appreciate information about the career paths taken by graduates of this program. What types of organizations or industries do they commonly find employment in? Furthermore, I would like to know if the program fosters a strong networking community among its alumni.
Next, I am curious about the approachability and availability of the professors in the program. Are they friendly and open to discussions? Can students consult with them on various matters?
Lastly, aside from LSE, are there any other graduate programs in the field of media and development that you would recommend exploring?
I apologize for bombarding you with multiple questions, but I greatly appreciate your time and willingness to provide insights. Your perspective as a current student would be invaluable in helping me make an informed decision.
Thank you very much for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Mizuki - Zeashan A. sent the following message
Glad to hear from you! Let me answer your questions to best that I can.
Yes this is a very theoretical programme.I had a concern about the same too as I thought I wanted to a more practice based masters. However my understanding is that MSc programmes are usually theoretical and if a practice approach is what I’m looking for, then an MA is suitable (eg: the MA Media & Development programme at Westminster Uni). That being said, I have heard from a lot of people that the general consensus is that MSc degrees are taken more ‘seriously’ in workplaces, and that too, a degree coming from LSE passes a certain ‘barometer’ for employers when hiring people. Take my words with a grain of salt though, as your mileage may vary!
I can’t comment really well about the career paths of graduates as I am still in the programme! 🙂 But you should certainly keep using linkedin to find others to see where they are. The uni does do some alumni events where we get to see where people are working. Some of them work for medium to large companies/INGOs. But yeah I don’t have much to offer on this… yet!
The professors are really the highlight of this programme. They have all been really approachable and are wonderfully kind. You have to be smart about approaching them though. They have 15 minute office hours for one day a week which are bookable and it gets booked by other students really fast. But many of them (Prof. Shakuntala Banaji especially) recognise this and are very accomodating if you want to reach out to them by email. Many of them will be able to make space for you if needed. I really am satisfied with my interactions with the Profs.
Our community of peers are strong. And Professor Banaji and Professor Susanne Harris (they are in charge of this course) do a encourage us to connect with each other.
Wish you all the best! - Mizuki sent the following message
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful response. I truly appreciate it!
Your professor sounds amazing, and that’s definitely a significant advantage.
I had no knowledge about the difference between an MS and an MA degree. I received an acceptance to the MA Media in Development program at SOAS as well. While LSE ranks very high in university rankings, SOAS is perceived to be lower in the field of media. However, upon browsing their website, it seems that SOAS has produced graduates who have made significant contributions to organizations such as the United Nations and major media outlets. This has become a dilemma for me.
Furthermore, I unfortunately did not receive a scholarship, and the tuition fees are quite high. Due to this, I am considering exploring options outside of the UK, such as universities in South Africa, Europe (Erasmus program), or the Nordic countries. I think there is a partnership between the Cape Town Uni and LSE for the media program. Do you happen to know anyone who has attended the Cape Town Uni? I would love to hear about the strengths of both LSE and the Cape Town Uni l from individuals who have experienced studying at each institution. Considering the significantly lower cost of the Cape Town Graduate School, if it provides sufficient quality education on its own, it may be a viable option for me.
Moreover, if you have any other recommendations for graduate programs in the field of media and development, I would greatly appreciate your input.
Thank you once again for your assistance and support.
Best regards,
Mizuki - Zeashan A. sent the following messages
As an international student I can attest to how shocking expensive London is! It’s really too much. If you don’t get a scholarship and don’t have the financial backing it is really really impossible to live here. Unfortunately I didn’t get funding but my partner who is also studying in the UK got a scholarship, so we are both contributing to paying my expenses. It’s really a lot.
With regards to SOAS, I have heard it is a really great school with great academics! I have also however heard that it has a certain reputation that very unfortunately does not translate well for employers. I am sure this is an unfair generalization! But from what I’ve looked up online and spoke to people, if you are looking get a career in a large business or organization, probably SOAS may not be the place… (also because if that MA degree) Again this is a very generalized statement and I don’t agree with it. I’m just letting you know what I’ve heard echoed around.
There was another programme I was interested in, it was Massey university in NZ. I can’t remember the name of the programme but coincidentally, their head professor’s paper was discussed by Prof Shakuntala Banaji in one of our classs and she said he’s a good professor Maybe worth a look - Mizuki sent the following message at 8:35
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your help and the valuable information you provided regarding study options abroad. Your insights on the high cost of living in London and the lack of scholarships have made me reconsider my plans for this year.
I was unaware of the rumors surrounding SOAS, but I appreciate that you shared your knowledge as someone currently in the UK. It’s important to have access to reliable and firsthand information.
Additionally, I would like to inquire about the evaluation and reputation of the MA Media & Development program at Westminster, which you mentioned earlier. I’m curious to know more about the program’s quality and how it is regarded in the industry.
Regarding Massey University, this is the first time I’ve come across it. Thank you for introducing me to this institution. I took a look at the Master of Arts in Media Studies course you mentioned, which is available at the following link: https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/all-qualifications-and-degrees/master-of-arts-PMART/media-studies-PMART1SMDST1/
Is Kerry Tay the professor associated with this program? I found their profile on the university’s website: https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=884430
Please correct me if I’m mistaken.
I truly appreciate all the information you have provided so far. It has been immensely helpful in guiding my decision-making process. If you have any further insights or recommendations regarding these programs or any other options, I would be grateful to hear them.
Thank you once again for your support and expertise. - Zeashan A. sent the following messages
Mohan Dutta is a dean at Massey NZ. Again I’m not familiar with more about the uni. I have heard good things about Westminster but I remember one of my profs mentioning that their quality has gone down, again these are all one off generalizations and please don’t wholly rely on these You sound like a super driven person who is already doing the work by contacting people and asking for advice. I’m sure you’ll be able to navigate the options to find the best one for you. Good luck!!!
進みたい業界の人に聞いてみる
これも私はLinkedinをフル活用して、BBCのジャーナリストの人にメッセージを送っていました。身知らずの若者に丁寧に答えて頂いて本当に感謝です。在校生だけでなく、目指してる分野のプロフェッショナルに聞くのもとても参考になります。また、学部時代の恩師や他社のジャーナリストでイギリスのマスターに進まれた方にも相談し、”君は実践系の方がいいと思うよ、どの大学院見てるの？一緒にサイトみて授業内容確認してあげよう”、と大変親身に相談に乗って頂きました。この世界はなんて親切に溢れてるんだろう、と感動していました。
海外大学院は合格した年から1年は延ばせる
もちろん大学院によりますが、多くの大学院はお願いしたら合格した年から１年間合格を伸ばしてもらうことができます。私は1年目に大学院の選び方をよく知らずただ憧れのあったLSEに受かりましたが奨学金が取れなかったため保留にしてもらい、その1年で大学院をもう一度色々調べることと、奨学金のエッセイに全力で取り組むことができました。社会人をしながらの海外大学院合格はやっぱり忙しいので、1年伸ばして一番行きたいところに奨学金しっかり準備していく、というのはよかったなと思っています。実務経験が１年延ばせるのも私にとっては吉でした。
まとめ
参考になりましたか？大学院、どの学校にするのか、どんな授業を受けるのか、は肝中の肝なので、ランキングだけで決めるのは本当にもったいない。しっかりリサーチして、いろんな人を頼って、自分にとって最高の環境を見つけてください！
