With an increasing number of Chinese students choosing to study abroad every year, selecting the right overseas university has become an important investment decision. Many factors need to be considered carefully, including rankings, curriculum, career prospects, tuition fees, and location. Recently, two popular options for graduate studies in economics and finance are the University of Birmingham in the UK and Texas A&M University in the US. We will analyze the key differences between these two investments to help prospective students make informed choices.
Academic Reputation Favors Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is one of the top public universities in the US, consistently ranked among the top 50 universities globally. Its economics graduate programs are also highly reputed, with its MSc in Economics ranked #14 in 2015. In contrast, while still a respectable option, the University of Birmingham ranks lower at #70 in Europe in 2015. Therefore, in terms of academic prestige, Texas A&M has an advantage.
Practical Focus Benefits Texas A&M Graduates
The graduate economics programs at Texas A&M place a strong emphasis on practical training relevant to the finance industry, such as financial econometrics and mathematical modeling. This equips graduates with skills directly applicable to jobs in investment banking, asset management, and other quantitative finance roles. The University of Birmingham curriculum covers more theoretical economics and may require further on-the-job training.
UK Location Provides More Options for International Students
The University of Birmingham’s location in the UK enables students to find internships and jobs throughout Europe after graduating. In comparison, international students face tighter visa restrictions to stay and work in the US post-graduation. Therefore, studying in the UK offers greater flexibility and opportunities for overseas students in the long run.
Lower Cost Favors University of Birmingham
The total tuition and living costs for a 1-year masters program in the UK is approximately £18,000, compared to $36,000 for the 2-year program at Texas A&M. Therefore, from a pure cost perspective, the University of Birmingham is around 40% cheaper than Texas A&M in tuition fees alone. Students need to evaluate whether the extra cost is justified by potentially higher future earnings.
In summary, while Texas A&M University scores higher for academic reputation and practical curriculum, the University of Birmingham offers overseas students greater post-study flexibility and 40% lower tuition fees. Students should weigh up these key factors carefully based on their own academic profiles and career goals.