======= Date Modified 21 May 2012 13:06:52 =======
======= Date Modified 21 May 2012 13:06:05 =======
Short but sweet question - does anybody know if a Dutch research masters degree holds the same academic weight as a UK masters degree? In this case for the application of PhD's (both in the UK and beyond).

[Boring filler] I am trying to specialise down the route of intelligence and security, with the sole intention of taking the work into research / academia. I have an application and 'reserve list' scholarship at Aberystwyth University for Intelligence Studies (along with a first degree from there) which I quite fancy, but I also have an offer to study Law and Politics of International Security at the VU University of Amsterdam.

I don't care for going to a uni just for the reputation, and there are very few departments that tailor for what I want - most of whom I cannot afford -so it really is a toss up. The Aberystwyth course is more specific, and has more room to explore the topics I'm interested in, but I reckon has little room for manouvre if I cannot secure PhD funding. Amsterdam, however, is less 'on-topic,' but does allow me to observe topics such as terrorism / security / intelligence from a legal perspective (I cant find any similar courses in the UK), has more room for job-hunting in continental Europe, and has all the cultural benefits a visit abroad can provide.

I am also rather concerned that, what with a lot less room to actually cover intelligence in the Amsterdam course, I may risk eliminating my chance for a PhD in that field (my Bsc is International Politics and Intelligence Studies) [/Boring filler]

Ultimately, I would like to go to Amsterdam as a cultural change and alternative learning environment, but my sole priority is to get PhD funding in my particular field of interest, and if all else fails to actually have some form of career. I certainly don't want to send PhD's applications to intel-related departments like Kings College, St Andrews, Brunel, Aberystwyth etc, only to discover that a Dutch masters isn't considered as strong as a UK one... hence the question!

 Thanks for the helps, chaps and chapettes.

Course content aside, a Dutch masters is no more or less strong than a British one. It does show however that you are willing to move to another country and culture and has a number of other benefits. I can't advise on course content as it is no where near my field, but if you assume all other things equal I would go for the Dutch one. Amsterdam or Aberystwyth? No choice there really!

I am currently completing my Master's at Leiden University in the Netherlands. I have found it a very, very worthwhile experience. I have now been offered a full scholarship for a History PhD, something I am quite convinced I wouldn't have been offered quite so easily had I got my Master's in the UK. In this current climate having something that sets you apart it is a huge benefit. Aside from that, the life experience is invaluable. The Netherlands is a wonderful place to live, and in addition tuition fees are around a third of the UK.

About the Master's not being as strong- they do tend to encourage 2 year Master's over here, so maybe a one year isn't considered as strong? However, I have a one year taught Master's, and I haven't encountered any problems in being accepted on a PhD course and obtaining funding in the UK.

It's completely a win-win situation! If you have any more specific questions please get in touch.

Also, though I study in Leiden I live in Amsterdam as my husband works here. It is an amazing city- you'll never find anywhere else like it.

======= Date Modified 24 May 2012 19:52:31 =======
======= Date Modified 24 May 2012 19:50:35 =======
Thanks for the info folks,

Unfortunately due to a a previously-unnoticed condition in my loan paperwork it seems I won't be able to get funding for the course in the Netherlands. That, whilst being a right pain in the wazoo, isn't too bad as I'm fairly certain the Aber course - combined with the reputation of the department for Intelligence studies - is the stronger of the two (at least for what I want out of it).

Might I ask DrVictoriana, are you doing your PhD in the Netherlands too? I can't help wonder what sort of opportunities exist abroad for PhD's.

No, I'm doing my PhD in Edinburgh- I should have made that more clear.
The Netherlands seems to provide a good system for it's PhD students, though I believe it suffers, like the rest of the world, with a lack of funding for the humanities. It was never really an option to study the PhD here, as my husband and I are moving back to Scotland in June.