Hi hbatten - I think that it is important to be specific in your personal statement. Tell them what it is in particular that interests you about Middle Eastern politics - for example the role of Islam, the region's experience of colonialism, state formation or democratisation. Basically, why are you interested in the Middle East and not any other region of the world? What's so special/different about it? Make it sound like you have some ideas and that you'd be an exciting and interesting addition to the graduate programme!

I also think it's good to mention specific texts or authors that you have found inspiring, but be careful not to sound contrived! And definitely make a point about why SOAS is a particularly good place for you to conduct your studies.

Hope that helps?!

Ah you've got a good while to make your decision then.

I chose SOAS because their course allows you to focus on the government and politics of individual states and regions more. I am interested in IR theory and how states interact with one another and stuff, but I wanted a course that allows me to focus on one or more particular regions. SOAS provided the best flexibility in that regard... I'm interested in Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa, mostly how Islamic movements affect those regions!

Afterwards, not sure. I definitely want to do a PhD at some point but probably not straight after. I think I'll a year or two out working somewhere, putting my master's to good use hopefully!

Hi. I've also been offered a place to study for the MSc International Politics for 08-09. Did you attend the open evening?

According my one of my lecturers here at Edinburgh, taught masters in politics are not SOAS's strong point. Perhaps LSE is better thought of in this regard, I'm not sure? That said, I'm told that SOAS do have some really good people looking at China at the moment (they have recently hired specialists on China at the expense of other areas). I felt that the open evening made a convincing case for SOAS being the place to study Asian and African politics...and I get the impression that, as a SOAS student, you would get some benefit from LSE's expertise because of pan-University of London research groups.

Anyway, I think I'm definitely going to accept my offer at SOAS. Good luck with making your decision!

Peter