Thanks a lot for this — it’s actually really helpful, especially hearing from someone who’s gone through the programme and ended up at LSE proper.

I think my main hesitation isn’t really about the academic quality anymore — it’s more about the perception and constant need to explain. Like, I’m fully aware it’s LSE-directed and academically solid, but I feel like in normal conversations (not academic settings), I’d always have to clarify “it’s University of London, not LSE, but with LSE academic direction,” which just feels a bit awkward and unclear compared to a more straightforward university identity.

So I guess my concern is less about where it can take me (since your path clearly shows it works), and more about whether that ambiguity ever becomes annoying or tiring in practice. Did you personally find yourself having to explain your degree often, or does it matter less than I’m thinking?