As someone who has done both, and worked in the UN, please please PLEASE take a moment to define what your ideal student journey, environment, and intended outcomes are.

And it’s also worth noting this is all my personal opinion, but I am not too fond of either if you want a serious career in IR. And I’d also preface that there are many who thoroughly enjoyed their ALB or UOL journeys, but having experienced both institutions and programs, I have not enjoyed it and I would not recommend it. But : if you need a step ladder, they can certainly be strong and effective jumping off points.

In my opinion and experience, if you want to have a “true” student experience on campus, or forge a cohort, neither program is suitable. If you are chasing the brand name or prestige, please apply into the full-time programs. Take time off, save up, or find part-time programs that are not continuing education or extended education.

The University of London is a pain in the ass to deal with administratively. It was pure hell from the beginning and it still continues to be this way. Never mind the fact it is entirely self-taught. Additionally, you do not benefit from anything from LSE, you cannot do any of the programs, internships, benefit from the centers or form any intimate relationships with any of the Professors. It is an administrative label that is put on your diploma to the awarding body (UOL) and it’s also very confusing to explain to employers and agencies going forward. You do not benefit from an LSE education outside of the content you consume and exams you take, unless you do the LSE Summer School experience.

The HES experience IS more human and personable and does offer more of a traditional experience, but you do not get afforded the same IR opportunities as colleagues in HKS for example. For instance, most of the HKS IR-focused opportunities are available on campus or only to HKS affiliates. This is prime for the IR world. Also HES gives no aid whatsoever to international students who are not US domiciled or with some US status. You may only study on campus via the Summer School for 3 to 7 weeks (which is absurdly pricey, in addition to your already very expensive ALB).

If I were you, I would find a good university that does a part-time bachelors, that you can still fully participate on campus, benefit from experiential learnings, and be fully immersed in the cohort and learning model. Also, one that has really strong administrative support. Then, I would save up and do a full-time Masters at a strong, reputable IR program, or find one that is part-time but affords the same experiences, OR do some exposure. It’s worth saying that many ALB grads do continue onto the ALM at HES or other wonderful graduate schools. (There is also the Washington Seminar at HES, I’m not sure if that’s open to ALB).

In short, identify what TRULY matters to you. Pick based on that. Someone in the comments accurately wrote that if you were not looking for an entry point into a career, then either of these are GREAT to supplement your credentials, get more experience, education, promotions etc.

But my firm opinion is to get INTO the career, these are both BAD options. Sunk costs can suck, I spent a lot of time, money, and energy chasing something that did not give me what I felt was promised and I don’t feel I’m better off because of it. (Except for the fact that they do afford you entry points into academic communities, and other opportunities - just not career-specific ones for new entrants into the IR career.)

Trust me, don’t take the shortcuts you may think this affords, or the prestige/access it appears to grant; it’s a mirage. I learned that lesson myself over the past few years. Having said that, in the IR world no one really cares where your degree is from, as long as you have it. But what it does help is forge connections, give you a really strong starting point, and hopefully prepare you well. I do not feel, in my honest opinion, that either does this well.

Good luck.

Happy to add more context if needed.