MSc Finance from UCL and IB / AM roles in UK

Hi all,
I hold an offer for MSc Finance from University of Edinburgh and Bayes Business School. I have also applied to UCL and am hoping to hear back soon.

Does anyone have any idea on UCL places in terms of IB / AM placements?

Imperial is a better option yes, but I got waitlisted in their programme and am considering to go to either on of my 3 other choices.

What would be ideal or help me most in terms of the said career in UK?

Background: International student with 1 year 8 months of backend IB experience.

 

When considering MSc Finance programs in the UK and their impact on your career in Investment Banking (IB) or Asset Management (AM), it's essential to weigh the reputation, network, and placement records of the institutions. Based on the WSO Dataset, here's a breakdown that might help you make an informed decision:

  1. UCL (University College London): UCL is a prestigious university with a strong reputation across various disciplines, including finance. While specific placement statistics for IB/AM roles are not detailed in the context provided, UCL's overall reputation and its location in London could offer significant networking opportunities and access to financial institutions.

  2. University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh is well-regarded and has a strong finance program. However, being outside London might mean fewer networking opportunities directly in the city's financial district. Nonetheless, the University of Edinburgh has a solid alumni network that can be leveraged for career opportunities.

  3. Bayes Business School (formerly Cass): Bayes Business School, part of City, University of London, has a strong focus on finance and business. Its location in London and specific finance-oriented programs make it a good choice for those looking to enter IB/AM. The school has connections with the financial industry, which can be beneficial for placements.

  4. Imperial College Business School: Although you've been waitlisted here, it's worth noting that Imperial is highly regarded, especially for its MSc Finance program. The program's structure, focus on practical skills, and Imperial's strong standing in the finance industry make it an excellent choice for those aiming for careers in IB/AM. The context provided highlights Imperial graduates' success in securing roles in prestigious financial institutions.

Given your background as an international student with 1 year and 8 months of backend IB experience, all these options have potential. However, considering your aim for a career in IB/AM in the UK, a program in London (UCL or Bayes Business School) might offer more direct benefits in terms of networking and proximity to major financial firms. If you manage to secure a place at UCL, its strong academic reputation combined with London's vibrant financial scene could provide a solid foundation for your career aspirations.

Ultimately, while each of these institutions has its strengths, the ideal choice would depend on factors such as the specific curriculum, faculty expertise, alumni network, and how well the program aligns with your career goals. Leveraging any existing backend IB experience and actively engaging in networking and recruitment activities will also be crucial, regardless of your chosen institution.

Sources: Profile Evaluation: MSc in Finance at LBS, LSE, Imperial, Said or MIT, 2018 UK Target Uni - MSc - for FO jobs: put your POV, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, Help me choose the right university for Investment Banking, LBS vs UCL vs Imperial for IB

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

bayes undergrad whos now swapping to UCL

- bayes is definitely better than edinburgh for postgrad. i went to events at the business school and it seems like people on the msc finance course generally speaking place well. not quite lbs or lse but probably similar to imperial (at a push) and a bit better than warwick (at pg, ug warwick is a target). i could be biased though.

- i believe the ucl school of management is quite new and so where it places is a bit blurry. there is a website on ucl that shows exact career destinations + salaries so id check it for the course. dont think its a top target at post grad level though again i may be wrong.

 

I could be biased but imo Bayes - especially if trying to work in ldn. FT rankings have it as a top 5 business school in the UK. UCL is nowhere to be seen and Edinburgh is very low. 

I'd research the graduate statistics though

 

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