Big 4 Audit ACA apprenticeship vs Warwick university

Hi everyone,
I have a career defining decision to make.
Iam a current Apprentice at EY in Audit and am set to qualify as a Chartered accountant in 2 years (I’am already 2 years in).

I also now have an offer from Warwick university to study Economics with Politics Bsc (3 years).

I have spoken with several people who have advised to stay in the big 4 as there is a well known route from Audit —> M&A —> IB
And that the university route is uncertain with continuing downward trends in the Graduate market. Aswell as of course, going to uni would cost me circa 50k aswell as 1 extra year.

My goal is to break into IB, I would really appreciate any advice/ new perspectives on this. Would be great if anyone currently working in IB knows of anyone who has been through the big 4 pathway I describe above.

Thanks so much!

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