Finance and business bachelors or Economics with finance bachelors (High semi-target) UK
I wanted to get a quick consensus before I decide which major to pursue. (Might fucking break me or make me considering I am going to study at a semi-target) I aim to break into high finance, and I'm concerned about the impact of my major choices on my career. I'm adamant about choosing between them. University: University of Edinburgh Option 1: Finance and Business (50% : 50%) MA (Honours) Business School, accredited by the Business School Option 2: Economics with Finance (75% : 25%) MA (Honours) Economics School, accredited by the Business School (Weird, I know) Option 1 pros/cons: Finance with business: Benefits: More available credits can be spent on finance classes, such as M&A, financial markets, Futures and options, fixed income analysis, investments and securities markets, global macro investing, equity finance, and additional accounting classes (fast-track to take these classes in years 1 and 2).Business school presitegeMore Free time Cons: 50% of classes are spent on useless business classes that are 9 times out of 10 completely unanalytical. And the course itself as a whole is easier.Furthermore, after reviewing graduate surveys, it is found that fewer graduates become analysts, and less satisfaction is reported among the student body. Most graduates end up in consulting or as analysts (to a lesser extent) right after graduation. Option 2 pros/cons: Economics with Finance: Benefits:More rigorous and analytical courses often require several mandatory challenging economics classes, such as financial econometrics, game theory, advanced mathematical economics, and statistical methods for economics, among others (Check the link above for more information).It has the same accreditation as the business major above, but it falls under the economics school, which is easier to get into but with higher qualifications needed.I will actually learn some interesting theories and apply relevant analytical concepts. Cons: Less time is spent on financial classes, and most financial courses are available in year 3 (with limited credits to spend on) and year 4 (where they won't be helpful because my summer internship would have passed).It's very challenging, so achieving good grades will be hard, but it's doable.There is no business school prestige, as it's under the economics school; however, it's the only economics major accredited by the business school. Conclusion: Finance with business is less analytical and less demanding, but it gives me more freedom for external work, such as extracurricular activities. It lacks the analytical rigour and toughness that IB recruiters seek, and it fails to teach critical economic principles. And the business classes are terrible. And from what I have seen, it has lower chances of breaking into top banks. Economics with finance is very analytically demanding and enriching; it has the same accreditation but lacks business school prestige, and not enough time is spent teaching actual finance. The window of opportunity to take those classes falls in the last years of the major, making it annoying. It looks better on paper but is harder to execute. Which degree is better for high finance? Thank you. Please keep the roasting to a minimum, and note that these are the only two viable finance majors at the University of Edinburgh, besides Finance and Accounting, which have their own issues.
pick option 2 because "Economics" sounds better than "Business"
use your spare time to learn the technicals, not via your classes
Yeah I’m with you on that, but the Econ class is significantly notorious for being tough especially considering its fail rate.
So my concern with it, is not only am I learning jack shit that’s relevant sometimes, but that I’m not going to be able to get high grades and prioritize other aspects of my application.
I assure you, if you’re a finance hardo, you will not find undergraduate economics difficult at Edinburgh (or any university in the UK). You will have ample time for your apps
Thanks a lot man I think I am going to opt for finance, just needed to get a lot of opinions on it from people in the industry rather than just the uni
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's the breakdown:
If your ultimate goal is to break into high finance (e.g., investment banking, private equity, or asset management), Economics with Finance is likely the better choice for the following reasons:
Why Economics with Finance Stands Out:
Drawbacks to Consider:
Why Finance with Business Falls Short:
Recommendations:
In conclusion, Economics with Finance offers a stronger foundation for high finance roles, even if it requires more effort and strategic planning on your part.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/msc-finance-at-tilburg-university-or-msc-business-economics-financial-economics-major?customgpt=1, Finance Degree Worth More Than Accounting Degree?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, Physics undergrad admitted to top b-school, MSc Finance University of Bath vs University of Edinburgh
I’m not in the UK but everything I’ve read is economics is more respected than business courses
Voluptatem distinctio maiores quasi sint cumque et. Ut sed quia et voluptatibus. Modi aut quas quia et et fugiat reiciendis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...