Realistic chances for UK MSc Program
I am entering my final year at a non-target university in the UK. I am aiming to apply to target universities for my MSc to improve my chances of securing an off-cycle or graduate role in IB, PE, or PC. I am currently working toward a first-class degree and have completed two summer internships: one in asset management and another as a portfolio management intern at a wealth management firm.
Considering my profile, I would like to know which finance/economic programmes are realistically within reach and whether taking the GRE or GMAT would significantly enhance my profile.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your profile—featuring a low first-class degree and two relevant internships—positions you as a competitive candidate for MSc programs at strong semi-target and target universities in the UK. Here's a breakdown of your options and considerations:
Target Universities
Strong Semi-Target Universities
Semi-Target Universities
GRE/GMAT Considerations
Additional Tips
Your profile is strong, and with a focused application strategy, you have realistic chances at both target and strong semi-target MSc programs.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/rate-my-ukeu-msc-degree-options?customgpt=1, The Case for Choosing a Non-Target, Best Real Estate Msc program in UK/Europe, 2018 UK Target Uni - MSc - for FO jobs: put your POV, 2018 UK Target Uni - MSc - for FO jobs: put your POV
Hey,
GRE/GMAT is a requirement for any relevant masters course. So yes, I'd take it. Don't know GMAT scoring, but I scored 337/340 on my GRE and that indirectly helped a lot - universities use the GRE/GMAT to gauge your capabilities.
Secondly, lots of people in these target masters programs come from non-targets. It's essentially used as a rebrand. Don't stress in that regard, but yes do make sure you get that first class.
Lastly, assuming you're doing STEM/ECON/Finance adjacent degrees I'd aim for strictly LBS/LSE/Oxford/Imperial as those are the only strong targets at msc level. If you want some safety's, potentially look at Warwick or Bayes.
Thanks for the response. How would you rank these 4 programs, and is Cambridge MPhil Finance/Economics also a strong target? Also for LSE, Imperial, and Oxbridge you are allowed to apply to 2 courses, except for the flagship MSc finace/mfe courses which course should I put as a backup
LBS has the strongest career center. They do a lot for students like CV review from MBA students in the industry you are applying to.
But if you can manage that yourself then I think Oxford has the strongest brand. The academic is also a lot more taxing, whereas LBS deliberately makes you schedule easy/light the first 2-3 months of school and is less theoretical.
I have heard that the second and third semester becomes time consuming as you are doing 11 courses from January to May. But by then you should have your internship, so what you put into it is what you get out of it.
Cambridge at masters level falls of greatly. You’ll just be banking on broader university pedigree. There’s no point going there if you’re serious about getting the upmost best possibilities.
If you want IB, at LSE & Imperial Finance and A&F apps. For LBS, both the MiM and MFA are good. Oxford is known for its MFE.
Thank you can I ask which programs you received offers from?
For UK: Oxford, LSE, LBS. Imo Imperial master is a tier below.
Europe: HEC, ESCP, Bocconi, HSG
Also how much worse are second-rate masters such as the LSE MSc Accounting and Finance or the LBS MIM or for example, let's say an Oxford econ-related master's instead of the Oxford MFE? If you choose a non-flagship master's program at a target school does your chance of landing a top role significantly decrease?
Also if anyone has graduated from any of these top master's programs or is currently attending one I would love to hear your experience .
I went to LBS MFA and would recommend 100%. The career services, alumni are strong. Followed by oxbridge and LSE.
I also frequently met with kids from European target schools like HEC, ESCP and Bocconi in my ACs. These are 2 year however so mainly depends if you don't have a solid profile and need a bit of CV padding with a few prior internships, then these are definitely worth it.
What level of banks and buy-side firms were you receiving interviews from and at what rate if you could give examples that would be great if you have to dm.
Et labore aut ipsa pariatur dolores rerum corrupti. Ullam error eius ipsum ut quos ex. Enim officiis pariatur sit deserunt sint. Blanditiis alias repudiandae repellat vel labore facere. Et iste eligendi omnis quia.
Quo soluta rerum maiores expedita vel. Ipsa et aut consequatur consequatur aspernatur non ut neque.
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...