Semi Target IB Options UK

Hello all,

Let me preface this by saying I know this topic has been done already. Let me also say I am aware of the 20 IB FAQ London post on here. I know courses don't matter in terms of perceived prestige, and that the targets generally are Oxbridge/ICL/UCL/LSE/Warwick, and then the semi-targets typically are Durham/Edi/Bath/Notts/KCL etc...

With that out of the way, I want to say I'm looking for some more up-to-date thoughts on semi-targets specifically. This is so that I can form a better picture on which of these options I end up selecting as my backups in applying to universities - based on their respective momentum in Springs/Summers/developing societies, and securing placement opportunities.

I'm looking to apply to joint-honour courses involving Economics, and something along the lines of Management/Finance or Statistics. My statement revolves around such subjects which is why I don't think it's best to apply to pure Econ/Management courses for these backup options.

I have narrowed down to Durham, Bath and Bristol out of preference. My concerns lie in:

- Bath: While everyone has raved about their exclusive placements in IB/PE, it seems a lot of these are course-locked. I have searched on linkedin to find pure Econ students with Private Credit placements at Blackrock, but I've also seen Business grads get very good ones at KKR/Citi IB etc. / some A&F with IB ones too. I'm not too fond of Business as a degree by itself, and I feel selecting pure Econ may be risky for a 'backup'.

- Bristol: Aware that the 'Trackr' they've built is rivalling the once go-to LSE tracker which I found cool - and I guess this can be a sign that they're generally developing students knowledge of springs/internships across all careers. Not too aware of their track record for springs/summers nor the strength of the finance societies here however.

Any thoughts and/or input welcome; would be nice to hear from current students or alumni. Thanks in advance.

5 Comments
 

tbh all semi targets are very similar and you should focus on whether you actually enjoy the course or city over anything.

That being said the fact that Trackr was created by a student from Bristol does not mean Bristol is good, just that the kid was talented. Bath placements are overrated, considering half of them are non-convertible.

Durham is the best out of all the semis, and by a large margin as well. Any reason you can't apply to UCL management science / Warwick GSD / LSE Management?

 

Met the Bristol guy at a networking event several months back, he's a solid bloke but I agree it doesn't mean bristol is good. OP I would go with Durham here, very respected although perhaps more 'boring'

 

Thanks for the help. I'm leaning towards Durham's Economics and Management course, think pure Economics is too risky in this context again. I think a lot of people talk about Bath's placements so I gave it a bit of an eye, but a bit questionable. No doubt that what the Bristol guy has done is pretty cool, wasn't sure on if similar waves extended to the societies at all.

 

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