UK Mandatory Masters
Incoming SA at BB (2025). Currently a final year student, hence will need to apply for some masters degrees now so I graduate in 2026.
Wanted to ask if it’s worth applying for a strong masters like LBS and going 40k+ into debt when I’ll already hopefully have a FT offer, or if I should just apply for a shitty masters at a local university and coast the entire year. Do firms care about the ‘prestige’ of the masters degree if I already have an offer there?
Thanks in advance
Good question.
My thoughts would be:
1) Firms don't care ASSUMING you do actually receive the return offer.
2) I would personally keep some minimum standard though, because
3) I'd want to hedge against the possibility that you don't receive a return offer, so
4) Consider a 2-year program (e.g. in Europe, which can also be more affordable), or look at a program which will provide you decent graduate roles (e.g. big 4, corporates, etc.) - to be honest if you don't get the return offer, it'll be very hard to graduate recruit directly to BB / EBs (or even more braodly in IB)
5) Maybe keep your options open. Get multiple offers for masters and just back out before you need to pay anything (to the extent that's possible - I did that admittedly 10+ years ago)
Look into RSM's MSc Finance and Investments, its only like 2/3 grand
We don't know his nationality. If he's international / British, he needs to pay over 20k euros per year... Still much cheaper than LBS/LSE, but more than Durham, for example
I guess it depends how intelligent you are. Like if you’re at 2:1 level at undergrad I wouldn’t recommend LSE/LBS because it will just be difficult for you and not enjoyable. A merit on masters looks a lot worse than a 2:1 does as well. If you’re cruising at a First, a good masters might be worth it.
Otherwise, Russell Group masters is normally fine, particularly if you’re staying on at your current uni.
You may also be able to ask to join full-time early in January, avoid the masters altogether and travel a bit (definitely worth doing before you start your career IMO if you can).
LBS masters is not academically difficult at all..
Yeah know people who’ve done LBS you are basically paying 45k for brand name and the chance to re recruit. Academically very different from lse or Oxford mfe or something
How did you secure a SA role as a final year student - would love some advice!
Qui consequatur commodi animi dolorem sint quia. Aut commodi incidunt aut accusamus autem. Dolore laudantium ea veniam quia quo sit. In laborum est nisi debitis. Laboriosam vero deleniti expedita quo ipsum a.
Voluptatem totam repellat adipisci quia fugit voluptate debitis. Exercitationem aspernatur voluptatem placeat. Et cum esse voluptatum ipsam nulla. Nesciunt facere adipisci et consectetur nobis.
Nam dolorem molestias voluptas repudiandae ab fugiat mollitia quam. Quisquam hic aspernatur autem velit. Nihil accusamus aut placeat fugiat. Sed sed et et voluptates dolores quidem. Amet et a nobis natus et iure.
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...