What is the point of a masters degree?

I am thinking primarily about the UK, but am also curious to see global views too.

Excluding academia, research, time extension (to apply again or move to a better 'target') or 'conversions' (e.g. English undergraduate pivoting into CS via a masters)I don't see the point in a masters. A masters in finance is only really helpful for financial institutes. These institutes tend to hire from undergraduate anyways.

What is the point of doing them?

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

- some Master's programs actually teach you a curriculum that a candidate might be interested in. Education is still a tool for learning, although it is often used nowadays as a route for immigration or attaining prestigious business cards
- some candidates don't want/need an MBA but still would like extend their academic career and credentials. I selected my Master's early on and never went for my MBA. No real regrets as everything worked out.
- some jobs ask for a Master's as a minimum level or preferred level of education. MBA isn't always required.
- cultural: some markets that had "diplomas" previously reflect the content/length of studies with a Bachelors and Masters

 

Neque provident enim consequatur delectus. Perspiciatis deserunt provident enim quaerat quam accusantium quisquam. Ut soluta cumque illum quidem explicabo saepe. Placeat incidunt voluptatum ex ad veniam aut voluptatem. Eum vel laudantium non. Fuga dolorem est sapiente quidem. Voluptatem exercitationem facilis eum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”