Asset Management - Is this a solid life plan or am I being a fucking moron?

Hello all,

I'm an undergrad studying Bsc Econ and Politics at a UK target, but not top, top tier (think Durham, Exeter, Edinburgh, Warwick etc.)

My end goal is a job at a long only fund manager in equity research, preferably in London. However, I'm not explicitly sure that 'my plan' is the best/most likely way of achieving this end goal. I would appreciate any suggestions or solutions concerning the queries/issues I point out.

Following my final undergrad year, I intend to take a year out (basically there's some shit I want to do e.g. ski season in Japan). Therefore I won't apply for any graduate jobs, but I intend to do a masters degree of some sort following my gap yah, and then finally secure a job in Asset Management.

Few Questions:

1. How likely is it that I'll be able to defer an offer for say an Msc in Finance at a european target school? (in order to have a year out)

2. I've noticed that some UK schools require A level maths for an Msc in Finance (e.g. LSE), I've done AS level maths and have since taken a number of particularly quantitative finance modules and have reached a similar level (if not higher level) of numerical ability than that required for A level maths. Would I still be able to get onto a masters in finance programme at a european target school (LSE, LBS, Cass, Edinburgh, HEC paris, HEC Lausanne, SSE, St Gallen etc.) given that I'm likely to achieve a 1st or a strong 2:1?

3. How many weeks/ months are necessary for studying for CFA level 1? Would I be able to do it in my year out given that I plan to do quite a lot else in that year (bearing in mind that I haven't done a finance bachelors degree but have taken a number of finance electives including Asset Pricing, Money and Banking, Futures and Options).

4. How much value does a masters degree really add?

5. Can anyone suggest a masters degree/school that would suit my not outstanding mathematical ability (still pretty good considering no A level), that would be suitable for asset management as an end point? Good placements, strong brand name, preferably target? I don't mind leaving the UK for it.

Cheers to the legends that read all of this for hearing me out.

Any suggestions welcome