Best Masters Program in UK to break into IB?
I'm an ACCA affiliate with a few months of experience in IB in my home country, though deal activity was limited. Currently, I’m working in Corporate Finance and considering a move to either the UK or the USA.
I understand the pathway in the USA—getting into a top business school for an MBA, which allows entry as an associate in IB. However, in the UK firms typically follow the analyst to associate route rather than hiring MBAs directly for associate roles.
While my top priority is the USA, I'm also considering opportunities in the UK. What master's programs should I target in the UK to break into IB?
I'd say the following are all very good, though of course very competitive also:
London School of Economics (LSE): the best name overall probably in London
University of Oxford (Saïd Business School): not based in London but great university brand name of course
Imperial College London (Business School):
University College London (UCL): not as highly regarded but solid programs and based in London
would disagree with such a long list given you are also considering US. I was in your shoe a couple years ago applying to US and UK masters. End up going to a UK master and is working in London now. I only applied to 3 programs in the UK and i still stand by it.
with ranking:
I went to one of the 3 above and have friends that went to the other 2. happy to answer more questions.
I have 3 years of experience. Can I get into any of these programs? I know some programs require little to no experience...
I want to move from Brazil to the UK and doing a master at a target school seems a pretty decent way, since it is cheaper than a MBA
Hi I would love to learn more about applying to masters and your thoughts. Would it be okay for me to PM you? Thank you!
Got into all three programs for the 2026 intake. By the time I join, I will have 1 year of experience as an analyst on a trading desk at one of the BB's S&T division (not in the UK though). Getting conflicting opinions on speaking to the alumni from these programs, and can't come to a decision. My ultimate goal is to break into UK PE (UMM or MF), and a reasonable path to that would be via a top group at a top BB. At the same time, I have a high opportunity cost- leaving my current seat. Can you please guide me on what I should be looking at in these schools? I understand the factor of luck, but that said, I would like to have all the other variables in my control and am ready to do whatever it takes.
At my BB, target UK Masters are Oxford MFE, LBS MFA/MiM, Imperial MFin/F&A and LSE MFin/A&F. Then we have kids from good EU schools like HEC, Bocconi, HSG etc.
What about the LSE MiM?
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