Bocconi vs. UCL for London
I’m deciding between two great offers: International Economics & Management at Bocconi and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at UCL. Long-term, I want to work in VC in London, and UCL is the degree/location I’d prefer, but cost is a real factor.
Cost Breakdown: • UCL (London): ~€70k/year (tuition £36.5k). Would require taking out a loan. • Bocconi (Milan): ~€35k/year (tuition €16.5k). Can finance it through family and part-time work, no debt.
My thoughts: • London recruiting is easier from London, but I’ve heard of plenty of EU students (non-Italian) from Bocconi getting looks from top firms in the UK. • I have an IBD insight program at Rothschild this summer, so I’ll have at least some experience on my CV before uni. • I don’t know Italian, which would limit networking/opportunities in Milan. But Bocconi has strong London placement. • I like the idea of living in Italy for a few years before (inevitably) ending up in London. • I hate the idea of starting my career in debt.
If money weren’t a factor, I’d pick UCL. Love the idea of studying PPE. But Bocconi lets me graduate debt-free while still keeping London as my long-term goal. Is taking on debt worth it for the London edge? Or would Bocconi + aggressive networking/internships be enough? Would love to hear from anyone who’s navigated a similar choice or anyone who has input!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown to help you decide:
UCL (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics):
Bocconi (International Economics & Management):
Key Considerations:
Recommendation:
If avoiding debt is a priority and you’re willing to put in the effort to network and secure internships, Bocconi is the smarter financial choice. Its strong London placement record and lower cost make it a solid option for your goals. However, if you value the UCL experience and are confident in managing the debt, it could provide a slight edge in London recruiting.
Ultimately, both paths can lead to success in VC with the right strategy.
Sources: European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/master-in-finance-hec-paris-vs-bocconi-vs-st-gallen?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/msc-finance-at-tilburg-university-or-msc-business-economics-financial-economics-major?customgpt=1, Physics undergrad admitted to top b-school, Bocconi finance or bocconi quantitative finace and risk management ?
on 2 feet, take bocconi. keep in mind you will NEVER work a single day in milan as italian C2 is an absolute must so you'll need to aggresively network and aplly ONLY to the uk with no visa which at least youd have if u went to ucl. its still doable but most internationals in milan are nepos so
Appreciate the input!
Bocconi is your best bet. VC straight out of university is very uncommon and you'll likely have to do a IB or Consulting stint before moving there, for which the Bocconi brand name will be very helpful. UCL is good, but the nature of your course will be looked at and between a strongly relevant one at Bocconi vs. a partly relevant one at UCL, Bocconi wins.
Thanks for the input!
UCL by far it is in London and has its reputation in the city.
Thanks!
Go Bocconi. Switch to BIEF and join the best associations.
Given a strong CV you should have no problem since you are aware so early of what you want.
Thanks for the comment! Do u know how easy it is to switch from BIEM to BIEF? I know the first year is the same for both degrees and a lot of people try to switch.
blud thinks associations matter lol
Who uses blud unironically.
Yes they matter in terms of surrounding yourself with motivated people that are willing to help you and from whom you can learn a lot.
Bocconi and try to get an Internship in London during your studies. UCL is great too but it's not on the same lvl as LSE/Oxford so not worth going into debt
Interesting responses, honestly Bocconi is definitely not a clear cut winner over UCL for London Finance. Yes it overall places quite a bit better, however you have to take into account the amount of competition at Bocconi. It is a school that is essentialy 100% Business Finance grads, where London is the ultimate goal for almost every one of them. If you truly believe that you can/will grind your 4 years in terms of coursework and networking (which for London is honestly extremely hard coming from Bocconi without existing connections) than Bocconi will provide overall the best optionality/looks on your resume. However, if you dont truly believe that you will be in the top 5% of your class (which is the top 20/400, and I´d imagine there´s at least that many nepos that´ll somehow get JPM or EB IB SA in London in their second yr bc they know a MD, just to keep in mind that its not purely academic - a slightly lower overall grade plus better internships will get a job every day over the guy with perfect grades), than go for UCL. I also know at least 5 BIEF grads who were strong students yet couldn´t break in to London or any decently paid role even in Europe and had to pursue Master´s programs elsewhere, the same thing is definitely happening in UCL however you´re not immediately screwed if you graduate without a job, being in London gives you the optionality to reach out to small firms, pursure off cycle internship, grad schemes etc. UCL is just below ICL in terms of London Finance, however the path to IB/MBB/VC is much more clearcut in that you need a First + good internships and you´re set.
Thanks a lot for the answer. When you say that UCL gives you more ‘optionality’ if you don’t land something immediately, do you think that flexibility is mostly due to being physically in London (for off-cycles, networking, visa-related stuff etc.), or does the UCL name still carry enough weight even if you don’t end up with a First? Anything specific on the VC environment for grads in London? Thanks!
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