Graduate Msc Finance - Which semi-target?

Hey everyone, currently looking to break into IB in London.

I'm currently in a Bachelor of Business Administration (non-target, EU), on path to obtain a 2:1. I have no relevant Finance internship or degree. I have been working for awhile on myself to get into IB, next step would be the Master degree.

I have read that schools are not the same for undergrad/postgrad degrees in terms of opportunities. I have no chances to get into Oxbridge/LSE (GMAT right below 600).

I am aiming at these 5;

-Warwick (Business & Finance)
-Durham (Intl Banking & Finance)
-Nottingham (Banking & Finance)
-Bristol (Finance & Investement)
-York (Considering Edinburgh instead, need advise)

I don't think my situation is busted, I honestly just want to learn something relevant for my future career while having some spotlight when applying later for analyst positions. 
I have also been considering BSc, as they may get me into IB more easily.

I could use some advise/criticism regarding my plans, feel free to let me know.

13 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Warwick will get you where you want to be, the others are a bit more mixed. Durham is pretty weak at the graduate level (mostly in'tl students), would drop that and add in Edinburgh. You may get answers to your questions on the below two threads. 

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/20-most-frequently-asked-questio…

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/european-masters-rankings

Cheers! 

 

Don't declare the GMAT. Agree with Telemachus, that Warwick is your best bet by far. Edinburgh should be on the list, like they said. Durham isn't especially well represented in IB but it is still viewed as a prestigious university and the alumni network is pretty tight - I'd say Nottingham is probably a more natural choice for finance (albeit a much less prestigious university), but I wouldn't completely rule it out. 

Previous internship experience will make your life far, far easier - even at Warwick, it's going to be an uphill struggle without one but not impossible at all. 

 

Warwick, but try to get into the pure finance program. However, Warwick Msc Finance program is not a main feeder when it comes to IB recruiting. Your placement will depend upon your previous experience, languages you speak etc. I'd strongly suggest you to retake GMAT and apply to more well-known schools.

Also, why don´t you consider Imperial?

 

I am now considering it, but without/with a low GMAT score I am afraid that my chances are reduced.
I would like to apply as late as March, it gives me 3 months to ace the GMAT I guess.

I am I think trying to be realistic, but I'll try Imperial anyways I believe.
One question though, if I cannot be considered for any meaningful degree this year, how are gap year regarded at Targets?

Thank you very much.

 

It all comes to down to how are you gonna spend your gap year. 

Are you gonna travel around the world? Do you plan to do 3 months M&A in B4, 3 months ER in a MM shop and sitting CFA L.1? If the latter, the gap year is definitely worth since i) It will increase your chances of being admitted into a top program ii) It will improve your chances of securing top internships once you were already attending the program

I did gap year after completing my BSc and I'm currently attending a MSc Finance. Nothing uncommon on my class, TBH.

 

Thanks for your advice.

It might be difficult to get better (realistically speaking), should going for a Finance BSc in a Target be a better option ?
I am in no hurry, getting in is the objective (Not a Finance Major, no experience in finance).

 

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