Imperial vs Erasmus masters for London S&T

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:

1. Imperial's Brand Name vs. Erasmus' Cost Efficiency:

   • Imperial's MSc in Risk Management and Financial Engineering has a strong brand name in London, particularly for finance roles. However, the fee difference (£47k vs. €2.5k) is significant, and living costs in London will further amplify the financial burden.
   • Erasmus' MSc in Quantitative Finance is highly cost-effective and still well-regarded, especially for quantitative roles. While it may not carry the same prestige as Imperial in London, it offers excellent value for money.

2. Reputation of Imperial Business School:

   • While Imperial's STEM degrees are world-renowned, the business school doesn't always match that reputation. However, for S&T roles, the technical and quantitative focus of the Risk Management and Financial Engineering program aligns well with industry expectations.

3. Your Previous S&T Internship:

   • Your prior S&T summer internship at a US BB in London is a significant advantage. It demonstrates relevant experience and can help offset any perceived prestige gap if you choose Erasmus. Networking and leveraging this experience during recruitment will be crucial.

4. Placement and Networking Opportunities:

   • Imperial's location in London provides unparalleled access to recruiters and networking events, which can be a decisive factor for landing S&T roles. Erasmus, while strong academically, may require more effort to connect with London-based opportunities.

Recommendation:
If cost is a major concern, Erasmus offers a solid program with a strong quantitative focus at a fraction of the cost. Given your prior S&T experience, you could still position yourself competitively for London roles. However, if you can manage the financial burden, Imperial's program provides better access to London-based opportunities and a stronger brand name, which could make a difference in a competitive field like S&T.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/admitted-to-imperial-college-business-school-msc-finance-and-lse-msc-finance-for-2019?customgpt=1, European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), Imperial MSc Finance and Accounting vs LSE MSc Accounting and Finance, Imperial MSc Finance and Accounting vs. ESCP MiM vs. IE MIF