LBS MFin and Imperial MSc Finance – which is best?

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate some honest insights as I’m currently deciding between two offers:
→ London Business School Master in Finance (MFin) – so not the MFA, the post-experience program.
→ Imperial College MSc Finance.

A bit about me:
I'm 28, I have around 3 years of combined experience (internships + fixed-term contracts), mainly in private banking and middle office roles (operations in a BB, business management, fixed income research). So not front-office investment banking, but still with exposure to markets and client processes.

I’m now looking to pivot into front office (M&A, in BB or Boutiques) in London and want to make this move as realistically and competitively as possible.

Given my experience level (somewhat “in-between” – not fresh out of undergrad but not a seasoned banker either), which of these two programmes would truly offer the best shot at making that transition?

More specifically:

• Which school would give me better access to IB analyst/summer/internships?
• Is the LBS MFin too experienced for summer roles, or actually the strongest choice for a career reset?
• Does Imperial’s MSc Finance have strong enough brand power and recruiter access for front-office roles?
• Any actual cases of people with a profile similar to mine (non-front office, 2–3 years experience) who made it through either programme?

Thanks in advance for your help – really looking to make an informed decision beyond school marketing and rankings.