LSE MSc Fin vs Oxford MFE vs Cambridge MSc Fin (+ now vs LBS MiF)

oxford program places very well, curriculum is very challenging, if you have any doubts over your own mathematical ability expect to be raped.

id take the oxford program, program itself got the best brand name of three and oxford brand name is much better than the other two as well.

Thanks - that's more or less in line with what I was thinking. Appreciate it.

I majored in Econ/Finance in school and did a fair bit of math - I haven't touched it in a while but hopefully it'll come back with some review.

For what it's worth, I'd also recommend the Oxford program for the reasons stated by leveredarb.

Based on what I've read the Oxford program is the best.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I've just received an e-mail from LBS (this is for the LBS Masters in Finance program) asking me to interview. Given my background, do you guys think it is it worth going to this or should I just stick with Oxford MFE (I know that comparability is an issue here)?

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2 of the programs are pre-exp and 1 isnt. Its like comparing duke MMS to an MBA (kind of)

Yes I know- seems I am in some kind of grey area as both types of programs are willing to consider me.

I've personally been slotting pre-exp programs higher in the hierarchy as I don't really see the point of post-exp MFin... The curricula for most of them are extremely basic. The value add seems pretty questionable - it seems like they want teach me the CFA books again.

If you get into LBS that will be your best option be far. Otheriwise Oxford MFE.

as a side question, is lse msc finance worth going to without prior ibd sa?

i was going to apply to finance as a first choice and fin&econ as my 2nd choice. also applying round 3 for imperial and oxford msc fin/ fin econ, thinking either of those would be better. wl at one of the top american msfs.

Well without any significant finance experience then the MSc Finance at LSE should be hard to get admitted to and I would also suggest you to take a program which gives you room to get practical experience since full time recruiting will be tough.

I just posted a similar discussion but I would like to step in here and share some thoughts:

When I read through the different posts here, I think people tend to mix up the programs. I started my own discussion because I think there is a huge difference between the LBS and Cambridge's MFins and the LSE and Oxford's programs. LBS and Cambridge are MFins that require experience. When you do a little bit of research on the class profile the average work experience can be 6 years for the LBS and Cambridge while it is less than 2 yrs for LSE and Oxford. In my opinion, this is a factor that makes a big difference when it comes to share with your classmates.

Now, when it comes to academics, I do not have a clear idea of which one is better. I would like some help on this issue, if you don't mind. But I would guess all of them are really tough from the academic point of view. But once again, if you are thinking seriously about any of these schools you are likely to have done a good academic work during your undergrad time.

Finally (sorry for long post), there is something I think is important to address and I do not see a lot in the posts: when it comes to 'brand recognition' which one do you think is better to get a job in the city. This is something that I am constanly debating because Cambridge is a huge name but not precisely in finance. On the other hand, LBS has gained a huge reputation and it's in London, but I imagine that Cambridge will be better in the academic sense. I do not know. Points of views are welcome on this last issue.

Thanks all,

Guys, just a heads up... I did Oxford and it was absolute hell (emphasis) ... but I roughed it out, did well and I have no regrets (also emphasis). I didn't get a job in a bulge bracket immediately after (I had to settle for a 2nd perhaps even 3rd tier corp fin house) but not long after a bulge bracket (objectively the best one ... think MS/GS/JPM) headhunted me because it was looking for someone with my skillset (i.e., semi quant + corp fin).

Not sure if it would have been the same if I chose LBS or something else as it is not nearly as rigorous. Bottom line ... it pays not to dumb down. Good luck everyone.

IMHO the best is LBS and Oxford after that. However, it is not going to make a big difference in terms of your working opportunities.