MSc Finance Warwick vs Nova SBE vs ESSEC
I got offers from the three schools but didn´t get any scholarship. I´d like to work in London after the MSc, so I´ll try to secure an internship next summer in London. I don´t speak neither French (just some basic stuff) nor Portuguese although I could learn Portuguese easier than French since I´m Spaniard. I´m not a M&A or bust guy. Obviously, I´ll apply to IBD internships but I´m also open to consider AM/ER roles given that I´ve completed an OC in ER.
If you can afford the 35K Warwick fee, then it's a no brainer. Sure, Warwick doesn't get as much events/exposure as LSE/LBS, but outside of London and Oxbridge it's probably the top place for IBD in the UK. If you look for value for your buck then ESSEC might be a bit better-off as it is half of the price. Otherwise, if you don't speak French I don't see why you would pick it over Warwick.
ESSEC is interesting because it's definitely tied with ESCP for the 2nd spot after HEC (my personal view based on people profiles on Linkedin and a few french friends who chose it over EDHEC/Lyon/Grenoble etc.). Can't say much about Nova, haven't seen many alumnus in the City, but might be mistaken.
Many people also neglect the interview process, from Warwick you get a coach/train and from the other two flight + booking hotels etc. Also, if you are proactive and in Warwick, you can easily set up coffee chats with Bankers once every month without too much effort/cost.
Just to comment on this French rankings are: HEC > ESSEC > ESCP >> EDHEC/EML >> GEM/Audencia