MSc LBS FA vs Bocconi Finance

Hey guys! I've recently been accepted to the MSc Finance in Bocconi (Global Track) and I think I have a really good shot at getting accepted to LBS MSc FA.

I would have picked LBS for sure, but I got accepted to the Global Track for the MSc Finance at Bocconi, which is a smaller class of 50 people and it's the class Bocconi uses for international rankings (i.e. I suppose it has better career service, professors, etc.). This is really appealing and now I'm rethinking about my choice. Does anyone have any insights to provide? Which course would be better for London? I heard that LBS's MSc classes are getting bigger and I think the Global Track for Bocconi might stand out more. For context, I'm a 3rd year undergrad student at Bocconi, and I did a summer internship in IB in Milan.

P.S. This might be a bit far-fetched, but since the Global Track for Finance is new but it's been there for some years for the Master in International Management, if anyone has any insight on the practical differences of the Global Track it would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

11 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights to help you decide between the MSc Finance at Bocconi (Global Track) and the MSc Financial Analysis at LBS:

LBS MSc Financial Analysis:

  • Prestige and Recognition: LBS is highly regarded globally, especially in London. It is often considered one of the top schools for finance.
  • Class Size: There is a concern that LBS's MSc classes are getting larger, which might affect the level of individual attention and networking opportunities.
  • Career Services: LBS has strong career services and a robust alumni network, particularly beneficial for securing roles in London.

Bocconi MSc Finance (Global Track):

  • Global Track: The Global Track is a smaller, more selective class of 50 students, which could mean better career services and more personalized attention.
  • International Rankings: This track is used for international rankings, suggesting it might have better resources and faculty.
  • Career Prospects: Bocconi has a strong reputation in Europe, and the Global Track might stand out more due to its exclusivity.
  • Current Experience: As a current Bocconi student with an IB internship in Milan, you already have a network and familiarity with the institution, which could be advantageous.

Considerations for London:

  • LBS Advantage: If your primary goal is to work in London, LBS might have a slight edge due to its location and strong ties with the London finance industry.
  • Bocconi's Global Track: However, the exclusivity and focused nature of Bocconi's Global Track could also make you a standout candidate.

Practical Differences of the Global Track:

  • Smaller Class Size: More personalized attention and potentially better career services.
  • Selective Nature: Being part of a smaller, more selective group could enhance your learning experience and networking opportunities.

Conclusion:

Both programs have their strengths. If you value a smaller, more exclusive class with potentially better career services and are comfortable with Bocconi's environment, the Global Track could be a great choice. However, if you aim to work in London and value the prestige and network of LBS, the MSc Financial Analysis at LBS might be more beneficial.

Given the current date, Friday, November 22nd, 2024, you should also consider any upcoming deadlines or decision dates for these programs to ensure you make a timely and informed choice.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), MSc Finance Profile Evaluation (LSE Finance, LBS Financial Analysis, Oxford Financial Economics), MSF Class of 2018, Profile Evaluation: MSc in Finance at LBS, LSE, Imperial, Said or MIT

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I would still definitely go for the MFA if you do get in, because this way you get to add an additional great brand to your CV (and network etc.) and would stand out more in London compared to someone who did both their undergrad and masters at Bocconi. 

Plus you also get a grad visa and more time to actually recruit since the MFA is less academically heavy than Finance at Bocconi

 

I disagree. From what I see, Bocconi students have a much higher technical preparation than LBS students and the Bocconi placement for the MSc Finance is excellent.

You also pay a considerably lower tuition and, since its a 2-year program, in case you don't find a good internship in your first year (which is unlikely given you already have IB experience), you can always re-apply the year after.

 

I am talking about reputation. LBS is miles ahead, so far ahead, that it is none sense to even try to compare them. However, it does not take out credit to Bocconi, which does prepare candidates well for a career in finance. 

 
Most Helpful

If you assess reputation based on university rankings such as FT and QS, then I definitely agree with you.

However, if we instead take a look at placements, I would argue Bocconi has a better reputation based on the fact that I see many more Bocconi alumni than LBS alumni working at the top BB and EB.

I would also argue that there is a big difference between the average Bocconi student and the MSc Finance Bocconi student with the latter having a much better profile than the former. This is well known at Bocconi and I would also speculate that indeed, the LBS MFA has a better reputation than Bocconi, but not necessarily than the MSc Finance Bocconi, particularly amongst Italian bankers (which there are plenty).

 

If you value opportunity costs as an economics student should probably do, Bocconi's 2 years probably cost a lot more than one year at LBS and hopefully working in some capacity in year 2.

 

Voluptas odio illo id explicabo. Ducimus voluptas aspernatur dolores aspernatur. Ut aspernatur ducimus quia quo voluptas fuga. Quos aut dolorem qui omnis sit dignissimos. Molestiae laboriosam nisi maxime. Unde autem et numquam sed occaecati ipsam.

Et maiores aut rerum et. Quia voluptatem cumque assumenda nulla asperiores. Sit libero quidem aut suscipit ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”