Target/Semi Target Universities UK
I was planning on studying accounting and finance at bath this coming year and was wondering if it's a good school to break into finance with. I know it's ranked pretty highly for both a&f and economics but I was just looking for second opinions. Also what's a list of target and semi target unis?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Target and Semi-Target Universities in the UK for Finance:
University of Bath for Finance:
Bath is consistently listed as a semi-target university for finance roles. It is well-regarded for its Accounting and Finance program and has a strong reputation for employability. While it may not have the same level of access to top-tier finance roles as target schools, Bath graduates still secure positions in investment banking, equity research, and asset management, especially with strong grades, internships, and networking efforts.
If you're planning to study Accounting and Finance at Bath, you're in a good position, but you'll need to be proactive in building your profile through internships, networking, and extracurricular activities to maximize your chances of breaking into finance.
Sources: Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, UK TARGET SCHOOLS TIER LIST 2020, UK Target Admissions?, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, UK Target Unis
Are you British? Then yes it's good. It's pretty hard for internationals at the moment unless you come from a super target. You'll just have to grind. Durham, Bristol, Warwick and the likes I'd say are "semi target" compared to LSE but place very well regardless.
You can do a target master afterwards to get the brand. Lse, lbs, oxbridge, Imperial are the best. Outside uk there's schools that place decently in London too like hec, Bocconi, HSG, escp, sse, whu etc.
So yes, bath would class as a semi target?
Yes it's a semi target.
But Warwick > Durham > bristol/bath
Opinions on target vs. semi-target vary. I would consider targets to be the following: Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, UCL, Warwick. I would the consider the semi-targets to be: Bath, Bristol, Durham, Nottingham, Exeter, St Andrews, Edinburgh.
Target/semi-targets should really be a spectrum, not a binary division hence why people will debate over it. You will need to stand out more than most coming from Bath, but it’s still very much achievable.
Switch to econ if possible. Also make sure to do placement
Is it worth doing a foundation year to get into a econ course. Also does it have to be pure econ bc there’s econ and philosophy too in bath that I can try switch to.
I do bath econ - bath does not offer an econ and philosophy course?
I recently came across a Reddit post comparing UK target and semi-target universities, looking at the total number of graduates working at GS, JPM, and MS. Bath was ranked 14th overall, but someone in the comments suggested adjusting for class size by calculating the ratio of graduates at these firms relative to total graduation numbers. When measured this way, Bath ranked significantly higher—around 6th or 7th overall—coming out ahead of places like Durham and even UCL (though UCL may still provide stronger chances for FO roles). Of course, the employment data includes all roles so not just FO, but it still gives a solid projection.
Overall, Bath is a strong semi-target. it’s a good pick if you can't make it to Oxbridge, LSE, and Imperial—comparable to Durham,Bristol and perhaps King’s. That said, regardless of university, you’ll still need to grind if you’re not at a top target.
This is interesting could you link me the Reddit chain I would like to look more into it and thank you for replying!
this is the post;
https://www.reddit.com/r/UniUK/comments/1ms2eyc/uk_universities_ranked_based_on_hires_from_jp/
Also don't forget some universities like Exeter have degree apprenticeship collaborations with certain banks (like exeter and JPM) and those cause a unnatural spike in numbers but most are MO or BO roles.
Alot of this will be offset by the fact that the Bath guys go into more BO/MO roles at the banks but yeah still a great uni with a decent chance of breaking in if you are good. Didn't see too many Bath guys in my MM IB ACs last year for SA though, mostly LSE, UCL, Oxbridge and some Warwick
well yeah, thats mostly the case for all semi-targets and below. But BO and MO placements are especially high with unis that do degree apprenticeship programs, like exeter-JPM and Goldman-QMUL.
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