University Choice

I'm very interested in investment banking, and I have offers from both Edinburgh and St Andrews to do an integrated masters in Applied Mathematics.

It's between these two unis because I'm able to get tuition paid for. Anyone with insight on which uni would be best would be great.

Additionally is there any point in doing a masters degree somewhere else like LSE after undergraduate, as I have the option to change back to just a bachelors degree.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, when it comes to choosing between Edinburgh and St. Andrews for an integrated masters in Applied Mathematics with a focus on entering investment banking, both universities have their unique strengths. However, the context provided doesn't specifically compare Edinburgh and St. Andrews in terms of their direct impact on investment banking opportunities.

Regarding the consideration of pursuing a master's degree at LSE after completing your undergraduate studies, the WSO dataset provides valuable insights. LSE is highly regarded for its finance and economics programs, and obtaining a master's degree from LSE could significantly enhance your profile for investment banking roles, especially in London. The context highlights that LSE's programs, particularly at the master's level, are well-respected and can be a gateway to investment banking, given its strong industry connections and recruitment opportunities.

If you're contemplating whether to switch back to just a bachelor's degree and then pursue a master's at LSE or another prestigious institution, it's worth considering the specific advantages that a master's degree from LSE could offer:

  1. Recruitment Opportunities: LSE has strong ties to the investment banking industry, with many banks actively recruiting on campus. This could provide you with direct access to internships and full-time opportunities.

  2. Networking: Being part of LSE's community would allow you to build a network with peers, alumni, and professionals in the finance industry, which is invaluable for breaking into investment banking.

  3. Specialized Knowledge: Pursuing a master's degree in a finance-related field at LSE could equip you with specialized knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in investment banking.

  4. Brand Value: The LSE brand is well-recognized globally, and having an LSE degree could make your profile stand out in the highly competitive investment banking job market.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your career goals, financial considerations, and the specific opportunities each path offers. If investment banking is your target, gaining a strong mathematical foundation at either Edinburgh or St. Andrews, followed by a specialized master's at an institution like LSE, could be a compelling pathway.

Sources: LSE Worth it?, University Of St. Andrews experience? Opinions?, European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), European Masters Ranking | 2020, 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.
 

st andrews and edinburgh are both semi targets (behind oxbridge ucl lse warwick imperial) so id do the bachelors then combine it w a top masters at a lbs lse imperial. then you’ll be set.

but still it is doable to break into ib at ug level, just may be a bit harder

 

Masters is not necessary, just focus on being the top in your class and you should be able to break in from either St Andrews or Edinburgh

 

Benefit of integrated masters is that you won’t be eligible to apply to spring weeks until your 2nd year which gives you the chance to gain experience all of your first year and prep. If you get a spring week and convert to summer and convert to grad you won’t have to even consider doing your masters anywhere else.

 

I'd take Edinburgh and then try to get UCL for masters in Finance or Eurasian Business Studies.

 

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