LSE Msc A&F or LBS MFA
I have been accepted to both LSE Msc in Accounting and Finance and LBS MFA. However, I am feeling unsure about the choice and was hoping to hear some opinions from the people already working in the field.
Quick background:
Few months back I received my Business Bachelor (not accounting or finance) from Europe. Internships wise I have few smaller ones and one from Big 4 corporate finance (pretty much M&A with some DD).
Targeting London IB BB, but certainly willing and happy to start from smaller banks.
Currently I am leaning more towards LBS, because I like the smaller class size and the fact that they do not have so many different majors as LSE does. Also from what I have heard the career service seems very impressive at LBS. However, the one thing I keep thinking about is that the LBS MFA is such a new programme and I really do not know how it is regarded in London?
I know that there has been lots of this kind of questions here and that in the end I am the only one who can make the decision. However, all the input is more than welcome!
LBS MFA hands down
LBS. Because LSE is a Master's degrees factory, all very similar fields, which in my opinion is bad. Some may attribute a greater network as a strength to keep the argument balanced.
Interesting question. Both are good programmes.
I was faced with a sort of similar issue with regards to LSE MSc A+F vs. LBS MFA, (the big difference being that I didn't end up submitting my application to the latter, as I received an offer from the former first and was happy to accept it). With that being said, having researched the LBS MFA programme, the course structure is great - you can go into many branches of finance from there, the class sizes are small and you will get the chance to learn alongside students from the more experienced degrees (such as MFin if I recall). Their careers service is also very good, and the atmosphere was friendly. They also focus on developing your non-theoretical skills which is a big plus (i.e. learning a second language, being familiar with the necessary financial software etc.). Another thing to consider is that the MFA will be LBS' sole pre-experience finance programme, whereas the MSc A+F at LSE has to compete with Finance, Finance+PE, Finance+Econ for the same jobs.
Three reasons why I went for LSE though: Firstly, as you said, LBS is a new programme. This means that quality of placement is uncertain, though since LBS is a strong brand and since the MiM course does pretty well in ibanking and consulting, it is fair to assume that MFA will do well also. The bigger issue that this poses though is that the course may not be as well-recognized on the street, compared to its MBA, MiM and MFin courses, during the next recruiting cycle. LSE's MSc A+F as a course has more name recognition (it's one of if not the oldest finance-related MSc at the LSE), with both university brands being broadly the same Secondly, I feel that LSE has the edge when it comes to the Master's level, given its portfolio of more-established finance-related courses. In contrast, I'd say more of LBS' reputation comes from its MBA programme, though the MSc programmes are still well-received Thirdly, LSE was PS7,000 cheaper, which in my situation mattered
Either way, congratulations on both offers! As you've said, ultimately it's your decision but I don't think you'll go too wrong at either.
I'm in a similar situation OP. Currently applying to the MFA (viewing my chances of getting in quite good judging from my correspondence wit the admission office). Already got an offer from WHU in Germany which is also a good school but is located in a small town which can't compete with London at all.
I'm sharing the same concerns about the fact that the MFA is such a new programme. On the upside, the profile of the students in the class directory is pretty strong and the average GMAT of 708 is also very high for a European programme. That being said, it would certainly be interesting to know what kind of positions the first intake ended up in. May I ask if you have any insights about this?
In any event, I believe you can't really go wrong with either programme. Both have excellent reputation and a strong network and you will certainly get some good offers upon graduation. Good luck with whichever choice you take!
Sapiente laudantium officiis molestiae mollitia. Hic et suscipit cumque nihil. Officiis laborum veritatis velit ipsum quae modi. Non adipisci reprehenderit non laboriosam. Dolor tempora fugit eos qui laudantium.
Culpa sunt similique repellendus inventore aut et repudiandae voluptatem. Et laboriosam quo sint et fugiat ea quis quisquam. Iste aut sit magnam totam et dolores nobis. Accusantium maiores maxime unde esse eum distinctio omnis aspernatur. Laborum eos non ut praesentium. Cupiditate molestias asperiores odit ad excepturi asperiores omnis inventore.
Quia et voluptatem nisi eos odio magni vero. Minus alias exercitationem est nulla. At repellendus voluptas eos quos non.
Dolore in odit omnis ea asperiores. Iure dolorem et hic nemo aliquid est. Omnis quibusdam voluptatem tenetur pariatur veniam dolorem itaque ex. Voluptatem omnis mollitia eligendi quibusdam porro. Dolor sed quis saepe molestiae. Molestias accusamus et quae nulla. Molestias quia est quisquam vero tenetur eligendi quia.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...