Choosing between LSE and Imperial's MSc Finance programs
Hello,
I have been accepted into Imperial and LSE's MSc Finance (Full-time) programs and am having a tough time choosing between them.
My aim is to break into the IBD wing of any BB in London after my masters.
My current understanding goes as follows;
LSE has the bigger brand name for finance and a bigger alum network internationally. Imperial, on the other hand, has the better employment report (more transparent and specific) which states that 82% grads get a job in UK. LSE only has a report on the entire finance department which has 5 courses and it states that 52% get a job in London.
Imperial has a more rigorous curriculum which might eat up my time finding a job. However, Imperial's curriculum is CFA Affiliated and from the outside seems to be more up-to-date and more quantitative. LSE on the other hand, while still on the academic spectrum, focusses a bit more on placements and has a less rigorous curriculum.
The fee and class sizes are nearly identical (88 vs 124) and alum from each uni (whom I've spoken to) firmly support their uni over the other.
Any guidance on this matter (Especially regarding the placements angle) would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Hey there,
Firstly, congratulations on your offers from both institutions! That's a fantastic achievement. Now, let's dive into your dilemma.
From the WSO threads, it seems that both Imperial and LSE have their unique strengths.
Imperial's MSc Finance and Accounting program is known for its practical approach. The course is more hands-on, with optional modules that seem to be quite interesting. There's a strong emphasis on careers rather than academia, which is reflected in the opportunity to take on extra non-assessed modules such as VBA/Python to facilitate further development. This could be beneficial if you're looking to gain practical skills that you can apply directly in your future career.
On the other hand, LSE has a slightly stronger reputation in London, where you plan to work. This could potentially give you an edge when it comes to networking and job opportunities in the city. The curriculum, while still academic, is less rigorous than Imperial's, which could give you more time to focus on job hunting.
In terms of placements, it's hard to say definitively which program is better. However, based on the employment reports you mentioned, it seems that a higher percentage of Imperial grads secure jobs in the UK compared to LSE grads. This could be an important factor to consider, especially if you're set on working in London post-graduation.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you value most in a program. If you're looking for a practical, career-focused program and are impressed by Imperial's employment stats, then Imperial could be the way to go. However, if you're drawn to LSE's strong reputation and focus on placements, then LSE might be a better fit.
I hope this helps! Remember, there's no wrong choice here. Both programs are highly respected and offer excellent opportunities. Good luck with your decision!
Sources: Imperial MSc Finance and Accounting vs LSE MSc Accounting and Finance, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/admitted-to-imperial-college-business-school-msc-finance-and-lse-msc-finance-for-2019?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, LBS vs UCL vs Imperial for IB, Imperial MSc Finance and Accounting vs. ESCP MiM vs. IE MIF
LSE no brainer. Employment reports are so easily manipulated.
Imperial MSc Finance alum here. I’d say LSE
Would you recommend LSE based off LSE's MSc Finance's credit or based off of Imperial's MSc Finance's discredit?
LSE but bear in mind that the programme is very academic and quite intense
Both programs are top-notch. It depends on what you prefer:
- LSE is one of the best economics universities, with a very good finance network in the UK.
- Imperial is one of the top engineering universities, with a fast-growing business school.
I'd say that the profiles are more varied at Imperial, with people wanting to do consulting, trading, equity research, PE etc., whereas at LSE there's much more competition because everyone wants to do IB. The intensity of courses is the same, with a more theoretical focus than LBS, but which still leaves much more time to prepare applications than Bocconi or Oxford MFE.
I do not fully understand your point, I'd argue that by being a 2 year course Bocconi offers more time for job search and applications. Could you please elaborate?
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