LSE MSc Finance vs Oxford MFE?
Recently got offers for both. I'm trying to decide whether to pursue the masters in finance at LSE or masters in financial economics at Oxford. At the moment, I've been pretty set on IB, but I feel that the Oxford course would open up more opportunities in other areas like HF/AM/Trading than the LSE course. I heard LSE would be less time-intensive and could also allow me to make more time for applications whereas Oxford would be more intense.
My undergraduate was a STEM degree also at Oxbridge and am a UK national. My priority would be to get a job (obviously) and have heard being in London (LSE) is supposed to be a big selling point but from my understanding of the UK networking scene, apart from recruiting events/networking calls to learn more about the culture of a specific firm, I don't really see the true value in being physically located in London during term time.
Would love to hear any thoughts regarding this decision!
If it were me choosing, I would choose Oxford in a heartbeat.
It is more prestigious, and the programme is A LOT more selective than the MFin. The contents of the lectures are also better. Plus, you get to experience the cool “quirks” of Oxford, which can only be compared to unis like Harvard and Cambridge. Personal brand-wise, whilst LSE is good, Oxford is better and will instantly make you stand out.
The only con I can see with Oxford is that the programme is on another level intensity-wise in comparison to LSE. Like studying for 60-70 hours pw intensity wise.
Oh, and from what I gather, LSE holds more events.
I know one of your concerns is about exit opps from Oxford, but I won’t be able to comment on those. I would maybe try to reach out to the current grads via LinkedIn? They’re probably gonna be hella busy, so might be tough to get someone to reply, but would still be worth it.
From what I’ve heard from my LSE MFin pal, it’s been a TOUGH couple of years. The recruiting from the programme has taken a hit, and a fair number of her classmates haven’t secured anything yet.
Congrats on your amazing offers, and good luck!
Seconded, Oxford is the glaringly obvious choice here. Regarding your comment on the LSE MFin placements, it seems like it's been a rough couple of years for everybody. LBS placements have also been lackluster this cycle, with most BB/EB spots going to women/diversity candidates. Probably has more to do with shitty market conditions leading to fewer spots available overall, rather than a lower preference for these programs, though that could be a factor as well. Who knows.
I see - I'll definitely reach out to recent grads for Oxford, but from their employment report it seems there's good placements for 90%+ of the cohort. I'm just wondering because I haven't secured any internships/jobs so far (and have no direct finance internships/only in consulting), if that should change the way I approach choosing Oxford vs LSE? I've heard of people talking about part time internships during term time, but I'm not very aware of this outside of real estate finance.
Oxford MFE is the superior course and will give you more opportunities both short and long term, but as others have mentioned it is extremely rigorous. LSE is still a good option, so if you prefer a more relaxed year..
Had offers from both, went with MFE. Feel free to DM
DM-ed!
MFE unless you don't want to study a lot, I am at the LBS MFA and it has been quite chill
Qui itaque aut error nobis. Libero inventore quam animi ullam numquam quasi iste. Nisi eaque eum enim non non corrupti. Unde non et fugiat rerum earum quia quia.
Accusantium maxime est in nisi amet. Ab et non animi numquam omnis quia. Inventore cum facilis ipsum aut quasi dicta cum.
Sint incidunt inventore omnis eveniet et unde. Temporibus in ullam quia distinctio quo eos non. Quo sit eius eum. Dolores aut quos numquam qui qui ea id hic.
In ut optio sint. Aliquid et dolorem in voluptatum. Fugit omnis qui minima vero et cum inventore. Reiciendis veniam harum fugiat. Provident qui eum laudantium corporis ea illum.
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...