The results of the QS World University Rankings: Business Masters Ranking 2021 are out now, and include a ranking of the world’s top business schools for master’s in finance programs. This year’s number one is London Business School (LBS), which retains its position from last year. Aimed at experienced professionals who want to fast track their career, LBS’ MSc in Finance course is a highly specialized program which aims to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world.
Each business school in the QS Masters in Finance Rankings was ranked based on five indicators: employability, alumni outcomes, value for money, thought leadership and diversity. LBS received a perfect score for the employability indicator and was included in the global top 10 for the alumni outcomes indicator, reflecting the excellent career prospects available to graduates. This was showcased by the success of the Class of 2017, as 93 percent of graduates accepted a job offer within three months of graduation, earning a starting salary of $91,522. As you might expect, most graduates go into roles within the finance sector, with investment management, public finance and investment banking being the three most popular areas.
London Business School’s full time MSc in Finance program takes 10 to 16 months to complete, and is also available as a part time option, which takes 22 months to complete. Tuition fees are currently set at £45,250 (~US$59,000), plus the £120 Student Association Fee. There are numerous scholarships available for strong candidates to offset their tuition costs, such as the Masters in Finance Merit Scholarships, which are worth up to 50 percent of tuition fees.
As well as the school’s outstanding global reputation, students benefit from the school’s location in one of the biggest financial capitals in the world, with London itself ranked number one in the latest QS Best Student Cities index. Students also enjoy a range of opportunities to apply their learning, such as through practitioner courses and internships. They can also tailor the course to suit their interests by choosing up to 10 electives out of a choice of 40 – more than any other master’s in finance program. There are also opportunities to further your global perspectives on finance by taking part in an international exchange visit at a partner school in a business school in Asia, Europe or North America. Upon graduating, students will have gained the presentation, networking and interview skills needed to excel in their chosen career path, as well as key knowledge of coding and programming, which is becoming increasingly crucial in the world of big data.
There are 125 students in the class of 2018 of LBS’ MSc in Finance course, with 95 percent of these coming from outside the UK, representing 37 nationalities. The average is student is 29 years old and has around five and a half years’ experience under their belt.
How to apply for this year’s number one finance school
If you’re interested in studying LBS’ MSc in Finance program, you’ll typically need at least two years’ of relevant finance experience, ideally more, as well as an undergraduate degree, an international outlook, with the ability to work in multinational teams.
To apply, you’ll need to complete an online application form. You’ll also need to submit application essays answering two questions. The other requirements are:
- A one-page CV
- Two references
- The required GMAT/GRE score
- Proof of English language ability (if it’s not your first language)
- Paid application fee
- A copy of your university transcript/s
There are five application rounds throughout the year. For entry in August 2019, you must send your application by April 30 2019.
