Cass (Bayes) vs UCL for MSc Finance— which is better? I’ve got offers from both and I want to know which one is stronger for placements in London, especially for roles in finance and banking.?

Question

V Ritik · Accepted Answer

For MSc Finance in London, Bayes usually edges out UCL when it comes to direct placements. Its location in the City means constant networking with recruiters, and there&rsquo;s a long history of Bayes grads being hired into mid-tier investment banks, Big 4 advisory, and asset management firms. Banks like HSBC, Nomura, and BNP Paribas regularly recruit there, and the careers office has structured pipelines into these roles.
UCL, while carrying a stronger academic brand and global reputation, is still building up its MSc Finance as an employer-recognized program. Recruiters don&rsquo;t yet target it with the same intensity as Bayes. For front-office IB, neither is as competitive as LSE or Imperial, but Bayes has the more applied, job-market focus, while UCL leans more research-oriented. If the priority is landing finance jobs in London, Bayes has the practical edge.

T Mehta · Answer

Bayes and UCL both have their strengths, but employers don&rsquo;t view them equally. Bayes&rsquo; MSc Finance is known in London for producing work-ready grads who often land corporate finance, risk, or asset management roles quickly. Recruiters from firms like Citi, Nomura, and HSBC are regular visitors there.
UCL, on the other hand, gives more brand recognition globally. Its finance program is relatively newer, which means the placement network isn&rsquo;t as established in banking circles. For someone focused purely on London finance jobs, Bayes has a more direct advantage, while UCL might appeal if future plans include moving outside the UK where its broader university name carries more weight.
For more details you can read this blog on "UCL MFin" and "Bayes MFin"

Mohit C · Answer

Choosing between Cass (Bayes) and UCL for MSc Finance really depends on what you prioritize for your career. UCL has a strong reputation, especially in London, and its location provides better access to top-tier finance and banking firms. The program is academically rigorous, and UCL&rsquo;s strong employer connections within the City of London are a huge plus. However, Cass (Bayes) is also well-regarded in the finance industry, with a more hands-on approach through internships and career support.
While UCL might give you an edge in terms of brand recognition and global reputation, Cass has a strong network, particularly for those looking at investment banking and consulting roles in London. Both schools offer solid placements, but UCL&rsquo;s slightly higher profile could make it more competitive when it comes to landing top finance roles.

S Raghav · Answer

When comparing Cass (Bayes) vs UCL for MSc Finance, here&rsquo;s a practical perspective:

UCL has a strong reputation and is recognized globally, especially for its research-driven curriculum. It&rsquo;s highly respected by top finance recruiters in London, giving you an edge in competitive sectors like investment banking.
Cass (Bayes) offers a more industry-oriented approach with excellent links to employers, especially in finance and banking. It&rsquo;s known for preparing students for real-world roles, and its alumni network in the City of London is robust.
For placements in London, UCL might slightly outweigh Cass in terms of brand prestige, but Cass offers great connections to key players in finance.

Both schools will open doors, but UCL may give you more flexibility if you want to explore a wider range of finance roles across global markets.