LBS MiF vs Oxford MFE — which is better for breaking into investment banking in London?

Question

I have a finance undergrad and 1.5 years of work experience in audit. I’ve been admitted to Oxford MFE and waiting for a decision from LBS MiF. My main goal is to move into investment banking or capital markets in London. Oxford has the strong brand and 1-year structure, while LBS seems to give more networking time in London. For someone like me aiming at IB, which program offers better placements, alumni access, and ROI?

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

For breaking into investment banking in London, both LBS MiF and Oxford MFE are excellent options, but they offer different advantages. LBS MiF feels more practical &mdash; being based in London means constant access to bank presentations, alumni events, and networking opportunities. The 12&ndash;16 month length gives you breathing room to secure off-cycle or summer internships, which are often the gateway into IB. Graduates breaking into IB from LBS MiF usually see first-year compensation in the &pound;90,000&ndash;&pound;100,000 range once bonuses are included.
Oxford MFE, on the other hand, leans on its global brand power. The degree is shorter, just 9&ndash;12 months, so recruiting overlaps with your first term. That works well if you already have prior finance internships, but it can feel rushed otherwise. IB salaries for Oxford MFE grads are in the same ballpark &mdash; roughly &pound;85,000&ndash;&pound;95,000 in London &mdash; but fewer students get time for internships during the program itself. If IB in London is the main goal, LBS has the edge for its location and recruiting runway, while Oxford wins on long-term prestige and global name recognition.

Hema A · Answer

The real difference comes down to how much time you need for recruiting. Oxford MFE is powerful because of the Oxford brand &mdash; it opens doors everywhere, not just in the UK. But the program is only 9&ndash;12 months, which means IB recruiting overlaps heavily with your first term. Without prior IB internships, it can feel rushed.
&bull; LBS MiF gives 12&ndash;16 months, which makes networking in London easier and gives time to target off-cycle IB roles. &bull; Oxford has unmatched prestige, and for long-term career value globally, it&rsquo;s hard to beat. &bull; LBS alumni base in London finance is stronger, since the program is embedded in the city&rsquo;s IB ecosystem. &bull; ROI depends on how quickly you want to re-enter the job market &mdash; Oxford gets you out faster, but LBS offers more flexibility and internship chances.
For someone with audit background looking to break into IB, LBS MiF usually provides a smoother on-ramp.
For more details you can read these blogs on "LBS MFin" and "Oxford MFE"

V Ritik · Answer

For someone targeting London investment banking, the choice between LBS MiF and Oxford MFE often comes down to location and recruiting exposure.
&bull; LBS has a deeper IB hiring track record, with recruiters regularly visiting campus and hosting events throughout the year. &bull; The MiF class includes early-career professionals, making it easier to connect with peers already working in finance. &bull; Oxford MFE carries unmatched global prestige, but its short one-year structure limits on-the-ground networking time in London. &bull; Oxford&rsquo;s placements lean slightly more toward buy-side roles and research, whereas LBS grads dominate sell-side hiring in the city.
If investment banking in London is the main goal, LBS MiF offers better access and ROI, while Oxford works better for broader global exposure.

Mohit C · Answer

Choosing between LBS MiF and Oxford MFE for a career in investment banking can be tricky, but it really depends on what you're prioritizing. Oxford&rsquo;s MFE offers a strong brand and a shorter, intense 1-year structure, which is ideal for those looking to hit the ground running. Its reputation in finance, particularly for quantitative roles, is widely recognized, and you&rsquo;ll have access to a strong network of alumni in finance.
However, LBS has a more extensive and dedicated alumni network, especially for investment banking and capital markets in London. The extra networking time and proximity to the City of London provide more face-to-face interactions with key players in the industry. If you're focused on IB and capital markets, LBS might offer better placement opportunities due to its location and deeper ties with top firms.

S Raghav · Answer

It might feel like a tough call between Oxford and LBS, but it really comes down to the kind of experience you're after. Here&rsquo;s how it breaks down:

Oxford MFE is shorter (1 year) and highly quantitative, which suits a finance role, but may not offer as much personal networking time as LBS.
LBS MiF gives more networking time, thanks to its 16-month structure, and is located right in the heart of London, making it easier to interact with investment banks and capital markets firms.

Alumni-wise, both schools are strong, but LBS tends to have a more active presence in London-based IB roles.
One thing Oxford may not offer as much of is a tailored, hands-on approach to networking that LBS provides through career events and its proximity to firms in London.