LSE MFin vs LBS MFA — which one makes more sense for IB roles?

Question

I’m stuck between these two. LSE has the finance brand, but I keep hearing their career services aren’t as hands-on, so breaking into IB might depend more on personal networking. LBS on the other hand is a pure business school program with strong alumni in London banks, but it’s newer and not as academically prestigious. For someone from India taking a loan, it’s hard to figure out which is safer in terms of job outcomes.

Hema A · Accepted Answer

LSE MFin and LBS MFA both place students into investment banking, but the way they do it is different. LSE has the stronger academic reputation in finance, and banks know it produces graduates with strong technical skills. The challenge is that career services at LSE aren&rsquo;t very hands-on, so international students often rely more on networking, off-cycle internships, and the school&rsquo;s brand to land interviews. Those who succeed usually step into analyst roles in M&A, markets, or structured finance with salaries of &pound;50,000&ndash;60,000 plus bonuses.
LBS MFA is newer, but being part of a business school helps a lot. Alumni in London banks are easier to reach, and the school runs more structured career events. Graduates typically land IB analyst positions too, with pay in a similar &pound;45,000&ndash;55,000 range. For someone taking a loan, the safer path depends on strengths: academic-heavy profiles fit LSE, while LBS offers more direct career support.

T Mehta · Answer

It often feels like choosing between LSE MFin and LBS MFA is less about the name and more about how you want to approach investment banking.

LSE is the more established finance brand. Recruiters know it well, but students have to put in extra effort on networking since the school doesn&rsquo;t guide placements step by step.
LBS MFA is smaller and newer, but its business school setup makes alumni outreach smoother. Banks like Morgan Stanley and Barclays actively attend its events, which helps with interview chances.
ROI is similar. LSE comes with higher tuition and living costs, but analyst salaries of &pound;50,000&ndash;60,000 can cover that if you land the right role. LBS MFA graduates also earn close to &pound;45,000&ndash;55,000 in IB, and the structured career services can shorten the job hunt.
Long-term, LSE alumni often transition faster into global hubs like New York or Singapore, while LBS alumni tend to rise steadily within London banks thanks to close-knit connections.

LBS MFA also gives flexibility&mdash;many students explore consulting alongside IB, while LSE MFin stays almost entirely finance-focused.
For more details you can read this blog on "LSE MFin"

B.K Sharma · Answer

For IB roles in London, both LSE MFin and LBS MFA open doors, but the approach is different. LSE has the long-established academic reputation and direct finance brand, which recruiters recognize instantly. Placement into front-office roles is possible, but a lot depends on your own effort &mdash; internships, networking, and prior exposure matter more here because career services are not as structured.
LBS MFA, while newer, benefits from being housed in a pure business school. The alumni presence in London banks is strong, and the career center is much more involved in connecting students with firms. The trade-off is perception: some recruiters still see the MFA as less rigorous than LSE&rsquo;s MFin. For an Indian student with loans, LSE feels safer academically, but LBS might give slightly stronger practical support when it comes to job hunting.

T Ronak · Answer

Choosing between the two comes down to what matters more &mdash; brand prestige or guided support.
&bull; LSE MFin carries unmatched global recognition. On a CV, it signals strong quantitative training and has decades of credibility with banks. &bull; LBS MFA offers closer ties with recruiters through alumni and structured career services, making it easier to get interview access even if the program itself is younger. &bull; If there&rsquo;s prior finance experience, LSE might be better since the brand plus experience creates a strong profile. &bull; Without that background, LBS often feels more supportive because the career team pushes students into networking and interview pipelines more actively.
For an Indian applicant funding the degree with a loan, the safer bet often hinges on how much career support will be needed after arriving in London.

Mohit C · Answer

Both LSE MFin and LBS MFA are strong options for investment banking, but they cater to different needs.
LSE MFin has a prestigious finance brand and is globally recognized, particularly in Europe. However, its career services are less hands-on, meaning networking and self-initiative are crucial to breaking into IB. LSE&rsquo;s strong academic reputation can still help land top jobs at leading banks.
LBS MFA offers more practical business skills and a robust London alumni network, which gives it a strong advantage for IB recruitment in London. Its structured career services help students secure internships and jobs at top financial institutions.
If job security and career support are key factors, LBS MFA might be the safer option. However, if you prefer a strong academic brand and have the ability to network effectively, LSE MFin can also offer excellent job prospects.