FAQs

This FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page should be read in conjunction with the other MiF web pages and the programme brochure. You can also find out more about the Masters in Finance by attending one of our information sessions, which are held regularly at the School and in many major cities around the world.

• The Masters in Finance and other programmes

• Admissions & eligibility

• Academic issues

• Placement & careers

• Funding

• Accommodation & living costs

The ten month full-time (or 22 month part-time) Masters in Finance will give you an in-depth knowledge of finance, and the thorough financial training you receive is intensive and focused. If, however, you have a strong interest in a career in general management, and in subjects such as organisational behaviour, operations management and marketing, pursuing an MBA is the most appropriate route. The MBA will also allow you to take a range of specialised courses in finance.

Can I study a PhD in Finance after the MiF?
There have been some rare instances when graduates of the MiF joined a PhD programme thereafter, either at London Business School or at another institution.  However, this is not a route we would recommend as both programmes have different aims.  The MiF is aimed at practitioners of finance, hence the curriculum has an applied and practical approach to finance.  The PhD in Finance is ideal for those who wish to pursue a career in finance research or academia.  The MiF is therefore not a prerequisite to studying a PhD in Finance and should be considered as an alternative option.

Can I apply to more than one degree programme at London Business School?
We do not allow applicants to apply to our Masters in Finance and another London Business School degree programme in parallel - only one application can be in process at any time.

If (for example) you submit applications to the MiF and the MBA you will be asked which programme you prefer.  If you reply that you prefer the MiF then your MBA application would be placed "on hold" and would only be reactivated if your application to the MiF is unsuccessful or if you are shortlisted for interview and after interview we recommend that the MBA is a more appropriate course for you.  If you are shortlisted for interview the interviewer will be happy to discuss which programme is the more appropriate choice.

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I have just graduated with an excellent degree - why won't you consider me?
The Masters in Finance is a specialist programme for individuals who are committed to working in the finance industry.  Due to the case-based nature of the core courses, candidates are expected to have sufficient relevant work experience to enable them to contribute fully to the programme.  We will not normally admit an applicant with less than two years of relevant work experience, because (i) we believe you will get a great deal more out of the programme if you come to London Business School with prior relevant work experience, and (ii) we are seeking candidates who can contribute to the programme based on their past experience, thereby enriching the programme for other participants.

What constitutes 'relevant' experience?
Relevant experience will have been gained in finance or a closely related field (for example corporate law, finance journalism or IT in a financial institution); candidates will need to have experienced enough financial transactions in order to be able to contribute to cases discussed as part of the programme.  Applicants working in IT will need to show significant exposure to finance-related products.

The teaching is practical and applied, so the more experience you have, the more you will benefit from – and contribute to – the programme

What weighting do you place on the various different selection criteria?
We consider each candidate as an individual within their "round" or admission stage. We look carefully at their academic record, work experience and track record, application form and personal statement, references, GMAT score, and the report completed by their interviewer. The programme admissions committee will then make a careful, balanced judgement based on all these criteria, both on absolute grounds, and also relative to the other candidates being considered.

Are all applicants invited for interview?
No. While the Admissions Committee reviews all applications, it rejects the majority of candidates on the basis of their file. Only those who are successful after this initial shortlisting process are invited for a personal interview. However, no applicant is ever admitted without a personal interview.

Can I speak to MiF alumni or current participants during the application process?
Once we receive your application, if you are shortlisted we will arrange for you to be interviewed by one of our alumni who will be able to share their experiences on the programme with you.  Should you be subsequently offered a place on the MiF, we would be happy to put you in contact with our alumni and/or current participants, if appropriate.

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Are there any exemptions from the requirements for the degree?
Some of the early sessions of the part-time MiF's Accounting and Financial Analysis core course cover basic accounting, and you can ask to be exempted if you are a qualified accountant, or on the basis of a test. In general, however, we would recommend that everyone should attend even these early sessions. For full-time participants, this material is covered in the preparatory accounting module.

What are the IT requirements?
All participants must have access to a suitable personal computer, and be familiar with Excel or a similar spreadsheet package before joining the programme. In addition, part-time participants must have off-campus access to the internet, as course work, reading assignments and other communications are distributed to participants via the School's intranet and e-mail.

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What kind of jobs/careers will the programme prepare me for?
The programme will be of particular interest and relevance to those working in:
• Investment banking
• Retail and commercial banking
• Investment management, security analysis, and broking
• Capital markets, trading and risk management
• Venture Capital or Private Equity
• Hedge Funds
• The finance function, controller's department or treasury operations of industrial, commercial, and service organisations
• Corporate finance, and corporate restructuring
• Corporate planning and consultancy, where a detailed knowledge of finance is required
• Finance within the public sector and not-for-profit organisations, including central banks, local/national governments, and international organisations
• Other professional organisations

What kind of help will I get with placement?
The School's Career Services department provides participants with assistance in finding a suitable first appointment on programme graduation. 

Career Services:
• Provides access to Career Coaches and sector specialists
• Provides detailed on-line careers information via Portal
• Offers topical seminars ranging from sessions on career choices and CV writing to work authorisation
• Organises a targeted skills development programme (networking, interviewing, telling and selling your story, etc.)
• Produces and distributes CV books to a wide range of companies
• Arranges for companies to give presentations and receptions, and conduct on campus interviews
• Maintains an extensive job board posted by prospective employers. 

Whilst part-time participants typically do not require help from the Career Services, we will still offer any of those interested the same access to Career Services as the full-time participants.

Do the top companies recruit from London Business School?
Yes.  In the finance sector, there is a long list of prestigious financial organisations which regularly give presentations at the School and hire our graduates (MBAs and Masters in Finance).  Examples include American Express, Barclays, Bear Stearns, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, the IFC, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered, and Tishman Speyer.  For a complete list of employers please refer to our employment report.

How do programme graduates find their jobs?
Through a variety of tools including networking, on-campus recruitment, jobs postings, headhunters, and individual contacts.  With the specialised backgrounds of our participants, we find that many tend to be taken into lateral hire positions and as such often a combination of tools is applicable to their jobs search.

Will I get work authorisation so that I can work in the UK when I graduate?
It is worth noting that of our 2007 graduating class, over 50% have found employment in the UK. For more details on working in the UK, see the UK Border & Immigration website. 

If most of the firms that recruit are looking for people to work in Europe, what chance/help do I have of getting a job back home in my own country?
London Business School's reputation, especially that of our finance programmes helps a lot.  Additionally, given that finance is such an international business anyway, many of the firms that recruit for Europe will also have operations in other countries.  Masters in Finance participants will also be able to utilise the School's global network of alumni as they seek to source opportunities outside of the major financial hubs.  It is worth pointing out that of our full-time graduating class of 2007, 96% had job offers within three months of graduation.

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Will most participants be paying for themselves or sponsored by their employers?
Most full-time participants will be self financing, but about 25% are sponsored. Virtually all part-time students are sponsored by their employers. Participation on the programme has benefits not only for the individual, but also for their employers and it is hoped that this benefit will be recognised by company sponsorship. For example, the project that Masters in Finance participants complete may provide an opportunity for you to carry out some research and analysis into a particular area of interest to your sponsoring company.

Can I earn anything during the programme?
Not as a full-time student - you will be too busy but, of course, part-time students remain in their jobs and will continue to receive their normal salary, as will any full-time students who are fully sponsored by their employer.

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How much will I need in addition to tuition fees for living in London?
Living costs in London can vary considerably depending on your lifestyle and the area and type of your accommodation. On average we would recommend that a single person should allow approximately £1,100 - £1,300 per month for living expenses; this figure is inclusive of accommodation costs, and assumes sharing a house or apartment with others. The living costs for married participants and those with children will be higher.  See an example of an annual budget.

How easy is it to find accommodation in London?
Rented accommodation in London is easy to find, however the quality and location will determine the price. The rent would be around £200 - £250 per week for a one bedroom flat/apartment and over £250 for a two bedroom flat. Accommodation costs can be reduced to around £120 - £140 per week if you share with other students in larger flats/houses. We normally advise participants to arrive at least two weeks before the programme starts to allow time to find accommodation. The Finance Programmes Office will give you advice and information on how to find suitable accommodation, and put you in touch with fellow participants who are looking to share a flat.

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