How hard is it to get into a Master’s programme in finance or economics over in the U.K? I am mainly thinking about this in relation to top institutions like the London School of Economics.
Also, does anyone have any insights as to if there any majors that would be ideal for such an endeavor? I’ve heard previously that statistics and mathematics majors are highly favoured when looking at economics post-grad students? Thanks!
This is an interesting question as it is also impacted by whether you are an international student paying international fees or not. Working on the basis you are not an international student, universities are looking for the best students and that usually includes more than having good grades but being a person that has external activities that will enhance their involvement in the program. If you haven’t done economics at undergraduate level or a transition degree into economics you are unlikely to get into postgrad economics. Having maths or finance will help you get in but having those subjects without economics is unlikely to get you into any top program. It you are an international fee paying student, and UK universities particularly want you for their future funding then there may be more flexibility, in particular in terms of grades. Regardless without a base of economics you will in my view not get in. My suggestion is you talk to Crimson, have yourself assessed for postgrad entry and look at a program of development that can enhance your success of getting in. To get into the top schools you need to be a top student academically but also have a ‘package’ of activity around you that shows you are a stand out student who is more than just purely academic.
Our resident finance guru (past intern at Goldman Sachs) and CFO of Crimson, Fangzhou Jiang, has this to say:
Hope that helps!