LBS MSc Finance Review – Fees, Admissions & Career Prospects

Introduction

What is the London Business School MSc in Finance?

The MSc Finance at London Business School (LBS) is one of the most well-known finance master’s programs in the world. It’s designed for students who want to build strong careers in finance — like working at top banks, investment firms, or consulting companies.

This program lasts between 10 to 16 months, depending on whether you do extra electives or a summer internship. You learn from real experts in finance and build the skills companies are looking for.

Why Choose LBS MSc Finance for a Career in Financial Markets?

There are many reasons why students from all over the world choose LBS for finance:

• LBS is located in London, one of the top financial cities in the world
• You’ll study with students and teachers from many countries
• Classes are interactive and hands-on
• You learn by doing case studies, team projects, and simulations
• The school has a strong connection to big finance firms
• LBS helps students find jobs through career coaching and networking events

Reputation, Rankings, and Employer Recognition

London Business School is ranked among the top business schools in the world. Employers in finance know and trust the LBS name.

LBS has strong connections with:

• Investment banks like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan
• Consulting firms like McKinsey and BCG
• Asset managers like BlackRock and Fidelity

Having LBS on your CV makes it easier to get noticed by top employers.

LBS MSc Finance Class Profile

The MSc Finance class at LBS is made up of smart, motivated students from around the world. Most of them already have a little work experience or internships in finance. Everyone brings something different to the class — different languages, cultures, and goals.

Who Studies in the LBS MSc Finance Program?

This mix of people creates a great learning environment. You get to work with others from different cultures and learn how finance works around the world.

Average GMAT/GRE Scores, GPA, and Work Experience

LBS does require a test score. GMAT is preferred, but GRE is also accepted.

International Student Representation and Networking

At LBS, you’ll meet students from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. This global mix helps you:

• Build an international network
• Understand how finance is different in each country
• Work on teams with people from many cultures

Plus, many students stay connected even after graduation, through the LBS alumni network.

Full-Time Master’s Program – MSc Finance Experience

Studying finance at London Business School is about more than just books and lectures. It’s a full experience that helps students grow both personally and professionally.

What Is the Student Life Like?

As a full-time student in the MSc Finance program, you’ll spend your time doing things like:

• Attending lectures with top professors and finance experts
• Working on team projects and real-life business cases
• Practicing interview skills and networking with employers
• Taking part in finance competitions (like stock pitch or case competitions)
• Joining clubs such as the Investment Management Club, Private Equity & Venture Capital Club, or the Women in Business Club

You’ll also get to connect with students from the MBA, MiM, and other master’s programs — which makes your network even bigger.

What Makes the Experience Special?

• Small class size means you get more attention and help from professors
• Personal career coaching to help you get the job you want
• You study right in the heart of London, close to banks and finance firms
• You can take extra electives or do a summer internship, depending on your goals
• You’ll meet and work with classmates who are just as driven and global as you are

Insights From Past Students

Many LBS MSc Finance students say the program helped them:

• Get better job offers
• Understand global finance markets
• Learn how to lead teams and solve problems
• Build lifelong friendships and a strong alumni network

LBS MSc in Finance Rankings & Recognition

The MSc Finance program at London Business School is ranked as one of the best finance master’s programs in the world. It’s highly respected by both students and employers.

Global and UK Rankings

• Graduate salaries
• Career support
• Reputation with finance companies
• Quality of teaching and research
• International diversity in the classroom

What Do Employers Think?

Finance employers trust LBS because:

• It trains students to think like real finance professionals
• Students learn both theory and real-world application
• The school has strong links to big banks, investment firms, and tech companies
• Many companies recruit directly from LBS

Top companies that hire LBS MSc Finance grads include:

• Goldman Sachs
• JP Morgan
• Morgan Stanley
• BlackRock
• McKinsey & Company
• BCG
• Amazon
• Barclays

LBS MSc Finance Requirements & Admissions

Getting into the MSc Finance at London Business School is competitive. The school looks for students who are smart, hardworking, and passionate about finance.

Acceptance Rate and Competitiveness

The acceptance rate is estimated to be around 10–15%, which means only about 1 in 8–10 applicants are accepted. To stand out, you’ll need:

• Strong grades
• A good test score (GMAT or GRE)
• Some finance-related experience (internships or jobs)
• A clear reason for wanting to study finance at LBS

LBS MSc Finance GMAT Requirements

Your GMAT or GRE score is a key part of your application, especially if your grades are average or if you didn’t study finance before.

Application Deadlines and Admission Rounds

LBS has 5 application rounds. The earlier you apply, the better your chances — especially for scholarships.

Tip: Apply by Round 3 (January) to be considered for most scholarships and to have time for visa planning.

LBS MSc Finance Program and Curriculum

The MSc Finance at London Business School teaches students the skills they need to work in global finance. The program mixes theory with real-world learning through core courses, electives, and hands-on projects.

You can complete the degree in 10 months or extend it to 16 months if you want to take more electives or do a summer internship.

Core Courses & Specialization Tracks

Every student takes a set of core courses at the beginning of the program. These courses give you a strong foundation in finance.

Core Courses Include:

• Financial Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Investment Fundamentals
• Data Analytics and Finance
• World Economy
• Financial Markets and Instruments

Specialization Areas

You can choose electives to focus on certain areas. These are not official tracks, but you can build your own path based on your career goals.

Electives & Customization Options

LBS offers over 60 electives. You can choose courses from MSc Finance or other programs like MBA and MiM. This gives you more ways to build the degree that fits your career.

Examples of Electives:

• Fintech and Digital Finance
• Emerging Markets Finance
• Real Estate Finance
• Value Investing
• Corporate Strategy

Experiential Learning & Finance Labs

LBS is known for hands-on learning. You’ll do real-world case studies, financial simulations, and group projects.

• Finance Labs give you access to tools like Bloomberg, FactSet, and Capital IQ
• Competitions and workshops let you practice what you learn
• You can join a Global Business Experience, where you work on a live project with a company in another country

Research Centers & Resources

You’ll also have access to world-class research and industry insights through:

• The AQR Asset Management Institute
• The Private Equity at LBS Initiative
• LBS Library & Finance Databases

These resources help you stay current with what’s happening in the finance world.

Impact on Your Finance Career

This program doesn’t just teach — it prepares you to lead. Many students use what they learn to:

• Get better jobs
• Move into more advanced finance roles
• Switch industries or regions
• Start new companies or funds

LBS MSc Finance Fees, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Studying at London Business School is a big investment, but there are many ways to get help with tuition and living costs.

LBS MSc Finance Fees and Tuition Breakdown

Tuition covers:

• All core and elective classes
• Access to finance tools and databases
• Career support and events
• Student clubs and global experiences (some may cost extra)

Available Scholarships and Financial Support

LBS offers many scholarships to help strong students. Some are based on grades, others on leadership or diversity. You are automatically considered for most scholarships when you apply — no separate form is needed.

There are also external scholarships, government loans, and private student loans available depending on your country.

Tips to Lower Your Costs:

• Apply early (Rounds 1–3) to improve your scholarship chances
• Write a strong personal statement
• Highlight leadership, work experience, or community service

LBS MSc in Finance Employment & Salary Prospects

The LBS MSc Finance program is known for helping students get top jobs in finance. With strong career support and employer connections, most students get hired quickly after graduation.

Job Placement and Employment Rate

LBS graduates work in over 35 countries, often at leading finance and consulting firms.

Top Companies Hiring LBS MSc Finance Graduates

How LBS Helps You Get a Job

The LBS Career Centre supports you with:

• CV and cover letter reviews
• Interview practice and mock assessments
• Networking events and job fairs
• Access to exclusive job postings
• One-on-one career coaching

There are also over 80 student-led clubs you can join, including:

• Investment Management Club
• Private Equity & Venture Capital Club
• Finance Club
• Women in Business

These clubs offer extra networking, events, and speaker sessions.

Top Sectors Hiring LBS MSc Finance Graduates

Graduates from the LBS MSc Finance program work in some of the most exciting areas in finance. Whether you want to be an investment banker, a consultant, or work in fintech, this program prepares you well.

Investment Banking

Asset & Wealth Management

Consulting

Fintech & Technology

Corporate Finance

LBS MSc Finance Alumni Network

When you graduate from London Business School, you become part of a huge global network of successful business and finance professionals. This network helps you for years to come — whether you’re looking for a job, business advice, or a mentor.

Notable Alumni and Career Journeys

LBS MSc Finance alumni have gone on to:

• Become partners at investment firms
• Work as senior analysts at hedge funds
• Start their own fintech companies
• Become directors in corporate finance
• Move into consulting, strategy, or private equity

While individual names aren’t always shared publicly, many LBS finance graduates work at:

• Goldman Sachs
• McKinsey & Company
• BlackRock
• UBS
• Amazon
• Bloomberg

Strength of LBS’s Alumni Network

LBS graduates often stay connected through:

• Alumni events and conferences
• Networking dinners and webinars
• Local clubs and regional chapters
• Mentoring for current students

This network gives you a big advantage — whether you’re job hunting or changing your career path later on.

LBS MSc Finance Application Process

Applying to London Business School's MSc Finance program takes time and effort, but it’s a clear process. You’ll need to fill out an online form, upload your documents, and complete a few extra steps.

Application Essays & Writing Tips

As part of your application, you’ll write two short essays. These help the admissions team understand your goals and personality.

Essay 1 – Common Essay Prompt

“What are your career goals and how will the MSc Finance at LBS help you achieve them?”
 (Limit: 500 words)

Tips:

• Be clear about your short-term and long-term goals
• Show why you want to study finance
• Mention specific LBS courses, clubs, or opportunities
• Be personal and honest

Essay 2 – Tell Us About You

“What will you bring to the class, and how will you contribute to the LBS community?”
 (Limit: 300 words)

Tips:

• Talk about your background, leadership, or unique experiences
• Share how you’ll support classmates and learn from them
• Show you’re a team player who wants to grow

LBS MSc Finance Interview Process

If your application is strong, you’ll be invited for an online interview. It’s usually with an LBS alum or admissions team member and lasts 30–40 minutes.

Common Questions:

• Why do you want to study at LBS?
• What are your career goals?
• What did you learn from your past work or internships?
• How do you handle teamwork or challenges?

How to Prepare:

• Review your essays
• Practice answering out loud
• Be confident and professional
• Show your interest in finance and LBS

Why London Business School MSc in Finance is Unique?

There are many finance master’s programs in the world, but the LBS MSc Finance stands out for a few important reasons. It’s more than just a degree — it’s a full experience that helps you become a top finance professional.

LBS’s Reputation as a Global Finance Hub

London Business School is known all over the world. It’s one of the best places to study finance because:

• It has top professors who’ve worked in the industry
• It’s ranked among the best business schools worldwide
• It’s trusted by top banks, consulting firms, and investment companies
• Graduates work in 150+ countries

When you study at LBS, you learn from the best — and you’re seen as one of the best by employers.

Access to London’s Top Financial Institutions

The school is based in the heart of London, just minutes from:

• The Bank of England
• The London Stock Exchange
• Headquarters of big firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Deloitte

This gives you:

• More job and internship opportunities
• Real-world finance exposure through company visits and guest lectures
• Easy networking with alumni and employers

Small Class Sizes and Personalized Career Support

The MSc Finance class has around 120 students, so:

• Professors get to know you
• You work closely with classmates
• You get more one-on-one help from career coaches

You also have access to:

• LBS Career Centre
• Industry-focused clubs and events
• Mentors and alumni from top firms

Real Learning That Prepares You for Real Jobs

LBS doesn’t just teach theory — it trains you to work in real finance roles. You’ll:

• Solve real business cases
• Join finance labs and projects
• Compete in stock pitch or M&A case competitions
• Use professional tools like Bloomberg and Capital IQ

By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to succeed in fast-paced jobs — whether in banking, investing, fintech, or consulting.

Useful Resources & Next Steps

If you’re thinking about applying to the LBS MSc Finance, here are helpful links and tools to guide you through the process.

Official Program Page

This is the best place to start. It includes everything you need to know about courses, fees, deadlines, and how to apply.

• LBS MSc Finance Official Website

Admissions and Requirements Page

Check this for entry requirements, test scores, documents, and deadlines.

• LBS MSc Finance Admissions

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Explore funding options, including LBS scholarships and regional awards.

• Fees & Financing Info

Career Outcomes and Job Support

See where graduates work, what they earn, and how LBS supports your career.

• Career Impact – MSc Finance

Student Forums & Peer Insights

• The Student Room – LBS Forum

What to do next:

• Explore the official website
• Join a forum and connect with current students
• Start preparing your GMAT and personal statement
• Apply early for scholarships and the best admission chances