OF WHAT USE is an Msc in Accounting and Finance from LSE?

And no that wasnt meant to be a rhetorical question. I am honestly eager to find out, just what benefits are to be expected from an Msc in A&F from LSE.

A LOT of jobs in London require ACCA or ACA or CIMA or CA accreditation. If an Msc with LSE in no way matches the credibility of such accreditation, why would anyone want to take this degree?

Appreciate any response (and i especially welcome any comments from people who actually finished an Msc in A&F with LSE and are currently employed somewhere in London)

CHeers,

A

Reply 1

andy_1989

Are you aiming to become a Chartered Accountant? Don't quite understand you: jobs in London require the accreditation of the associations you mentioned. Well if your planning on becoming an accountant then you'll need to pass the professional exams with one of those bodies. The degree can open other doors such as consultancy/investment banking or basically anything finance related.

Reply 2

Mr Catbert

1

Also, if your defree is affiliated with one of those organisations in the way my MComp is associated with the BCS. Then you will fulfil the academic requirements of the qualification.

Reply 3

alaia

OP

andy_1989

Are you aiming to become a Chartered Accountant? Don't quite understand you: jobs in London require the accreditation of the associations you mentioned. Well if your planning on becoming an accountant then you'll need to pass the professional exams with one of those bodies. The degree can open other doors such as consultancy/investment banking or basically anything finance related.

Hello Andy - thanks for the response! I'm sorry if I failed to articulate my question better. I guess I am just feeling a bit uncertain as to the real "cost x benefit" of an Msc in A&F. On paper, the degree seems very impressive and bankable. Thus, I was lead on to believe that the degree carries with it certain quantifiable benefits : i.e. more exemptions from ACCA, recognition by UK's equivalent of US SEC, sufficient credentials to fulfill an accounting or auditing job, etc

However, based on the posts I have read so far... the Msc A&F seems only as good as an MBA or an MFE. Sure, you bask in the prestige of having earned a Masters degree (even better if it is from LSE), but as far as the job market goes, employers arent too keen to act.

I am just afraid that I might join the ranks for those uber smart, overachieving Harvard/Wharton/Kellogg MBA holders, who realized too late that their degrees failed to live up to their expectations, with regards career opportunities.

Hope i've expressed myself better this time andy :smile:

Regards,
Alaia

PS: would love to continue this over IM. Please PM me your msn account if you dont mind :smile:

thanks!

Reply 4

alaia

OP

Mr Catbert

Also, if your defree is affiliated with one of those organisations in the way my MComp is associated with the BCS. Then you will fulfil the academic requirements of the qualification.

Hello Catbert - thanks too for your response. I really appreciate it.

I'm not sure I got the full message though. What you're saying is, I need to look into existing tie ups between LSE and potential employers, is that right?

I've wanted to work in London for a very long time now - many would say that I have had a lot of finance experience - I've worked for 3 Fortune 500 firms (the last one, in the main office in Wolfsburg). But I dont think london employers care much for that. I think what matters most to employers is that you have proper accounting qualifications.

I was hoping the Msc in A&F of LSE would, in a DIRECT way, help me earn these qualifications, or help me gain more exemptions.

Without these quantifiable benefits, it becomes very hard to measure the "real" value of an Msc, wont it?

Cheers mate for the response!

VG,
Ala

Reply 5

Mr Catbert

1

Not between the course and employeers.

My course is an Undergraduate Masts in Computer Science. My course is affiliated with the British Computer Society, therefore, passing my course exempts me from having to take some of the exams needed to get my Chartered Engineer Status.

I belive the same is likely to be true for you, and that is what you seem to understand in a roundabout way. Out of interest though, have you tried talking to LSE and asking them about this?

Reply 6

alaia

OP

Mr Catbert

Not between the course and employeers.

My course is an Undergraduate Masts in Computer Science. My course is affiliated with the British Computer Society, therefore, passing my course exempts me from having to take some of the exams needed to get my Chartered Engineer Status.

I belive the same is likely to be true for you, and that is what you seem to understand in a roundabout way. Out of interest though, have you tried talking to LSE and asking them about this?

Exactly - I think these tie-ups and affiliations are very important in measuring the real value of a course. I suppose I could always ask the Department about the relevance of the Msc to CIMA and ACCA, or the job market in general, but the question is, how unbiased an answer should I expect?
From the course syllabus I quote:
- Study in one of the most highly rated departments in the subject area in the world, both for its research and its institutional links.
- Research-led teaching in accounting and finance, combined with your own independent study will bring you to the forefront of theory and practice in your selected areas of study.
- A strong international and interdisciplinary orientation, covering conceptual and technical developments of major contemporary significance.
- Specialisation through designated pathways in finance, international accounting and finance, or accounting and financial management.
- Preparation for a variety of careers. Students are employed in finance and accounting, strategic consulting and general management. Many go on to achieve outstanding success in business, governmental and academic careers.

I definitely do not question the excellence of an institution as revered as the LSE. I'm just not sure about the practical value of the course as opposed to its theoretical value!

Ultimately, my goal is to make myself more attractive to potential employers.

Would you know anyone who's taken the Msc in A&F? :smile:

Just so I may ask him/her how relevant the course is to the job market. Cheers!

VG,
A

Reply 7

dabm50

none. other than burning away 20Kplus in tuition fees for something you do not need.

The only reason for doing this is if you want the prestige of going to LSE on your CV.

Reply 8

freeagent

Do you realise this is a 3 yr old thread?

OF WHAT USE is an Msc in Accounting and Finance from LSE?

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