LSE Postgraduate applications 2009/2010

Hi all! I have the following query. I have been admitted to Warwick Business School (MSc of Finance and Economics) and LSE (MSc of Regulation and Managment of Risk). The programme at WBS really appleals greatly to me because it is research orientated. The programme at LSE was actually my second choice, I was rejected for my first choice that was Master of Finance and Economics. However, I have taken 3 levels of CFA and I believe I have some theoretical background in pure Finance. So, I am really wondering whether LSE's brand really worths considering going to LSE rather than WBS. However, I got a partial scholarship from Warwick that covers almost 50% of my tuition fee, which is very importnat for me as I don't have resources to fund my studies unless I get a bank loan.

So, what do you think? Do you believe tha I should pursue with Risk Management programme in LSE because of greater employability prospects? Thank you for opinions!

Thank you for your valuable insight! It really helps.. but when you say the WBS MSc program is very hardcore, does it mean that it has less prospects for employment compared to LSE program? Do employers recognize it as prestigious and challenging, but not that practical? Well, I would like to pursue a career as a research analyst, more analytical position rather than a trader or a salesperson. But I do not intend to do a PhD afterwards. I have professional experience as a research economist at an economic think-tank but I definitely want to move to the private sector, and not stay in the NGO sector.

In that case you have a dilemma, because I can honestly tell you than most employers will not appreciate at all the level of difficulty of a Finance and Eco course and the relative difference between that and a risk management course. As shallow as it sounds, most employers (from experience I would say 95% of people in investment banks) would just look and see "oh you have a degree from the LSE, or from Warwick etc". So brand counts more in that respect for prestige, although as I said the Warwick course is much better for your technical skills (which may prove useful in an interview). So you have to make a choice between CV prestige and actual technical strength of degree.

emphasis mine

Gradstudent1983,

Interesting quote there. While I've heard that the LSE on your resume counts more than the particular M.Sc. program one studied, I was curious if your quote above regarding employers is, in your opinion, specific to Finance/Risk Management students or to LSE postgraduate students in general. I currently have an offer for Sociology but am interested in jobs in international business, consulting, etc. I'm considering reapplying for Global Politics or International Political Economy next year since I'm slightly more interested in those topics and have a small feeling that business employers may find those programs more attractive in applicants. I was curious if you thought Global Politics or International Political Economy would be more attractive for employers or if there wouldn't really be any difference, employment wise, between Sociology and Global Politics/IPE as long as one had the LSE on your resume.

erm..
im interested in applying to LSE's MSc social research methods , ive finished a BA in Economics and a PG Diploma in international business. I was unable to apply as yet. the programme availability page still claims the course is "Open".
im an international student and my documents may take a while to get there.
Any thoughts on whether i should go ahead and apply? or wait it out till next year/ apply to different universities that may have other courses im interested in?

GOD DAMN IT.....I finally got average 68.75,,,,,However i need 70 to get in....Am i still hopeful to get in??? If not , I'll not send my result to LSE for reviewing...Much appreciated