LSE vs LBS vs SSE

Question

Hi guys,

I got offers from three programmes and I'm really having difficulties choosing. Some help would be very much appreciated.

1) Stockholm School of Economics MSc Finance - A good degree from an established institution. Chances of employment in an English speaking country (UK namely) are solid, though not exceptional. No tuition(!) but it's a two years course.

2) LSE MSc Management and Regulation of Risk - Administered through department of finance, this course offers a specialisation in risk management. I think it might be a highly relevant and rewarding degree, but also somewhat restricting in future career choices. Anyway, got 4.8K tuition reduction. Would cost 14.5K.

3) LBS MSc Management - Superb institution, inaugural programme. Not really sure what I would be getting. My undergrad is business economics, specialisation finance so not too sure about added value of taking this path. The list of recruiting and visiting companies for the ongoing class is impressive though. Cost is 22.5K. Applied for a 3.5-7K scholarship.

Overall, I think London Business School's name could take me furthest, but the LSE programme is the most specific one.

I'd like to work in banking, IB or consulting, haven't made up my mind yet. In the UK preferably.

Any comments?

Amitanshu · Answer

Guys, seriously, any help would be appreciated!

hofimax · Answer

If you have a business undergrad degree then go LSE, also go LBS. Reason: LBS does cover the business basics all over. There is no time for deep specialization. LBS brand probably better then LSE, but difference is small. In the end it is about the content of each programme - you decide.

iambroke · Answer

when u give me those three choices i would go to LBS...but it entirely depends on your back ground and your interest

BM · Answer

While SSE is ranked higher than LSE in the FT rankings, in reality this is not the case - especially if your targeted job market is the UK. And LBS enjoys a superb global reputation. So the choice is really between LSE and LBS.

I voted for LBS, but choose the program that makes you feel more comfortable. Either way, you're in fantastic shape!

I voted for LBS, but choose the program that makes you feel more comfortable. Either way, you're in fantastic shape!

rockyrock · Answer

and i would choose SSE . It is the leading finance department in Sweden. A large proportion of the faculty and the PhD students has an international background. The Department’s research covers the whole range of financial economics and you will have wonderful opportunity to find a really good job. But it's your choice and you should make the decision yourself))

juvi999 · Answer

Maybe I am biased but I would go to SSE. A great program with a great reputation, and no tuition. Great connections with many large companies for employment. It cannot be better. If you want to work in London later on, no problem. London banks love SSE.

Gottesschaf · Answer

If you really wanted to work in the UK I would also go with LBS. @bmillan01: I strongly disagree. SSE is the better business school than LSE, so is LBS. Simply because LSE is not a business school but a school for economics and political sciences. LSE does only care for business programs to make money out of the students in these programs, such that they can finance their econ department better.

chencao · Answer

Hi,

I did study at LBS and took exchange programme at SSE, so I might have a position to comment.

A few points:
I agree with @juvi999, it is very true that London banks, particularly DB I heard, love SSE. 
I agree with @hofimax, that it is the content of the programme that matters.
For employment's perspective, SSE is traditionally a entry-level target school while opportunities at LBS is more MBA-level.

Ultimately, it also the culture that matters. LBS is more aggressive than SSE. Social life in Stockholm is very limited if you speak only English. But personally I do favour Scandinavian culture more, and in fact, I love it!

LSE vs LBS vs SSE

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