Imperial v Cass MBA

Question

hello all!

I was looking to get some more insight into the difference between Cass and Imperial for MBA?

Do you believe that one is significantly better than the other? And what is the reputation for each MBA?

Trying to choose between the two, and have my own thoughts, but wanted to see what the forum or people who have applied/attended may have to offer. I haven't had much luck in finding information that directly compares the two.

Any thoughts on either program are appreciated

Thank you!

Chethan92 · Answer

Hey lfcgirl15 , Congrats on your admit.

I'll just input my views. Cass and Imperial are both ranked almost equally on most of the rankings. But, Imperial has an edge when it comes to Alumni base and the brand reputation. Since both are located in central London, It's is easier for career opportunities.

Nikhil · Answer

Tagging nvdmurty who has decided to matriculate at Cass for his/her take on this.

lfcgirl15 Check this https://gmatclub.com/forum/hkust-or-cas ... l#p2488012

Also, I am moving this topic to the "Admitted - Which school to choose?" forum.

lfcgirl15 · Answer

Chethan92 Thank you! and thanks for the input

workout thanks for the information, i'll check that out. appreciate your help

nvdmurty · Answer

Thanks  workout  for tagging me. 
There is little to choose between the two if you go just by the rankings. In fact I think Cass ranked better in 2020 than Imperial. The brand reputation Imperial has is more in the technical fields rather than for its MBA. The Cass MBA on the other hand is their flagship program and there is a lot of work that is put into it to make it better each year, which I believe has reflected in the rankings this year and will potentially also reflect in the rankings in the years to come. 
I don't think you would do wrong if you choose either as within London both have a good reputation. For me it was Cass from the beginning because my aim is to get into Fintech/Insurtech and Cass has a very strong program when it comes to digital.

lfcgirl15 · Answer

nvdmurty

Thanks for the response. Yea, since the difference in rank is so minor that hadn't really influenced my decision. I had just known more about Imperial's reputation, in general, than Cass when I started this down this path, but through my research agree with what you mentioned about the MBA reputations.

What do you think makes the programs stand out from one another? You mentioned you chose Cass because of Fintech.

nvdmurty · Answer

If you are thinking Finance or Strategy you can stick with Cass as it has a strong reputation and equally strong faculty in these areas. Anything else you might want to do a bit more research by speaking with current students and alumni.

Albs · Answer

lfcgirl15

So I live in London but will be relocating to Ghana, Africa post-MBA and my desired sector is Impact investing.

- I preferred Imperial because of the brand. I spoke with a potential employer who runs an investment firm in Ghana and networked with a range of people.
When I mentioned Imperial, they seemed impressed and congratulated me. They also seemed to know more about name 'Imperial' than CASS

- I also preferred Imperial because of its growing entrepreneurial curriculum that focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship
- CASS and Imperial are both quant focused and technical but I think imperial edges out CITY through its reputation. Imperial has often been mentioned in the news for its research and/or its medical innovations so it is more known
- Then when I got accepted, the admissions team at Imperial were also quite wonderful

Good luck with your choice

ANALysis · Answer

I would pick imperial

shubham2312 · Answer

first of all sorry for the late reply

directly jumping on the question of Cass vs Imperial

in my opinion, there is not much of a difference in terms of ranking and all other aspects because both of them are good B-schools in terms of quality of education.

if you are looking for consulting or Fintech or Finance than cass definitely have an upper hand, in these 3 fields Cass have a good number of alumni working at the moment.

what I have learnt from people in the UK or from Students in the UK recruiters gives you special preference only if you are from

1.) Oxford
2.)Cambridge
3.) LSE
4.) LBS
5.) Warwick ( great B-School although not well known because of poor marketing and location)

if I were in your place I would have made my decision by considering these factors

1.) future industry-in my case it was Fintech or consulting hence cass was a clear cut choice 
2.) Fees- the cost of education
3.)living cost/ rental space cost- for someone coming from India this cost is huge, and living in London as a student adds a lot of costs in above your fee for anyone.

lfcgirl15 · Answer

Albs

- exactly, I felt internationally that Imperial just has more brand recognition. That's what has kept drawing me towards it as someone who is coming from the US

shubham2312 and nvdmurty

Your input about future industries has really helped. I'm currently coming from sales for an asset manager and looking to move towards tech or fintech in a business development/strategy role. From the sound of it, Cass would be the better option in that regard.

I also did get an award from Cass, not Imperial. The difference in cost of education is substantial, and I hadn't been sure if the brand recognition of Imperial was enough to justify that cost difference.

All things considered, it seems like I'm in a good position either decision I make.

nkme2007 · Answer

Hi All,

Got a mail from Imperial just now that I am invited to Fast-Track Admissions Day.

Can someone guide me what the group exercise in that day would consist of?

Imperial v Cass MBA

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