Are you considering pursuing an MSc in Finance and are unsure about whether London is right for you?
In this student blog, MSc Finance student Xiaohan Bai shares his unique insights into the typical experiences of a postgraduate student studying Finance in London. Addressing key aspects frequently raised by prospective students regarding student life in London, the academic environment within our iconic Canary Wharf campus, and the distinct advantages of pursuing a postgraduate degree at the UCL School of Management.
Curious to learn more about what factors influenced Xiaohan’s decision to study in London as an international student?
London is the best student city
As we all know, choosing where to pursue your finance postgraduate studies as an international student is a pivotal decision for your career ambitions, so you want to make sure that you’re located in a city that will provide you with the best opportunities to make the journey and investment worthwhile. For those with global ambitions, London is an ideal landscape of opportunity. As the heart of the UK's world-leading financial and professional services sector, London offered me a direct route to a thriving industry, one that contributed a massive £294 billion to the national economy in 2023 (Yes, I did my research!).
This economic strength lends itself to a wealth of real career prospects for international students like me, eager to make their mark in the world of finance and take their career to new heights.
A stepping stone to London's financial giants
London's status as a premier global financial centre, home to the headquarters of prestigious investment banks, influential financial institutions, and innovative FinTech pioneers like Barclays, HSBC, and Revolut (with many headquartered right in Canary Wharf!), provides an environment rich with learning and professional connections.
What also appealed to me was London's forward-thinking approach to green finance and its embrace of new technologies, which are creating exciting, future-oriented career paths every day. Who wouldn’t choose London?
A programme connected to the real world and building skills in industry-standard technology
At the UCL School of Management, our campus's prime location in Canary Wharf places you directly at the centre of London's bustling financial district. This strategic positioning offers unique and substantial advantages for gaining practical, real-world insights and building your professional network from the outset.
The School of Management is at the forefront of the finance industry, equipped with several Bloomberg Terminals on campus for students to use. The teaching materials and dedicated lessons ensure you really get to grips with how to use this technology and can build the skills to impress any recruiter. We use the Bloomberg Terminals extensively for conducting project research on the MSc Finance and for completing coursework.
The MSc Finance programme directly reflects the real-world finance industry, covering current strategies and practices used by real firms. For example, our quantitative courses, such as Hedge Fund Strategies, delve into the methods real hedge funds use to generate returns, giving us an opportunity to explore long-short and quantitative strategies and their application across various markets. We also gain a strong understanding of risk management, derivatives, and hedging – all crucial knowledge to set us up for future employment.
A standout feature of the programme content is that it includes non-quantitative, too. I particularly enjoy the Wealth Management and Private Banking module, not only due to my personal interest in this area but also because of the numerous real-world examples provided by the professor. This module offered a practical perspective on asset pricing and portfolio management, giving me the skills needed for roles in private banking and wealth management – something that I aspire to go into once I graduate! The focus extends beyond pure risk management and portfolio performance by training us in the essential skills required to build trust with high-net-worth clients – skills that are incredibly beneficial for job interviews and future client relationships, and even for my own personal development!
Access to industry events, guest lectures, student finance clubs, and building my professional network
Within UCL, there are numerous clubs specifically related to the finance industry. I'm actively involved in the PE & VC club, which organises several insightful events each term. Attending the "Breaking into Private Equity" event proved particularly helpful with my understanding of how to enter the private equity industry. The panel of experienced speakers from banking and private equity shared valuable insights and strategies that are guiding my path in these competitive fields.
I also participated in the Building Venture Capital Skills event, a hands-on session that taught me practical key skills essential for success in venture capital. Beyond the formal programme content, these clubs provide crucial opportunities to hear directly from individuals currently working in the industry and learn from their firsthand experiences to give me a competitive edge with my applications.
Direct access to market insights and building relationships with industry professionals
Canary Wharf's location itself provides exceptional networking and employer engagement opportunities. It is home to numerous global financial institutions, consulting firms, and multinational corporations, including prominent names like Morgan Stanley, Barclays, and HSBC. Being within this environment daily means you are constantly surrounded by industry professionals, creating numerous chances for both formal and informal networking, as well as access to recruitment events.
Our school also hosts regular guest lectures and careers events featuring executives and recruitment specialists working right here in Canary Wharf. This close proximity to major companies facilitates easy interaction with potential employers, helping you to explore various industries and career paths within finance. Studying at UCL School of Management in Canary Wharf allows you to step directly into a real business environment, seamlessly connecting your academic learning with practical professional growth.
Being here and studying from this campus, you gain firsthand access to market trends and the latest industry developments, significantly enhancing your analytical skills and business acumen.
Building a strong foundation for my career in finance while enjoying what London has to offer!
Beyond your academic and professional pursuits, London offers an extraordinary experience for international students. This diverse and multicultural city is a melting pot of communities and events, where people from all corners of the world live and work, creating a lively environment rich in varied ideas and traditions. The city boasts a wide array of attractions, from sporting events and cultural festivals to international markets and art shows, allowing students to experience cultures from around the globe without ever leaving London.
Effective time management is essential to balance your studies with exploring the city's offerings. While weekdays are typically dedicated to attending classes, participating in industry events, and networking with professionals, weekends provide the perfect opportunity to visit museums, attend football matches (a personal favourite!), or enjoy theatre shows.
Read more student and alumni blogs or check out our alumni activities!
UCL School of Management Student Recruitment: Additional information
Are you interested in one of our programmes? We want to hear from you!
We'd be happy to discuss your fit and aptitude for our range of programmes - including the ways in which the School can help you to develop the skills necessary to fulfil your career potential and set yourself up for a thriving career as a future business leader. Interested in exploring other pieces from Ruoyu? Check out his profile on the UCL School of Management website. Alternatively, read more student and alumni blogs or check out our alumni activities.
This is your exclusive opportunity to outline your education and career aspirations, your background and suitability for your programme of interest, and discuss any questions you may have about UCL, the School of Management, student life in London, our campuses, careers, applications, and more.
Meet the Student Recruitment Marketing Team at an event near you.
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The UCL School of Management Industry Advantage
Taking advantage of our global network and strategic campus location in London's financial and business district, the UCL School of Management recently launched three new speaker series.
Our speakers come from a range of industries and backgrounds to showcase their experiences and skills. Explore what you can gain from our Speaker Series below:
Business Leaders Speaker Series
