UK Msc Programs or US MS in Financial Engineering/Math Finance programs?

[Joe Yu]

Hey, I am thinking of applying to several Masters program in UK (LSE Msc in Finance and Economics, OXford MSc in Finance) and several Masters program in US (Columbia MS in Financial Engineering, NYU MS in Math Finance, etc.). My goal is so that I can get a job with a consulting/ibank. Which program is better? I feel that US programs are more math-heavy than UK ones, which is good for quant jobs. But for me, I do not neccessarily have to be a quant. I can also work in the front office of an ibank without any problems. Any input is much appreciated!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

The difference is very much where you want to work after school. It's a matter of personal choice: London or NYC, the City or Wall Street.
If you have the luxury of getting in at the top programs at either city, picking one is the least of your worry.

 

[Joe Yu]

so heres a question, is the US or UK program better at job placement? From what I have been researching, it seems like Columbia and NYU program are having a hard time but LSE program is like a magnet for recruiters. I could be wrong tho.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

While the financial crisis started on Wall Street, the UK financial job market suffered more than the US (so much for London as the capital center of the world). This is the result of many surveys and study as reported several times. Google for sources.
Before you decide on a location, do some study on what product you want to work on, then find out which program, market offers the best training, job growth on that.
On a personal level, you better love the weather and food in London. I live in NYC and can't imagine a more exciting place.

I really can't say much about what you hear at NYU and Columbia. We make decision on fact, not rumors.